The MTN Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling substance abuse among young Nigerians through its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), with renewed focus on awareness, education, and community engagement.
The Foundation highlighted the growing impact of the initiative following the MTN ASAP Walk held recently at the University of Lagos, where a recovering young man shared a powerful testimony about how substance abuse derailed his academic journey, damaged family relationships, and nearly cost him his future.
His emotional account underscored the importance of early intervention and sustained awareness campaigns in preventing drug abuse among young people.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the MTN Foundation noted that such real-life stories reinforce the need for continuous advocacy and education, stressing that awareness remains one of the most effective tools in combating substance abuse.
As part of activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, the Foundation joined the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other key stakeholders in Abuja to reaffirm their collective resolve to prevent substance abuse through strategic partnerships, public awareness, and education.
The collaboration forms part of the MTN Foundation’s broader ASAP 2026 initiative, which seeks to empower young people with the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions and avoid drug abuse.
Looking ahead, the Foundation disclosed that the next phase of the programme will focus on equipping teachers with the skills to identify and address substance abuse issues among students while significantly expanding youth sensitisation campaigns to reach more schools and communities across Nigeria.
The MTN Foundation reiterated that through sustained collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, it remains committed to creating a drug-free future for Nigeria’s youth by promoting prevention, early intervention, and informed decision-making.
