As drug abuse continues to wreak havoc among Nigerian youth, MTN Foundation has called for urgent, coordinated national action to combat the crisis.
At its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme, ASAP, Conference held in Lagos, the Foundation brought together key stakeholders from government, health, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to demand a prevention-first strategy to address what experts now describe as a public health emergency.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of MTN Foundation, Dr. Mosun Olusoga, decried the growing rate of substance abuse among young people and stressed the need for joint national intervention. According to her, drug abuse is no longer just a health issue but a national emergency.
“Too many promising lives are being lost, families destroyed, and communities left in despair. We cannot continue to treat this as business as usual,” she said.
On his part, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting its youth population.
She said: “Together, we must build a greater Lagos where every young person is healthy, has access to guidance, and the freedom to dream—free from the chains of substance abuse.”
Also speaking, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Ibinabo Archieabia, who represented the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), lauded the MTN Foundation for its long-standing collaboration with the agency. She described the Foundation as one of the NDLEA’s most strategic partners in substance abuse prevention.
The MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mr. Tobe Okigbo, reiterated the company’s commitment to national development and youth empowerment. “We cannot build the future we envision for Nigeria if our youth are being destroyed by drugs. That’s why we are fully committed to the ASAP initiative—to ensure the next generation thrives drug-free,” he said.
An emotional segment of the conference titled “Journeys Through the Fire” featured real-life testimonies of addiction, recovery, and advocacy.
The session included contributions from Dr. Dokun Adedeji, CEO, Compassionate Care and Recovery Initiative; Sa’adatu Mohammed Usman, Founder, BAFASA Hope Foundation; Oluyemi Olu-Adekoya, an anti-substance abuse advocate; and entrepreneur, Onyedikachi Nnamdi Destiny.
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This was followed by a panel discussion, “Turning the Tide: Multi-Sectoral Approaches,” with contributions from Dr. Charles Sunday Umeh, Chairman, Nigerian Association for Clinical Psychologists, Lagos Chapter; Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda; UNODC Master Trainer, Mr. Olusesan Samuel-Kayode; NDLEA Deputy Commander, Shehu Lamuwa Mohammed; and Professor Temitayo Adewuyi Olufemi of Lagos State University, LASU.
However, participants agreed on the need for improved funding for mental health services, community-based prevention models, youth-led advocacy, and stronger policy support.
The conference also featured a dramatic performance titled “Just One Breath” by the WADA Club of LASU, which highlighted the personal and societal toll of substance abuse.
In her closing remarks, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, called on the media, communities, and policymakers to sustain the momentum around prevention, early intervention, and youth-focused programming.
She said: “For over 20 years, our vision at MTN Foundation has been to remain a consistent force for good across Nigeria. That vision has guided every intervention. We call on all sectors to join us in ensuring a healthier, drug-free future for the next generation.”
