Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Spouse of the governor of Lagos State and chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officers (COWLSO)
… As MTN Basis, NDLEA be a part of 2025 ASAP Advocacy Stroll
Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Woman of Lagos State, has made an emotional enchantment to curb rising accessibility of medication in faculties and communities pushed by peer stress, weak enforcement and societal neglect.
“Now we have youngsters as younger as 5 years outdated taking alcohol. It begins with only one sip. That one sip results in intoxication, and earlier than lengthy, the kid’s future is in jeopardy,” she said in the course of the 2025 MTN Nigeria’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) advocacy stroll.
The ASAP advocacy stroll, which began at Alao Aka Bashorun Backyard in Gbagada and ended on the College of Lagos (UNILAG), noticed the stakeholders calling consideration to the pressing want to interrupt the cycle of substance abuse by means of focused youth interventions.
The ASAP advocacy stroll concluded with a symbolic pledge to unfold consciousness and proceed the dialog in faculties, communities, and houses. The 2025 MTN ASAP marketing campaign goals to coach over 86,000 college students and 1,500 academics nationwide.
“Prevention is cheaper than therapy. Dad and mom are promoting every part they’ve simply to rehabilitate one youngster, and plenty of are giving up. However these youngsters don’t want punishment – they need assistance”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Mosun Belo-Olusoga,Chairman, MTN Basis, emphasised the significance of vigilance, noting that withdrawn behaviour or uncommon conduct might be early warning indicators. She reminded the viewers of the communal duty within the combat in opposition to substance abuse.
“It’s all people’s enterprise to combat substance abuse. This isn’t only for the information or for folks; it’s for all of us. We should keep alert to what younger individuals are watching, who they’re with, and the way they behave,” Belo-Olusoga said.
Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander, NDLEA Lagos Command, known as for long-term funding in drug prevention and schooling, emphasising the company’s ongoing efforts throughout the State to curb drug abuse.
“The NDLEA continues to accentuate outreach and advocacy as a result of substance abuse isn’t just a youth downside, it’s a nationwide menace”, he added.
Itunuoluwa Onifade, behavioural psychologist, in a panel session urged younger individuals to be taught their emotional warning indicators and develop coping methods. “In any respect factors in our life, there will probably be one thing extra tense than our emotional capability. Know your indicators and have a plan”, Onifade mentioned.
Nnamdi Akikodi, a former drug person, recounted his expertise in a hearth chat, stating: “I grew to become psychotic. That was the turning level for me. I misplaced my sanity.”
