Social activist Rector Pascal expands advocacy against substance abuse

Nigerian social activist and filmmaker Rector Pascal has continued efforts aimed at addressing substance abuse, homelessness and social exclusion through community-based advocacy and rehabilitation initiatives.

Pascal, whose real name is Pascal Ferdinand, founded the #WeAreNotThugs (WANT) initiative in 2015 to support vulnerable young people and challenge negative perceptions associated with substance use disorders.

The movement focuses on rehabilitation referrals, counselling support, community outreach, public awareness campaigns and health interventions targeted at individuals affected by addiction and related social challenges.

According to the organisation, the initiative was inspired by encounters with young Nigerians whose lives had been affected by substance abuse and economic hardship.

Through media projects and advocacy campaigns, WANT seeks to raise awareness about rehabilitation and social reintegration while promoting support for affected individuals.

Over the years, Pascal has participated in various community interventions, including medical outreaches, advocacy forums, documentary projects and partnerships involving healthcare professionals, community leaders and government agencies.

One of the programmes scheduled by the organisation is the Healthy Shitta Medical Outreach, billed for June 13, 2026, in Surulere, Lagos. The outreach is expected to provide healthcare services and wellness education to residents.

Outside his advocacy activities, Pascal serves as Chief Executive Officer of Rejulz Homecare, a healthcare services company based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

In 2025, he was nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award at the Masters of Industry (MOI) Awards, with organisers citing his work in social advocacy, media and community development.

Pascal said future plans for the #WeAreNotThugs initiative include expanding rehabilitation support programmes, increasing documentary and educational content production, and strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions and other stakeholders.

The initiative’s activities are focused on substance abuse awareness, rehabilitation support and social inclusion programmes across communities in Nigeria.