MTN Foundation Invests N32billion In Nationwide Anti-Drug Abuse Projects, Youth Advocacy

MTN Foundation Invests N32billion In Nationwide Anti-Drug Abuse Projects, Youth Advocacy

MTN Foundation says it has invested over N32bn in nationwide youth-focused projects and anti-drug abuse campaigns across Nigeria.

Management of the MTN Foundation has disclosed that it has invested over N32 billion in the execution of various projects across the country, with a strong focus on anti-drug abuse advocacy among young people.

Manager, Development Portfolio of the foundation, Mr. Joseph Akpata, made the disclosure in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a stakeholders’ conference on the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), which brought together government agencies, security operatives, development partners and students.

Akpata said the foundation, established in 2004 as MTN Nigeria’s corporate social responsibility arm, has impacted over 32 million people across 30,604 communities nationwide.

He said, “Since we started in 2004, we have invested over 32 billion in this impactful project across the country, and we have been keeping our records.”

According to him, the ASAP initiative, launched in 2019, is designed to reduce first-time drug use through advocacy, education and empowerment programmes targeting young people.

“So over the years, we have been able to reach over 50,400 students across the country, and we have been able to train over 1,500 teachers,” he said.

MTN Foundation Chairperson, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by Valentina Obayemi, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to protecting young Nigerians and expanding drug prevention efforts nationwide.

She said the programme is currently reaching students in 50 public secondary schools across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while also strengthening grassroots advocacy through partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps and support for NDLEA’s psychosocial helpline.

The stakeholders’ conference was supported by the Kwara State Government, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NDLEA, and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Police.