The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse Initiative (LASKADA) to revoke the appointment of social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, widely known as Mandy Kiss, as its anti-drug ambassador.
In a statement released Friday night, NANS Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel, expressed strong disapproval, describing the choice as “inappropriate and counterproductive.”
According to the students’ body, Mandy Kiss recently attracted widespread criticism after openly making controversial remarks about engaging in mass sexual activity. NANS argued that such comments contradict the values of self-discipline, dignity, and responsibility that the LASKADA campaign seeks to uphold.
“The credibility of the messenger is as vital as the message. In this case, the choice of ambassador undermines the integrity of the campaign,” the statement read.
The group further questioned the decision of the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, who approved the appointment. NANS maintained that influence alone should not qualify someone for such a sensitive position, stressing that many young Nigerians—students, professionals, and credible influencers—would have been more suitable for the role.
NANS warned that the appointment could send the wrong signal to the youth, suggesting that controversial behavior might be rewarded with government recognition. The association called for the immediate withdrawal of the appointment, alongside an apology from the commissioner to students, parents, and youth advocates whose trust in the initiative has been affected.
It further recommended that future ambassadors be selected through a transparent process, prioritizing individuals with strong educational backgrounds, integrity, and proven positive influence.
“Government should engage credible students, reformed drug abuse survivors, youth leaders, professionals, and respected social media figures with clean reputations to champion this cause,” the group advised.
Reaffirming its support for efforts to combat drug abuse, NANS emphasized that it would not tolerate what it described as “misplaced priorities” that could undermine youth development.
“The health and future of Nigerian youth are too important to gamble with. The Lagos State Government must urgently correct this error for the sake of the campaign’s success and public confidence in its leadership,” the statement concluded.
