…As LASG commits to creating open channels for dialogue
Stakeholders in the country’s fight against substance abuse have called for a holistic approach to curb the tide of drug abuse and misuse in Nigeria.
This also follows the Lagos State’s government commitment to create an open channel for dialogue in regards to tackling issues of substance abuse among the youth.
This was the fallout of the annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), organised by MTN Foundation aimed at developing a unified, prevention-led national strategy to combat the escalating substance abuse crisis affecting Nigerian youth.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor, Lagos, stated that the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of prevention. He also called for shared responsibility in fighting substance abuse in the country. According to Sanwo-Olu, the state is committed to leverage PPP to manage substance abuse, and create open channels for dialogue.
“Together, we must build a Lagos, a greater Lagos, rising where every young person is healthy, has access to opportunity, guidance, and the freedom to dream without a shadow of drug abuse,” stated Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, secretary to the Lagos State Government.
Mohammed Buba Marwa, chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is proud to collaborate with the MTN Foundation on this critical issue. MTN Foundation is no doubt one of the agency’s strategic partners in substance abuse prevention,” stated Marwa, who was represented by Archieabia Ibinabo, assistant commander general, Narcotics, NDLEA.
Mosun Olusoga, chairman, MTN Foundation, said drug abuse is not just a health issue, but a family and community issue, with a national coloration. According to her, too many promising lives have been cut short or derailed by drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
“Behind every statistic is a grieving parent, a struggling youth, or a community in pain. That’s why the theme is so important; this is everybody’s fight,” Olusoga said.
Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation, said the Telco reaffirmed ASAP’s core mission to invest in prevention, strengthen youth resilience, and enable cross-sector collaboration to secure a healthier, drug-free future for Nigeria.
“For over 20 years, we have held one vision at the MTN Foundation—to be a consistent force for good across Nigeria.
“That vision has guided every intervention, and by God’s grace, we have remained true to it. We call on the media, communities, and policymakers to sustain momentum around prevention, early intervention, and youth empowerment,” Sanya said in her call to action.
One of the highlights of the conference was a fireside chat titled ‘Journeys Through the Fire,’ featuring personal stories from Dokun Adedeji, CEO, Compassionate Care and Recovery Initiative, Sa’adatu Mohammed Usman, founder, BAFASA Hope Foundation, Oluyemi Olu-Adekoya, anti-substance abuse advocate, and Onyedikachi Nnamdi Destiny, entrepreneur and advocate.
