The Lagos State government has taken a bold and unexpected step in its public health campaign, naming social media influencer Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, widely known as “Mandy Kiss,” as a brand ambassador for the Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA) initiative.
This decision marks a new, unorthodox approach by the state to communicate the perils of substance misuse to its populace.
The announcement was formally made by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, during a LASKADA event. The moment was subsequently shared in a widely circulated video posted on Tuesday by X user #dammiedammie35, confirming the influential figure’s new role. Addressing attendees, Commissioner Ogunlende underscored the severe nature of the drug crisis gripping the state and made a direct appeal for community involvement.
Acknowledging the new partnership, the Commissioner emphasized the gravity of the social challenge they confront.
He stated, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.”
He further characterized the widespread problem as a pervasive threat to the fabric of society, declaring,
“Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.”
Mr. Ogunlende articulated the government’s need for unconventional support, noting that the administration cannot effectively tackle the endemic issue in isolation.
He highlighted the influencer’s substantial online following as a critical asset, explaining, “The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.”
Confirming the appointment with a formal decree, he concluded the announcement by saying, “With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”
This move comes on the heels of the socialite generating significant controversy following her earlier, widely publicized declaration. She had announced plans to stage a highly publicized and controversial marathon sex act with 100 men in a single day in Ikorodu, Lagos, with the purported aim of securing a Guinness World Record title.
The Guinness World Records organization was quick to distance itself from the proposed stunt, issuing a clarification that it does not endorse or monitor sexual activity as a recognized record category.
Although the influencer later attempted to dismiss her controversial declaration as a mere jest, the initial public outrage was palpable, with a segment of the public even calling for the intervention and punishment of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu.
Notwithstanding this checkered public history, the Commissioner expressed optimism that the new ambassador could be instrumental in disseminating the anti-drug message widely.
Reflecting on the concept of second chances, he addressed the issue of personal history at the event, affirming, “Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but again, as a brand ambassador to Legal State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will be able to reach the nooks and crannies, you know, of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic.”
Specific details concerning the scope of Mandy Kiss’s duties or any forthcoming campaign strategies have not yet been provided.
LASKADA is the state body mandated to spearhead a comprehensive, evidence based response to the growing threat of drug and substance abuse through consistent efforts in advocacy, public education, community engagement, policy influence, and research.
