President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting illicit drugs abuse in the country.
Tinubu who was represented by Senator George Akume, assured everyone of his commitment to fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“I commend and urge everyone to redouble their efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country. I wish to reassure you of this administration’s support. The Renewed Hope Agenda places the youth at the centre of its focus. Therefore, we ensure that our young people are protected from anything that could derail their future or destroy their potential”, the president said.
Tinubu also stated that prevention is the best way to curb the menace, citing the need to develop proactive prevention strategies.
“In the face of such a formidable challenge, prevention is the most potent weapon we can employ. It saves lives and saves resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation. By allocating resources towards evidence-based programmes, we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and protect our youth from falling prey to the menace”, Tinubu stated.
The president made the remark at an event organized by MTN Foundation recently.
MTN collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to host a stakeholder conference at the State House in Abuja, in honour of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In his opening remarks, Chairman, MTN Foundation, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi highlighted the circumstances that birthed the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP). “We did our research and found out that as long as the younger generation does not have something to do, something to love, and something to hope for, they will be subject to negative distraction. And one of these distractions we identified is substance abuse”.
MTN foundation in collaboration NDLEA restate commitment against drug abuse amongst youth in the Anti Substance Abuse Program (ASAP).
Following the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data, substance abuse will increase by 40% in Africa by 2030 and Nigeria is expected to cover a large chunk of 40% considering its population and large youth demography.
The event which was one of the major highlights of MTN Foundation’s Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), saw prominent figures and dignitaries come together to discuss the pressing issue of substance abuse among Nigerian youth and how to curb this menace.
Present at the event were Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa(Retd); Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Senator George Akume; Country Representative, UNODC, Oliver Stolpe; Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, among other stakeholders.
Recognizing the need to put an end to this problem and protect the future of Nigeria, MTN Foundation set out to raise awareness and join hands with key organizations to combat drug abuse.
MTN Foundation has been committed to making a significant impact in Nigeria for over 19 years. The Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) is evidence of MTN’s desire to see Nigeria thrive and protect the future of the nation, which lies in the hands of the youth.
