Why we can’t stop talking about MTN ASAP

You see, February was the undisputed month of MTN Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP)! It was the month the state activities kicked off in Lagos and there was a lot to see, learn from and even pass on. We’ll give you a quick recap: The first activity began at the Ayobo Bus Park in Lagos, on Monday, February 18, and it was a sight to behold.
The first ever ASAP state activation was a resounding success. School students, traders, bus conductors, motorcyclists, and passers-by gathered around the ‘one-chance’ bus to listen and learn about substance abuse and the need to say NO.
Barely two weeks later, hundreds of young Nigerians gathered to listen to experts at the MTN ASAP State Conference at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Various stakeholders like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Police, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM), Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), etc, gathered to discuss the problems of addiction, mental health, substance usage and Nigeria’s youth.
L-R: Inspiration FM OAP, Rufai Oseni; Advocate for mental health and founder, Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA), Dr. Martin Agwogie; and Executive Director of CADAM, Dr. ‘Dokun Adedeji, discussing  the disheartening state of substance abuse in Nigeria
During the break, a play, “Area Boy”, showed us the heart-wrenching effects of substance abuse on the country’s health, economy and potential.
Dignitaries were present to lend their support and share their thoughts on the issue at hand.
L-R: Chairman MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Honorable Commissioner for health, Lagos state, Dr. Jide Idris; and Honourable Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Lagos state, Mr. Agboola Dabiri, at the event
And March looks like it will be another ‘ASAP’ month.
By the 2nd day in March, the team was joined by volunteers from around Lagos for the Awareness Walk from the Ndubuisi Park, Alausa, Lagos.
We joined in and we were able to teach a few people about the need for a drug-free life.
We headed for the popular Allen Roundabout, took a short break, danced and refueled.
Then it was back to the Ndubuisi Park to close out the walk.
It was a great round up to an activity-filled day, and we hear that there are even more activities lined up already for the next few weeks. So, you see why we can’t stop talking.
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