MTN ASAP has grown into a multi-stakeholder and sectoral
behaviour change initiative aimed at reducing the rate of first-time substance
abuse amongst young Nigerians aged between 15-25 years.
Odunayo Sanya elaborated on the programme which covers the
advocacy walks, a stakeholder conference and a host of activities. “The core
message of our Anti-Substance Abuse campaign #ASAP at the MTN Foundation is
that ‘it is everyone’s fight, it is my fight, your fight and indeed our fight
because their high is our low.’ The singular objective of the #ASAP campaign is
to reduce the rate of first-time abuse amongst youths aged 10-25 years.
“According to the UNODC, substance abuse will increase by
40% in Africa by 2030. Nigeria is expected to represent a chunk of the 40% due
to its population and large youth demography. And so, at the MTN Nigeria
Foundation, we refuse to be onlookers, our sleeves are rolled up and we are
lending our voice to this campaign.
“This year, in partnership with the #NDLEA, UNODC and other
Civil Society Organizations, our advocacy walk took place in Rivers, Lagos and
Abuja. Every first step signified our resolve to fight substance abuse and we
dedicated every last step as a prayer of strength for those in the contraption
of substance abuse. The stakeholder conference in Lagos was quite enlightening.
“Our target is to reach 87,000 students and 1,440 teachers
with the #ASAP message in 2024. Our clarion call is that you join us in your
corner by being a light to the young ones,” she said.
This year’s World Drug Day theme, “The evidence is clear:
invest in prevention,” resonates strongly with the mission of MTN ASAP. It
underscores the importance of adopting a scientific evidence-based approach
that prioritises prevention and treatment. The global drug problem presents a
multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. Central to
addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific
evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment.