The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Cross River State Axis, has held a successful Drug-Free Campus Movement Rally in Calabar, in what leaders described as one of the association’s most important student engagements in recent times.
The event, which took place on Friday, April 10, 2026, attracted a large number of students from tertiary institutions across the state. The awareness march began at Mary Slessor Roundabout and ended at Millennium Park, with participants carrying a clear message against drug abuse and in favour of safer, healthier campus life.
Leading the initiative, the Chairman of NANS JCC Cross River State Axis, Comr. Victor Antigha Asuquo, said the campaign was necessary because of the growing threat substance abuse poses to students and the wider society. He explained that the movement was designed not just to create awareness, but also to encourage responsibility, discipline, and collective action among young people.
The rally featured presentations from experts and stakeholders who addressed the issue from different angles. Among the speakers were Dr. Mfon Akpaso, Student Counselor at the College of Medical Sciences; ASP Sunday Etokpah Sunday, Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command; Dr. Asu B. Obasse, Principal Psychologist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar; and ASN1 Sebastian Lebo, Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA Cross River Command. They each spoke on the dangers of drug abuse, the need for mental health support, and the importance of law enforcement and rehabilitation.
Support for the event also came from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, represented by the Dean, Dr. Victor Ndifon. Her presence through representation further highlighted the university’s support for student-led initiatives and youth development.
Other prominent personalities at the rally included the Cross River State Coordinator of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, Barr. Freedom Bassey; the Executive Director of Life Clinic Nigeria, Sct. Kennedy Omojefe; the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang; the NANS Zone B Coordinator, Comr. Victor Anthony Ogechukwu; and the President of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), alongside other YALI representatives and student leaders.
The campaign also received backing from key institutions such as the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Students and participants took part in a peaceful awareness walk, sensitization exercises, and interactive discussions aimed at deepening public understanding of the dangers of drug abuse and the need for better decision-making among youths.
Volunteers from the media, mobilization, logistics, welfare, and health and safety units were commended for ensuring the smooth running of the programme.
The rally ended on a high note, with music, refreshments, and active participation giving the event a lively but purposeful atmosphere.
The Drug-Free Campus Movement has been described as a bold step by NANS JCC Cross River State Axis toward building a generation of informed, responsible, and drug-free students across the state.
