NGO unveils N1.2bn youth rehabilitation centre

Lifted Life Rehabilitation Centre has unveiled plans to build a N1.2 billion rehabilitation facility aimed at addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse among youths in Nigeria. The non-profit organisation said the project would be formally launched on May 30, 2026, at the Swiss International Hotel, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos. Speaking on the initiative, […]

Lifted Life Rehabilitation Centre has unveiled plans to build a N1.2 billion rehabilitation facility aimed at addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse among youths in Nigeria.

The non-profit organisation said the project would be formally launched on May 30, 2026, at the Swiss International Hotel, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos.

Speaking on the initiative, the founder of the organisation, Rev. Mrs. Helen Nkwo, said the centre was created to provide hope and recovery opportunities for young people battling drug addiction and substance abuse.

Nkwo, who is retiring from the oil and gas industry after about 35 years of service, said she would now devote her time and experience to humanitarian work focused on rehabilitation and youth development.

According to the organisation, the increasing rate of drug abuse among young Nigerians has made the establishment of more rehabilitation centres urgent.

It cited data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency showing that 13.6 per cent of secondary school students have experimented with drugs, while 6.9 per cent are active users.

The organisation added that about 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug use nationwide, stressing that rehabilitation facilities across the country remain inadequate.

Lifted Life also noted that Lagos State currently has no dedicated rehabilitation centre for females, while existing centres for males are unable to meet rising demand.

The centre said it had already carried out six seasons of rehabilitation programmes, supporting between 400 and 500 youths, with more than 70 successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

According to the organisation, many of the beneficiaries are now gainfully employed following counselling, mentorship and recovery support programmes.

The proposed facility is expected to provide rehabilitation and recovery programmes, mental health and psychosocial support services, vocational training and reintegration support for recovering youths.

Lifted Life said the launch event would bring together corporate organisations, development partners, schools, non-governmental organisations and community stakeholders to mobilise support for the project.

The organisation called for partnerships through financial sponsorship, support for recovery programmes, skills acquisition initiatives, technical collaborations and other forms of assistance.

It added that partners would benefit from media visibility and long-term association with a project focused on youth empowerment and social transformation.