Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reiterated his administration’s strong resolve to combat drug trafficking, cybercrime, and other criminal activities, stating that security is a top priority of his government.
Aiyedatiwa made the commitment during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by its Country Representative, Cheikh Toure.
The governor emphasised that security and the rule of law are the foundation of his administration’s seven-point development agenda.
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He highlighted several measures already taken by the state government, including the recent distribution of 75 hybrid vehicles to security agencies to boost their operational capacity.
The governor also mentioned significant support provided to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the cultivation and trafficking of illicit substances, particularly cannabis, which is prevalent in some parts of the state.
Aiyedatiwa also underscored the importance of youth empowerment initiatives, such as the “One Youth, One Skill” programme, which provides vocational training and grants to young people to deter them from a life of crime.
He expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the UNODC and other international partners to collectively address these challenges.
In his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, praised the Ondo State government’s commitment to security and youth development.
He noted that the UNODC is focusing on working directly with states to create a greater impact at the grassroots level.
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Toure highlighted the alarming rate of drug addiction in Nigeria and stressed the need for proactive strategies, including education and community-based interventions, to curb drug abuse and human trafficking.
He assured the governor that UNODC is keen on strengthening its partnership with Ondo State to enhance efforts in youth resilience, crime prosecution, and reducing drug abuse.
