The MTN Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to combating substance abuse among young Nigerians with the commencement of the 2026 edition of its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness, promoting prevention, and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices among youths.
The Foundation officially launched the 2026 campaign with a State Stakeholders Conference held on June 9, 2026, in Enugu State, bringing together key stakeholders from government institutions, healthcare organizations, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, community groups, and civil society organizations to address the growing challenge of substance abuse across the country.
The conference provided a strategic platform for stakeholders to discuss the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly among young people, and explore collaborative solutions aimed at prevention, education, rehabilitation, and community engagement. Participants emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling a problem that continues to impact families, communities, and the nation’s socio-economic development.
Building on the momentum generated by the stakeholder engagement, the MTN Foundation is extending the campaign beyond conference halls and directly into communities through the launch of the ASAP 2026 Advocacy Walks, designed to raise public awareness and mobilize citizens in the fight against substance abuse.
The advocacy walk series is scheduled to begin in Gombe State on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with participants expected to converge at 7:00 a.m. at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Ashaka Bajoga Road, before proceeding on a walk to Gombe State University, Tudun Wada, Shamaki Ward, Gombe City.
The walk is expected to attract students, youth groups, community leaders, healthcare professionals, government representatives, and members of the public who share a common commitment to addressing the dangers of substance abuse and promoting positive behavioral change among young Nigerians.
According to the MTN Foundation, the advocacy walk forms an important component of the broader ASAP initiative, providing an avenue to engage directly with communities, amplify awareness messages, and encourage meaningful conversations around the consequences of drug abuse and addiction.
Through the programme, the Foundation seeks to empower young people with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions, resist harmful influences, and embrace healthier lifestyles. The initiative also aims to strengthen community involvement in prevention efforts while fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability among stakeholders.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the social and health implications of substance abuse, the MTN Foundation remains committed to leveraging partnerships, education, and advocacy to drive lasting change and create safer environments for young people to thrive.
The 2026 ASAP campaign underscores the Foundation’s dedication to promoting youth development, public health, and community well-being, while reinforcing the message that the fight against substance abuse requires collective action from all sectors of society.
With the launch of the advocacy walks, MTN Foundation is calling on residents of Gombe and other communities across the country to join the movement, lend their voices to the cause, and help build a healthier, brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.
