The MTN Foundation has taken another bold step in its nationwide fight against substance abuse with the commencement of a four-day capacity-building workshop and teachers training in Kaduna State.

According to Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA), it is obvious that Nigeria is in a crisis of substance use and abuse and with projects indicating a 40% increase in the prevalence of drug use in Africa, including Nigeria, by 2030 approximately 20 million persons in Nigeria are expected to be affected. This training is part of the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to equip teachers and young Nigerians with the skills to resist the lure of drugs and make informed life choices. In partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Kaduna State Government, the programme emphasises MTN’s commitment to safeguarding the future of Nigerian youth.

Speaking at the session, the representative of the MTN Foundation’s Executive Director, Abubakar Zubairu,Service Centre Manager, MTN Kaduna, stated that “we have witnessed the emergence of psychoactive substances in large quantities across our markets, most of which are purchased and consumed predominantly by our youth.”

He said, “At MTN Foundation, we have not only refused to turn a blind eye but have also made it a priority to reduce the rate of first-time substance abuse among Nigerian youth. Under the 2025 ASAP campaign activities, our advocacy walks across tertiary institutions in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Kano, bringing together over 1,400 stakeholders for the fight against substance abuse in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).”

Joseph Ike, Director General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment (KABUSA), stated that the purpose of the meeting was for key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the new programme – “Unplugged Policy Prevention Programme” with support from MTN Foundation. He said the programme will be introduced at the basic education level in Kaduna state.

Ike emphasised, “Too often, conversations about drug abuse revolve solely around rehabilitation. That means we only respond once the problem has become severe.

“If rehabilitation is the only strategy the government is focused on, we will continue to chase symptoms rather than prevent the disease.

“It is time we begin to consciously invest in strategies that prevent new cases of substance abuse before they occur.”

He urged participants to engage fully in the discussions, share ideas, and commit to being part of the solution.

Also speaking at the event, a representative of the Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) called on schools, religious institutions, and parents to rise to the occasion in combating youth substance abuse.

He emphasized the need for teachers and parents to serve as role models for children.

The Kaduna edition will train selected secondary school teachers in practical prevention strategies using the globally recognised “Unplugged Teachers Training” curriculum. These teachers will in turn serve as mentors, reaching thousands of students across the state with knowledge and guidance.

Since its inception, ASAP has reached millions of Nigerians through advocacy campaigns, school activations, workshops, and policy engagement. The Kaduna training represents another milestone in MTN Foundation’s mission to enable healthier lives and continuous support of national development. With this intervention, MTN Foundation reaffirms its mission to empower communities and ensure that Nigerian youth are positioned for healthier, brighter futures.