The MTN Foundation, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has announced the commencement of the second edition of the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Advocacy Walk in Nigeria.
The ceremony, which is planned for Saturday, June 24, 2023, will take place concurrently from the Old Parade Ground to Wuse 2 Market in Abuja and the NDLEA Lagos State Command, Gbagada to Oshodi, in Lagos. The Advocacy walk will be rounded off with a stakeholder’s conference on June 26, 2023 at the Banquet Hall, State House, in Abuja, in commemoration of the World Drug Day.
The ASAP Advocacy Walk and stakeholders conference are integral components of the MTN Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about substance abuse and addiction among Nigerian youths. The primary objective of this initiative is to combat first-time substance use and casual substance use among secondary school students nationwide.
Speaking on the importance of the advocacy walk, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Odunayo Sanya emphasized the urgency of addressing substance abuse within our community.
“The UNODC in its report stated that in 2020, more than 280 million people around the world used drugs. In Africa and Latin America, people under 35 represent most people being treated for drug use disorders. This is very alarming as the health and future of our young are seriously threatened by substance misuse.
The MTN Foundation is dedicated to influencing society positively and acknowledges the urgent need to solve this issue. We can use our combined resources, knowledge, and skills to bring about significant change by working together with prestigious organizations like the NDLEA and the UNODC.”
Government representatives, policymakers, community leaders, educators, parents, students, and concerned citizens will all be present at the ASAP Advocacy Walk, as well as representatives from other sectors. A symbolic march by participants will emphasize the need for a concerted effort to combat drug usage.
For more information about the ASAP Advocacy Walk and stakeholders conference, please visit the https://www.mtn.ng/foundation/asap/
