NDLEA seeks govt support for bigger rehabilitation centre in Ondo

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By Segun Giwa
Akure, Aug. 24, 2026 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sought the backing of the Ondo State Government to expand its rehabilitation facilities in the state to tackle rising substance abuse.

The new NDLEA State Commander, Mr Folayemi Adeyemo, made the appeal on Monday during a courtesy visit to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.

Adeyemo said the existing rehabilitation centre could accommodate only 12 clients at a time and was designed for men.

He appealed to the state government to provide a “bigger and gender-friendly” facility capable of accommodating at least 50 clients.

The commander said the expansion becomes necessary in view of the growing need for rehabilitation and treatment of persons affected by drug abuse.

Adeyemo also requested additional operational vehicles for the command, saying, “some of the Hilux vehicles had been in use for more than 10 years.”

According to him, the ageing vehicles frequently develop faults during operations, resulting in high maintenance costs.

The commander also sought logistics support to intensify drug prevention and sensitisation campaigns across the 18 local government areas of the state.

He said the campaigns would target schools, markets, motor parks and other public places to prevent young people from experimenting with drugs.

Adeyemo further appealed to the government to make drug integrity tests compulsory in state-owned tertiary institutions as part of measures to discourage drug use among students.

“We are looking at a situation whereby his excellency can appoint Special Assistant on Narcotics, who will be a rallying point and mediating between the state government and the agency on matters that have to do with drugs.

“Ondo State is supposed to have a Drug Control Committee. So, with the SA on Narcotics, I think it will make it a viable one.

“I am very positive that with the support and the cooperation of your excellency and other stakeholders, the command will be able to achieve success during my tenure so as to make our dear state drug-free and a model for drug control in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking, Aiyedatiwa assured the NDLEA of the state government’s support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

The governor said drug abuse was closely linked to insecurity, noting that people under the influence of hard drugs could engage in criminal activities and constitute threats to society.

He said the state government would consider the commander’s requests for financial and operational support within the available resources.

Aiyedatiwa also said he would examine the possibility of including the NDLEA among security agencies receiving monthly support from the state government.

The governor announced plans to formally admit the new NDLEA commander into the State Security Council to enhance collaboration and information sharing among security agencies.

He commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, for initiatives aimed at combating narcotics, drug abuse and trafficking.

Aiyedatiwa particularly praised the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, which encourages cannabis growers to embrace legitimate agricultural activities.

He said the programme had brought together the government, traditional rulers, communities and farmers to promote alternative sources of livelihood.

The governor listed cocoa, oil palm, tomato and cassava as some of the legitimate agricultural opportunities available to farmers in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
GSD/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

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