Governor pledges support as new commander seeks bigger rehab centre, tests
By Fisayo Akinduro & Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, pledged stronger government support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state, saying the fight against drug abuse must be treated as a critical part of the battle against insecurity.
Aiyedatiwa made the pledge when the newly deployed NDLEA State Commander, CN Folayemi Gabriel Adeyemo, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
The governor said drug abuse and trafficking could fuel criminality, noting that people under the influence of hard drugs could engage in acts outside their normal senses and cause harm.
He assured Adeyemo, whom he described as a son of the soil of support to enable him succeed in his new assignment.
Aiyedatiwa said the state government would consider the commander’s requests for financial support and operational mobility within its limited resources.
He said he would also examine the possibility of including the NDLEA in the monthly support provided to security agencies operating in the state.
He also announced plans to formally admit the new NDLEA commander into the State Security Council, saying the move would enable him to work with other security agencies in the collective fight against insecurity.
The governor commended the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), for his initiatives against narcotics, drug abuse and trafficking.
He particularly praised the agency’s alternative development programme aimed at encouraging cannabis growers in Ondo State to embrace legitimate agricultural activities.
Aiyedatiwa recalled Marwa’s visit to the state to flag off the programme, saying Ondo was chosen because of its reputation and fertile soil for cannabis cultivation.
He said the programme had brought the state government, NDLEA, traditional rulers, communities and farmers together, with farmers being educated rather than arrested.
The governor said the initiative would help convince people that they could make a living from legitimate agriculture instead of illicit activities.
He listed cocoa, palm, tomato and cassava among agricultural products providing alternative opportunities in the state.
Aiyedatiwa also endorsed the NDLEA’s sensitisation programmes and periodic drug tests in schools, stressing that young people should be prevented from experimenting with drugs in the first place.
“What you have not tasted, you don’t know how it looks like, so you won’t be hooked,” he said.
Earlier, Adeyemo said drug abuse and trafficking remained a serious threat to the health, security and future of youths and communities.
He pledged to strengthen enforcement, intensify sensitisation in schools, markets, motor parks and institutions, deepen collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders, and uphold professionalism, integrity and respect for human rights.
The new commander, who said he’s from ‘Eti oro, Supare Akoko, Akoko Southwest, Ondo state’, however, said the command required stronger logistical and institutional support to effectively discharge its mandate.
He appealed for the expansion of the existing rehabilitation centre, which he said could accommodate only 12 clients at a time and only men.
Adeyemo requested a gender-friendly facility capable of accommodating about 50 or more clients.
He also sought additional operational vehicles, saying the command currently had only five Hilux vehicles, some of which had been in use for more than 10 years.
According to him, the vehicles frequently break down after operations, resulting in additional repair costs.
He, however, appreciated the governor for the vehicle previously donated to the command, describing it as still the newest in its fleet.
Adeyemo further requested logistics support for extensive mobilisation and sensitisation across all local government areas in the state, particularly to prevent children from experimenting with drugs.
He also appealed for financial assistance to maintain existing logistics and support the daily running of the command.
The commander urged the governor to make drug integrity tests compulsory in all state tertiary institutions, saying the measure would deter students from engaging in drug use.
He also requested the appointment of a Special Assistant on Narcotics to serve as a link between the state government and the NDLEA on drug-related matters.
Adeyemo said Ondo State was supposed to have a Drug Control Committee and that the appointment would help make it viable.
He expressed confidence that with the governor’s support and cooperation from other stakeholders, the command would make Ondo State drug-free and a model for drug control in Nigeria.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; and Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa.
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