A non-governmental organization, the Flight Lieutenant Ohai Prosper Idonije Foundation (FLPOIF), collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday to mobilize rural women in Ondo State, urging them to guide their families away from illicit farming of hard drugs.
Sensitization Programme in Eleyowo Community
The sensitization event took place in the Eleyowo Community, emphasizing the crucial role women play in influencing their husbands, brothers, and sons to abandon illegal cultivation and adopt legitimate agricultural livelihoods provided through the NDLEA Alternative Development Programme. This initiative specifically targets communities where Indian hemp farming had previously become an underground economic mainstay.
NDLEA Commends Community Cooperation
Speaking during the programme, Julius Oyebode, Head of the Alternative Development Unit at the NDLEA Ondo State Command, praised the community for its cooperation and commitment. He stated, "We are happy with the efforts of the community. Among the three communities involved in the programme, you are the best so far. You women are very important in the family. You can influence your husbands to stop what is wrong and embrace what is right. We know it is not easy to stop something that once brought money, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel." Oyebode explained that the FLPOIF visit aimed to encourage women to support their families during the transition from illicit farming to legitimate agricultural activities.
FLPOIF Encourages Women's Role
The state coordinator of FLPOIF, Aizohi Gbadamosi, noted that the organization decided to engage women due to their strategic role in sustaining peace and lawful farming within homes and communities. She said, "We know this period is difficult because there is no harvest yet and many families are struggling financially after disengaging from illicit farming. That is why we are appealing to women not to pressure their husbands into returning to the Indian hemp business. To enjoy the benefits of licit farming, we must abide by the guidelines put in place by the NDLEA. This project is a pilot project in Nigeria; women of the community need to join hands with their husbands to ensure it succeeds." Gbadamosi assured the community that the foundation would continue to support them, highlighting that this project is the first of its kind in the country.
Community Leader's Support
The Olu of Eleyowo, Oba Adesina Agunbiade, described the programme as impactful, noting it had restored peace to the community. He remarked, "The poultry programme they gave us is flourishing, and our pepper farms are growing well. I want the women to support their husbands on the farms." The monarch also appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to include local farmers in future empowerment initiatives.
Residents Share Positive Testimonies
Residents shared testimonies on how illicit farming negatively affected their families. Maria Samuel said her family lived in constant fear and had nothing to fall back on while her husband was involved in illicit farming. She recounted, "Whenever buyers came, they sometimes carried our goods without paying. We were suffering despite the risks. My family and I were living in fear. My father almost came to remove me from my husband's house because whenever we have information that NDLEA officers are around, we run away from our homes. But nowadays, since we have declined from planting, my home is peaceful. We realized that with the little we have, we are happier than the plenty without our rest of mind. With that, I will keep encouraging my husband to stop so we can live peacefully." Another resident, Gladys Joseph, stated, "Since the NDLEA introduced this programme, we no longer run in fear. We appreciate the agency for the assistance they gave to us during this farming season." Maryam Umaru expressed gratitude to the NDLEA and FLPOIF, noting that the initiative had brought peace and hope to the community.
