The Lagos State Government has appointed social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, as a brand ambassador for its anti-drug initiative, Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA).

The announcement was made on Tuesday, September 30, by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, during an awareness event in Lagos.

In a video that quickly went viral, Ogunlende described drug abuse as a “pandemic” devastating Lagos communities, stressing the importance of partnering with influencers who can connect with younger audiences.

“The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible. Mandy Kiss has a large followership—over 400,000—so with the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. Say no to drugs,” Ogunlende said.

The appointment, however, sparked reactions due to Mandy Kiss’s past viral controversy. Earlier this year, she trended online after claiming she planned to sleep with 100 men in a single day to break a supposed record. The Guinness World Records quickly distanced itself from the claim, stating it does not monitor such challenges. Following backlash and calls for her arrest from some quarters, Mandy clarified that she had only been joking.

Defending the government’s decision, Ogunlende insisted that her influence could make a positive impact:

“Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect. As a brand ambassador to Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will reach the nooks and crannies of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic.”

The development has since stirred debate on social media, with some questioning the choice of ambassador, while others argue it reflects the government’s strategy of using relatable voices to drive social change.