By Ogidi Chidinma Favour
In a bid to promote students’ well being and fight against the rising threat of substance abuse, the Office of the Director of Health and Safety — Campus Monitoring Committee(CMC) — National Association of University Students (NAUS), Edo State, is set to launch a campaign titled VASA Edo 2025, Voices against Substance Abuse in Edo State. The event themed, “Empowering Students for a Drug-Free Future”, intends to unite students, stakeholders, and youth leaders around a shared vision of mental health, peer advocacy, and preventing addiction across campuses in Edo State. 
This event which will be held on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, promises an energetic lineup, expert talks, an entertaining panel session, and a specialised wellness lab intended to educate students on practical tools of recovery and resilience. According to the project manager, Rt. Hon. Collins Victory Odabi, the programme will not only provide awareness on the dangers of substance abuse but also enable and provide a safe space for open dialogue and access to mental health support and education. Comr. Isibor Blessing, Director of Health and Safety, NAUS Edo CMC, stated that VASA EDO is “…more than an event, it is a movement.”
The VASA EDO is expected to attract 150-200 participants from tertiary institutions across the state, including SUG officials, student leaders, young activists, and members of health and psychology clubs.
With its timely message and inclusive approach, VASA Edo 2025 stands as a bold step toward building a healthier, drug-free student community in Edo State.