FG, UNODC To Partner On Eradicating Drug Related Crimes

The Federal Government of Nigeria will partner the United Nations on initiatives to stem the tide of drug abuse, crimes and criminality across the country.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, in company of the SSA to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola and the SA to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring & Delivery), Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi disclosed this during a working visit to the United Nation’s Office on Drugs and Crime in Abuja.

The Country Representative of the UNODC, Mr. Oliver Stolp who appreciated the Minister for taking out time to pay a visit to the office of the Drugs and Crime control wing of the United Nations requested the support of the federal government on the numerous interventions of the global body, especially in the areas of youth engagement, drug abuse, cyber crime, and corruption.

On his part, the Minister spoke extensively on key initiatives of the Ministry of Youth Development, specifically introducing the Nigeria Youth Academy to the UNODC officials.

Olawande emphasised the significance of the project, particularly in tackling the problems the UN body is concerned with by engaging youths directly, emphasising that it is the only way young people will have a sense of belonging and feel connected to government.

He therefore solicited the support of UNODC towards engaging and empowering the youth and also creating the support necessary to take their minds off drugs, criminality, and other vices.