​In a decisive move to combat the growing menace of drug and substance abuse among youth, the MTN Nigeria Foundation has officially unveiled its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) initiative in Enugu State.
​The intervention aims to equip secondary school students, teachers, and community stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to resist and prevent substance abuse.
Originally launched in 2019, the ASAP initiative has been at the forefront of the fight against addiction in Nigerian schools. By targeting vulnerable demographics, the foundation seeks to build a resilient framework for multi-sectoral collaboration.
​To date, the initiative has recorded significant milestones across the country. Over 50,000 secondary school students reached nationwide through direct sensitization and peer education.
More than 1,500 teachers trained to identify early signs of substance abuse and offer timely intervention or counseling. A multi-stakeholder partnerships established involving government agencies, NGOs, and medical professionals.
​The expansion into Enugu State underscores the foundation’s commitment to addressing the root causes of substance abuse by focusing on prevention rather than just rehabilitation. The Enugu launch will feature intensive workshops, interactive peer-to-peer sessions, and the establishment of advocacy clubs within participating schools.
​Speaking on the initiative, representatives from the foundation emphasized that teachers play a critical role as first responders in the school environment. The specialized training provided to educators ensures that the impact of the program extends far beyond the launch event, creating a sustainable support system for students.
​”Substance abuse doesn’t just affect the individual; it disrupts families and derails communities. By empowering students with facts and training teachers to guide them, we are building a shield against this epidemic.”
As the ASAP initiative rolls out across Enugu, local education and health stakeholders have lauded the MTN Foundation for its sustained investment in the well-being and future of Nigerian youth.
