Gov Aiyedatiwa advocates inclusive development as tool against drug menace

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has urged the youths in the State to reject drug abuse and illicit activities and instead embrace skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and productive engagement as pathways to a meaningful and secure future.

The Governor made this call during the Renewed Hope Alternative Development Advocacy Mission Town Hall Meeting organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held in Akure, the State capital.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described drug abuse as a growing threat to the future of young Nigerians, noting that its consequences include rising crime, youth restiveness and the breakdown of societal values.

He stressed that sustainable solutions must go beyond enforcement to include economic empowerment and access to legitimate livelihood opportunities for young people.

He highlighted his administration’s deliberate focus on youth empowerment through skills acquisition programmes, vocational training, agricultural initiatives and business grants designed to transform young people from job seekers into job creators.

According to him, when youths are meaningfully engaged and economically empowered, the attraction to drugs and criminal activities is significantly reduced.

The Governor urged young people across the state to take advantage of government intervention programmes and the opportunities provided through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which promotes sustainable livelihoods, innovation and economic inclusion as alternatives to drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse.

He further assured that the Ondo State Government will continue to collaborate with the NDLEA and other stakeholders to expand awareness, prevention and rehabilitation programmes that directly target young people and vulnerable communities.

In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, lauded the agency for the initiative at a critical point where drugs have negatively affected society.

Kyari, represented by Regional Director, Southwest, Mrs Temitayo Alao, said the alternative development initiative directly addresses underlying causes such as hunger and poverty among the vulnerable.

The minister noted that the initiative will also address food security and job creation, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While describing the initiative as timely and strategic, he assured his ministry’s support in the fight against drug abuse and called on relevant stakeholders to ensure its success.

Launching the pilot alternative development project, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, said it is aimed at tackling illicit drug cultivation and fostering sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.

Describing the initiative as “a testament to the spirit of commonality,” Marwa said that solving societal crises requires collective action.

“We are here today to seize the opportunity. Finding a lasting solution requires everyone at the dialogue table: perpetrators, victims, mediators, regulators and law enforcement agents. This town hall meeting is designed to work together and agree on a community-centred approach to tackle illicit drugs and related environmental crimes,” he said.

Noting the scale of the challenge, Marwa cited the 2018 National Drug Abuse Survey, which reported that 14.4 million Nigerians aged 15–64 use drugs, one in seven ,fuelling criminal activities including terrorism, banditry and other crimes.

According to him, the pilot seeks to provide communities willing to abandon illegal crops, such as cannabis, with alternatives in food and cash crops, ensuring inclusivity, community ownership and long-term sustainability.

“Alternative development changes our relationship from enforcement to empowerment. We want a total shift from illicit cropping to productive cash and food crops,” he added.

Marwa assured participants that the initiative is not a pretext for arrests and highlighted NDLEA’s collaboration with the Nigerian Academy of Science on medicinal cannabis research.

He urged royal fathers, religious leaders, youths, women groups, market men and women, teachers and all stakeholders to support the initiative.

He stated that the pilot will commence in three pioneering communities in Ondo, with plans to scale nationwide.

“Amendments to the NDLEA Act are underway, with penalties for drug offences set to increase to 15–25 years,” Marwa stressed, adding that alternative development is a key project of his second tenure and an essential step towards building drug-free, prosperous and healthy communities.

 

The Coordinator, Alternative Development Unit, NDLEA, Mr Jonah Kolo raised serious concerns over the environmental and security consequences of illicit drug cultivation, noting that many individuals involved in illegal cropping resort to the practice purely as a means of survival.

According to him, large portions of Nigeria’s forests are being destroyed through deforestation and bush burning to pave the way for cannabis cultivation, adding that the agency believes that with access to viable alternative livelihoods, many of these individuals would abandon illicit farming activities.

Citing findings from the World Drug Report, the Kolo disclosed that cannabis remains the most widely used and abused drug globally, with Nigeria recording one of the highest consumption rate, projected to surpass those of the United States, Canada, and other countries where cannabis use is legally regulated.

He highlighted the devastating environmental impact of illicit cropping, including deforestation, forest fires, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

To address these challenges, the agency advocates a balanced approach combining strict law enforcement with alternative development initiatives aimed at empowering communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and protecting Nigeria’s environment.

The Deputy Director General, Partnership for Delivery And Scaling, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibdan, Dr Tahirou Abduolaye noted that the launch of the Authority Development Pilot Project, according to represents a significant milestone in the collective fight against illicit economies and their root causes.

Abduolaye, who was represented by Dr Noel Mulinganya, described the initiative as a clear demonstration of commitment to innovation, partnership, and sustainable solutions, particularly in addressing poverty, hunger, unemployment, and social vulnerabilities that often push individuals toward illegal activities.

He emphasized the institute’s long-standing experience in equipping farmers and young people with science-driven agricultural skills that generate income and employment.

He noted that exposing youths and farmers to economic opportunities across agricultural value chains has proven effective in creating sustainable livelihoods, reducing dependency on illicit activities, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

He reaffirmed IITA’s full support for the project, expressing confidence that it would yield early positive outcomes and long-term success, commending the collaborative approach adopted by stakeholders and expressed optimism that the initiative would serve as a model for similar interventions across Nigeria.

 

In his goodwill message, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye applauded the leadership and partners of the NDLEA for their determined efforts in combating drug abuse and its destructive consequences on society.

While commending Marwa for his visionary leadership, he stated that the agency has become more active, visible, and effective since he assumed office.

He observed that the renewed commitment of the agency has resulted in increased arrests and enforcement actions, significantly disrupting the activities of drug traffickers and peddlers who once operated freely.

According to him, the impact of drug abuse on communities has been devastating in the past, but recent efforts by the NDLEA have begun to restore hope and safety among the populace.

The Monarch called on the public to embrace lawful and productive alternatives, urging individuals involved in drug-related activities to key into the Authority Development Programme.

He assured the NDLEA of continued support and partnership, expressing confidence that the initiative would succeed and contribute meaningfully to national development.

 

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusol, who was represented by Director – General, Ondo Multi-door Court house, Dr Dickson Ogunfuyi, commended the NDLEA Chairman for his unwavering dedication to combating illicit drugs and drug-related crimes, praising the agency’s courage, professionalism, and innovative strategies, describing its efforts as deserving of national recognition.

He noted that the Authority Development Initiative represents a progressive and holistic approach to drug control, recognizing that drug abuse and trafficking are not solely law-enforcement issues but are deeply rooted in socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.

By addressing these root causes, the initiative aims to prevent crime, rehabilitate offenders, and promote social reintegration, especially among vulnerable youths.

Expressing the Judiciary’s full support, the Chief Judge emphasized the importance of balancing strict law enforcement with compassion, human dignity, and restorative justice.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Members of the State Executive Council.