MTN Foundation calls for collaboration as over 360,000 Enugu youths engage in drug abuse

MTN Foundation has continued its awareness campaign to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria, especially among youths. This comes at the Stakeholders’ Engagement session in Enugu State under its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. 

The campaign became critical after data presented at the event showed that more than 360,000 youths in Enugu State, representing 13.4% of the state’s youth population, are actively involved in drug use.

In addition, a recent academic paper shows that about 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 abuse psychoactive substances, representing a prevalence rate of 14.4%. It shows a higher rate than the global average of 5.5%.

As part of the 2026 edition, the event brought together government officials, educators, community leaders, development partners, and youth advocates to create pathways for protecting Nigeria’s future. The initiative has been described by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, as a pivotal and evidence-based response to substance abuse nationwide.

Aside from its awareness campaign, MTN Foundation is partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in an ongoing National Substance Use Survey. The research is based on generating grassroots data on the prevalence, patterns, and drivers of substance abuse, particularly among secondary school students.

In her reaction during the event, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, reiterated the foundation’s mantra to promote safe lives and support youth with the education needed to resist or stop drug abuse. 

Also, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, acknowledged the forms of drug abuse among youths, recognising the foundation’s dedication to combating this. 

The governor called for more collaboration among agencies, private organisations and NGOs, mentioning that stronger partnerships remain an active way to fight substance abuse.

“The MTN Foundation’s investment in youth development and the fight against substance abuse aligns directly with our administration’s transformational agenda. Initiatives like ASAP are exactly the kind of partnerships that move the needle on national development,” Onyia said.

Established in 2004 and financially supported by MTN, the foundation has committed about ₦33 billion to developmental projects and initiatives nationwide. Sanya noted that its programmes have impacted more than 33 million Nigerians and reached over 100 million people through advocacy and various awareness movements.

Also Read: MTN Foundation, Ogun State govt launch AgriConnect to empower 1,000 rural farmers.

About MTN’s ASAP

The MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) was launched in 2019 in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and UNODC to reduce youths’ involvement in drug abuse through education, support and school-based interventions.

Between 2019 and 2026, the initiative has reached over 50,000 students across the country and trained about 1,556 teachers. It has also created anti-drug ambassadors in schools and communities.

“For us at the MTN Foundation, saving even one young person from substance abuse is a worthwhile achievement. The consequences go beyond the individual and affect families, communities, and the nation at large,” Sanya said. 

The director mentioned that parents, educators, faith leaders, community influencers, and policymakers have a key role to play in creating awareness of the dangers of substance abuse. She added that such creates results in an environment that supports positive choices and healthy development.

In 2026, MTN Foundation is deepening its footprint as it plans to reach over 30,000 additional students through expanded stakeholder engagements, teacher training, school programmes and community education.