Ajanaku’s sentiment captures the extraordinary shift taking place across the “Sunshine State” as the drug enforcement agency charts an alternative approach in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. “Alternative development changes our relationship from enforcement to empowerment,” Marwa explained during a town hall meeting in Akure. The country’s top drug enforcement administrator met with the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim leaders, and farmers. Aiyedatiwa backed the initiative, noting that productive engagements could sway Ondo residents from indulging in illicit drug use. Beyond government and civil society, the Alternative Development programme has buy-in from traditional rulers.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 08, 2026 06:40 UTC