National News
Cannabis Sativa cannot be Legalised under Prevailing Security Situation in Nigeria- Marwa
Cannabis Sativa cannot be Legalised under Prevailing Security Situation in Nigeria- Marwa
By: Olu Mikel, Abuja
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that legalization of cannabis sativa as propounded by few Nigerians cannot be allowed under the prevailing security situation in the country.
Marwa made this assertion as guest speaker at the 2021 Ulefunta annual public lecture organised by the Deji of Akure kingdom in Akure, the Ondo state capital,
The occasion was hosted by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and chaired by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.
The NDLEA Chief Executive said, “the proliferation of illicit drugs often engenders a pattern of crime, chaos and conflict. In the advanced world, it is the driver of high crime rate and violent killings in the inner cities. In developing or Third World countries, it is the escalator of strife, pogroms and civil war, and has played a big role in countries torn to pieces by tribal war, such as it is playing out in Syria, which has become the hotbed of Captagon, and Afghanistan, which controls the opium trade.”
He added that: “We have seen narco-terrorism in countries like Colombia and Mexico where drug cartels are law unto themselves and are as powerful, if not more powerful, than the State. So, there are real cases, not scenarios, of where and how illicit substances played a role in a society’s rapid descent into chaos and teetering on the brink of a failed state.
“So the pertinent question for us today is: Has drugs played any role in the festering insecurity in Nigeria? The answer is yes. Of this we have ample evidence.”
Marwa who was represented by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan, NDCMP, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, stated that considering the intractable burden of insecurity facing the country, “we do not have the luxury of allowing a narcotic economy to take root and thrive in our society. Africa, nay, Nigeria has enough problems without adding the burden of narco-terrorism.
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“Of all the known illicit substances, Cannabis sativa is the only one that is native to Nigeria and it is the most abused of all illicit drugs, and from the findings of the National Drug Survey of 2018, cannabis is becoming a national albatross”
He revealed that the population of Nigerians hooked on cannabis alone is more than the population of countries like Portugal, Greece or the Republic of Benin, insisting that the nation cannot afford to toy with the grim reality of the danger of legalising cannabis when all the needed infrastructure to monitor and control that are still far from being in place.”
Marwa said: “Where cannabis is concerned, we should not by any argument allow ourselves to become the proverbial fool that rushed in where angels fear to tread. Countries like Canada that are pro-cannabis have strong and efficient institutions that are way ahead of ours by long mileages.
“Given the reality of our law enforcement, controlled cultivation of cannabis is a mirage. Aren’t pharmaceutical opioids controlled? Tramadol, codeine, rohypnol, benzopam, they are all controlled, yet, their trafficking and abuse is causing us unquantifiable human and economic loss. And for those who point at the inherent economic benefit that could accrue from legalisation of cultivation, in accordance with our reality, would you be comfortable, if by tomorrow, your 13-year-old son can easily access marijuana, or you find some wraps of weed in his pocket, or you learnt that someone has introduced your 16-year-old daughter to smoking Igbo under the pretext that it has medicinal value?
Our individual answer to that question will give us a public opinion of where we should stand as a country in the cannabis debate.”
He warned that “We should stop treating cannabis like some sweet candy without any side effects. Its repercussions outweigh the vaunted benefits. And legalising its cultivation for a country like Nigeria is a shortcut to illicit drug Armageddon. At a time we are taking a forward march in the fight against drug abuse, attempting to paint cannabis in a favourable light is akin to taking backward steps.”
The anti-drug czar said: “As far as NDLEA is concerned, cannabis remains an illicit substance. The Agency shall always canvass against its cultivation, possession, trafficking and sales, and use. And offenders will face the wrath of the law. And, if I may add, our conviction rate is 90% successful.”
Cannabis Sativa cannot be Legalised under Prevailing Security Situation in Nigeria- Marwa
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPA) Lagos Command has arrested three suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking operation and successfully rescued two teenage girls who were being trafficked to Libya for prostitution.
Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at 8:20 AM on March 7, officers of a tactical team based in Amuwo-Odofin received credible intelligence about the illegal movement of two underage girls via Kano State.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of special operatives intercepted the traffickers at Bokori Park, Kano State, where the victims, Ikimot Moruf (17 years old) and Rodiot Jelili (15 years old), were rescued unharmed.
Following the interception, three suspects were tracked and arrested in their hideout at No. 12/22 Akintunde Street, Alakuko, Lagos. The suspects were identified as: Yakubu Arise, Kalimot Moruf and Musilyat Balogun 54 years old.
The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
National News
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
By: Michael Mike
In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
The launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders which took place in London on Tuesday, represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border
creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development. Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.”
It revealed that a Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,fashion, and arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika,, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs Adedayo Ayoade, said:“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian
governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
National News
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.
The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.
“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.
While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.
Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.
ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.
He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
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