By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
The MTN Foundation has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among young Nigerians and safeguard the future of the country.
Chairman of the foundation, Mosun Belo-Olusoga, made the appeal during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Stakeholders’ Conference held in Ilorin to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Represented by Valentina Obayemi, Senior Lead, Sales and Trade Development, Belo-Olusoga expressed concern over the increasing exposure of young people to substance abuse and stressed the need for collective action.
According to her, the foundation plans to reach more than 20,000 students in 50 public secondary schools across Nigeria through its anti-substance abuse campaign in 2026.
She said the initiative is designed to provide students with the knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions at a critical stage of their development.
“Our goal is to reach more than 20,000 students at a critical stage in their lives, where the right information can shape their future,” she said.
The foundation disclosed that the programme will be implemented in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo and Taraba.
In addition, Bello-Olusoga said the foundation intends to train 250 teachers to better identify, support and guide students participating in drug education and quiz competition programmes.
“Beyond secondary schools, we are expanding our engagement across tertiary institutions, strengthening grassroots advocacy through our partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and continuing to support the NDLEA’s 24-hour toll-free psychosocial support helpline to ensure that those who need help can access professional support when they need it most,” she said.
She noted that the conference theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” underscores the need for sustained efforts and creative solutions to address substance abuse.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Kwara State Governor, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, urged stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and take concrete action.
“Every child saved from drug abuse is a future secured for Kwara State and Nigeria,” she said.
Also speaking, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the MTN Foundation for its efforts to promote responsible lifestyles among young people.
Represented by Hon. Rukayat Shittu, member representing Owode/Onire Constituency, the Speaker described the initiative as an important contribution to youth development.
“MTN Foundation is doing incredibly well by investing in the future and helping to ensure that our youths live responsible and productive lives,” he said.
