Gov Aiyedatiwa reiterates Ondo’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking, cybercrime

………Assures stronger support for security agencies as UN delegation visits

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, describing security and the rule of law as the foundation of his government’s development agenda.

The Governor gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by its Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Toure, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Akure.

Aiyedatiwa noted that security remains the first pillar of his seven-point agenda, stressing that his government has consistently supported security agencies through intelligence gathering, logistics, prosecution, and technical backing to strengthen the fight against crime.

“In recent times, we distributed 75 hybrid vehicles to security operatives to boost their operations, especially in flashpoint areas across the state. We have also extended massive support to the NDLEA in tackling illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, particularly cannabis, which grows freely in parts of Ondo State,” the Governor said.

He further highlighted youth empowerment as a key preventive tool against crime, citing initiatives such as the One Youth, One Skill programme, which provides vocational training and startup support to young people.

“Our goal is to build a resilient society where youths are productively engaged and our communities enjoy peace and dignity. This is why we are open to deeper collaboration with the United Nations and other stakeholders to address crime holistically,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. Toure commended the state government’s strides in security, economic growth, and youth development. He explained that UNODC’s focus is not only on national engagement but also on grassroots interventions with states and local governments.

Toure noted that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of drug addiction globally, underscoring the importance of preventive strategies such as education, community-based interventions, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to combat drug abuse, human trafficking, and financial crimes.

He assured that UNODC would explore more areas of partnership with Ondo State to strengthen youth resilience, enhance prosecution capacity, and reduce the prevalence of crime.

“Ondo State has demonstrated commendable commitment, and we are here to consolidate our collaboration at the grassroots level, especially in empowering young people and strengthening institutions,” he said.

Present at the meeting were 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.