Mbah Warns of Substance Abuse Threat to Nigeria's Future

On Tuesday, during a keynote address at a stakeholders' conference organized by the MTN Foundation in Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah highlighted the significant threat that substance abuse poses to Nigeria's future. He stated that the impact of substance abuse extends beyond public health, affecting security, education, economic development, and social stability.

Mbah called for a collective effort involving government, families, schools, religious institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, security agencies, and the private sector to tackle this pressing issue. He emphasized that substance abuse is a health issue that requires a whole-society approach, urging the community to support individuals battling addiction rather than stigmatizing them.

Mbah's administration prioritizes youth development, healthcare, and human capital development, with ongoing projects including the construction of 267 smart green schools and modern primary healthcare facilities across the state. Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, mentioned their ongoing efforts to reduce the number of first-time drug users among Nigerian youth through various initiatives.