Medichi First 3, in collaboration with the Ogboni Iduntafa Chieftaincy Family, Lagos Island Local Government, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Chinese Community, has announced plans to organise the Lagos Boxing Fest to discourage drug abuse among youths and nurture sporting talents.

The organisers announced the initiative at a press conference held at the Lagos Island Local Government office on Wednesday, unveiling plans for a tournament covering the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State.

The tournament, themed “Rescue the Youth of Lagos Away from Drugs and Social Crisis,” will feature regional competitions in Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry in the coming weeks, ahead of the grand finale scheduled for December 13, 2026, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, a representative of Medichi First 3, Mr Ayodeji Olowo, said the initiative was designed to redirect young people’s energy towards productive activities amid growing concerns over drug abuse in the state.

Olowo said the organisers had observed that many young people with sporting potential were becoming involved in drug-related activities, stressing the need to create opportunities for them to develop their talents.

“We have got to understand that there is a reality that has hit us in Lagos as a whole. There is a drug epidemic in Lagos, and I am well aware that we have experienced it first-hand,” he said.

He said the Lagos Boxing Fest would provide a platform for young people to channel their energy into sports rather than engage in activities capable of jeopardising their future.

Olowo added that participation in the tournament would be free, allowing interested youths to take part without financial barriers.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Mr Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mr Olatunji Folani, commended the organisers for bringing the initiative to the council, describing it as a step in the right direction for youth development.

Folani said sports and youth development remained among the administration’s priorities, adding that the council was willing to partner with organisations committed to protecting young people from social vices.

“Bringing this programme to Lagos Island, I think, is a step in the right direction. If you recall the history of boxing in Nigeria, Lagos has played a key role. Boxing is also a tool that we can use to project the image of our country,” he said.

He noted that Lagos Island had a resident population of about 250,000, while more than three million people reportedly moved through the area daily, making youth engagement an important concern for the council.

In his remarks, the Assistant Director of NAFDAC, Mr Akinsaya Abel, commended the initiative, saying it aligned with the agency’s advocacy on drug abuse prevention and public awareness.

Abel said the tournament would also provide an opportunity to educate athletes on the dangers of drug abuse and the misuse of performance-enhancing substances to gain an unfair advantage in sports.

“Our youths need to be rescued. People need to be informed. NAFDAC is engaged in prevention and advocacy. We try to inform people and let them know the dangers of drug abuse because we believe that when someone is aware and informed, the person will make the right decision,” he said.

He warned that drug abuse and the misuse of performance-enhancing substances could damage athletes’ health and careers, undermine fair competition and, in some cases, lead to loss of life.

“No medal, trophy or moment of fame is worth sacrificing the future,” Abel added.

He urged athletes to embrace discipline and integrity, stressing that success in boxing should be achieved through hard work and proper training rather than prohibited substances.