Drug Abuse: MTN Moves To Stop New Generation of Addicts

The MTN Foundation has intensified efforts to curb substance abuse among young Nigerians.

To this end, the organisation has unveiled expanded interventions aimed at “preventing thousands of students from becoming first-time drug users”.

It said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect young people through sustained awareness campaigns, education and early intervention programmes.

Speaking at an Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholders’ conference in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Manager, Development Portfolio, MTN Foundation, Joseph Akpata, said the foundation is focusing on prevention as a key weapon against drug abuse.

According to him, the programme was launched in 2019 to reduce the number of young people experimenting with illicit substances and other harmful drugs.

“Our goal for the anti-substance abuse programme is to contribute to the reduction of first-time users of substance abuse.

“Through advocacy, education and empowerment, we believe we can help reduce the rate of drug use among young people”, Akpata said.

He disclosed that more than 50,400 students have so far been reached through the initiative.

Akpata added that over 1,500 teachers across the country have also received training to support drug prevention efforts in schools.

The MTN Foundation official further revealed that the organisation has “invested more than N32 billion in social intervention projects since its establishment in 2004”.

He said the foundation’s programmes in education, health and economic empowerment have impacted over 32 million people in more than 30,000 communities nationwide.

In her remarks, chairperson of the foundation, Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga, said the organisation remains committed to helping young Nigerians make informed life choices and avoid the dangers associated with substance abuse.

Represented by Valentina Obayemi, she noted that the foundation is taking its anti-drug message directly to schools where many young people face growing peer pressure and exposure to harmful substances.

“This year, we are taking our message directly to 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We expect to reach more than 20,000 students at a critical stage in their lives where the right information can shape their future”, she stated.

Belo-Olusoga added that the foundation plans to train 250 teachers to better identify, support and guide students participating in drug education activities and quiz competitions.

She said the intervention is also being extended to tertiary institutions.

According to her, partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps and other stakeholders are being strengthened to deepen grassroots advocacy against substance abuse.

She said they are equally continuing its support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s 24-hour toll-free psychosocial support helpline.

The intervention, she said, is aimed at ensuring that individuals struggling with substance abuse can access professional assistance whenever the need arises.

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