NANS Demands Withdrawal of Mandy Kiss as Lagos Anti-Drug Ambassador

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the appointment of Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as a brand ambassador for the Lagos State “Kick Against Drug Abuse” (LASKADA) campaign.

In a statement issued by its Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel, NANS commended the campaign but condemned the choice of ambassador as “inappropriate and counterproductive.”

The students complained that Mandy Kiss, shortly prior to her appointment, had made controversial public remarks about engaging in group sex, which went viral and attracted broad criticism. NANS argued that such utterances run contrary to the values of responsibility, dignity, and self-restraint that should be promoted by a public health campaign like LASKADA.

The credibility of the messenger is as important as the message, and in this case, the messenger undermines the message,” NANS said, questioning the wisdom of Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, who approved the appointment.

NANS contended that while social media influencers might be effective in reaching young audiences, such persons must possess not just visibility but also credibility, education, and a record of positive influence. It warned that the employment of contentious characters would reduce the drug abuse campaign to a joke and erode public trust in the initiative.

The body therefore demanded the outright cancellation of Mandy Kiss’s appointment, ordering the commissioner to apologize to stakeholders, including students, parents, and youth advocates, whose confidence in the initiative has been undermined.

NANS also recommended that future ambassadors be transparently selected from among credible students, reformed substance-abuse survivors, youth leaders, professionals, and responsible influencers who will motivate the youth through integrity and lived example.

“As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to supporting genuine efforts to curtail drug abuse,” Emmanuel said. “But we will never see youth development reduced to sensational headlines and misplaced priorities. The health and unity of our youths are too precious to be gambled with. The Lagos State government must correct this error in the interest of the campaign’s success and leadership credibility.”