Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s youth.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima pledged government backing for a partnership between the MTN Nigeria Foundation and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on a national substance use survey.
According to the Vice President, the initiative is critical to Nigeria’s survival, stressing that the Federal Government will take ownership of the project and ensure its outcomes translate into actionable policies.
He disclosed plans to establish a Project Management Office within his office to coordinate implementation, including data collection, inter-agency collaboration, and the eventual use of findings for targeted interventions across local governments.
Shettima emphasized that the survey would provide detailed, grassroots-level data to help authorities design effective strategies to combat drug abuse and related challenges affecting young Nigerians.
Officials from the MTN Foundation noted that the partnership aims to deepen collaboration with the government in driving national development and preserving the future of the youth population.
Similarly, the UNODC described the initiative as a strong signal of Nigeria’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and strengthening preventive frameworks through strategic partnerships.
The move is seen as part of broader efforts to address social challenges facing young people and build a healthier, more productive population.
Daily Times
