PRESS RELEASE
UNODC, ONDO STATE TO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING, CYBERCRIME
Ondo State is set to deepen collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, kidnapping, and other related offences.
This commitment was renewed on Thursday when Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa received a UNODC delegation led by Mr. Cheikh Toure, Country Representative of the agency’s Nigeria Office, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who restated that security and rule of law form the cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, assured that Ondo State would continue to provide intelligence, logistics, and technical support to security agencies. He also noted the distribution of 75 hybrid vehicles to security outfits and the government’s consistent support to the NDLEA in tackling illicit cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
Highlighting the youth empowerment initiative One Youth, One Skill, the Governor stressed that equipping young people with vocational skills and startup grants remains key to reducing crime and fostering peaceful communities.
Mr. Toure commended Ondo State’s commitment to security and youth development, noting that Nigeria ranks among the countries with high drug addiction rates. He emphasized the importance of preventive strategies, community-based interventions, and stronger inter-agency cooperation.
He assured that the UNODC would explore more partnerships with Ondo State to consolidate grassroots initiatives, empower young people, and strengthen institutional capacity to combat crime.
Also present at the meeting were the 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, and other members of the State Executive Council.
