Tinubu Highlights Commitment To Drug War At ASAP Conference

President   Bola   Ahmed   Tinubu,   Brig   Gen   Mohammed   Buba   Marwa   (NDLEA Chairman/CEO), and Odunayo Sanya (MTN Foundation Executive Director) have joined forces to combat substance abuse in Nigeria.

 They lent their support during the MTN Foundation’s   Anti-Substance   Abuse   Programme   (ASAP)   conference   in   Abuja. 

The conference, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” united key stakeholders and   experts   to   discuss   and   strategize   effective   measures   against   drug   abuse   among Nigerian youth.

The MTN  Foundation’s Anti-Substance  Abuse Programme  (ASAP)  conference in  Abuja saw   a   convergence   of   key   stakeholders,   including   representatives   from   the   highest echelons of   government,   as they   united   to address   the   pressing issue   of   drug abuse among Nigerian youths. 

The event emphasised the urgent need for both global and local commitment to preventive measures in the fight against substance abuse.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the conference by the Secretary to   the   Government   of   the   Federation,   Senator   George   Akume,   highlighted   the administration’s  commitment to  addressing  drug abuse.  

 In his  address,  the President emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a drug-free society.

 “The 3ght against drug abuse is not just a governmental responsibility but a collective one. We must all join hands to protect our youth from the scourge of substance abuse,” He stated.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to combating drug abuse through the ASAP initiative. 

“Our mission is clear – to reduce the rate of 3rst-time substance abuse among young Nigerians aged 15-25. The strong turnout at this conference is a testament to the power of collective action,” Sanya remarked.

 She further elaborated on the comprehensive approach of the programme, which includes advocacy walks, stakeholder conferences, and educational campaigns.

Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, called for more  substantial   investments   in   preventive   measures   and  early   detection. 

  “The   Drug Integrity   Test   initiative   aims   to   establish   an   anti-drug   culture   in   Nigeria.   It   targets students,   workers,   and   prospective   couples   to   prevent   drug   use   and   enable   early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation”, Marwa stated.

The conference featured a series of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations from experts   in   the   field,   providing   valuable   insights   into   effective   drug   abuse   prevention strategies.   It   also   served   as   a   platform   for   sharing   best   practices   and   fostering partnerships   among   government   agencies,   non-governmental   organisations,   and   the private sector.

A   highlight   of   the   conference   was   the   discussion   on   leveraging   community-based approaches   to   tackle   substance   abuse.   Participants   emphasised   the   importance   of grassroots   initiatives   in   creating   a   sense   of   ownership   and   responsibility   within   local communities. 

By tailoring interventions to meet speci3c community needs, these efforts can yield more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

The event which held at the State House in Abuja, had in attendance other dignitaries such  as Dr. Oliver  Stolpe,   the  outgoing   UNODC  Country  Representative;  Prince  Julius Adelusi   Adeluyi,  Chairman   of   MTN   Foundation;  Prince   Lateef   Fagbemi   SAN,  Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice amongst others.