News
Capital Punishment to Drug Offenders May Not Reduce Level of Crime, UNODC Warns
Capital Punishment to Drug Offenders May Not Reduce Level of Crime, UNODC Warns
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has said that the move by the Nigeria’s Senate to give capital punishment to drug trafficking offenders may add little or nothing to reducing the crime.
Country Representative, UNODC, Oliver Stolpe, gave the verdict at a two-day Media Personnel Training on Ant-Corruption, Police Accountability, Wildlife Crime and Sensitization on Drugs Prevention, Treatment and Care, (DPTC), organized by the UNODC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other partners, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said: “The deterrent effect of death penalty as never convincingly be proven. There is no proof of the effectiveness of death penalty.
“Our stance as UN is clear on the death penalty we are principally and categorically against it. And from a very practical viewpoint, I have to say, it doesn’t make sense,” he said.
Stolpe insisted that the UN has always advocated for clear distinction between crimes of drug trafficking as opposed to the issue of drug use which it considers primarily to be a health issue,”and that should be dealt with as such. addiction is a health condition, it is not a choice.”
On the need for an updated drug data for Nigerians, he observed that the current national drug survey for Nigeria was last done six years ago, (2018), and therefore does not reflect the current situation for Nigeria.
He noted that: “The drug use survey of 2018 remains as far as I can tell the most cited study in the media, this data is outdated and I think a very critical question that media could ask at that point is really well, how can we still refer to 2018 data to describe today’s levels of drug use?
Speaking on the importance of the training,, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa, (Retired), said the media remains an indispensable partner in Nigeria’s drug war .
Represented by the Secretary NDLEA, Shedrach Haruna, he said “For us in NDLEA, the media is a valued partner on whom we rely to foster a friendly ecosystem that aids anti-illicit drug abuse and trafficking in society.
“This is well-thought training for media professionals, given that the media is a crucial link between the public and law enforcement and a potent tool for the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the law enforcement process.”
Capital Punishment to Drug Offenders May Not Reduce Level of Crime, UNODC Warns
News
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security.
Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.
The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.
He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.
The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
News
Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group
Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has called on citizens to dedicate next Monday for prayers and fasting to ward off the resurgent Boko Haram attacks.
The governor in a statewide broadcast, told his people: “As a people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayer. I, hereby declare Monday, 24th November, 2025, as a Statewide Day of Fasting and Prayer for the restoration of peace in Borno State and the country.”
This is not the first time special day for prayers and fasting would be declared to ward off the arms barring terrorist group in the state.
The governor said: “On this day, I call upon every resident of Borno, regardless of faith, to join in prayer for the lasting peace and prosperity of our beloved state and Nigeria.
“Consequently, let us therefore devote ourselves to constant prayers, seeking Almighty God’s mercy.
“I also urge the people to use this period to pray for divine protection against evildoers, saboteurs, and all enemies of peace.”
He assured the people of his administration’s continued investment in the welfare of our security forces, support community-based vigilance, and pursue dialogue where possible, without compromising the state’s integrity or the safety of our people
He noted that: “For the past 15 years, Borno State has been in the global spotlight owing to the Boko Haram insurgency. This conflict has affected every segment of our society, displacing millions of people across all 27 local government areas, and dislocating the socio-economic activities and livelihoods of our people.
“We were able to overcome those harrowing days of insurgency by uniting as one, setting aside differences of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. We rallied behind our armed forces and other security agencies to confront the common enemy, whose aim was to destabilize our state, the North-East, and the nation as a whole.
“The relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest for this year’s farming season. Farmers have been able to cultivate their crops that is expected to sustain them for the next one to two years.
“The Borno State government remains committed to supporting farmers with inputs and agro-chemicals. The continued support is to ensure year-round farming, in order to achieve food sufficiency across the state.
“Despite the recent sporadic attacks Borno State has witnessed reasonable degree of stability. However, the unfolding situation in the state, the Nation and indeed the globe is a matter of great concern to us.
“Let me commend the people of Borno State for their steadfastness and commitment to the cause of peace. This has been demonstrated through relentless prayers, fasting, and continued support for our gallant troops in the frontline, the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes. Indeed, your resilience has been a source of inspiration and strength to me and to the entire administration.”
Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group
News
KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings
KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings
…Appeals for Immediate Release of Students
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned the recent tragic kidnapping of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States.
The group in a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Bello named Ted that the issue has become a major national concern, highlighted by the decision of President Bola Tinubu to cancel his scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 Economic Summit to focus on the crisis at home.
Bello said: “The most regrettable aspect of this deeply disturbing incident is that it targets innocent secondary school students. These are children who have left their parents for the first time to attend boarding school, pursuing an education that is vital for the future development of their states, Nigeria, and the world.
“Furthermore, we must consider the lasting emotional and psychological trauma being inflicted upon these young victims. The suffering of their parents and relatives, who are enduring days of uncertainty, hunger, and heartbreak, is a grave humanitarian crisis that threatens their health and overall well-being.”
He addd that: “The Federal Government’s subsequent directive to close over 40 Federal secondary schools across the country, along with closures ordered by the Niger and Katsina State governments, represents a significant educational setback. This is particularly alarming for the Northern region, which is already struggling with a high rate of out-of-school children. KACRAN is profoundly concerned that the perpetrators of this unholy act are now turning their unlawful attacks on vulnerable children who deserve the highest levels of protection.
“The aforementioned incident, which prevented our visionary President from attending the G20 meeting—an event of crucial importance to Nigeria’s global image—is a painful economic and reputational loss for the nation. KACRAN highly appreciates the serious concern and sympathy Mr. President has demonstrated towards the victims and their families.
“At this juncture, KACRAN reiterates its strong condemnation of all acts of violence in the country, especially the unacceptable kidnapping of innocent students. We passionately appeal to the kidnappers to fear the Almighty God and contemplate the day of judgment. As an act of clemency, sympathy for the victims and their families, and for the restoration of our national pride, we urge them to kindly and immediately release these poor students and return them safely to their parents. Nothing is gained from the suffering of small children and their poor families.”
KACRAN called on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or region, to reject all forms of violence. “We must embrace one another as one beloved family and unite to firmly develop an indivisible Nigeria, ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a better country.
“Finally, while once more commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his government’s sincerity and total commitment to securing the immediate release of these students, we respectfully request him, as a caring father to all, to accept and urgently implement KACRAN’s comprehensive proposal on how to easily resolve insecurity problems in the North-West and North-Central regions within six months.”
KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News7 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
