NDLEA Intercepts N18b Worth of Drugs at Lagos, Port Harcourt Ports

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a total of 31, 124, 600 pills of tramadol 225mg and bottles of codeine-based syrup worth about N18 billion at both Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Apapa (Lagos) seaports. According to a statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, the seizures at both Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state and Tincan seaports in Apapa, Lagos, were made following the intelligence processed by the agency on the movement of the shipments from their port of origin in India, leading to a demand for a 100 percent joint examination of the watch-listed containers with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and other sister security agencies. He noted that a breakdown of the seizures show that 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from two containers at Tincan port in Lagos last Thursday and Friday with each of the two containers having 175,000 bottles of the opioid. He said at the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, NDLEA operatives equally intercepted a total of 447 cartons of tramadol 225mg containing 29, 840,000 pills of the opioid as well as 380,000 bottles of codeine syrup from three containers last Thursday, adding that the tramadol shipments came under different brand names such as Royal Tapetadol, Carisoprodol 225mg and Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg. Babafemi said the following day, Friday, another set of three containers watch-listed by NDLEA were subjected to joint examination, and at the end of the exercise, a total of 3,030 cartons of codeine syrup containing 554,600 bottles of the opioid were recovered from them, bringing the total bottles of codeine seized at Onne, Rivers and Tincan in Lagos to 1,284,600 bottles worth N8,992,200,000.00 in street value while the combined seizure of tramadol stood at 29,840,000 pills valued at N8,940,000,000.00. The spokesman said NDLEA operatives at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers state last Tuesday arrested a suspect, Eze Emekan, while attempting to board a Cronos airline flight to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea with 1,490 pills of tramadol concealed and packaged as cosmetics of different brands inside his luggage. His attempt to compromise the officers to evade arrest was rebuffed. He said a wanted ex-beauty queen, Ms. Aderinoye Queen Christmas, also known as Ms. Queen Oluwadamilola Aderinoye, has surrendered to the Lagos State Command of the agency after about eight months in hiding. He recalled that the former beauty pageant was declared wanted by the agency in January after she escaped from her Lekki, Lagos residence when NDLEA operatives raided her apartment at Oral Estate, Lekki in Lagos following credible intelligence she deals in illicit substances. Babafemi said the suspect was Miss Commonwealth Nigeria Culture 2015/2016 and founder of Queen Christmas Foundation, and recovered from her home during the search witnessed by the estate officials include 606 grammes of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, an electronic weighing scale, large quantities of drugs packing plastics, a black RAV 4 SUV marked Lagos KSF 872 GQ, and her picture frame among others. He said the suspect, who claimed she has been hiding in Akure, Ondo State capital, since January when she escaped arrest in Lekki, Lagos, however, surrendered to the agency last Wednesday. Babafemi disclosed that no less than 1,122 kilogrammes of cannabis were seized from a suspect, Mustapha Ibrahim, when he was arrested last Monday along Orchid road, Ajah, Lagos, while 816 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance belonging to a suspect at large was recovered from the same location same day. In Niger state, NDLEA operatives last Monday arrested a suspect Friday Gabriel along Minna-Suleja road while conveying 1,900 capsules of tramadol, 300 bottles of codeine syrup and 600 packets of exol-5 tablets; operatives in Bauchi state on Saturday arrested two suspects: Garba Muhammed, 35; and Usman Shehu, 31, along Bauchi-Gombe road while transporting 308 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4 kilogrammes, concealed in false compartment of a J5 bus marked Edo state URM 38 ZY. The spokesman said commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. In his response to the latest seizures and arrests, the Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), commended all the officers and men of PHPC, Tincan and the Special Operations Unit of the Agency that had been working on the targeted containers for their vigilance and professionalism. He equally praised the support received from other stakeholders at the ports that enabled the seamless and successful operations in the course of targeting the shipments, while applauding operatives in Lagos, Niger, Bauchi and PHIA as well as other Commands across the country for their diligence and balance in their drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction efforts.

Edo Citizens Condemn Recent Remarks by the APC Chairman Labeling State as Poor to Access Satellite TV

Some concerned citizens of Edo State have expressed disappointment and condemnation of the recent remarks made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, which, according to them, unjustly labeled the people of Edo State as "too poor" to access pay TV and internet services, adding that such statements not only undermine the dignity of the citizens but also misrepresent the ongoing progress and development within the state. They said Edo State has witnessed significant economic growth as evidenced by the increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the successful implementation of government initiatives, including the provision of free internet access to enhance connectivity for the people, pointing out that all these efforts reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life and empowering citizens and residents of the state. The statement, which was signed by the concerned citizens like Osaretin Osayawe, Thomas Zuamo, Monday Ogboe, Patience Uwaifo, Eki Odigie, Isibor Eric, Oviasuyi Cosmos Osadebamwen Moses, Iwok Joseph, Erica Evbuomwan, Uhunekpenma Justice, John Legbedion, Ihinose Abhulimen, Ewere Aisosa, Chris Nehikhare, and Albert Obazee, was made available to journalists in Benin-city at the weekend. They said: "It is essential for our leaders to recognise and celebrate the resilience and achievements of Edo people rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes. We urge the APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, to acknowledge the strides we have made together and to engage in constructive dialogue that uplifts our community. "Let us continue to work collaboratively towards a brighter future for Edo State, one that is built on respect, understanding, and shared progress." The group further said: "Going on a national television to expose the lack of content prevalent in our major opposition party in our state denigrates the whole state. "We would like to advise Jarret and the rest of his cohorts to henceforth avoid TV or radio appearances as he does not only expose himself to ridicule but also dragging Edo people too."

Southern Nigeria Royal Fathers Decry Killings, Violent Crimes, Urge Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Unity

...Advise organisers of planned October 1 protest to stay action in national interest The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRIC) has expressed "grave concern" over the continuing incidents of killings, kidnappings and banditry happening across Nigeria in recent times. They noted that the spate of violent crimes should be a cause for worry to all patriotic Nigerians, and demanded an "urgent attention by the government and security agencies." The royal fathers made their feelings known in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, and made available to journalists yesterday. The council condemned the recent shocking murder of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Gwata town of Sokoto State by kidnappers. While bemoaning the killing of the emir, the southern monarchs commiserated with the Government of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the family of the deceased royal father over the painful loss. "The council is worried that the unscrupulous killers do not understand that traditional rulers are the custodians of our culture and heritage, the link to our past, ancestors and nation’s history which should not be desecrated," the Southern monarchs lamented. SNTRIC wondered why royal fathers should become targets of the criminal elements knowing that traditional institutions do not hold any key to the national purse or receive direct government allocations. The council, therefore called for "an immediate end to the ugly trend of kidnapping and killing of traditional rulers and other Nigerians across the country." On the prevailing harsh economic condition in the country, the royal fathers said they are quite aware of what Nigerians are passing through, adding that they "will continue to engage the constituted authorities to make life easy for all Nigerians." However, the monarchs pointed out that "we need peace and unity to forge ahead and overcome these trying times." In order to achieve sustainable peace and stability, the council called for restraint on incessant calls for strikes and protests by diverse groups in Nigeria. According to the traditional rulers, disruptions to economic activities would only continue to deter foreign investments in our country. For this reason, they advised the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other groups allegedly planning another protest on October 1 to shelve the idea and embrace dialogue. SNTRIC said that irrespective of their grievances, the organised labour and inheritance groups should see reason "to avoid putting further strain on our economy and the citizens. "Nigeria needs peace and all hands on deck to make the country work." They also admonished all arms of government, saying that the Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms must "remember their oaths of office, and work for better living conditions and a sustainable economy for the citizens." The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council with ‘Togetherness, Strength and Progress’ as their motto, was formally inaugurated on July 30, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State. Their goal is “to work in synergy for the peace of Nigeria and the furtherance of the unity of the Southern Traditional Institution.” Aside the council itself, the statement said that the executive members were also inaugurated on the said date with the Ooni of Ife as the chairman; Obi of Obinugwu, co-chairman; Jaja of Opobo, co-chairman; and the Dein of Agbor, the general-secretary. Others are Assistant Secretary, Olofin of Isheri; Publicity Secretary, Eze Aro; Financial Secretary, Alara of Ilara; Treasurer, Amanyanabo of Abonnema; Welfare Secretary, Elegushi of Ikate, while the Legal Advisor is Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu.

APC Will Be Defeated in Any Election in Ekiti iith Situation on Ground, Says PDP Chieftain

The immediate-past state Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Funmilayo Theresa Ogun, has boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be defeated in any future election in the state in view of the untold hardship the people have been subjected to by the APC-led government. Specifically, the PDP chieftain told members of the opposition party not to nurse the impression that defeating the ruling APC is impossible in the 2026 governorship poll. Ogun said the party enjoys electrifying popularity, the right appeal across 177 wards and wider acceptability to abort Governor Biodun Oyebanji's second term bid in the forthcoming election, and use same as a template for the 2027 presidential contest. Setting agenda for the 20-member Caretaker Committee set up by Iliya Damagun-led party's National Working Committee, following the expiration of the tenure of the State working Committee, the former state Works Commissioner tasked the body to strive hard to foster unity in PDP. Ogun gave the hint yesterday during a church thanksgiving marking the end of her tenure as the PDP State Secretary and the opening of a Consultation/ Reconciliation/Mobilisation office in Ado Ekiti to kick-start aggressive membership drives for the party ahead of 2026. In spite of the lackluster performances of the party in past elections and seeming cleavages within its fold, Ogun asserted that efforts are being intensified to restructure the PDP and strengthen it to be able to dislodge the ruling party. She posited that self-serving tendency to wreck the party would be stoutly resisted before the 2026 gubernatorial poll. According to her, "Defeating the APC is not an impossible task, we have the wherewithal to accomplish this, particularly now that Nigerians are in economic pains and are gradually regretting voting APC into power at all levels. "All we needed to do was to put our house in order, checkmate the fifth columnists and aggressively mobilise the Ekiti people to prove that we are serious to launch a comeback in 2026 and the task will be realised easily.” She urged the new caretaker committee composed by the national leadership of the party to be impartial, be focused and shun disloyalty in the administration of the party. She reminded them that the party requires cohesion and convergence of efforts and ideas to wriggle out of the current conundrum and rose to stardom, by winning the next coming governorship election. Ogun said the consultation/reconciliation/mobilisation office she inaugurated in Ado Ekiti would serve as a rendezvous for the PDP members and interested Ekiti people to promote the party to be able to pose as a strong alternative platform to the "wobbling and fumbling ruling APC." The former commissioner appealed to Ekiti citizens to forget the past mistakes and vote massively for the party in the coming election now that they have realised that the PDP remains the best platform to take Ekiti State and Nigeria to the Promised Land. "With these increasing and hydra-headed security crises, skyrocketing food prices, hyper-inflation, rising youth unemployment, and deep-seated divisions among Nigeria, it is evidently clear that the APC has failed the people and it must be wholesomely rejected by the populace in every election," she said.

LASUBEB, Women Affairs Ministry Empower 200 Parents to Reduce Out-of-school Children

In an effort to tackle the escalating number of out-of-school children, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has trained 200 parents and guardians of out- of-school children who are enrolled into public primary schools in the state under its 'project zero' initiative. The training covered a variety of skills, including hair and wig making, event decoration and management, fabric embellishment, and snacks and beverage production. Additional skills taught included soap and pomade making, throw pillow and duvet creation, Ankara crafts, leatherwork, makeup and Gele-tying as well as tie-dye techniques. Speaking at the second phase of the skills acquisition training held at the weekend, the Executive Chairman of the board, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, explained that the programme was aimed at empowering families, enhancing their livelihoods, and promoting regular school attendance. He highlighted the board’s commitment to creating a supportive environment that emphasises the importance of education. According to him, "The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is steadfast in its mission to reduce the number of school-aged children not attending school," adding that a total of 450 parents had benefited from the programme. Shittu remarked that the initiative, aside improving enrolment and retention rates, would also fortify community bonds through active engagement in the educational process. “LASUBEB's proactive measures to address the out-of-school crisis reflect a commitment to leaving no child behind in the access to free quality basic education," he said. In her remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, appreciated the governor for the opportunity to host the second edition of the programme and appealed to the participant who have been empowered, to actively use their skills rather than remaining idle. On their part, the participants thanked the state government for helping them move out of poverty.

Benue APC Crisis: Gov Sule Seeks Ganduje's Intervention

The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has sought the intervention of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, towards resolving the lingering crisis engulfing the party in Benue State. Governor Sule, who is the chairman of the North Central Governors' Forum, made this appeal when he visited the national secretariat of the party in Abuja at the weekend. According to him, "In my capacity as chairman of the APC Governors' Forum in the zone, I deem it necessary to seek the intervention of the father of the party in order to put to rest the lingering crisis in the party in Benue State. "In the North Central, we have a state where there are issues here and there. We have plenty discussions on that and we want the national chairman to also intervene, as well as the National Working Committee to intervene in order for us to resolve those issues. "North Central has five out of six APC governors. For that reason, we need to strengthen our zone. We cannot afford to have any kind of disagreement in our zone." Governor Sule expressed his conviction that Ganduje, a former deputy governor and former governor has the pedigree to resolve the Benue State APC impasse. "I have no doubt that if there is any gentleman that can work to resolve that matter is no other than Ganduje, a former deputy governor and former governor. For that reason, I came to pay my respect to the father of the party and the NWC," he added. Sule said he was also at the national secretariat of the party to pay respect to the national chairman, who he said deserves respect and cooperation, especially as the APC gears towards participating in the scheduled governorship election in Edo State. "In the next couple of weeks, we have an election in Edo State. The man does not need to be distracted in any other way so that we can go and win our election in Edo. That is one of the reasons why I came to encourage him to be focused," he stated. Governor Sule used the opportunity of the visit to call on his APC colleague governors to endeavour to pay regular visits to the national secretariat of the party in order not to be seen as visitors in a house they all worked hard to build. In his response, the APC National Chairman, Ganduje, appreciated Governor Sule for the visit, especially that there were controversies in the party in Benue State. Ganduje said he wanted the APC to be a strong institution that would back the ruling government, as well as an institution that would ensure internal democracy. He, however, warned that with him in charge at the helm of affairs of the party, it was no longer business as usual.

Alake: Nasarawa Has Joined States Earning over N1bn Monthly from Solid Minerals Royalties

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has disclosed that Nasarawa State has joined the league of states earning over N1 billion monthly in the Federation Account accruing from solid minerals royalties. The minister disclosed this at the weekend when he led a delegation of the National Council of Mining and Solid Minerals Development on a courtesy call on the state Governor, Abdullahi Sule, in the Government House, Lafia. The National Council of the Mining and Solid Minerals Development was in Nasarawa State to intimate Governor Sule on its forth coming sixth national council summit scheduled to hold in Lafia. Represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom, Alake maintained that Governor Sule's contribution in the Renewed Hope Agenda in the minerals sector could not be over emphasised. He said: "Nasarawa State is an investment heaven for solid minerals and other businesses to strive, because of the business enabling climate of Governor Sule's administration's policies and programmes. "One other results as evidence in Nasarawa State is that the state is joining the league of states earning about N1 billion in the Federation Account accruing from solid minerals royalties." In his remark, Governor Sule thanked the Minister of Solid Minerals Development for his willingness to work with the various states. He said: "Today you have brought in a new dimension to the partnership between the various states, communities where these minerals are sited and the ministry. This is what we have been looking for.