In furtherance of the drive to curb the increasing rate of substance abuse in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, under the Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), led a multi-sectoral roundtable on the substance abuse ecosystem in Nigeria and the need for intensified collaborative action.

MTN-Office

The forum, which held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was part of the Lagos State activations of the ASAP aimed at reducing the incidence of substance abuse among youth in Nigeria.

Speaking at the forum, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman, MTN Foundation, explained:  “The purpose of this campaign is to stimulate discourse among thought leaders, policy makers and leaders from different walks of life, to bring us much closer towards our goal of freeing our future leaders from the evil attraction of drugs and possible addiction to opioids.”

Lawmaker wants Nigeria to adopt technology in improving elections

Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, also speaking at the event, opined that education on substance abuse was essential,  “We all can take time to educate ourselves and others about the harmful nature of these substances. Education on the impact that these drug and substances of abuse have on the individual and the society as a whole should be taught and understood.”

Mr. Agboola Dabiri, Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Lagos State, in his remark reminded the youth of their strategic place in nation building:  “You are the future of Nigeria; you have a lot to give. When we speak of the next level, you are the next level.” Speaking further on substance abuse and the ASAP initiative, he said, “The issue of drug abuse is no longer on the roads; it is now within our homes. I thank MTN for this opportunity and I commend them for a job well done.”