Ondo Partners NDLEA to Combat Drug Abuse Among Youths

The Ondo State Government has entered into a partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.

The collaboration is expected to focus on public awareness campaigns, youth-oriented prevention initiatives, community engagement, early intervention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles across the state.

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

The meeting, led by the NDLEA State Commander, Folayemi Adeyemo Gabriel, centred on strengthening institutional cooperation and developing joint strategies to address the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse.

According to the statement, Okunomo’s office will work closely with the agency to sustain sensitisation campaigns in schools, communities, youth organisations and other relevant institutions across all 18 local government areas.

The statement said the partnership reflected the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to youth development, social inclusion, public safety and the overall well-being of residents.

It added that the proposed initiatives would extend beyond public enlightenment to include early intervention and support for individuals affected by substance abuse.

As part of the arrangement, the government also plans to integrate drug-abuse prevention, awareness and referral services into the proposed Ondo State Youth Call Centre.

The facility is being designed as a platform where young people can lodge 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 broader development of society.

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

The initiative is expected to strengthen community-level participation in preventing substance abuse while improving access to information and support for vulnerable youths.

The state government said the collaboration would contribute to building a healthier society by addressing the risks associated with drug abuse through sustained awareness, prevention and early intervention.