The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has criticized the Lagos State Government over its appointment of Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as a brand ambassador for the state’s Kick Against Drug Abuse, LASKADA, initiative.
The students’ body described the decision as “inappropriate and counterproductive,” insisting that the appointment should be revoked immediately.
While acknowledging the importance of the LASKADA campaign, NANS argued that the choice of Mandy Kiss contradicts the very values the initiative seeks to promote. The group referenced a recent viral statement credited to Oluwadahunsi, in which she claimed she intended to engage in mass sexual activity to secure a Guinness World Record, remarks that sparked widespread public outrage.
According to NANS, such comments are incompatible with the principles of dignity, discipline, and responsibility required of a public health campaign ambassador.
In a statement issued by its National Assistant Secretary-General, Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel, the association stressed that the credibility of the messenger is as important as the message itself.
“The decision by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, to endorse Ayomiposi for this role raises serious concerns about judgement and due process,” the statement read.
NANS said further that: “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.
“We strongly believe that this appointment sends the wrong message at a time when the 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.
“To this end, the Lagos State government must immediately withdraw Mandy Kiss’s appointment as LASKADA Ambassador, and the Commissioner should apologise to Lagos residents, including students, parents, and youth advocates, whose trust in the campaign has been shaken.
“It is also important that a transparent selection process be instituted to ensure that future ambassadors are persons of integrity, credible, and capable of inspiring young people positively.
“So, 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.
“As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to supporting every effort aimed at curbing drug abuse. But 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. We call on the Lagos State Government to correct this error immediately in the interest of the campaign’s success and the credibility of leadership.”
