MTN Foundation leads fight against youth drug abuse

The MTN Foundation said it is intensifying efforts to combat substance abuse among Nigerian youth through its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme launched in 2019.

This initiative, according to the foundation, comes in response to alarming statistics showing that approximately 40 per cent of Nigerians aged 18-35 are struggling with drug addiction.

According to a statement on Monday, ASAP aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of substance abuse through advocacy walks, educational programmes, and stakeholder conferences in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

The foundation disclosed that it has also partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to host the annual National Conference on World Drug Day, highlighting the importance of early intervention and prevention.

‘“The urgency of addressing substance abuse cannot be overstated. Beyond its immediate health consequences, substance abuse erodes social cohesion, diminishes educational attainment, and hampers economic progress,” the statement highlighted.

The MTN ASAP campaign, with its holistic approach and collaborative partnerships, represents a significant source of optimism in this struggle, the foundation stated.

By fostering a culture of prevention and support, ASAP is seeking to deter initial experimentation with drugs and offers a lifeline to those already grappling with addiction.

MTN Foundation’s Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya emphasised the collective responsibility in tackling this issue, stating, “It is everyone’s fight because their high is our low.”

Sanya remarked that the sentiment resonates deeply as Nigerians unite under the banner of ASAP, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the well-being and future of the nation’s youth.

The director said that through its advocacy walks and educational initiatives, MTN Foundation and its partners reaffirm their resolve to combat substance abuse and empower a generation resilient to its influence.