Rivers, Imo States Join MTN In The Fight Against Substance Abuse

L-R: Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Imo State, Dr. K. R. O. Izogu; Ag. Health Portfolio Manager, MTN Foundation, Ayodeji Salami and Senior Manager, Program Implementation, MTN Foundation, Abasi-Ekong Udobang at the State Roundtable for the MTN led Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) in Owerri, Imo State

After impacting thousands of lives around the country with the Lagos phase of the multi-stakeholder initiative – the MTN led Anti Substance Abuse Programme has berthed the Eastern leg of the campaign against drugs in Rivers and Imo States.

With various stakeholders such as Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM), Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Association of Community Pharmacists; etc., partnering on the initiative, the ASAP campaign has begun making  a much-expected impact on the target audience.

Since Monday, May 6, 2019, various locations around the Treasure Base and Eastern Heartland of Nigeria have witnessed the ministrations of the specially skilled team of experts whose primary focus is to spread awareness about the increasing menace of substance abuse among young Nigerians (ages 10-24), share the mitigating measures available and ensuring a nation of young torch bearers and advocates for a drug free country.

Using the native dialect, passersby, motorists and traders in areas such as the Oyigbo Mass Market, Abuloma Main Market, Choba Main Park (Port Harcourt), Orlu, Egbu, Douglas Motorparks (Owerri), and its environs were sensitized on the escalating issue of substance abuse. Many expressed shock at the numerous substances being abused in recent times.

Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation expressed the urgency in reaching young ones across the country; “We all bear an unshakable burden and sense of responsibility towards every young Nigerian. We cannot stand by as these ones become victims of any form of substance abuse then fold our arms despondently. This is the time to act and act swiftly too. It is for this same reason that various stakeholders from multiple organizations have come together to partner in this call to action and I strongly believe that with everyone’s support, with every input whether on social media or in the field, with every encouragement we will combat this successfully. We do not have a choice.”

Other popular locations visited included the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Rivers state; Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Nkpolu Oroworukwo; Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO); Imo State University, Owerri; etc.

The Rivers State House of Assembly Auditorium, Port Harcourt, and the Rock View Hotel, Owerri, hosted the highly anticipated State Roundtable that convened stakeholders across board for a robust discussion to chart a clear, actionable and impactful way forward.

The ASAP activities in each state culminate in the Walk as plans have been finalized for the team to earnestly begin activities in Abuja. The much-discussed National Conference is still scheduled for June at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).