The Ondo State Government has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people across the state.
The partnership was disclosed on Thursday by the Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Youth and Social Inclusion, Henry Okunomo, following a meeting with officials of the NDLEA in Ondo State.
The meeting, led by the state NDLEA Commander, Folayemi Adeyemo Gabriel, focused on strengthening cooperation through public enlightenment, community engagement, early intervention and youth-focused prevention programmes.
Under the proposed arrangement, awareness campaigns will be extended to schools, communities, youth organisations and other institutions across all 18 local government areas of the state.
The government also plans to incorporate drug-abuse prevention, awareness and referral services into the proposed Ondo State Youth Call Centre.
The facility is expected to provide young people with a platform to seek information, make complaints, offer feedback and access government support services.
Okunomo described substance abuse as a major threat to the future of young people and said his office would work with the NDLEA and other relevant agencies to promote healthier lifestyles and protect vulnerable youths.
The collaboration forms part of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s broader efforts to promote youth development, social inclusion and public safety.
