MTN Foundation leads fight as 40% of youth struggle with drug abuse

MTN Foundation said it is intensifying efforts to combat substance abuse among Nigerian youths 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.

MTN Foundation Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, emphasised the collective responsibility in tackling the issue, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being and future of the nation’s youth.

He said 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.

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

He said the Foundation has also partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to host the yearly 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,” he said.

He said that the MTN ASAP campaign, with its holistic approach and collaborative partnerships, represents a significant source of optimism in the struggle.

By fostering a culture of prevention and support, he added that ASAP was seeking to deter initial experimentation with drugs and offer a lifeline to those already grappling with addiction.