The Director-General of the Spotlite Education and Youth Development Initiative (SEYDI), Tony Anyanwu, has joined stakeholders in a public advocacy walk against drug abuse organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in partnership with the MTN Foundation and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.
The event, held to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, brought together representatives of the United Nations, NDLEA, civil society organisations, youth groups, students and development partners in a coordinated push against substance abuse in Nigeria.
Speaking during the awareness walk, Anyanwu described drug abuse as a growing threat to the future of young Nigerians, warning that it continues to undermine education, public health, security and national development.
He stressed that the fight against substance abuse requires collective responsibility, noting that young people must be empowered with accurate information, mentorship and support systems to resist peer pressure and misinformation.
“The fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility. Young people are not just beneficiaries of development but drivers of change,” he said, adding that SEYDI is committed to strengthening youth engagement through advocacy and education.
Anyanwu highlighted SEYDI’s Drug Abuse Awareness Campus Tour (DAACT) as a flagship programme aimed at sensitising students across campuses on the dangers of substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
According to him, the initiative focuses on building a network of Drug Abuse Awareness Ambassadors who can champion prevention efforts within schools and communities.
Participants in the advocacy walk marched through designated routes in Abuja carrying placards with messages calling for a drug-free society and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb substance abuse.
Speaking at the event, Manager for Learning and Development at MTN Nigeria, Nkechi Oniah, said the campaign targets young people between the ages of 10 and 25, noting that early awareness is key to prevention.
She said the advocacy walk was designed to raise awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and encourage behavioural change among youths.
Anyanwu further emphasised that beyond awareness creation, SEYDI also provides mentorship and referral support for individuals in need of rehabilitation and professional assistance.
He called on government agencies, schools, families, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations to intensify efforts toward preventing drug abuse and protecting vulnerable young people.
The event ended with a joint resolution by participants reaffirming their commitment to sustained advocacy against substance abuse, with a shared message: “Every step counts, every voice matters, together we say no to drug abuse.”