Nigerians have been advised to accept freed ex-prison inmates back into the society without suspicion as they have been made to go through reformatory and rehabilitation programmes that have made them no longer dangerous.
The advice was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade during a familiarization tour to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Headquarters in Abuja.
She said that the public should welcome and accept ex-offenders, stressing that the inmates have gone through various reformatory and rehabilitation programmes while in custody there-by making them changed and better citizens.
She expressed satisfaction on Inmates welfare particularly their mental health while in custody and the vocational skills programme which gives them good sense of belonging.
She said “my dream for Nigerian Correctional Service is, no offender will go back the same or worse,” while expressing satisfaction on the reformatory and rehabilitation programmes of inmates which help them to be self-employed upon discharged.
Akinlade charged the public to stop stigmatizing ex-offenders; saying rather they should assist in their re-integration to the society as they have a lot to offer to the development of the society.
She said Correctional Staff are doing a lot to see that inmates don’t go back to the society the same way they came, she enjoined members of the public to complement the efforts of NCoS.
Akinlade also said she is passionate about Correctional Service and appeal to the management and Staff to cooperate with her to achieve great height and pledged to put in her all to ensure that the service is well recognized globally.
She called on the Service to blow their trumpets and publicize its activities to the world through documentaries and TV shows so that the society can appreciate and support their efforts.
The PS also promised to promote staff welfare in other to get the best out of them, stressing that ‘’welfare for the inmates, welfare for the staff, let’s start with the staff. If you don’t take care of the Correctors, you will not get Corrections, no morals- no result.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa enumerated the challenges and prospects of the Service. He reiterated his commitment to the welfare of both inmates and staff.
Immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON, has felicitated the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on the occasion of his 60th birthday anniversary.
Elumelu in a statement on Monday June 19, 2023 thanked God for adding another victorious year to the age of the Governor and said that Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has continued to be a symbol of service to God and humanity.
Elumelu maintained that Oborevwori has used the greater part of his life in full dedication and commitment to the people, saying that he has continued to be an epitome of blessing, a beacon of hope and succor to so many.
“It is with a heart full of joy and thanksgiving to God that I heartily felicitate you, Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, on the occasion of your 60th birthday today.
“You are indeed a blessing, beacon of hope and succor not only to Delta State but also to humanity at large having made yourself available as a vessel in God’s hands in the mission to take our dear State to a greater height.
“Unarguably, your love, continued selfless service and unwavering commitment towards the wellbeing of the people earned you a place in history as the longest-serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and overwhelming election as the Governor of Delta State in the 2023 general elections.
“I urged you not to relent in your passion and commitment to the people and to remain a channel of blessing and joy by further applying your skills and uncommon vision towards the fulfillment of the lofty dreams of our State.
“I sincerely rejoice and congratulate you on this auspicious occasion and fervently pray to God to grant you many more years with good health, wisdom, strength; and continue to make you a source of joy and hope to many to the Glory of His Name and service to humanity.
“Happy birthday Your Excellency!.” Elumelu stated.
The Government of Italy has invested over $14 million in the last one year on risk disaster management and sustainable development in West Africa.
The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo said this at the inauguration of the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre in Abuja on Thursday, a project which the Italian government donated $200,000 towards.
De Leo said his country’s investment has been through the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
He said: “The Government of Italy is particularly proud of the cooperation in this sector with ECOWAS, United Nations Office for Disaster and Risk Reduction, International Center for Environmental Monitoring, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Over the last year Italy has invested, through UNDRR, more than 14 million dollars to support a better understanding of risk, the real impact of disaster, how these disrupt the socio-economic system and the possibility for a sustainable development.”
The ambassador disclosed that the Italian government looked to increasing the strategic role of Africa in tackling global challenges, with great attention to the growing leadership of the African Union and its regional organisations.
The envoy revealed that Thursday event was dedicated to the Disaster Operation Centre of ECOWAS, the fourth centre of the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
He noted that the centre in ECOWAS would play a key role in multi-hazard monitoring and early warnings for floods, extreme weather, droughts, and food insecurity in the region.
He said: “The roadmap to establish a continental mechanism is still long, but the network of cooperation is widening.
“It is crucial to step up and to deepen relationships also in facing together the challenges of sustainable economic development, protection of climate change and policies for disaster reduction,” insisting that: “The close interconnection of all these challenges is evident to all of us.”
He stressed that event provided an important moment to reflect on specific commitments to take together to promote safer and resilient communities, adding that it also provided commitments to put in place an effective continental mechanism to enhance data access and exchange across the region and the continent.
In her remarks, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, expressed the gratitude of ECOWAS to the Italian government for the significant contribution and steadfast commitment to the project.
She said the centre would be linked to established centres in the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development – Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (IGAD- ICPAC) in Nairobi, and the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) in Niamey.
Sarr said: “We gather to mark a significant milestone – the inauguration of the Regional Disaster Operations Centre within our Department of Human Development and Social Affairs.
“This centre, a testament to the generous contributions of the Government of Italy, the CIMA Foundation, and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, is outfitted with the free, open-source platform, myDEWETRA, which will significantly enhance our capacity to monitor, analyse, and exchange disaster risk data.” myDEWETRA is a real-time system for hydro-meteorological forecasting and monitoring.”
The commissioner said the commission had emerged as a vital aspect in driving Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, in strengthening the regional ability to tackle cross-border challenges.
She said: “Through partnerships and collaborations, we have made considerable strides in supporting member states and fostering resilient communities.
“By 2030, we aspire to substantially augment the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information.”
On her part, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Mami Mizutori, said DRR required the contribution of all partners.
She further said all ECOWAS member states would be able to contribute and receive fundamental support, noting that. “This effort would not have been possible without the generous support of the Government of Italy, to whom we are grateful.
“The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction is proud to have played a role in establishing this centre by providing both technical and staffing support and we will continue this support moving forward to help the centre reach its full potential.”
The UN representative said the establishment of the ECOWAS Disaster Operations Center, as a core element of the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System, was an important milestone in achieving the Early Warnings for All initiative.
She, however, said the UNDRR was committed to helping all countries achieve this level of resilience.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Ahmed, who also spoke at the event, said management of disaster risks could not be actualised without an efficient coordination mechanism.
He noted that effective early warning systems for anticipatory early actions were needed.
Ahmed said: “The West African sub-region like any other Sub-Saharan Economic Groups is faced with different hazards scenarios that have posed serious threat to the human population, the environment, infrastructure, and means of livelihood based on the hazards manifestation into disasters that are trans-boundary in nature.. The establishment of the Centre in the region is quite commendable considering the location of West African sub-region in the Sahel Zone with its associated disturbing physical and human development indices.”
He insisted that: “Most of this area are characterized by fragile ecosystem and economy that are exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and climate change phenomenon, poverty, insecurity, political unrest, terrorism and banditry. These have undermined community resilience to shocks and stress with varying degree on demographic structure of the zone consisting of women, children, the elderly, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.”
The European Union on Thursday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create enabling environment for private sector to thrive in the country.
The Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, Samuela Isopi gave this advice while briefing journalists on the coming Afro-Euro runway in Abuja.
The runway, which is slated for Friday June 16 is organised by EU member states in collaboration with the Abuja Fashion Academy.
Isopi expressed the readiness of the EU to work with the present administration to ensure the success of the private sector, especially in the area of fashion.
Isopi while noting that the EU would be working with Nigerian institutions to build the fashion industry, said: “I hope the new administration will help partner with the private sector to help create an environment where we can really help the sector in general.”
She added that: “Textile is one of those because it really creates a lot of jobs. So this is our first objective.
“My role and that of our member states is to create the platform and then it is up to the Nigeria private sector and of course private companies from Europe.”
Speaking on the coming Afro-Euro runway, Isopi said: “The very first edition of a special event, the afro Euro runaway fashion show will hold on June 16, 2023.
“When I arrived Nigeria a few years ago, I said we should try and see how we can really facilitate dialogue between cultures using fashion.
“Together with our partners, we were able to put together what I consider to be an extraordinary initiative because it brings together so many talents.”
Speaking at the program, a renowned fashion designer, Paolo Sisiano, hailed the seven finalists, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity given to them.
Sisiano said: “I want to appreciate the EU for this because it is such one realistic opportunity for the seven designers that are going into this.
“It sort of propels the next five years of your life and you need to take advantage of it. Nigeria is aware of talents and there are so many things that we bring into fashion in terms of innovation.”
Seven finalists will compete on Friday and four winners would be selected.
Four inmates in the Kwale Custodial Centre have regained their freedom from the prison by the Delta State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Theresa Dai while additional four were granted bail.
Speaking during the second quarter prison visit to Kwale custodial centre, Honourable Justice Dai said that a total of 293 warrants were reviewed.
She explained that in the next legal year, cases would be filed in their original jurisdiction with a view to referring to the old system.
Justice Dai , however, commended the stakeholders including the deputy controller of prison in the custodial centre, the security agents, Nigerian Bar Association and the Judges as well as the zonal officers for their commitment to duty.
She hinted that she would give award to the judges in the centre for their outstanding performance and assured that every hard work would be rewarded.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen, one of the released inmates,a female, Miss Precious Obinna stated that she was accused of murder of a little boy around the residence of her boyfriend at Abbi in Ndokwa West local Government Area of Delta State.
Miss Precious Obinna, who is from Orlu in Imo State said that the child died a day before she visited her boyfriend, adding that she was wrongly accused and remanded in the prison since March 22, 2023 after she was arrested by the State CID .
While calling on children to always listen and obey their parents and abstain from immoral life style, Precious Obinna said that she had learnt her lessons by going into relationship with the boy against the advice of her mother.
-Left to right is the Solicitor-General/ Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Omamuzo Erebe in a heart to heart discussion with Hon Justice Godwin Briki-Okolosi of High Court 2 Asaba on the occasion of the Chief Judge of Delta State Hon Justice Theresa Diai second quarter visit to Kwale custodial centre
The United Nation World Food Programme (WFP) is spending $2.5 billion in the next four years to assist Nigeria in combating hunger and malnutrition.
This is was revealed in Abuja on Wednesday during a joint press conference by WFP and the Ministry of Humanitarian Disaster Management and Social Development to announce the WFP Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027.
The WFP Representative and Country Director, David Stevenson said Nigeria’s most vulnerable people continue to suffer critical levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, driven by persistent conflict, organised violence, recurrent climate shocks and broad exposure to the impact of climate change.
He lamented that one in three households in Nigeria cannot afford nutritious food and more than 100 million people report at least moderate food insecurity, further decrying that the severity and scale of regionalized crises have been compounded by the global food supply crisis, which has hampered Nigeria’s economic recovery from the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.
He disclosed that the WFP Nigeria CSP covers the Northeast, Northwest and states hosting Cameroonian refugees with a total budget of USD 2.5 billion for five years.
He said: “To address the challenges posed by the deteriorating food and nutrition situation, WFP will integrate its dual mandate by working on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, applying targeted emergency responses that save lives while opening shock-responsive pathways to rapid recovery and resilience using a gender transformative, nutrition mainstreaming, climate smart, and conflict sensitive approach.
Stevenson noted that WFP focuses on crisis response, resilience building and addressing the roots causes of food insecurity and malnutrition and includes five fully integrated outcomes.
He revealed that 4.3 million people require food assistance during the lean season (June – August). of which 522,367 will be in the ‘emergency phase’ (Phase 4), noting that recurrent climate shocks with widespread crop loss from flooding, unprecedented food inflation and conflict have contributed to the deterioration of the situation. A quadrupling of severe acute malnutrition to 700,000 and 600,000 in Phase 4 emergency conditions.
He further noted that 2 million children with malnutrition 697,000 children with with severe acute malnutrition
He said to respond to the needs, WFP will increase the number of people assisted with lifesaving food assistance from one million now in February to 2.1 million during the peak of the lean season before scaling down during the harvest period. The rest of the food security actors plan to assist 700 thousand people, noting that this will leave a gap of 1.5 million people not assisted.
He added that WFP will use in-kind food, electronic voucher or cash to provide the assistance. The transfer modality selection will be informed by multisectoral assessment which will consider market functionality, protection risks, government regulations, availability of financial infrastructures, beneficiaries’ preference and how the modality contributes to resilience supporting food systems or connecting farmers to markets.
He reiterated that WFP’s total funding requirement for 2023 is USD 473 million of which US$400 million is to provide lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable people in Northeast Nigeria, adding that WFP urgently requires USD 255.5 million to meet assistance needs for the next six months (March to August 2023).
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo noted that the partnership that has existed between the Ministry and WFP has been very cordial and has achieved several milestones in the humanitarian space, stressing that: “This meeting is important to the Ministry not only to discuss the success stories from this partnership but to chart a course that will continue to strengthen the provision of enabling environment, demonstration of application of the principle of whole of society and whole of government approach in humanitarian delivery.”
He said the new five years plan made provision for WFP to expand its areas of assistance to the Northwest and refugees camps in Nigeria instead of the Northeast previously covered.
Nigeria and India have taken a tough step to combat trafficking in illicit drugs between the two countries, with a historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India
Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) who signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency said the move represents a robust partnership in the effort to exterminate incidences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the two countries.
He said: “This bold step taken by the two agencies is an affirmation of our foresight and commitment to the task of ensuring the safety of our citizens and the global community at large. Today’s development constitutes a fundamental step towards positioning the two countries, India and Nigeria, at the forefront of confronting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks with brazen capabilities of outmaneuvering legitimate drug law enforcement.
“With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world working assiduously to curb the menace knows that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
“The governments of both countries remain committed to eradicating the problem posed by illicit substances, notably synthetic opioids and Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) which pose a potent threat to our citizens.”
Marwa, while acknowledging the courage exhibited by the two agencies in the course of past meetings that culminated in the MoU, he stressed that the partnership will impact greatly on efforts to prevent “illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and related matters” between the two countries.
In his remarks, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Indian delegation, Ambassador Shri Balasubramanian, who signed on behalf of his country, noted the enormous negative impact of drugs on global financial and political systems, adding that proceeds of drug trafficking are often directed towards terrorism financing.
The envoy observed that drug trafficking does not only affect the health of the individual that consumes it but equally the economy of the country as well as national security. He advised that both countries should take advantage of their similar demographic advantage to address substance use problems.
Balasubramanian noted that the liberal trade relations and educational advantages enjoyed by both countries has been negatively applied to further criminal drug trade, urging that all hands must be on deck to ensure that merchants of death do not succeed in their evil trade. He pledged the commitment of the Indian Government to ensure the enforcement of the provisions of the MoU.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is deploying 95 Election Observers to the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone holding on June 24.
A statement on Wednesday said: “The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has approved the deployment of 95 Election Observers (Long and Short-Term – LTOs/STOs) to observe the 24th of June Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone.”
According to the statement, this is in line with provisions of Articles 12 to 14 of the 2001 regional Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance on assistance to member States holding elections.
The statement also disclosed that ECOWAS has provided Sierra Leone with US$500,000 financial support for the elections.
The Election Observation Mission (EOM) will be led by Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, a former ECOWAS Commission President and ex-Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office in West Africa and the Sahel, with Ansumana Ceesay, former ECOWAS Representative in Liberia and Guinea-Bissau to serve as Deputy Head of Mission, the statement revealed.
The statement also disclosed that the Mission will be assisted by an ECOWAS Technical Team to be led by Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
The statement said: “The 15 LTOs, who depart for Freetown on 15th June, will be led by Serigne Mamadou Ka, Acting Head of the ECOWAS Election Assistance Division (EAD). The team comprises experts in election administration, gender, conflict management, security, legal and constitutional issues, and the media.
“From 20th June, the LTOs will be joined by 80 STOs drawn from the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee, Member States, Foreign Affairs Ministries and Electoral Management Bodies, the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, Community institutions (Parliament and Court of Justice), Civil Society Organizations, the Media, and election observers.”
Thirteen candidates from 17 registered political parties are vying for the Sierra Leone presidency, including incumbent President Julius Maada Bio, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The SLPP defeated the then ruling All People’s Congress (APC), in the last presidential election in 2018.
Some 135 Parliamentary and 493 Local Council seats will also be in contention on 24th June.
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) registered 3,374,258 voters for the 2023 elections out of an estimated population of 8.7 million.
Voting is expected to take place in 11,832 polling stations within 3,630 polling Centers across the 16 electoral districts nationwide from 7:00am to 5:00pm local time.
According to the statement, the deployment of the Election Observation Mission is a follow-up to the joint ECOWAS and African Union pre-election fact-finding Mission to Sierra Leone from 12th to 14th April 2023.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo on their emergence as presiding officers of the 8th Delta Assembly.
Oborevwori while congratulating the leaders, reiterated his readiness to partner with the legislature to ensure full implementation of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
He stated this when he received the new Speaker, his deputy and their spouses on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Asaba.
The governor who underscored the importance of executive- legislative relations in a constitutional democracy, said he would leverage on his experience as a former speaker of the State House of Assembly to ensure continued partnership with the legislature.
Oborevwori who expressed confidence in the ability of the 8th Assembly to meet the expectations of Deltans, said; “I have no doubt in my mind that the 8th Assembly will perform very well.
“The returning members that we served together are very experienced, knowledgeable and have the capacity to do well.”
He advised the new leadership to carry all members along and work for the unity of the state, saying, “you are first among equals and you are a witness to how I was able to manage the 6th and 7th Assembly as the longest serving Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
“Manage your colleagues very well and you will have no problems with them. Delta State is a peaceful state and we will continue to remain united for the peace and progress of this state.
“As we have promised Deltans, we will run a transparent administration with full adherence to separation of powers and we will continue to partner together to advance this state to greater heights,” Oborevwori said.
Earlier, Guwor had told the Governor that they were in his office to inform him of their emergence as presiding officers of the 8th Assembly.
He assured the Governor of the continued support and cooperation of the House to his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
Guwor said: “We thank God for the opportunity to lead Delta and for granting us the opportunity to become Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly.
“First we thank God and our constituents who made it possible for us to be elected to represent them and we also thank our colleagues who found us worthy to be presiding officers of the House.
“We want to assure you that as leaders of the 8th Assembly the legislature will have a robust relationship with the Executive Arm to ensure that your M.O.R.E. Agenda is implemented fully.
“As the immediate past Speaker of the House, you already know the workings of the House more than we do because you served for six years.
“We want to assure you and all Deltans that we will not fail in our responsibilities to serve the people of the state. We will listen and do more just like you have promised Deltans.
“We will not be a rubber stamp neither will we be antagonistic to the executive, but we will work with the executive and not for the executive, we will have a symbiotic relationship for the general good of Deltans.
“I was in the 7th Assembly and I witnessed how you carried every member along and there was no discrimination, we all worked in unison and I will borrow a leaf from your leadership,” Guwor stated.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a secret laboratory producing deadly illicit substance, methamphetamine, in a residential community located in Ikeja, Lagos state.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, at the clandestine laboratory located at No. 4 Bode Oluwo Street, Mende, Maryland Ikeja were found already packaged sachets of the drug and various precursor chemicals used in the production when the anti-narcotics officers of the agency stormed on it last Tuesday after credible intelligence and surveillance confirmed the illicit substance was being produced in the duplex building.
He said at the end of the search, one kilogramme of already produced and packaged methamphetamine, quantities of precursor chemicals and other items used for the production of the deadly drug were recovered from the house while efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing owner of the house.
In the same vein, officers of the Lagos Command of the agency the previous day, last Monday arrested two suspects: Wasiu Saliu and Afolabi Banjo with 247 kilogrammes of skunk at Oyingbo area of Lagos while Tijani Damilola was nabbed at Isheri with 12.5 litres of skuchies and 98 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa belonging to a fleeing suspect recovered at Akerele area of Agege just as 12.5 kilogrammes of the same substance was seized from Adebowale Babatunde after his arrest at Mushin last Thursday.
Babafemi also disclosed that a consignment of 3.2 kilogrammes skunk concealed in native black soap heading to the United Kingdom was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos last Wednesday and a freight agent involved in the attempt to export the illicit drug, Olowokudejo Oladele was arrested.
He said a bid to export 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed inside women hair attachments to Monrovia, Liberia, by a cargo agent, Akinwale Taiwo, through the MMIA was thwarted by operatives who arrested him during the outward clearance of passengers at departure gate of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport.
In Benue, a suspect, Emmanuel Onah was arrested during a routine stop and search of vehicles at the Vandeikya check point with a total of 61,790 pills of tramadol seized from him last Thursday, while another suspect, Ikenna Jonathan was nabbed at Otuo-Agor, Owan East local government area of Edo state with 208 kilogrammes cannabis hidden in his Toyota Camry car marked ABJ 117 MR.
He said no less than 235 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23.5 litres and 1,500 pills of tramadol and Swinol were recovered last Friday from Agara Ogbonna, 35, along Owerri – Onitsha expressway, Imo state, just as operatives in Ondo state arrested two suspects: Friday Augustine, 25, and Segun Akintudoye, 20, with 30 kilogrammes cannabis at B-Ali Junction, Idanre and 10.4 kilogrammes of the same substance recovered from the home of a fleeing suspect at Oke Odowo, Idanre last Tuesday when operatives raided some drug joints in the town.
In Kebbi state, Alin Bala, 45, and Danzaki Alhaji, 52, were arrested lastThursday at Goran Maiyaki, Gwandu loca government area with 5.9 kilogrammes cannabis and 3,792 tablets of diazepam while 18-year-old Babangida Mande was nabbed last Friday along Mararaban Yauri-Kebbi road, with 6 kilogrammes cannabis and 658 tablets of diazepam. In Osun state, a total of 115.9 kilogrammes cannabis was recovered from Adewole Abidemi, 31, who was arrested at Araromi Oke Odo in Ife South local government area; Raji Musa, 25, and Alominile Folashade, 34, nabbed at Gbokuta village in the same local government area last Monday.
Meanwhile, while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Imo, Kebbi, Osun, Benue, Edo and Ondo Commands for the seizures and arrests of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) charged them and their counterparts across the country to remain vigilant and keep their focus on the corporate goal of the agency.
The president and general overseer of Christ Chosen Deliverance Church Irri, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, Apostle Thompson Oki, has appealed to the new executive council and Christian’s of Isoko Nation, to support him pilot the affairs of Isoko Christian Association of Nigeria and Oversea’s (ICAN).
Apostle Oki made the appeal after his election and inauguration as president of the executive council of Isoko Christian Association of Nigeria, held at Christ Chosen Deliverance Church Irri, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
Oki stated that, he was elected as president of the Association on the 13th of February 2023 for one tenure of four years, and immediately commenced work on the secretariat of the Association.
The clergyman disclosed that, he personally bought 6 plots of land, sunk borehole, bought 15 trips of sand and mounds 100 bags of cement, amounting to over N6 million naira, just as he promised to lay the foundation of the secretariat in August 2023 and complete the building by December 2023.
While inaugurating the new executive council of Isoko christian Association of Nigeria and Oversea’s, Archbishop Prof. S.G.A. Onibere said, “It’s not a mistake to select Apostle Oki” even as he asked the Bishop’s to pray for the council as he performed the inaugural service.
In his remark, high Chief Iduh Amadhe, patron Isoko Development Union and chairman of the occasion, enjoined the ICAN executive to be role model in character and discharge of duties.
He urged the people to be foster unity amongst the Orthodox and Pentecostal Christians in Isoko Nation, jettison their differences and focused on ideas of love.
Amadhe urged Christians to be the symbol of light and liberate Isoko land from darkness and retrogression. He charged the new executive to handle the mandate with wisdom, adding that “building the secretariat of ICAN is a task that must be done”.
The highpoint of the event was award and decoration of Apostle and Rev. Mrs. Oki, as ambassador of peace to the United Nations and members of Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.G’s) for Africa Nations, and the handover of administration documents to Apostle Thompson Oki by the immediate past president of the Association, Apostle Dr. David Jebba.
Earlier, while speaking on the message titled, “All Hands Must be on Deck”, Bishop Oroh Iteheri admonished christians to contribute towards the development of the Association, just as he charged the new executive to be active in administration.
In attendance was some members of Isoko traditional rulers council, hon. Bino Owhede, member – elect, Delta State House of Assembly, representing Isoko South constituency 1, heads and members of various denominations across Isoko Nation and dignitaries across Nigeria and Abroad.
Immediate past Minority Leader at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu OON, has tasked Nigerians on the tenets of Democracy by imbibing equity, justice, fairness to all, mutual respect, tolerance, adherence to Rule of Law and respect for the Will of the people.
Hon. Elumelu stated this n a repress statement signed by him and made available to Blank NEWS Online on June12, 2023.
The statement reads:
“As the nation marks this year’s June 12 Democracy Day, it is imperative that Nigerians, the leaders and the led alike, to imbibe the culture and democratic tenets of equity, justice, fairness to all, mutual respect, tolerance, adherence to Rule of Law and respect for the Will of the people.
“It is instructive to state that these are the essentials for a united, stable, peaceful, secure, and economically prosperous nation that we all desire.
“June 12 embodies a national resistance to injustice, oppression and divisive tendencies; to impunity, violation of set rules, abuse of the rights of citizens and high-handedness by those in authority, which Chief MKO Abiola fought against and died for.
“It is therefore significant that we do not lose sight of the essence of the June 12 Democracy Day but use the occasion to reawaken a national consciousness towards the entrenchment of true democratic practice that guarantees unity, peace, mutual understanding and harmonious living in our country.
“On this note, leaders, government officials, agencies and their operatives must use the Democracy Day to rededicate themselves towards the service of the people to whom sovereignty truly belong by adhering to rules, engendering more participation by the people and ensuring that their expressed Will prevailed at all time.
“I urge Nigerians to remain peaceful, united, and law-abiding as we work together in the hope of a better nation that we all yearn for.
In the last two decades of the return to civil rule, democracy seems to have offered us nothing beyond the motions of ritualistic and hollow political engagements as we transcend from one government to another, carrying along the same baggage of crises and disillusionment.
This looming democratic backsliding has become an existential threat to the actualisation of the laudable ethos of democracy on one hand and our peaceful coexistence as a people, on the other.
Yet, Democracy presupposes citizenship inclusion in governance through progressive and periodic electioneering processes; and above all, respect for the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution.
But what we have so far is the irony of a democratisation process that is practically midwife, controlled and delivered to us by a handful of privileged but powerful elites who more often than not, latched on our familiar fault lines to perpetuate their selfish hegemony.
Year in and year out, the citizen’s desires, experiences and expectations remain the same in that realm of disappointment and hopelessness amidst a consensus elite who seems to have confined our collective political future into their sizable imaginary pockets through their actions and inactions.
How has the ordinary Nigerian benefitted from the humongous amount of money being spent on elections and campaigns in Nigeria, other than the crumbs that come to the greedy few, who helped in endorsing their slavery through their compromises in subverting the system that was supposed to deliver hope for a greater number?
With a century-old history of general elections in Nigeria, we are still grappling with the rudimentary stage of representative governance, the worse being the paradoxical outcome of the introduction of technology in the last election. Electoral violence, voter intimidation, ethnic bigotry, institutional malfeasance and ineptitude remain the order of the day.
As we celebrate Democracy Day today, let us not be carried away by the mere fact and feat that political power was successfully wrestled from the military almost a quarter century ago. Rather, let us interrogate the factors that kept us subjugated and make Democracy counter-productive in our clime.
If we must practice Democracy, let it be that which encourages citizens’ inclusion in governance, rights and obligations and not this ritualistic and violent electioneering process that put us on overdrive while threatening our very existence as a sovereign nation every other four years.
Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi has read the Riot Act to Commandants in the Niger Delta States to get of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves in the area, even as he ordered for round the clock surveillance of all oil facilities.
The order followed earlier matching order by President Bola Tinubu that the oil rich region should be rid of all criminal activities inimical to the growth of the oil sector.
A statement by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu on Friday read: “Given the Presidential order to rid the nation’s oil sector of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves, and other nefarious activities inimical to the growth of the sector, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has read the Riot Act to Commandants of the Niger Delta States to ensure full compliance.
“Having summoned the concerned State Commandants to the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, the CG gave them marching orders to immediately rejig their Anti-vandal units as a measure to arrest oil theft and vandalism of critical national assets.”
The spokesman said the CG warned that the President had declared zero tolerance for crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other frivolous dealings in petroleum products, therefore, anyone found aiding and abbeting economic saboteurs will face the full wrath of the law.
“This meeting became necessary to convey President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the absolute need to end all sharp practices in the nation’s oil sector.
Audi was quoted to have said: “Oil remains the mainstay of our economy, you must therefore rejig your Anti-vandal Units to end the problem of oil theft in compliance with Federal Government’s directives.
“We have a duty to protect our oil and gas sectors from vandalism and prevent illegal bunkerers from destroying our oil installations, infrastructure and earnings.”
The CG also charged the State Commandants to maintain 24 hours surveillance of the oil facilities across the country, work with host communities and gather enough credible information and intelligence to checkmate the menace.
He emphasised the need for safe keeping of all exhibits, security of exhibits centres and strict adherence to the code of ethics and standard operating procedure of the Corps.
The Corps helmsman warned that his administration will not condone any compromise or unethical conducts from any command or personnel, promising to hold any State Commandant accountable for oil theft, acts of indiscipline, breakdown of law and order in their domains.
He said: “As the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, there is a need to be determined and reselient in the fight against crude oil theft.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already changing the narrative for good and we cannot afford to let the President and the entire nation down.”
Audi equally charged the personnel on synergy and collaboration with other security agencies as well as critical stakeholders to reduce crude oil theft to its barest minimum.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has directed the Ministry of Health to investigate and fish out medical staff on duty who were alleged to have rejected victims of accidents.
The governor gave the directive on Thursday during a visit to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Umaru Shehu Ultra Modern Hospital in Maiduguri, followed a viral video which showed that some accident patients were rejected at the hospital.
The governor gave 24 hours for a probe team to identify the medical workers involved and to recommend appropriate sanctions.
Zulum who addressed health workers at the hospital, said what happened is “inhuman and unacceptable,” said: “A situation where patients are left crying for help, yet a hospital rejects them? We will not allow such a situation to repeat itself. I see no reason why disciplinary action will not be taken against the erring staff in this hospital.”
He said: “If any medical doctor or any personnel in any of our facilities is not willing to attend to patients without cogent reason, he or she should equally be fired without hesitation.”
He instructed that: @Within the next 24 hours, the Hospital Management Board and the Ministry of Health should investigate the incident and ensure disciplinary measures are enforced against all those on duty that refused to admit victims of the accident brought here.”
Meanwhile, he revealed that the state government has invested heavily in the health sector, including the welfare of the medical officers, across the state, and called on medical officers to reciprocate the gesture by providing quality healthcare services to all patients without discrimination.
Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has disclosed the readiness of his country to partner with Nigeria towards realisation of the policy on creation of one million jobs through digital economy.
Freeman, who is also the Permanent Representative of Israel to ECOWAS, made the disclosure at a news conference on the official inauguration of the 3rd cohort of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) on Thursday in Abuja.
He said Israel remain excited over plans to partner with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to achieve meaningful growth through digital technology, noting that the first two editions of I-FAIR programme provided young Nigerians with mentorship and tools needed to realize their innovative ideas.
He said many I-FAIR graduates now have various businesses with fellow Nigerians contributing to the economic growth of their fatherland.
Freeman who said the third edition of I-FAIR has been officially inaugurated, insisted that: “This is the official launch of the 3rd I-FAIR programme; since President Tinubu was inaugurated and one of the key focus of his inaugural policy was improving and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
“He actually spoke specifically on a number of targets, to increase local and foreign investment in Nigeria, also to create one million jobs in the digital economy.
“Israel is the world leader in digital economy and it is also the world leader in manufacturing investment in several other places.
“We buy into this vision and we want to partner President Tinubu and his administration, to help create the environment for investment.
“To help create a million jobs in the digital economy and that is why we are here today, because the I-FAIR programme will help to create jobs, investment and new generation of entrepreneurial Nigerian innovators.”
The envoy said such would boost job creation in the economy through learning from Israeli experience whereby, 45 percent of the GDP is based on human capita and research development.
He described I-FAIR as initiative of Israel through partnership with Nigeria with mandate to empower innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs, and had become flagship of Israel-Nigeria programmes, since their 60years of diplomatic relations.
Also speaking at the event, Iyinoluwa Aboyaji, Founding Partner of Future Africa, a private organisation, commended partnership between both countries to have helped in the development of youth innovation in Nigeria.
He said: “This collaboration between Nigeria and Israel has been extremely fruitful, particularly in the area of helping us to commercialize the research and development that comes out from our University.
“Specifically, the partnership with the Innov8Hub programme, which is incredible; I am delighted with the President’s mandate for a million jobs in digital economy.
“It is extremely an important mandate, we are not going to get there without the support and knowledge that comes from collaborative partnership from country like Israel,” Aboyaji said.
He further advised young people to key into the Innov8Hub programme with zeal, as an opportunity to become successful through their innovation and skills development.
I-FAIR is a 6month programme that provide selected participants access to expertise, technology, mentorship and network needed to develop products and businesses, as well as create advanced prototype and pitch to investors among other things.
Since the inception, two I-FAIR editions have been completed with 63 Fellows and 56 products developed under 1,300 mentorship hours and 100 ideas such as Thinkbike, Soiless farm labs,QuadloopAfrica and Eco Circilat Solution turned into enterprises.
I anticipated that this article could involve treading on some sensitive ground. But I am aware that standing up for the truth may also be heroism. Nigeria will be a better country when those with the proper minds stand up for the truth. When he arrived with the notion of a rekindled optimism, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held this position. Therefore, it is too early for those whose selfish interests aim to stifle government to make way for a better Nigeria.
Recent assaults by Sahara Reporters on the former head of the Army, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, have revealed more people and organizations with ill will toward the current leadership. Additionally, they are currently attempting to put the current president against the former army chief for their selfish political reasons.
While we continue to keep an eye on their activities, it is becoming more and more obvious that these elements will be exposed in their upcoming attempt to assassinate the character of the former Army Chief, whose political relevance in the new administration is giving them nightmares because their hired media shills have been exposed too.
It is evident that one of their leads, Hon. Kabiru Mohammed has been to Lagos to finalize a plan to pitch President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the former head of the army. a project allegedly supported by certain ex-comrades who became involved in politics and are starting to learn how to play the system by causing trouble and blackmailing people after hanging up their boots and looking for importance in the new administration.
This is happening as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new government is systematically handpicking the best people to assist him in leading Nigeria ahead in the direction of a vision of renewed hope. Well-meaning Nigerians praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of the appointments of his chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, and secretary to the government of the federal. Their tactics is to deny him the privilege of strategic thinking in appointing the best as he will.
The rumour making the round is already making some former service chiefs fall over themselves with a sinister mind of working for themselves or their preferred persons against any choice they feared President Tinubu may make, which is contrary to their plans of holding the government’s jugulars. The Tinubu’s administration is yet to make announcement of who makes the ministerial lists but names running the rumour mill over the possibility of bringing former Army Chief Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai is already unsettling former military Generals under the Buhari administration.
General Monguno and Ex- Air Chief Sadique Abubakar were mentioned as already fighting General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for whatever that was left unfinished while in the army or for mere ego that they feared he possessed an intimidating record to stand taller in the next move by the president.
Recall that long ago, while Buratai was in charge of the Nigerian Army, attempts were made to undermine his successes in repositioning the security architecture. Emmanuel Onwubiko, the Coordinator of HURIWA, claims that moles have been put in the Army whose actions are intended to undermine General Buratai’s efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in the northeastern region of Nigeria.
Onwubiko’s statement reads: “There is no gainsaying the fact that the transformation of the Nigerian Army rapidly manifested under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff; Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), who was proactive in the war against terrorism despite efforts by moles and saboteurs embedded within the Army who were derailing the objectives of the counter Terror War and the efforts for the respect for fundamental human rights.”
Onwubiko suggested that perhaps those who haven’t been persuaded by the remarkable transformational measures devised to reposition the Nigerian Army for successful counter-insurgency battles and maintain military-civilian relationship practices are either bad historians or have poor memory retention.
He claims that recently, as part of the celebrations for the 2020 Nigerian Army Day and its corporate social responsibility, the newly constructed Camp Delta Force Quick Reaction Base was commissioned to improve the readiness of the military to respond quickly to terrorist activities in the communities. This was done in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
He said that the tremendous accomplishments that helped the Nigerian Army rise to the position of leadership in the security community would not have been possible without the devotion and selfless service of the previous Army Chief. This did not sit well with other groups, who, as Onwubiko noted, had hired spies to blame for the victories that had a direct bearing on the fighting in the northeast and, by extension, the northwest of Nigeria.
According to reports, the tainted relationship between the former Army Chief Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and the outgoing NSA General Monguno retired was a continuation of the feud that began between the late Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Abba Kyari, and the outgoing NSA General Monguno retired. The article further stated that given the present political situation, outgoing NSA General Monguno has reaffirmed his commitment to preventing any influence or appointments for former Army Chief Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai inside the Tinubu government.
Additionally, it was learned that the outgoing NSA went above and above to compile a long list of supposed events that took place during General Buratai’s heyday as COAS in an effort to discredit and denigrate him in the public eye. Even though it was revealed that the former Air Chief Sadique Abubakar was behind recent attacks by Sahara Reporters on the personality of the former Army Chief, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, it is rumored that General Monguno may not be the only person seeking General Buratai’s downfall in the unfolding political relevance of the former Army Chief.
“From late yesterday to this morning, I received calls from some of my editor colleagues, including SR itself, about an approach made to them to publish a well-scripted damaging story on the former Army Chief, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, alleging that he secretly helped PDP during the last presidential election that Asiwaju won,” said the editor who expressed his thoughts on the misguided attempt to smear Buratai’s name. I think they’re playing a game here to pitch the current administration against the old Army Chief, who is already starting to matter politically under the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
It was gathered that on Hon. Kabiru Mohammed was being used in media campaigns against the former Army Chief for at least two years now. He was said to be presently in Lagos in the pursuit of the dastardly assignment.
We also gathered that General Monguno (rtd0 is doing an executive summary of all the alleged infractions, which he plans to present to President Tinubu later this week. Hon. Kabiru will then ensure regular publication of snippets in the social and mainstream media – all with a view to damaging the reputation of the General and stop his good relationship with the new administration.
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Netherlands are in talks over establishing a Joint Bi-National Commission to boost existing trade and investment ties between both countries.
This latest action is coming on the heels of President Bola Tinubu open invitation to countries that may be interested in doing business with Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa, made the interest known on Wednesday while welcoming a delegation from Netherlands which was in Abuja for the Nigeria- Netherlands Economic Consultation meeting that aims at strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors of the economy.
Lamuwa, who was represented by the Director Economic, Trade and Investment Department in the Ministry, Bolaji Akinremi, at the meeting said the Joint Commission has become necessary following the remarkable economic cooperation between both countries.
He said that the volume of trade between both countries is very significant as several Dutch Companies have their operational base in Nigeria.
According to him, some of the Dutch Companies include; the Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum, Friesland Campina, Heineken, Pladis, DAF Trucks, P Phillips, TNT, KLM, Royal Haskoning, Primstar, VliscO, Unilever, Fugro, VanVliet, APM Terrmincl and Bosman van Zaal.
Lamuwa said: “iIn spite of our longstanding bilateral relations with the Netherlands there is no Joint/Bi-National Commission Agreement between the two countries. Negotiation for the establishment of a Joint Commission has been inconclusive since 1987.
“Against this background, the Government of Nigeria would like to reopen the negotiation for the establishment of a Joint/Bi-National Commission Agreement, as this would further consolidate and boost the relations between the two countries.”
He added that the Nigeria- Netherlands Economic Consultation is a demonstration of the commitment of the Governments of Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in fostering the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
He said: “The present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has set a vision of building a thriving and sustainable economy that will generate wealth, create employment, boost Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and diversify the Nigerian economy. In this regard, the Government of Nigeria is open to exploring other areas of economic cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
He further added that Nigeria is willing to explore areas of economic cooperation with the Netherlands in agricultural value chain, secular economy, renewable energy, waterways management and water security, oil and gas, special economic zones.
The Vice-Minister for Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who led the Dutch Delegation to meeting, Ms. Hanneke Schuiling, in her remark, said the consultation was apt as it opens opportunity to modernize the Bilateral Investment Treaty between both countries, adding that a reformed treaty will help to further strengthen investment relations.
“Our economies are strongly connected through a multitude of trade and investment relations. These relations are strong and often go back many years. Several Dutch companies are a household name in Nigeria and are a source of employment and income together with their Nigerian partners. The strength of our economic relations is also clear when we look at our trade statistics; the Netherlands continues to be one of Nigeria’s five most important trading partners.”
She added that both countries see a high potential in four areas in particular: –agriculture, IT, healthcare and renewable energy, stressing that the Dutch private sector can add value for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and the Netherlands.
She said: “I am pleased that we are now starting the renegotiation of the existing bilateral investment treaty as a means to further strengthen mutual economic interest and opportunities. As you may be aware, the current treaty was signed in 1992. Since then, both countries have experienced significant changes in their approach to international investments which can be adopted into a new treaty. “It is important to modernize our treaty to reflect these changes. A modernized treaty can also foster stronger economic relations between our two nations.”
The Consultation meeting had many Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals in attendance. They Include: the National Office For Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), The National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) among others.
The Anambra State Government has directed the immediate suspension of operations of casinos and gaming centers in the State over alleged dark deals.
The directive is contained in a statement signed by Mr Donatus Onyenji, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism; Mr. Richard Madiebo, Chairman, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service; and Mr. Chikodi Anara, the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs.
According to our correspondent, the government said it received a worrisome number of petitions pertaining to the manipulation of casino machines and non-transparency in payment for winnings.
It said the allegations amounted to serious abuse of global best practices in the industry which the government under the watch of Governor Chukwuma Soludo would not condone.
“This fraudulent practice will not be allowed to thrive under the watch of Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and therefore must be dealt with immediately,” the statement reads.
“Consequently, the Anambra government hereby directs operators of casino games in Hotels, Restaurant and Bars to suspend all Gaming and Casino operations with immediate effect pending the conclusion of investigations.”
The government has therefore called for a meeting of all hotel owners and managers in the State on October 21 at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre.
It said the meeting which is mandatory would address issues of enumeration and validation of hotel licenses as well as security.
It said hotel revalidation forms would be distributed at the venue for all categories of hotels and tourism enterprises and that any hotel that was not profiled or without Hotel License would be closed down according to Anambra State Tourism and Hospitality Law.”
The Yoruba Heritage Group has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of a Yoruba Comptroller General for the first time since the establishment of the Nigeria Immigration Services in 1963.
The President of the group, Omo’ba Segun Adesemoye, while addressing a press conference in Abuja, stated that the Yoruba has been unjustly deprived of the position of the CG and has never been allowed to serve in that capacity since the service was established 60 years ago.
The new CG took over on merit as the most senior officer after the exit of the last CG which has been over due for over a year now.
The group hailed the President for breaking the jinx by allowing this to happen during this critical time when Nigeria is in dire need of healing and national restoration.
The group said: “It is record breaking and symbolic that the appointment happened in your first day in office.
“This is a pointer to greater things to come, We thank the President for his courage and selflessness.”
The group also appealed to President Tinubu to confirm the appointment of Mrs Adepoju as the substantive CG of Immigration.
They restated the group’s confidence in the competence and capacity of the new CG to push reforms that will transform the service and serve diligently in line with the vision of the President to ensure effective and efficient border security, enhance passport regime and migration management.
Our attention has been drawn to a puerile publication making the rounds in the Social Media, mischievously purporting that Bashorun Askia Ogieh made statements about the constitution, appointments into and conduct of the certian government agencies.
On the face of the publication, any discerning person can immediately see that it is a cowardly political hatchet job commissioned with the ill-intention to tarnish the name of Bashorun Askia.
This can easily be seen in the namelessness and facelessness of the writers.
To be clear, Bashorun Askia is too politically responsible to engage in any conversation bordering on ethnic bigotry and has never and will never be involved in such, as described by the fabricated write up, neither in private nor in public.
Fortunately, the Pan Deltan in Bashorun Askia is conspicuous to every Deltan as demonstrated through his record of programmes in public service and private charity works.
We have considered this rebuttal necessary only as a matter of setting the record straight before the public.
The Maiden Synod of the Methodist Diocese of Nnewi has ended with a call on the delegates and Christians worldwide to defend and be true soldiers of Jesus Christ on earth.
The newly installed Methodist Bishop of Nnewi, the Right Reverend Emmanuel Nnaji gave the charge while delivering an address during the Diocesan Synod at Wesley Cathedral Uruagu, Nnewi, Nnewi North Council Area.
The Synod reports that it attracted delegates from all the circuits of the new Dioceses, as well as friends of the Diocese.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod,” Contending for the Faith,” the Bishop who called on people of God to have absolute faith in God, no matter the circumstances stressed the need for all to help in propagating the gospel of God to the world, urging them not to surrender to Satan.
The Prelate who expressed satisfaction with the massive turn out of different parishes to the Synod said it is an avenue where the Clergy and lay faithful gather to discuss on how to evaluate, evangelize and assess their performances and make amends where necessary.
Bishop Nnaji further urged Christians to reject the teachings of false prophet and guard against it, emphasising on the need for christians irrespective of denomination or tribe to be true soldiers of Jesus Christ and live holy life.
Delivering a keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Professor Madu Iwe, who dwelt on the theme “Contending for the Faith” urged the participants to believe that what is not seen is possible to happen and that what is difficult to human, is possible before God, urging them to have faith and believe in God.
Delivering a sermon during the Synod thanksgiving service, the Bishop of Aba Diocese, the Right Reverend Obioma Ezeh, charged Christians to stand firm in their faith at all times, noting that many have been misled by false prophets thereby making them to derail in their faith.
In their separate speeches, the Synod Secretary, Very Reverend Emmanuel Chukwu, Bishop’s wife, Mrs Modester Nnaji, and the Lay President, Sir James Uche expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the Maiden Synod and called on delegates to hold onto God, no matter the tribulations facing them knowing that God alone has the solution to them all.
Expressing their joy, some of the delegates including Elder Shadrack Edeh, Mrs Jane Mbah for Awada circuits and Professor Ibeh promised to carry the good messages of salvation to their various circuits and help to propagate the gospel to all nooks and crannies of the Diocese.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has stated that APGA as a party will work with the government of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The Governor who spoke during the inauguration of the Regional Headquarters of APGA in Awka, was reacting to his attendance of the inauguration of President Tinubu on Monday.
Governor Soludo was alleged to have been stopped by DSS operatives from entering the state box, during the inauguration in Abuja.
Prof Soludo while speaking descended heavily on the peddlers of the rumour, saying he was approaching the VIP box, but was stopped and redirected to the VVIP box. He berated those who peddled rumours of his being sent out.
The Governor said: “I tell our people that elections have come and gone and APGA did not go to the tribunal even though we had a Presidential candidate because APGA has always worked with the government or party at the center and it has always collaborated with the party at the center.
“When it was the PDP, APGA collaborated with the party and government at the center and we as it were did not field any candidate because APGA worked with the party at the center.
“We have not reviewed that position and if we will, that would be in future but for now. We shall work and collaborate with the party and government at the center and that was what we met and what was written and even when our brother Mr Peter Obi was Governor the party collaborated with the PDP and it has not changed and that was what we met in APGA,” he said.
Speaking on his being sent out from the state box, Governor Soludo said: “We were at the Eagle Square, venue of the inauguration in Abuja. The sitting arrangements at the right where the VIPs were and we went there and they told us that we have a sitting arrangement and they directed us to where we were supposed to stay, which was even VVIP.
“So we left there and went along with the CBN Governor, the Governors, the Dangotes and Oni of Ife only for me to get out of the square and hear that Soludo was bounced off the VIP and asked to go and stay with the masses.”
He said if he was aware that such a rumour would creep in, he would have comfortably gone to where the masses sat, because APGA is party of the masses.
The Governor said: “Actually if I knew that it was what was going to happen, I would have preferred to stay with the masses and that is where I belong. I am for the masses, and to demonstrate that what happened on that day is a thing of the masses.
“It is the masses because my party is the party of the masses not party for the rich and big people but party of the common people and if they don’t talk about Soludo who would they talk about?”
The operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided the popular Bridge Head Drug Market, Onitsha. Two men were feared dead with scores sustaining different degrees of injuries during the raid, on Wednesday.
Although there has been no official confirmation of the incident, a trader who preferred anonymity said the casualties were recorded when someone raised an alarm that unknown gunmen were invading the market.
According to him, it was the alarm that triggered stampede as traders and their customers ran for safety in different directions.
“We were in our shops, selling and buying when suddenly an alarm was raised. The alarm was coming in the direction of First Gate warning people that the market was being invaded by unknown gunmen.
“First, we at D-Line thought it was a joke but when people started running helter-skelter, we also joined, together with our customers. It was later we heard that two or more persons died while many others were injured after they were trampled by people running away from the market,” he stated.
But NDLEA Spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said there was no casualty during the agency’s raid on Onitsha Head Bridge Market.
Mr. Babafemi stated this in a press release issued by the agency over the allegation.
Explaining that NDLEA only mobilised operatives to Bridge Head following a tip-off that consignments of assorted illicit drugs were about to enter the market, he said two members of a syndicate involved in the importation the substances such as lethal synthetic opioid, Fentanyl were arrested during the raid.
According to the Spokesman, the suspects are Odoh Collins Oguejiofor and Oliver Chigozie Uzoma.
“Two members of the syndicate: Odoh Collins Oguejiofor and Oliver Chigozie Uzoma were arrested at Ogbogwu Market, Onitsha Head Bridge, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, in well-coordinated and clinical operations.
“The arrest is coming on the heels of an alert issued by the anti-narcotics agency on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2022, that some criminal elements were plotting to flood the Nigerian market with the drug, which is currently responsible for over 70% of overdose deaths, as well as a major contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the United States.
“Following credible intelligence and synergy with local and international partners, the NDLEA was able to mobilise necessary assets to trace the illicitly manufactured drug to Onitsha Head Bridge, reputed to be the largest drug market in West Africa, after months of undercover monitoring,” Mr. Babafemi stated.
It will be recalled that experts say fentanyi is 100 times stronger than tramadol and capable of causing mass casualty.
Members of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families in Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, has staged a peaceful protest over employment marginalization by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, manager of Cluster 5 of OML 30.
Women and Youths of Itesa family in their numbers blocked the entrance of the Logistics office of Heritage Oil Firm along Oleh / Olomoro road and the flow station with erected canopies and displayed placards with various inscription.
Some of the placards reads, “Oleh need their base supprintendent”, “Oleh need their job slots”, “No employment, No operation”, and ” Oleh need their fair share”, amongst others.
The protesters chanted song’s of oppression, neglect, deprivation and marginalization from the Oil Company pump maintenance section, noting that the contractor employed 4 indigenes of Olomoro community and non from Oleh Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families.
Speaking to newsmen, the chairman of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families, Mr. Emmanuel Okpaudhu said, several letter’s of demand were submitted to the management of Heritage Operational Services Limited, but the company failed to respond, which according to him was the reason for the protest.
Okpaudhu disclosed that, the DSS / ASS contractor of Heritage Oil Firm only employed indigenes of Olomoro and Owhe communities, but failed to employ members of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families. He added that a Base supprintendent sacked, was shortchanged with a stranger from Edo State, now in charge of Oleh and Ughelli communities.
He demanded for a replacement of the Base supprintendent with Oleh indigene, noting that Oleh community should not be deprived from the facilities of cluster 5 of OML 30, emphasizing that few Oleh indigenes employed as casual staff has not been promoted.
Okpaudhu maintained that, Oleh community was omitted in the job slots of auto sample machine, just as he said, strangers were employed by Heritage Oil Company. He asked for fairness and equity and demanded to know the numbers of Oleh indigenes working in clusters 5 of OML 30.
The Itesa Oil and Gas landlords chairman, urged the management of Heritage Oil Firm to stop employment of strangers and engage Oleh indigenes in catering and cleaning services as well , and requested for a peaceful dialogue between Heritage Oil Company and the Oil and Gas landlord’s families.
While corroborating Mr. Emmanuel Okpaudhu, the secretary of Itesa Oil and Gas landlords families, Mr. Oboba Festus, decried the pains of non employment that has resulted to youth restiveness and drug abuse, adding that Oleh community is peaceful and has about 22 oil wells in clusters 5 of OML 30.
He noted that the landlords will remain at the entrance of the Oil Company until the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited respond.
Reacting to the protest, the president general of Oleh Kingdom, Chief Comrade Believe Alakri said, he is aware of the protest, noting that the pump maintenance is jointly owned by Olomoro and Oleh communities. He added that in cluster 5 of OML 30, Oleh community has highest percentage and urged the Oil Company to balance the employment status quo.
He demanded that the job slots of Oleh must be given to Oleh community, adding that the flair and camp site is owned by Oleh community .
He stated that Oleh. Olomoro and Emede communities in clusters 5 of OML 30, jointly owned the pipelines and Oleh should have equity in job slots, emphasizing that the company should not deprive Oleh community right to the facilities.
All efforts to reach the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited for response failed as phone lines called were not reachable.
The Executives and entire members of Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association, Warri Chapter, heartily congratulate and felicitate with His Excellency Right Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori (JP) as he takes the oath of office as the 5th Executive Governor of Delta state.
The congratulatory message signed by Chief Mrs. Omoefe Pela Taiga, (Chairman)made available to Blank NEWS Online reads: “The Executives and entire members of Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association, Warri Chapter, heartily congratulate and felicitate with His Excellency Right Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori (JP) as he takes the oath of office as the 5th Executive Governor of Delta state.
The Executives and entire members of Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association, Warri Chapter, heartily congratulate and felicitate with His Excellency Right Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori (JP) as he takes the oath of office as the 5th Executive Governor of Delta state.
The congratulatory message signed by Chief Mrs. Omoefe Pela Taiga, (Chairman)made available to Blank NEWS Online reads: “The Executives and entire members of Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association, Warri Chapter, heartily congratulate and felicitate with His Excellency Right Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori (JP) as he takes the oath of office as the 5th Executive Governor of Delta state.
A bonafide member of this great alumni association and a helping hand to reckon with, a grassroot politician, unifier of all.
All Deltans should support and work with him, in order to take Delta state to a greater height.
We pray that your tenure in office will bring the dividends of democracy to Deltans and deliver great legacies that all politicians across the globe will admire and follow in good governance.”
Delta state former Commissioner of Energy, Barrister Newworld Safugha congratulates His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the new Delta Governor and asked Deltans join hands collectively to enable him deliver on his campaign promises.
Speaking to newsmen by telephone interview, Barr. Safugha said the success of the new governor largely depended on the collective responsibility of Delta state sons and daughters.
He pointed out that the new governor’s agenda of MORE DEVELOPMENT is realizable if Deltans believes and have confidence on the governor with positive mindset to support him .
According to Barr. Safugha , Governor Sheriff leadership qualities displayed during his years’ as the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly by creating harmony among the Honourable members in House was enough for Deltans to know that he is a responsible and responsive leader.
The former Commissioner of Energy reiterated that Governor Sheriff would certainly bring his promises to friction, saying everyone in Delta State should play their role by keying on Governor Sheriff policies and programme with positive disposition to have good governance.
Barr. Safugha also commended the former governor of Delta State, His Excellency Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for handling over the state to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governor.
He noted that Senator Okowa imprint in the state which had added growth and development would always be fresh in the minds of Deltans. He asked God to grant him and family the grace to live a healthy lives., saying Senator Okowa’s dexterity in handling critical issues was worthy of emulation . Safugha said.
The immediate past Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has reaffirmed his belief, trust and commitment to the leadership prowess of Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, to govern Delta State.
In a congratulatory video message made available to Blank NEWS Online, Bashorun Askia JP, the Udu of Isoko nation said “I believe and trust in your ability to perform, believing that you would do more for the people in taking Delta to greater heights. I congratulate you on this feat that you have attained and pray God Almighty to guide and protect you as you carry the mantle of leadership of Delta State in moving us forward always.”
The teaching of French language may return to many public schools in Lagos State as the government of the state has signed a letter of intent for the promotion of the language in the State.
The letter was signed on Wednesday by the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mrs Emmanuelle Blatmann, in the presence of French Minister of State for development, francophonie and international partnerships, Dr. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, who was on a visit to Nigeria.
The Minister said: “French is a language of culture, but also a language of business and opportunities for all those who learn it. Our language creates links between populations of 88 countries across the world. It is amazing to see the demand for learning French in Nigeria, and we are delighted to work with the state of Lagos to support access to French classes.”
The letter marks the renewal cooperation and support for the promotion of the French language in public schools.
In Lagos State, the cooperation with the French Embassy is long-standing and fruitful, and the Government of Lagos State has regularly expressed interest in promoting the teaching of French language. The signature of this letter of intent is an opportunity to reconfirm the past commitments but also to mark the official launch of an ambitious program to modernize the teaching and learning of French in public secondary schools.
For several years now, the cooperation for the promotion of teaching and learning French materializes has taken a number of different forms. There is of course the beautiful Alliance Française-Mike Adenuga Centre, which is a local non-profit organization, seen as the flagship of the Alliances Françaises’ worldwide network. The cultural centre acclaimed by Nigerians is also a linguistic center for adults wishing to learn French, and prepare for official French certifications. In 2022, 2,042 learners (children and adults) obtained the DELF, an internationally recognized diploma that provides access to academic or professional opportunities in French-speaking countries.
It should be noted that the branch of Alliance Française Lagos in Ikeja is hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Education since 2006, which has allowed more Lagossians to be exposed to the French language and to the francophone cultures.
Another example of the cooperation between France and Nigeria is the Lycée français Louis Pasteur of Lagos. The school welcomes students of all nationalities and makes this cultural diversity bear fruit through an innovative pedagogy and a spirit of openness, with particular emphasis on language learning. By cultivating intercultural communication and understanding, the Lycée français forges lasting affinities between these students and France.
The foundations of the educational and linguistic cooperation are now laid with the appointment of a French technical expert who will be positioned within the Ministry of Education of Lagos State as French language advisor. The expert will advise the Ministry on improving teacher training while overseeing an innovative project in 10 public pilot schools. This project should also scale-up French’s position as a language of communication by providing modern educational resources and by creating French radio and podcasts programs. All this will allow for more regular practice of oral skills, and better preparation for DELF exams.
Two Nigerian Students Esemitodje Oghenerukevwe Patrick and Uwakfon Nyon Jacob have won Gold at this year’s Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, (PAMO) and International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO).
The two students, Oghenerukevwe Patrick a student of NTIC and Jacob had represented the country at this year’s competition, where they emerged overall best.
The competition had 54 African country participating, only eight countries won Gold which includes Nigeria.
Other countries that won Gold at the competition are: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
Meanwhile, in his reaction to the victory communicated to the media via a congratulatory message, the Managing Director, Nigerian Tulip International College NTIC, Mr. Feyzullah Bilgin, extended his warmest congratulations to the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Nigeria, and the exceptional students who achieved gold medals at this year’s PAMO (Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad) in Rwanda, 2023.
He said: “This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to your dedication, talent, and unwavering pursuit of excellence in the field of mathematics.
“Your outstanding performance in the PAMO competition not only reflects your exceptional mathematical skills but also demonstrates the strength and potential of the Nigerian mathematical community. It is a source of immense pride for your country and serves as an inspiration to aspiring mathematicians across the nation.
While commending the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) for its continuous commitment to nurturing and fostering mathematical talent in Nigeria, the MD said “Your dedication to providing a conducive environment for students to develop their mathematical abilities has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their success.
“To the talented students who emerged victorious, your hard work, perseverance, and determination have paid off in the form of gold medals. This accomplishment not only recognizes your individual brilliance but also highlights the bright future you hold as ambassadors of Nigerian mathematics. Your achievement will serve as a beacon of hope for others, encouraging them to embrace the beauty and challenges of mathematics.
“We applaud your teachers, mentors, and parents for their invaluable support and guidance throughout your journey. Their unwavering belief in your abilities and their commitment to your education have undoubtedly contributed to this extraordinary accomplishment. We express our sincere gratitude to them for their dedication and encouragement.
“May this remarkable achievement be the stepping stone to even greater success in your future mathematical endeavors. As you continue to pursue your passion for mathematics, we have no doubt that you will make significant contributions to the field and bring pride and honor to Nigeria.
“Your accomplishments serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a love for mathematics. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors”.
The umbrella body of Online News Publishers in Delta state, Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, has congratulated Mr Festus Ahon on his appointment as the Chief Press Secretary, CPS to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The proprietors who were satisfied by the appointment, also commended Governor Oborevwori for honouring the media community with his first appointment as governor.
In a congratulatory letter signed by the forum’s Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary, Mr Shedrack Onitsha, DOPF assured the CPS of its members support in “projecting and promoting the policies and programs of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration and its MORE Agenda”.
The letter reads below:
“The Executive Council, Board of Trustees and members of Delta Online Publishers Forum, congratulate you on your appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
“We trust that you will bring your wealth of experience and legendary peaceful accommodation to bear on this very appropriate portfolio and ensure a seamless, respectful and mutually beneficial co-existence, amongst the distinct media platforms in the state.
“As you may well know, the Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF) is an association of Delta business owners, comprising Journalists and distinguished entrepreneurs in online Newspaper publishing, registered with Cooperate Affairs Commission, (CAC).
“Our primary objective is to promote ethical Journalism standards and professionalism among online publishers in Delta State.
“As partners with the Delta State Government and critical stakeholders in the business of information dissemination, we look forward to working with you towards projecting and promoting the policies and programs of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration and its MORE Agenda.
“We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for deeming it fit and worthy to appoint a very popular, proven and beloved core Journalist and Media practitioner to the position of CPS. This is indeed as excellent sign to the media community in the State for better days ahead.
“DOPF, as key stakeholders in information management in the state, is open to progressive consultations and result oriented partnership, on how best we can synergize with the New Government.
“Accept our esteemed regards, even as we envisage a more cordial, mutual rewarding working relationship with this administration.”
The Technology Innovation Institute’s (TII) Falcon 40B, the UAE’s leading large-scale open-source AI model, is now free of royalties for commercial and research use, in response to global demand for inclusive access to AI.
Ranked #1 globally on Hugging Face’s leaderboard for large language models (LLMs), Falcon 40B outperforms competitors like Meta’s LLaMA and Stability AI’s StableLM. Under the permissive Apache 2.0 software license, Falcon 40B end-users have access to any patent covered by the software in question. Apache 2.0 ensures the security and availability of safe and powerful open-source software and establishes an effective governance model.
TII’s unrestricted access to Falcon 40B highlights its dedication to technological innovation and knowledge-sharing, fostering a collaborative ecosystem and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global AI leader. In addition, it reflects the UAE’s commitment to pushing the boundaries in shaping a future where AI plays a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Open-source, royalty-free deployment of Falcon 40B could empower public and private sector entities with efficiencies such as faster project starts, faster iterations, more flexible software development processes, robust community-driven support, and easier license management.
TII aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among developers, researchers, and businesses globally. The move promotes transparency, inclusivity, and accelerated progress in AI for the world, unlocking diverse opportunities for its applications across industries and sectors.
Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Director, AI Cross-Center Unit at TII, said: “Waiving Falcon 40B royalties promotes inclusive tech advancements for a cohesive society. We’re committed to using technology to unify humanity and future-proof our world.”
Delta State Deputy Governor, Chief Sir Monday Onyeme, has said that with the support of all Deltans, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration will surpass the achievements of previous administrations in the state.
Addressing staff of the Deputy Governor’s office when he resumed duty on Tuesday, Chief Onyeme stated that Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s administration will not falter in delivering on its promises.
“To you, the staff of Deputy Governor’s office, thank you for the assistance you gave to my predecessors; we are all Deltans, so, the work is continuous.
“As an individual, I am not looking at the situation that the work has changed because I was part of the last administration and I am part of this government.
“What we need is your cooperation and the cooperation of all Deltans so that we will be more successful than the previous administrations.
“We will listen more, we will do more and we will have more secured and progressive state.
“We should work as a team, members of one family who are committed to making our state, Delta, better,” he said.
The Deputy Governor who was accompanied by his wife, Catherine, thanked those who accompanied him on his first day to office and solicited for their prayers.
Ven. Felix Okonkwo of Anglican Communion, who led the Deputy Governor and those who accompanied him to the office in singing praises and praying to God, stated that with strong belief in God and by engaging in positive activities, the dream state would be achieved by Deltans.
Some of those who accompanied the Deputy Governor to his office include the member representing Ndokwa West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Engr. Dan Ossai, Chief Christopher Osakwe, Hon. Aneke Ifemeni, Hon. Orji Ossai, Chief Lucky Ossai, Chief Godday Mgbabego, Chief Richard Okpor, Hon Patrick Ogelenya, Hon. Monday Akpe, Sir Anthony Chukwu, among others.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested members of a syndicate involved in the illicit importation and trafficking of lethal synthetic opioid, Fentanyl,
Fentanyl is a drug which is 100 times stronger than tramadol and capable of causing mass casualty among the youth population being targeted by the cartels.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the arrest of two members of the syndicate: Odoh Oguejiofor and Oliver Uzoma at Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, Onitsha South local government area of Anambra State, in well-coordinated and clinical operations, is coming on the heels of an alert issued by the NDLEA on 22nd November 2022 that some criminal elements were plotting to flood the Nigerian market with the drug, which is currently responsible for over 70% overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.
Babafemi recalled that the CDC in the US, had described Fentanyl as 80 times as potent as morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin.
The NDLEA Spokesman said following credible intelligence and synergy with local and international partners, the anti-narcotics agency was able to mobilise necessary assets to trace the illicitly manufactured drug to the Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, reputed to be the largest drug market in West Africa, after months of undercover monitoring.
He said convinced that the agency has gathered sufficient evidence to nail the suspects, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) ordered a deployment of operatives to pick members of the syndicate one after the other. Odoh Oguejiofor was the first to be arrested while on a business mission with packets of 100 micrograms of Fentanyl, while the arrest of Uzoma who is a major dealer in other illicitly manufactured pharmaceutical opioids including Fentanyl, followed.
He disclosed that packs of liquid Fentanyl were recovered from Odoh, different quantities of banned and controlled drugs including Fentanyl were seized from Uzoma. They include: ampules of Fentanyl Injection; Ozempic solution for injection in pre-filled pens; ampules of Sustanon 250mg/ml; ampules of Rivavirin injection 200mg/2ml; ampules of Erythropoietin injection; ampules of Recombinant Anti Rho-D Immunoglobulin injection 300MG; ampules of Pethidine 100mg/2ml solution for injection and Zoladex 3.6mg Goserelin.
Reacting to the arrest of members of the syndicate, Marwa commended all officers and men of the agency involved in the operation while directing them to intensify the crackdown on other members of the cartel who may have gone underground.
Marwa said: “We’ll no doubt hunt down every member of this criminal gang before they do further harm to our public health especially our youth population. In the meantime, I’ll like to thank our international partners for the huge confidence in us and their support and partnership for the benefit of humanity. In the same vein, I’ll urge parents and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting experimenting with this illicit substance.”
“The agency wishes to reiterate that exposure to this lethal opioid, which could come in different forms, as has been shown by the seizure, may result in pinpoint pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin,” Marwa explained.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has cautioned fuel marketers in the state against hoarding of Petroleum products especially Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Festus Ahon in a statement on Tuesday in Asaba quoted Governor Oborevwori as saying that the state government would not tolerate acts that would make life difficult for Deltans.
He said the state government desire is to grow the economy of the State through its MORE agenda. He therefore solicited the support of all stakeholders in its determination to make life more meaningful for Deltans.
According to the statement, “we have heard and seen the reaction of Petroleum Marketers in the state to the announcement of alleged subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu.”
He said the state government had been inundated with reports of filling stations in the state hoarding products and thereby creating artificial scarcity with intent to hike price.
The Delta State Governor views the action of these marketers as unpatriotic and waging of economic war against the people of the state.
“As a government, we will not watch marketers exploit Deltans of their hard earned income through creation of artificial scarcity”, he said.
He called on marketers to be patriotic and continue selling their products to the general public at the official pump price.
Oborevwori added that the relevant government agencies have been directed to monitor the situation and ensure total compliance with the directive.
The state government, he said, would not hesitate to take necessary action against any filling station hoarding the product or who is caught selling above the official price.
By 10: 40 am, May 29th, 2023, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken over the mantle of Leadership of our dear Nation, Nigeria from former President Mohammadu Buhari.
This opened a new chapter in the annals of our political history and put paid to the debate of whether he will be sworn in or not. As it is today, he’s the “de facto” President of the Federal Republic, albeit with the baggage of controversy, mixed feelings, awe, cynicism and a possible crisis of legitimacy.
It was a long route filled with booby traps, self-inflicted personality and identity crises, dangerous unholy antecedents, obscure perceptions and opaque introspective Inquisition that unravelled the persona of the dramatic personae himself.
Now that the Asiwaju is here, can we honestly allow for the process of finding the truth about the just concluded election to have its way and the constitutionality of claims and counterclaims to have a say without recourse to name-calling, hatred and suppression of the zealous on our way to finding the utmost truth and justice where the future of our nation should be hinged?
This Nation is bigger than every adherent of any political leader and definitely will outlive every living defender of our present political elites. This is the reason we must all seek to discover our mistakes, errors and missteps to correct them and set in place a lasting political legacy that will endure and benefits posterity.
Let the political jobbers stop their shenanigans and allow for a satisfactory Inquisition into how we gave birth to a controversial dispensation such as the one we enthroned today.
Let the wheel of Justice grind with the sincerity of intentionality. Let everyone hides his beneficial expectations for once and think of the larger population who do not have such access to the present political players or such possible benefits.
Let’s maintain the peace, and allow for the continuum called governance while we desperately and anxiously expect the outcome of a final umpire in this matter. Above all, let us put Nigeria first. It is called Patriotism.
Austen Akhagbeme is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced the plan to commence afternoon primary and secondary education system to address problems of congestion and increase enrollment of out-of-school children.
The state governor, made the announcement on Monday in Maiduguri while delivering his inauguration speech after taking an oath of office for second term.
He said: “Although we have built dozens of new Mega-Size schools and expanded existing schools with about 1000 new classrooms, we are still faced with issues of congestion in classrooms, and with the worse problem of having thousands of out-of-school children despite being of school-ages.”
He added that: “I am happy to announce that Borno State will soon commence afternoon primary and secondary schools system. I am appointing an implementation committee to work out modalities for starting the afternoon school system, and it (the committee) will be identifying pilot schools to be selected from some of our mega schools in Maiduguri which have good lightening systems.”
Zulum explained that introducing afternoon schools would entail increased number of staff and for that, he directed office of the Head of Service to carefully identify some well-certificated staff currently redundant at government secretariats, who will be trained on school orientation and can be deployed to hold non-teaching positions in afternoon schools.
The governor also said security measures will be taken to ensure success of the afternoon schools noting that classes may sometimes extend to early portions of the night.
Zulum also disclosed his plan to recruit 5,000 teachers during his second term of office, insisting that this would improve the standard of education in Borno State,
He noted that other measures such as mock examinations in secondary schools will be re-introduced and centers of excellence will be established to allow government to harness the potentials of less privileged children.
The United Kingdom Government has congratulated Senators Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima on their inauguration as the President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a message to President Tinubu, His Majesty King Charles III said: “Dear Mr. President, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your inauguration as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to send you every possible good wish as you assume the many responsibilities of your office.
“As Commonwealth partners with a deep bond, I look forward to building an even stronger friendship between our countries during your Presidency.”
The UK delegation at the inauguration in Abuja on Monday is headed by the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Special Envoy on Girls’ Education, The Rt Hon Helen Grant OBE MP and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery CMG.
Helen Grant OBE, The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Trade to Nigeria and Girls’ Education said: “My priority is to strengthen our bilateral trade and investment partnership, to the mutual benefit of our two great nations, and I look forward to working alongside the new administration to further that goal.
“In this, the land of my father, I hold a great affection for its people, and my work in ensuring every girl gets 12 years of quality education will also remain at the top of my Nigerian agenda.”
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery on his part said: “The UK hopes to work with the new administration as we support a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria, and strengthen our partnership on trade, development, and security.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborovweri has appointed Vanguard’s senior reporter and member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba correspondents Caapel, Sir Festus Ahon as Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Dominic Adewole praised the Governor n the appointment of his member, saying that his good work spoke for him.
He described Mr. Ahon as a worthy journalist and deserving of the appointment.
According to him, “the governor has started well and will end well.”
