BOLU-OLU ESHO Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has insisted that his administration would continue to maintain zero tolerance for drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, kidnapping, and other related offences. He said security of life and property and the rule of law remain the cornerstone of his government’s development agenda. Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in his office in Akure, Ondo State capital. The delegation led by Mr. Cheikh Toure, Country Representative of the UNODC, Nigeria Office, paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office. Aiyedatiwa declared that his administration placed premium on order, security and the rule of law, which form the first pillar of his administration’s seven-point agenda. He said that the state government has consistently supported security agencies through intelligence gathering, prosecution, logistics, and technical backing to strengthen the fight against crime. Aiyedatiwa said: “In recent times, we distributed about 75 hybrid vehicles to our security agents to aid their operations, especially in flashpoint areas across the state. “We have also given massive support to the NDLEA to tackle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, particularly cannabis, which grows freely in some parts of the state.” Speaking on his programmes, the governor explained there are Ondo State’s youth-focused initiatives, such as the One Youth, One Skill programme, which trains and empowers young people with vocational skills and startup grants, aimed at discouraging them from crime and fostering peace and productivity. He said: “Our ultimate goal is to build a resilient society where our youths are positively engaged and our communities live in peace and dignity. “That is why we are ready to partner with the United Nations and other stakeholders to tackle crimes collectively.” Mr. Cheikh Toure, therefore, commended the efforts of the Ondo State Government in the areas of security, economic development, and youth empowerment. He disclosed that the UNODC’s mission is not only to engage at the national level but also to work directly with states and local governments to ensure grassroots impact. The UNODC leaders noted that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of drug addiction globally, saying there’s need for preventive strategies. He suggested that there should be education at primary and tertiary levels, community-based interventions, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to address drug abuse, human trafficking, and financial crimes. Mr. Toure assured that the UNODC would explore more partnerships with Ondo State to strengthen youth resilience, enhance prosecution capacity, and reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and other crimes. He said: “Ondo State has shown commendable commitment, and we are here to see how best to consolidate our work at the grassroots level, especially in empowering young people and strengthening institutions to curb crime.” Present at the reception are 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, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye.