About the Foundation

Turning conviction into care.

The Oteji Foundation for Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness is a Nigerian non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and standing beside the young people and families it affects.

Our story

It began with a lawyer who kept seeing the same story.

In her work in and around Owerri, Oteji Ezera Agwu watched substance abuse quietly reshape young lives — and saw how often silence, shame, and lack of information made things worse. Time after time, the problem was not a lack of care, but a lack of early, honest intervention.

She founded The Oteji Foundation for Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness on a simple belief: with the right awareness and support at the right time, most harm is preventable. Today the Foundation carries that conviction into schools, homes, and communities across Nigeria.

Our mission

To help young Nigerians stay free from drugs and alcohol, and to support anyone who wants to stop — through teaching, open talk, and a community that cares.

Our vision

A Nigeria where every young person grows up healthy, supported, and free from drugs and alcohol.

What we stand for

Compassion first

We meet people with dignity, never judgment.

Honest information

Facts over fear — clear, evidence-based education.

Prevention-led

We act early, before harm takes hold.

Rooted in community

Change grows from families and neighbourhoods.

“Every young life is worth protecting. Prevention is the most powerful medicine we have.”

Oteji Ezera Agwu · Founder · Owerri, Nigeria

Leadership & trustees

A small board of professionals guiding the Foundation's work.

Oteji Ezera Agwu
Founder & Chair
Programs Director
Clinical Advisor
Community Lead

Be part of the story.

Support prevention, or reach out if you need help.