Telecom
MTN Foundation Rallies Stakeholder to Combat Substance Abuse in Nigeria
In its efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse, the MTN Foundation, through the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), recently convened a stakeholder conference in Lagos to address the pressing issue of substance abuse in Nigeria.
Present at the conference were the Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mr. Mobolaji Ogundele; Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos State Command, Abubakar Liman Wali; Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR), among other key stakeholders.
The MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme is a multi-stakeholder and sectoral behaviour change initiative aimed at reducing the rate of first-time substance abusers amongst young Nigerians aged between 10 and 25 years.
In his opening remarks, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR), Chairman, MTN Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance and significance of the ASAP initiative. “Five years ago, we examined the dire situation and concluded that something had to be done about the menace of substance abuse.
“We felt it was time to address the problem beyond boardroom speeches, leading to the birth of ASAP. Drug abuse is a global phenomenon, but every Nation must devise its own strategy to tackle its unique challenges.
“In Saudi Arabia, the approach is different; in America, in Asia, the responses vary. Nigeria must address its drug abuse problem independently.
“I am pleased with the Foundation for this initiative and especially thank our major partners, the NDLEA and the UNODC, for their unwavering support over the years.”
Substance abuse remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by the high unemployment rates in Nigeria. According to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC), Nigeria’s unemployment rate surged to 5.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2023 from 4.2 per cent in the previous quarter.
The report also adds that the labour force participation rate among the working-age population declined to 79.5 percent in Q3 compared to 80.4 percent in Q2.
This economic challenge fuels the prevalence of drug abuse, as many youths turn to substance use as an escape from their harsh realities. Studies indicate that approximately 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use drugs, which is nearly three times the global average. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for comprehensive intervention strategies.
The Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mr. Mobolaji Ogundele, who represented the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the state’s commitment to tackling this issue. “In Lagos State, we have witnessed the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, communities, and the socio-economic fabric of our society.
“This is why I am pleased to join the Board, the management of MTN Foundation, and other stakeholders at the MTN Stakeholder Conference to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse.
“The theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘Breaking the Cycle; Effective Strategies for Preventing Drug Abuse Among Nigeria’s Youth,’ is not just timely but imperative. It also resonates deeply with our administration’s vision to safeguard the future of our nation.
“I appreciate MTN Nigeria, who, through its MTN Foundation and in collaboration with stakeholders, launched the ASAP initiative. Thank you for aligning with our administration in our goal of building a greater Lagos.”
Commenting on the strategic partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Lagos State Government, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, stated, “We are grateful for our partnership with Lagos State. Lagos is unique; it is the economic nerve center of Nigeria, and initiatives implemented here have the potential to be replicated across the entire country. This collaboration allows us to work together on effective policies to combat substance abuse.”
The MTN ASAP stakeholder conference highlighted the importance of collective action and evidence-based strategies in combating substance abuse. The event underscored the necessity for increased investment in prevention efforts, advocating for collaborative approaches to tackle this multifaceted issue.
MTN Group has committed $2 billion to the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect initiative, bringing the total funds pledged to $73 billion.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Partner2Connect, spearheaded by the ITU, is a global initiative aimed at enhancing universal digital access, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general, ITU, highlighted the significance of these commitments, stating, “Expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity. These new pledges bring us closer to delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”
According to the ITU, MTN Group has shown a strong commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future, spending approximately $2 billion annually on capital expenditures across its markets over the past five years.
Similar investments are planned over the next five years, focusing on expanding and improving voice and data networks to bolster connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
The ITU also announced a $2 billion pledge from Globalstar to expand its low-Earth orbit satellite network, providing seamless, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for remote regions and underserved areas.
These efforts will include direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity solutions.
As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary, the UN agency has emphasised its dedication to bridging the global digital divide.
An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU data.
The agency has called for $100 billion in commitments by 2026 to fund projects supporting global digital transformation, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
With over 1,000 pledges spanning 147 countries, Partner2Connect is working toward ITU’s vision of a digitally connected and inclusive future.
Current estimates suggest $1.6 trillion is required for global connectivity hardware alone, with the majority of resources needed in developing nations.
The funds pledged by MTN Group and other partners are set to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital innovations to support economic and social growth worldwide.
Telegram has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety by flagging messages from unknown contacts.
When users receive messages from individuals outside their contact list for the first time, a detailed information page now appears.
This page includes details such as the sender’s country (determined by their phone number), their joining date on Telegram, any shared groups, and whether their account is verified.
The goal is to help users identify potential scams and impersonators more effectively.
In addition, Telegram now provides insight into when the sender last updated their username or profile picture, offering another way to detect compromised or hacked accounts.
The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency, promising “clear indicators” to distinguish official accounts, third-party verified profiles, and regular users.
Telegram Premium subscribers can now charge fees for messages received from users outside their contact list, a feature designed to reduce spam while allowing group administrators to monetise their communities.
Dubbed “Star Messages,” this new option enables users to set customisable fees for unsolicited messages.
The feature also provides flexibility, allowing certain users or members of specific groups to send messages for free.
Telegram’s Star Messages come with convenient options, such as single-tap refunds for payments, ensuring a seamless user experience.
By offering advanced controls and monetisation opportunities, the platform continues to prioritise user safety and satisfaction.
With these updates, Telegram strengthens its position as a platform focused on both user protection and innovative monetisation tools.
MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to grassroots sports development following a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City on March 5.
The visit coincided with the upcoming launch of Season 3 of MTN Champs, an athletics competition that will commence in Edo State from March 13 to 15.
The initiative highlights MTN’s dedication to nurturing young athletic talent and aligns seamlessly with Edo State’s focus on sports development.
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, expressed appreciation for Edo State’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure this season’s success.
Governor Okpebholo reciprocated by pledging full logistical and administrative support to make the event impactful.
Season 3 of MTN Champs is set to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, kicking off in Edo State before moving to Lagos and Uyo in subsequent weeks.
This initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader vision of fostering youth empowerment and revitalizing athletics at the grassroots level.
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