Sometimes, it takes just one try. One moment. One decision. That’s how quickly substance abuse can take root and that’s why we show up every year, louder, stronger, and more united.

This June, the MTN Foundation, through our Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), led powerful advocacy walks across Enugu, Abuja, Kano, and Lagos, to push back against the growing threat of drug abuse. The message? Prevention matters. And the time to act is now.

In Lagos, we were honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who walked shoulder-to-shoulder with us, adding her voice to the call for change. We also teamed up with our long-standing partners — NDLEA, UNODC, NYSC, media houses, student unions, and mental health professionals, because no one wins this fight alone.

This year’s global theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, rang true at every stop. But it wasn’t just the banners or the branded shirts that made it memorable. It was the people. The voices. The honesty.

We heard survivors speak raw truths. We listened to experts break things down. And we saw everyday Nigerians step up to say: enough is enough.

This wasn’t just a walk. It was a movement powered by real stories, real struggles, and a real desire for a better tomorrow. Because drug abuse dims potential. It steals light. And intoxication no be steeze.

We’re not stopping here. We’ll keep walking, keep talking, and keep showing up because every step counts, and every voice matters.