Born on 18th June, 1990, Kenneth Anetor Sokei is a Nigerian continental anti-drug advocate, counsellor and consultant for the National Assembly of Nigeria – Joint Committee on Narcotic Drugs.
Who is Kenneth Anetor? (a.k.a Kenas)
He is the co-founder and Executive Director of A New Thing International Foundation certified by the United Nations (UN) office on Drugs and Crime. He is an Ordained Pastor in Christian Brethren Ministry worldwide and gospel recording artist. Anetor is also the national treasurer of the National Almond Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NAPPMAN).
Interests
Kenas has undying passion about Children, Civil Rights, Social Action, Education, Health, Social Services and Economic Empowerment.
Skills
A rare knack is skill attained over time and special to possess. Kenneth’s are Addiction Counseling, Pastoral Counselling, Team Leadership, Project Management, Health Advocacy, Government Advocacy and Youth Advocacy.
Journey to attaining a Nicotine free universe
Kenneth has carried out multiple impactful projects in different geo-political zones of Nigeria including Abuja, Niger, Kebbi, Nasaarawa, Sokoto, Imo and Ebonyi.
These projects are;
Directorate of Civil Military Relations (DCMR) 2022 workshop series training at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) with officers’ wives and children at Nigerian Airforce (HQ NAF), HQ TAC Makurdi, Benue, HQ MC Yenagoa, Bayelsa, LC Lagos, HQ GTC, Enugu, HQ SOC Bauchi, and NAF Kaduna.
Training of 100 youths in Ishielu L.G.A of Ebonyi state. Each youth was empowered with 20 thousand Naira each after the Program in partnership with Senator Obinna Ogba Chairman senate committee on Youth and Sports.
Training of 200 youths in Chanchanga L.G.A of Niger, Argungu L.G.A in Kebbi, and secondary school youths in Sokoto North L.G.A. This is partnership with the Senate committee on Youth and Sport, each youth was empowered with 23 thousand Naira after the Program.
Youth Cash empowerment program in Ebonyi, Kebbi, Imo and Niger state. Additionally, a Drug sensitisation for adolescents and teenagers in Ado, Nassarawa state.
Where Did Kenneth Anetor Attain Education?
Nursery Igbinedion Education Center, Benin
Primary Our Ladies of Apostles, Yaba.
Lagos Olumawu Primary School, Abuja
Secondary Funtaj International School, Abuja
Igbinedion Education Center, Benin Ladela Day
Post secondary Abti American University of Nigeria, Adamawa
A’ Level Global International college, Abuja
Pre-Degree – Madonna University college, Rivers
Degree B.A of Arts in Journalism and mass communication from Sikkim Manipal University, Ghana (University).
Trainings & Courses
United Nations office on Drugs and crime Drug Prevention Treatment and Care Sensitization Training
Harvard medical School Understanding Addiction, Identification, Counseling and Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
World Health Organization Leadership and programme management in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
A New Generation Foundation International (ANTIF)
ANTIF started in 2015 as a youth focused social action group. It has since grown into an international organization helping youth divert their latent energy from drug abuse, gender violence and other social vices. It helps them channel their energies towards growth, holistic development and Unity. For instance, 1 in every 7 Nigerians uses drugs; amongst every 4 Users 1 is female. With only 77 drug treatment centres, 1 in every 20 people being treated is a woman. Moreover, this is without strategic intervention, so Nigeria will have a large number of women with problematic drug usage, the future mothers of our nation.
As a youth advocate, Anetor created an anti-drug cause and influenced other youths to lead a drug-free life. He organizes his own anti-drug initiatives, and has got the opportunity to be involved at international forums, to promote a drug-free world. He has also travelled to Pakistan to be trained in anti-drug policies. Through his advocacy, he has generated a great community awareness and involvement to support Nigeria’s zero tolerance approach to drugs. For he is grateful for this pre-assumed responsibility and opportunity to provide assistance to Nigerian lawmakers and MDAs. Thereupon, they prepared new legislation and implementation modalities in various instances. These include the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism National Framework and Action Plan, et cetera. The Foundation focuses on empowering youth, engaging communities, creating development work plans on education, skill development and employment facilitation.
Does Kenas Also Support Youth Through ANTIF?
They also support youth participation in activities aimed at preventing violent extremism. This is through prioritizing meaningful engagement mechanisms, sensitization at the national, state and local level. This involves legislators and relevant MDAs as well. Since 2020, ANTIF has provided comprehensive drug education and mentoring for vulnerable people. These include the displaced, leveraging online and mobile technology. It came with understanding of the 2015 Amman Declaration on Youth, Peace and Security.
Today, Anetor and team have partnered with The House Of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs under National Assembly Nigeria. The two have renewed commitment and encouragement to continue serving Nigeria. They address the bundle of challenges associated with narcotic drug demand and supply especially in the north East and South. They also emphasize the protection of women and children from sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation (SRHR). Alignment of policies with International standards are not left out either. This includes the implementation of UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The organization believes that youths are the future. Under Kenneth’s Leadership, the organization has secured partnership with;
Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
United Nations office on drugs and crime (U.N.O.D.C)
Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
House of Representatives committee on Narcotic Drugs, National Assembly
Citizenship and leadership training centre (Man ‘O’ War)
Nigerian Youth Parliament
Drug Free World International
Awards And Achievements
Exceptional Impact Award by the South East Youth
Best Of The Weeks Fellows Nigeria
Chairman Honourable Amb. Dr. Francis Agbor.
How does one join this global movement?
Bryan Morel Publications is supporting Anetor’s cause by disseminating anti-drug abuse messages. This is possible through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within their circle of influence. For they call upon other advocates all over the world to serve as docents for anti-drug abuse events. Kenneth Kenas is endowed with a social aura to himself and open to interactions and ideas from all over the world. You can access him via these public platforms; Instagram @king_kenas Twitter @SOS_Kenas Facebook Kenneth Kenas Anetor.