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MTN Foundation has reminded Nigerians to join hands to curb the prevalent substance abuse among its very youthful population. Reiterating its commitment to the fight against substance abuse in Nigeria, the foundation has made this call at a time when the world is preparing to mark another International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) on the 26th of June.
Through the ASAP (Anti-substance Abuse Program) in partnership with the NDLEA and UNODC (United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime), MTN Foundation has educated and advocated for everyone to join the fight against drug abuse since 2019.
Speaking at a stakeholder conference in Lagos, Nigeria on the 11th of June 2024, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeniyi, the chairman of the MTN Foundation reiterated that the war against drug abuse is everyone’s fight.
“Nobody can be fully recovered (from drug abuse) unless the life they have now is better than the one they are leaving. Therefore, we need to create a healthy and safe environment in Nigeria that allows recovered addicts become integrated,” he said.
Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeniyi also disclosed the Foundations’ other plans for this year’s event including advocacy walks and a national quiz between thousands of students across public secondary schools in 12 Nigerian states. The aim is to increase the level of student’s awareness of the issues of substance abuse as it affects young people.
In his goodwill message, Dr Segun Oke, Zonal Commander, NDLEA who represented General Buba Marwa; the director-general of the NDLEA expressed the agency’s commitment to recovering illicit substances and curbing its usage amongst the Nigerian youth.
More private organisations should take a cue from MTN Foundation’s fight against substance abuse
The event featured a panel discussion that covered several important topics with experts actively involved in the fight against substance abuse and other personalities in attendance. The panellists were Dr Maymunah Kadiri, Mental Health Advocate, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist; Mrs Itunuoluwa Onifade, Alcohol & Drug Referral Services; Maria Illugbuhi, UNODC Master Trainer, Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care; Samira Bello, Head, Strategic Partnership, Thrive Agric; Dr Dokun Adedeji, Founder, Compassionate Care and Recovery Initiative (CCRI).
Dr Maymunah Kadiri called for Nigerians to pay more attention to children’s mental health so that they can get the care they require, especially as Dr Maimina Kadiri says there’s only one psychologist to every one million Nigerians.
Similarly, Dr Dokun Adedeji encouraged the government to get more social workers to cater to the mental needs of the citizens and to provide help for victims of substance misuse. He said, “We need more people who are passionate about helping people instead of those who see it as a money-making scheme.” Furthermore, he urged more private organizations to take a cue from MTN and get involved in the war against substance abuse.
“They need to know that it’s not only outsiders that use drugs, even some of their staff use them so everyone needs to take it very seriously. We also need to get more personnel and the government can help create more policies that encourage people. Working in this space is more than knowing, it’s about empathy”
Other panellists expressed their concerns that Nigerians think young people do not have mental health issues which then breeds stigmatization. Family members should empathize and not label addicts. The society members should also remember that prevention and eradication of substance abuse in our society requires a collaborative effort and the support for victims goes a long way.
Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos state governor, represented by Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende the honourable commissioner for Youth and Social development disclosed that Lagos State is working hard to prevent substance abuse and reforming addicts.. He called on all stakeholders to address the “Catastrophe” of substance abuse because the issue affects us all.
“The issues facing the youths are unemployment, drug abuse, and the amount of destitués on the road. Mixed together, it’s a catastrophe that affects all of us. This fight is not only for Lagos, for MTN, or NDLEA, but for all of us. I’d like to encourage the MTN to continue to do more and Lagos will continue to support”
In her vote of thanks, Odunayo Sanya, the executive director of MTN Foundation expressed her appreciation to all partners for their role in the last 5 years of MTN ASAP. For us at the foundation, the reason we do this is because substance abuse is taking away our future. Our commitment at MTN is to give whatever it takes to see that we reach our potential as a nation and that’s why we do what we do with ASAP.
