Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has restated his administration’s determination to combat drug trafficking, cybercrime, kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities, describing security and the rule of law as central to his government’s agenda.
The governor made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by the Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Dr. Aiyedatiwa said his administration attaches great importance to law and order, noting that it remains the first pillar of his government’s seven-point development plan. He explained that Ondo State has continued to strengthen security agencies with support in intelligence gathering, logistics, prosecution, and technical assistance.
“In recent times, we distributed about 75 hybrid vehicles to our security agents to aid their operations, especially in flashpoint areas across the state. We have also given massive support to the NDLEA to tackle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, particularly cannabis, which grows freely in some parts of the state,” the Governor said.
Highlighting youth empowerment as a preventive strategy against crime, Aiyedatiwa pointed to initiatives such as the One Youth, One Skill programme, which trains young people in vocational skills and provides startup grants.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a resilient society where our youths are positively engaged and our communities live in peace and dignity. That is why we are ready to partner with the United Nations and other stakeholders to tackle crimes collectively,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Toure praised the state government for its efforts in promoting security, economic growth, and youth empowerment. He noted that while UNODC engages at the national level, its mandate also includes working directly with states and local governments to achieve grassroots impact.
Mr. Toure, who observed that Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest rate of drug addiction, underscored the importance of preventive approaches such as community-based interventions, inter-agency collaboration, and educational programmes at both primary and tertiary levels.
He assured that UNODC would deepen its partnership with Ondo State to enhance prosecution capacity, strengthen youth resilience, and curb drug abuse and other related crimes.
“Ondo State has shown commendable commitment, and we are here to see how best to consolidate our work at the grassroots level, especially in empowering young people and strengthening institutions to curb crime,” Mr. Toure stated.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Segun Omoyofunmi; and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye.
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