FLPOIF, NDLEA Deepen Community Engagement to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Ondo
The Flight Lieutenant Ohai Prosper Idonije Foundation (FLPOIF), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intensified efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development in Ondo State through community-based sensitisation programmes aimed at discouraging illicit farming.
The latest engagement, held in Eleyowo Community, focused on empowering women as key stakeholders in supporting the transition from illegal crop cultivation to legitimate and economically sustainable farming practices under the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Programme.
Speaking during the programme, the Head of the Alternative Development Unit of the NDLEA Ondo State Command, Mr. Julius Oyebode, praised the community for its commitment to the initiative and its willingness to embrace positive change.
According to him, Eleyowo has demonstrated remarkable cooperation among the participating communities, making significant progress in adopting lawful agricultural activities.
Oyebode emphasised the critical role women play in influencing family decisions and sustaining behavioural change within households. He urged them to encourage their husbands, sons, and relatives to remain committed to licit farming despite the economic challenges that may accompany the transition period.
He acknowledged that abandoning a previously profitable but unlawful venture could be difficult but assured participants that the long-term benefits of legitimate agriculture would outweigh the short-term sacrifices.
FLPOIF’s State Coordinator, Mrs. Aizohi Gbadamosi, explained that the foundation deliberately targeted women because of their strategic position in fostering stability, peace, and responsible livelihoods within their families and communities.
She noted that many families are currently navigating the difficult period between planting and harvest seasons after disengaging from illicit farming activities. As a result, she appealed to women to support their spouses and children and resist any pressure that could lead to a return to illegal cultivation.
Gbadamosi reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting participating communities, describing the initiative as a pioneering intervention designed to demonstrate how alternative development programmes can drive economic empowerment and social transformation.
She stressed that the success of the project depends on collective adherence to the guidelines established by the NDLEA and active community participation.
The traditional ruler of Eleyowo, Oba Adesina Agunbiade, described the programme as transformative, noting that it has contributed significantly to restoring peace and stability within the community.
The monarch highlighted the positive impact of ongoing agricultural support initiatives, including poultry production and pepper cultivation projects, and encouraged women to continue supporting their families’ farming activities.
He also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to extend future empowerment programmes to local farmers to further strengthen rural livelihoods.
Community members who participated in the programme shared personal experiences highlighting the social and economic challenges associated with illicit farming.
One resident, Mrs. Maria Samuel, recounted how involvement in illegal cultivation exposed her family to constant fear, uncertainty, and financial exploitation. She said the decision to abandon illicit farming has brought greater peace and stability to her household despite earning less income than before.
Similarly, Mrs. Gladys Joseph noted that farmers involved in the illicit trade were often exploited by buyers and lived under continuous anxiety. She expressed appreciation to the NDLEA for providing support and guidance during the transition to legitimate farming activities.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Maryam Umaru, commended both the NDLEA and FLPOIF for bringing renewed hope and opportunities to the community through the programme.
Stakeholders believe that the collaboration between FLPOIF and the NDLEA will further strengthen community participation in alternative development initiatives, improve household incomes, and contribute to sustainable rural development across Ondo State.
