The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded that the Lagos State Government withdraw Mandy Kiss’s appointment as an anti-drug ambassador. Mandy Kiss, whose real name is Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, was appointed as a brand ambassador for the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) initiative despite her previous controversial statements.
She had announced plans to pursue a Guinness World Record for engaging in mass sexual activity, which sparked widespread outrage and calls for her appointment to be revoked.
NANS described the appointment as “inappropriate and counterproductive,” arguing that Mandy Kiss’s actions and statements contradict the values of dignity, discipline, and responsibility that the anti-drug campaign seeks to promote. They believe that the appointment sends the wrong message to young people and undermines the credibility of the campaign.
NANS has called on the Lagos State Government to immediately withdraw Mandy Kiss’s appointment as LASKADA Ambassador and for the Commissioner to apologize to stakeholders, including students, parents, and youth advocates. They also recommend a transparent selection process for future ambassadors to ensure that they are credible and capable of inspiring young people positively.
NANS suggests that the 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.
“We strongly believe that 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, the state risks eroding public trust in an otherwise noble campaign.
The commissioner even came out to defend why they gave her the appointment, and we now ask, does he not know such appointment will make more youths to want to do bad things to get government honour? However, the Lagos State Government must immediately withdraw the appointment of Mandy Kiss as LASKADA Ambassador.
The Commissioner should 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 recommend 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.” a statement from Assistant Secretary General of NANS Comr. Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel on Friday night reads.
