MTN Foundation urges unity against drug abuse in Kano

MTN Foundation urges unity against drug abuse in Kano

BY Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi

MTN Nigeria Foundation has called for collaboration among stakeholders to curb the growing menace of drug abuse among youth in Kano.

The Foundation made the appeal on Saturday during a Walk Against Drug Abuse, held in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Day in Kano.

According to the Foundation, the advocacy event was part of its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), which aims to raise awareness and combat drug abuse.

Mr. Aliyu Abu Sufiyanu, Senior Manager of MTN Kano, delivered the Foundation’s message to students from various institutions who assembled at Bayero University Kano, Old campus for the walk against substance abuse in Kano.

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He explained that the walk was organized in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and students to discourage substance abuse.

Aliyu said, “MTN Foundation is committed to continued education, empowerment, and collaboration with key stakeholders to fight drug abuse among youths.”

He added, “This advocacy walk not only serves as a platform to raise awareness but also as a call to action for all community members to join hands in the fight against drug abuse.”

Highlighting the Foundation’s efforts toward a healthier and better Nigerian society, Aliyu noted that ASAP, launched in 2019, has remained consistent in its advocacy, reaching over 91 million people, including 27,000 students and 450 teachers across 65 secondary schools in 12 states.

“In 2024, through the NDLEA’s 24/7 psychosocial help desk, we provided counseling services to about 4,000 Nigerians. This year, we plan to train over 86,000 students and 1,500 teachers across another 12 states. It’s going to be very impactful,” he said.

Providing insight into the rising cases of drug abuse in Kano State, NDLEA Deputy State Commander in charge of Operations and Training, Dahiru Lawal Yahya, attributed the trend partly to the state’s high population.

He stated that the nationwide endurance walk demonstrated NDLEA’s commitment to working with youths, students, and other stakeholders to curb drug and substance abuse.

DAILY COMMERCE reports that The theme for the year 2025 World Drug Day (WDD) is: ” The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”