Youth groups, civil society organisations, and key development agencies converged in Abuja yesterday for an advocacy walk aimed at addressing the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria.
The event, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in partnership with the MTN Foundation and the African University of Science and Technology, was held in commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reports Sunday Independent.
It brought together representatives of the United Nations, NDLEA officials, youth organisations, students, volunteers, and civil society actors who marched through designated routes in Abuja carrying placards with messages promoting a drug-free society.
Speaking on the sidelines of the walk, the Director General of the Spotlite Education and Youth Development Initiative (SEYDI), Tony Anyanwu, described the campaign as a timely intervention to safeguard the future of young Nigerians.
“The fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility. At SEYDI, we believe that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but drivers of change. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we can equip them with the knowledge and support they need to make informed choices,” Anyanwu said.
He expressed concern over the rising prevalence of substance abuse among youths, noting its wider implications for education, public health, security, and national development. According to him, prevention remains the most effective strategy in addressing the crisis.
Anyanwu further attributed vulnerability among young people to peer pressure, misinformation, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, stressing the need for sustained awareness and mentorship programmes.
He highlighted SEYDI’s Drug Abuse Awareness Campus Tour (DAACT) as one of its flagship interventions targeted at educating students and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
“Our Drug Abuse Awareness Campus Tour serves as a platform for education, dialogue, mentorship, and action. We are committed to raising a generation of Drug Abuse Awareness Ambassadors who will champion prevention efforts across campuses and communities,” he said.
He described the advocacy walk as more than a symbolic exercise, but a growing movement to build responsible communities through sustained youth engagement.
“This walk represents a movement to build responsible communities through youth action and sustained advocacy. Every stakeholder has a role to play in safeguarding our young people from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” he added.
In an interview, the Manager, Learning & Development at MTN Nigeria, Nkechi Oniah, said the initiative was designed to deepen awareness among young people within the 10 to 25 age bracket.
“We have put together an advocacy walk. Basically, this is about creating awareness on the ills of substance abuse. So, we are linking up with the age bracket of 10 to 25 years,” she said.
Participants at the event reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships across sectors to tackle substance abuse and promote healthier communities.
Organisers emphasised that beyond awareness creation, sustained collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, development partners, and youth-led organisations remains critical to achieving lasting impact.
The event ended with a unified message from participants: “Every Step Counts. Every Voice Matters. Together, We Say No to Drug Abuse.”
