The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared zero tolerance for the possession, trafficking and consumption of hard drugs in the state, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Aiyedatiwa gave the warning in Akure during the public destruction of drug exhibits seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said the administration had intensified advocacy and awareness campaigns to curb the rising incidence of drug abuse, particularly among young people.
“This administration is taking proactive steps to tackle the menace through sustained sensitisation programmes and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. There is no room for hard drugs in our state,” he said.
He stressed that Ondo State would not tolerate the activities of individuals or groups involved in illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), represented by DCGN Ningi, said the destroyed exhibits were from cases that had been successfully prosecuted and concluded at the Federal High Court, Akure Division.
Marwa disclosed that a total of 83.35 tonnes of assorted illicit drugs were destroyed during the exercise. He said the substances were intercepted by NDLEA operatives between January 2017 and December 2024.
Also speaking, the NDLEA State Commander, Daniel Sallah, commended the state government for its support in the areas of welfare and logistics, which he said had strengthened operational effectiveness.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), youth organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
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