Felix Mbata, Lagos state
THE CHAMPION WHO REFUSED TO LOSE AGAIN
She made history as Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medalist. Today, Chioma Ajunwa is chasing a different kind of gold — a drug-free Nigeria.
Through the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, in partnership with the Chinese Consul-General and the Chinese Community in Nigeria, Chioma led the landmark 2026 Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking at the Police College, Ikeja.
The campaign was more than speeches. Community leaders, students, NDLEA officers, lawyers, religious organizations, youths, and market women filled the hall. The Foundation also distributed palliatives to the less privileged, because for Chioma, the war on drugs must touch both hearts and homes.
It was a remarkable gathering. It was also a cry for help. Because Chioma’s vision is bigger than one event. She is calling on government and corporate bodies to stand with her, fund her work, and help build a future where no Nigerian child is lost to drugs.
THE STORY: PAIN TURNED TO PURPOSE
Chioma’s campaign is personal. She revealed to The Unique Model Magazine that the Foundation was born from her own experience as an athlete. “I failed a dope test unknowingly. Being a victim back then prompted my campaign,” she said. “My pain then became my purpose now.”
That purpose is clear: to keep adults, youths, teenagers, students, and athletes away from drugs. “Drug abuse is a global danger to our health and mental stability,” she warned. “Even adults can start by taking oral drugs with alcohol. We must be conscious of what we put in our system.”
PARTNERS ON THE FRONTLINE
The campaign’s strength lies in its partnerships. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has been a consistent ally. “They are always on ground,” Chioma noted. On Thursday, NDLEA officers played football with students in the rain. At the 2026 event, Commander Eucharia Ekon, a Director from NDLEA, was present to speak directly to attendees.
The Chinese Consul-General and Chinese Community have also been instrumental since inception. “They come with food for the needy at every event,” Chioma said. “That support brings more families out to hear the message.”
The campaign also drew legal experts who educated youths on illicit trafficking and the dangers of fake football academies that lure young players into slavery abroad.
THE ROAD AHEAD: BIGGER, BOLDER, AND MORE URGENT
Chioma is not slowing down. She plans to take the crusade to religious houses, higher institutions, clubs, and communities across Nigeria. Upcoming events will feature a bigger hall, more testimonies, more games for youths, and a shift from annual to quarterly campaigns — if support comes.
But challenges remain. “We need counseling centers for students and youths beyond event venues,” she said. “We need government to help cater for victims, funds for student transport, and more strategic locations to educate people nationwide.”
GRATITUDE AND A NATIONAL CALL
Chioma expressed deep appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for the Police College venue, the AIG, Ikeja Police College for securing the hall, Dr. Kemi Alejo of Fertility Clinic Ikeja, Royal Fathers Eze Ambassador Dr. Tony Greg Anosike and Eze Christian Nwachukwu, and the Media for amplifying the message. “Without the Media, there is no awareness. We cannot be heard without you,” she said.
A GREAT FUTURE DEMANDS GREAT SUPPORT
The Chioma Ajunwa Foundation has proven that one woman’s story can become a nation’s movement. With NDLEA’s enforcement, China’s community support, faith leaders, lawyers, and the Media, the 2026 campaign showed what unity can do.
But Chioma’s vision cannot be achieved by goodwill alone. A drug-free nation requires funding, facilities, and sustained action from government and corporate Nigeria. Counseling centers must be built. Victims must be rehabilitated. Students must be reached where they are.
This is ‘The Unique Model Magazine’s ‘call: Support Chioma Ajunwa. Support the Foundation. Because investing in a drug-free Nigeria is investing in our greatest resource — our youths. And a drug-free nation is, without doubt, a great future.