The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the appointment of Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as brand ambassador of the Lagos State “Kick Against Drug Abuse” (LASKADA) initiative, describing the choice as “inappropriate, counterproductive, and a betrayal of public trust.”
In a statement signed by Comrade Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel, Assistant Secretary General of NANS Headquarters, the student body expressed outrage that Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, approved the appointment despite Mandy Kiss’s recent viral remarks on mass sexual activity, which had sparked national outrage.
“Such pronouncements are inconsistent with the values of responsibility, dignity, and self-control that 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,” NANS said.
The group accused the Lagos State Government of trivialising the fight against drug abuse by endorsing controversial figures with questionable conduct.
“Does the Commissioner not know such an appointment will make more youths want to do bad things to get government honour? What attribute does she possess that qualifies her as an ambassador? What are Nigerian youths meant to learn from her?” the statement queried.
NANS demanded the immediate withdrawal of Mandy Kiss’s appointment, insisting that the Commissioner apologise to stakeholders, including students, parents, and youth advocates.
It further called for a transparent selection process to ensure future ambassadors are “educated, credible, and capable of inspiring young people positively,” recommending that the government engage students, reformed substance-abuse survivors, youth leaders, respected professionals, and social media influencers with clean reputations.
“As the voice of Nigerian students, we will never stand by and watch the struggle for youth development reduced to sensational headlines and misplaced priorities. The unity and health of our youth are too important to be gambled with,” NANS added.