Ondo partners NDLEA to tackle drug abuse among youths

The Ondo State Government has said it is partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to tackle drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.

The partnership is expected to involve public awareness campaigns, community engagement, early intervention and drug-abuse prevention programmes across the state’s 18 local government areas.

The Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Youth and Social Inclusion, Henry Okunomo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday after a meeting with officials of the NDLEA in the state.

According to the statement, the meeting was led by the NDLEA State Commander, Folayemi Adeyemo Gabriel, and focused on areas of collaboration to address drug and substance abuse.

It said the proposed programmes would include public enlightenment campaigns, youth-focused prevention initiatives, community engagement and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

The statement added that Okunomo’s office would work with the agency to sustain awareness campaigns in schools, communities, youth organisations and other institutions across the state.

The statement read, “The meeting focused on strengthening institutional cooperation, youth-oriented drug prevention programmes, public enlightenment campaigns, community engagement, early intervention, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people and the general public.

‎”The partnership underscores the determination of the administration of His Excellency, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to prioritise youth development, social inclusion, public safety, and the overall well-being of citizens.

‎”As part of the proposed collaboration, the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Social Inclusion will work closely with the NDLEA to promote sustained awareness campaigns in schools, communities, youth organisations, and other relevant institutions across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.”

It also disclosed plans to incorporate drug-abuse prevention, awareness and referral services into the proposed Ondo State Youth Call Centre.

The call centre is designed to serve as a platform through which young people can make complaints, seek information, provide feedback and access government opportunities and support services.

Okunomo described drug and substance abuse as a threat to the future of young people and the development of society.

He said his office was committed to working with relevant agencies, particularly the NDLEA, to ensure that young people were informed, protected and guided towards productive activities.

The statement said the collaboration reflected the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to youth development, social inclusion and public safety.

It added that the initiative was intended not only to raise awareness about drug abuse but also to safeguard young people’s future and promote a healthier society.