By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Hundreds of residents, students, security personnel, youth corps members, traditional leaders, government officials, and civil society stakeholders on Saturday took to the streets of Asaba in a massive advocacy walk against drug and substance abuse, as the MTN Foundation, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), intensified efforts to curb the growing menace among young Nigerians.
The awareness walk, held under the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), commenced from St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, and terminated at Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, where participants reiterated the need for collective action to protect young people from the dangers of drug abuse and illicit substance use.
The exercise attracted top government officials, security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, journalists, and community leaders.
Addressing participants at the event, the Executive Director of the MTN Nigeria Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, represented by the Head of National Priority Portfolio, Pamela Emodi, said the advocacy walk was more than a symbolic exercise, describing it as a strong call to action aimed at safeguarding the future of Nigerian youths.
According to her, the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme is a multi-sectoral behavioural change initiative designed to reduce the incidence of first-time substance abuse among Nigerians aged between 10 and 25 years.
She disclosed that since its launch in 2019, the programme has reached over 100 million people through various advocacy campaigns and awareness messages.
“Today, we didn’t just walk; we stood for a purpose. We are raising our voices for a cause that matters deeply to our communities and our future.
“This advocacy walk reminds us that change begins with awareness, grows through unity, and is sustained by commitment. Every step taken today represents hope, responsibility, and our determination to build a safer and healthier society,” she said.
The Foundation further revealed plans to expand the programme in 2026 by reaching over 20,000 students across ten states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while also training teachers and strengthening school-based prevention initiatives.
In his keynote address, Delta State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics (CN) Halilu Hamidu, PhD, raised concerns over the alarming prevalence of drug abuse in Delta State, describing it as one of the greatest threats confronting families, communities, and young people.
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Hamidu noted that drug abuse had evolved into a global challenge requiring stronger partnerships, innovative solutions, and sustained public enlightenment.
He cited statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicating that Delta State records the highest prevalence of drug abuse in the South-South region, with approximately 18 percent of the population affected.
According to him, the figure translates to more than 500,000 residents battling various forms of drug misuse.
“Behind these figures are real people. They are students whose education has been interrupted, workers whose productivity has been affected, parents struggling with addiction, and families carrying emotional and financial burdens.
“This is why the fight against drug abuse must remain a priority for all of us,” he stated.
The NDLEA commander highlighted major achievements recorded by the agency between June 2025 and June 2026, revealing that operatives destroyed 26 hectares of cannabis farms in Obiaruku and Orogun communities across Ukwani and Ughelli North Local Government Areas.
He further disclosed that the command uncovered an illicit drug warehouse in Oko Market, Oshimili South Local Government Area, containing drugs worth over N150 million, while also intercepting two commercial buses transporting illicit substances valued at more than N300 million.
Hamidu said the agency secured 235 convictions during the period under review, while 204 cases remain pending before the Federal High Courts in Asaba and Warri.
He added that NDLEA counselled 623 drug users and rehabilitated 14 persons despite limited rehabilitation facilities.
The commander also revealed that the agency seized more than 1,815 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, heroin, diazepam and other dangerous substances, alongside over 10,556 litres of codeine syrup, tramadol injections and related narcotic products.
While commending the Delta State Government, MTN Foundation and other stakeholders for supporting the anti-drug campaign, Hamidu stressed that the fight against substance abuse cannot be left to government agencies alone.
“We must strengthen drug prevention education, leverage technology to combat emerging threats, expand rehabilitation services and empower young people through education, skills development and employment opportunities.
“Every drug seizure represents lives saved. Every awareness campaign represents minds enlightened. Every rehabilitation effort represents hope restored. Together, we can win this fight,” he said.
Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Godknows Angele, represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Ambassador Onyedikachi Michael Odogwu, urged young people to resist peer pressure and avoid substances capable of destroying their future.
He praised MTN Foundation, NDLEA and UNODC for championing the campaign and described the initiative as a critical investment in the future of the nation’s youth population.
“Today, we are not merely participating in an advocacy walk; we are taking a stand for life, purpose, excellence and the future of our generation.
“Our dreams are too valuable to be destroyed by drugs, addiction and substance abuse. Every great nation rises or falls on the quality of its youth population,” he said.
The commissioner warned that many brilliant talents, promising careers and bright futures had been cut short by drug abuse and harmful influences, urging students and youths to embrace education, entrepreneurship and productive ventures.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to youth empowerment, education, skills development and programmes designed to improve the wellbeing of young people across Delta State.
The event ended with participants collectively renewing their commitment to combating substance abuse through sustained awareness campaigns, community engagement and responsible lifestyle choices.
As the campaign train moved through major streets of Asaba, participants displayed placards carrying messages such as “Say No to Drugs,” “Protect Our Future,” “Choose Life Over Addiction,” and “Drug-Free Youth, Better Society,” while calling on parents, schools, religious institutions and community leaders to join the fight against substance abuse.
The advocacy walk formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and underscored the growing resolve among stakeholders to tackle the drug menace and preserve the future of Nigeria’s younger generation.