MTN Foundation Takes Campaign Against Drug Abuse To Schools

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that the high incidence of substance abuse in Nigeria was escalating the security challenges confronting the country.

It noted that about 14.3 million Nigerians were into drugs and substance abuse, adding that the country has a 14. 4 per cent prevalence rate, which is higher than the global average of 5.6 prevalence rate.

This was even as MTN Foundation (MTNF) has expressed concern over the rising incidence of drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria and across the globe and called for synergy between all stakeholders to curb the menace to the barest minimum. 

Consequently, the foundation would reach about 87,000 youths in public secondary schools in 12 states and 1,440 teachers across 444 schools to sensitise them on the dangers of substance abuse and the need for value-based curriculum. 

Speaking during the advocacy walk organised by MTN Foundation in collaboration with NDLEA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNDOC) as part of the activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, stated that there was a projection that there would be a 40 per cent rise in drug use in Africa by 2030, saying this shouldn’t be allowed to happen in Nigeria. 

He said: “This is why we are raising awareness among the citizens for them to understand the dangers of substance abuse and stay away from it. Drugs are mind-altering substances that affect thought and decision-making processes and this is a danger because you are not likely to make right and appropriate decisions. Substance abuse leads to criminal acts and there is a strong nexus between substance abuse and the security challenges confronting the country.” 

Babafemi, who noted that the NDLEA is pushing for prevention and also working to help those who were already into the abuse of illicit substances, added: “That is why we have 30 rehabilitation and counselling centres in our commands across the country in addition to three standard modern ones that may be commissioned this year.”

Illicit substances affect the resources of the family, the health and well-being of the individual and sometimes may lead to death.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, lamented that substance abuse was ravaging Nigeria, stressing the need for all to get involved in the fight against substance abuse in order to curb the menace to the barest minimum. 

She said: “Substance abuse disfranchises people, breaks families and makes those involved become harmful not only to themselves but also the society at large and Nigeria is losing a lot of its future leaders to substance abuse. We at the MTN Foundation want to be part of creating the future that we want for our youths. That is why we are partnering with the NDLEA and the UNDOC to create awareness that drug abuse is ravaging our nation and our youths. It is everyone’s fight.” 

UNDOC Programme Officer, Folusho Ajayi Adelekan, urged the Federal Government to invest in science based preventive programmes and empower children to say no to drugs.   

She emphasised that data trends indicate that drug use in Africa would increase by 40 per cent by 2030, noting: “This would be extremely damaging especially considering that Nigeria’s drug use prevalence is three times the global average.”