Aimed at developing a unified, prevention-led national strategy to combat the escalating substance abuse crisis affecting Nigerian youth, MTN foundation convened key stakeholders from across government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector for its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference in Lagos.
The event brought together leading voices including Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Dr. Mosun Olusoga; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Director, Special Projects and Mental Health, LASG Ministry of Health, representing Prof. Akin Abayomi, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State; and Archieabia Ibinabo FSI, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, NDLEA, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), Chairman and Chief Executive, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Also in attendance were representatives from UNODC, Lagos State Government agencies, educators, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Barrister Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting young Nigerians, “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.”
Dr. Olusoga underscored the urgency of proactive intervention: “Drug abuse is not just a health issue, it is a family issue, a community issue, and ultimately a national issue. 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.”
Chief Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, emphasised MTN’s enduring commitment to national development. “Supporting initiatives like ASAP is part of our responsibility to ensure the next generation thrives in a drug-free society.” While Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brig. Gen. Marwa, commended the initiative noted that the Foundation is one of the agency’s strategic partners in substance abuse prevention.
One of the highlights of the conference was a fireside chat titled, ‘Journeys Through the Fire,’ featuring personal stories from CEO, Compassionate Care and Recovery Initiative, Dr. Dokun Adedeji; Founder, BAFASA Hope Foundation, Sa’adatu Mohammed Usman; Anti-Substance Abuse Advocates, Oluyemi Olu-Adekoya and Onyedikachi Nnamdi Destiny.
This transitioned into a panel discussion, ‘Turning the Tide: Multi-Sectoral Approaches,’ with speakers including Chairman, Nigerian Association for Clinical Psychologists, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Charles Sunday Umeh; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda; UNODC Master Trainer, Olusesan; NDLEA representative in Lagos, Shehu Lamuwa Mohammed; LASU, Clinical and Counselling Psychology, Prof. Adewuyi Temitayo Deborah Olufemi.
The session also featured a powerful, dramatic performance, Just One Breath, staged by the WADA Club of LASU, which explored the devastating personal and societal impact of substance abuse.
In her closing remarks, Executive Director, MTN Foundation Odunayo Sanya, said, 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.”
