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Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed resentment at the recent appointment of Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as ‘Mandy Kiss’, as a brand ambassador of the Lagos State “Kick Against Drug Abuse” initiative (LASKADA).
Comrade Adejuwon Emmanuel, Assistant Secretary General, NANS Headquarters, expressed a deep concern in a statement made available to Daily Independent, saying the establishment and mandate of LASKADA are laudable, but the choice of ambassador in the person of Mandy Kiss is both inappropriate and counterproductive.
The statement read, “Mandy Kiss, days before this appointment, publicly made statements about engaging in mass sexual activity, remarks that went viral and generated national outrage.
“Such pronouncements are inconsistent with the values of responsibility, dignity, and self-control that a public health campaign like LASKADA is meant to promote. The credibility of the messenger is as important as the message, and in this case, the messenger undermines the message.
The decision by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, to approve this appointment raises serious questions about judgment and due process. Influence alone cannot be the basis for such a sensitive role.
“While it is true that young people listen to influencers, the right ambassadors must combine influence with credibility, education, and a track record of positive impact. There are countless educated young Nigerians, students, graduates, professionals, and responsible social media influencers who command both visibility and respect, and who would have been far more deserving choices for this role.”
According to NANS, “…This appointment sends the wrong message at a time when government should be intentional about values, role models, and the future of Nigerian youth.
“By endorsing controversial figures with questionable conduct, the state risks trivialising the fight against drug abuse and eroding public trust in an otherwise noble campaign.”
NANS added that the appointment would be counterproductive and has the tendency to encourage more youths to want to do bad things to get government honour.
The association called on the Lagos State Government to immediately withdraw the appointment of Mandy Kiss as LASKADA Ambassador.
Furthermore, the association called on the Commissioner to apologise to stakeholders, including students, parents, and youth advocates, whose trust in the campaign has been shaken.also, A transparent selection process should be instituted to ensure that future ambassadors are educated, credible, and capable of inspiring young people positively.
“We recommends that the state government engage credible students, reformed substance-abuse survivors, youth leaders, respected professionals, and social media figures with clean reputations who can speak with authority and integrity.
The statement added, “As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to supporting every effort aimed at curbing drug abuse. However, we will never stand by and watch the struggle for youth development reduced to sensational headlines and misplaced priorities.”
It called on the Lagos State government to correct the error immediately in the interest of the campaign’s success and the credibility of leadership.
