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Drug war: First Lady, UNODC, Marwa Charge States on Community-based Interventions
Drug war: First Lady, UNODC, Marwa Charge States on Community-based Interventions
State governments have been charged to embrace and entrench community-based interventions that will curb the impact of the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking at the grassroots in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP).
The charge was the highpoint of remarks by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure as well as ECOWAS representative, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah at a training workshop organized by NDLEA for the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum in Abuja on Tuesday.
The First Lady, in her keynote address to the gathering, commended the NDLEA, and NGSF for the initiative aimed at advancing drug control efforts to the grassroots across the country. She specifically commended Marwa and his team “for courageously confronting the fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking in the country.”
Senator Tinubu, who was represented by wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Jibrin Barau said: “This training cannot be coming at any better time than now when statistics and daily life experiences are revealing that drugs have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our communities. As a nation, we are confronted with a growing crisis, one that affects the very core of our society, the health, safety, and future of our children.
“The rising tide of drug and substance abuse amongst adolescents is a challenge that we must no longer ignore or tackle in isolation. It requires concerted efforts, community-driven response, one that integrates enforcement, education, family support, and sustained intervention. Our presence at this training testifies to the collective resolve we display in ensuring that we strengthen, secure, and safeguard families and communities.
“Today’s training will ensure that we are adequately armed with the right knowledge, tools, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively tackle this complex issue. It is my hope that this capacity-building workshop, through honest discussions and sharing of best practices, will provide valuable insights into evidence-based strategies for prevention, early intervention, and holistic treatment approaches, especially targeting marginalized and vulnerable communities.
“I urge us to utilize the knowledge gathered at this training to develop viable solutions while collaborating with relevant stakeholders, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other law enforcement agencies, MDAs, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders.
“Let us always bear in mind that as state First Ladies, you owe our people the duty to lead by example, to bear their burden, and share in their pain as we jointly confront drug abuse in our society. I urge us to continue to provide the right direction through prevention initiatives, advocating for those whose voices have been silenced by addiction, providing community interventions to support recovery and reintegrate people into communities after treatment.
“Let us approach the formidable task ahead with humility, doggedness, and commitment to enable us to build communities where our children are protected from harm and empowered to thrive. Together, we can change the narrative, restore dignity to our communities, and ensure a healthier, safer future for all Nigerians.”
In his welcome address, Marwa noted that the drug scourge obstructs progress and dims prospects in an already beleaguered world. “Regrettably, Nigeria is not immune to this scourge, which steadily infiltrates every stratum of our society. Statistics, academic research, and lived experiences alike reveal a grim reality about illicit drug use and consequences in the country. The magnitude and impact of the drug crisis render the attainment of our national aspiration—improving the health and security of all who dwell within our borders, as enshrined in the National Drug Control Master Plan 2021–2025—a daunting yet inevitable task for any government and people worthy of the name.”
He also said it is imperative for all stakeholders at the workshop to adopt urgent, holistic, and inclusive strategies to dismantle the drug menace. According to him, “Over the past four years, the NDLEA has pursued this mission with renewed and unwavering zeal, ensuring that Nigeria’s hard-won global and regional drug control successes are not merely preserved but expanded.
“Permit me to inform this distinguished gathering that over the four years, the NDLEA has deployed substantial resources towards a comprehensive assault on the drug problem, yielding significant outcomes. Under the drug supply reduction mandate—encompassing drug seizures, arrests, prosecutions, and convictions—we recorded the arrest of 62,595 drug suspects (Including 68 drug barons), the seizure of 10,317,137.55 kilograms of assorted drugs, and secured the conviction of 11,628 offenders. Furthermore, 1,330.56553 hectares of cannabis farms were identified and destroyed.
“To ensure a balanced approach in accordance with international best practices, equal emphasis has been placed on drug demand reduction. Between January 2021 and March 2025, a total of 24,375 drug users received counselling and treatment at NDLEA facilities, primarily through brief interventions. Concurrently, 10,501 drug sensitisation programmes were conducted nationwide under the auspices of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign, reaching diverse target groups within communities. In parallel, a remarkable 3, 843, 789 participants were mobilized to partake in these enlightenment initiatives undertaken across the nation.”
He charged the stakeholders not to surrender to despair over the menace of drug abuse. “As patriots and vanguards of our nation’s well-being, it falls on us to strengthen our resolve, to move with deliberate speed towards practical and lasting resolutions that will, God willing, break the vicious cycle of drug abuse. This capacity building event represents a stride, small though it may seem, in the proper direction.
“Since it is at the community level that the burden of the drug menace is most acutely felt, it is vital that stakeholders, including all of us gathered here today, address the different dimensions of the problem from a community-centred perspective. This gathering must strive for common ground, developing indigenous and pragmatic solutions that go beyond mere statistics and harrowing headlines, addressing instead the real and harrowing human toll of drug abuse.”
He also expressed confidence that the training will strengthen capacities, harness community resources, and unlock the potential needed to formulate and implement evidence-based interventions that will salvage and rejuvenate every segment of beleaguered communities. “Let us, as frontliners, ever remember: the cost of inaction is infinitely higher than the cost of collective action. Your Excellencies, your roles as mothers, changemakers, and drivers of the State Drug Control Committees (SDCC) place upon you a sacred trust—a responsibility not to be borne lightly. Through your ingenuity, your states may yet emerge as shining examples, immortalised in gold as bastions of hope that defied the tides of darkness.
“The SDCCs remain a potent platform for fostering multisectoral collaboration in the crucial task of drug demand reduction at the state level. I must fervently implore you to ensure the establishment, strengthening, and revitalisation of these Committees across your respective states. Let us always remember that the value of these training events lies not in the richness of their content alone, but in the continued motion and effectiveness of the SDCCs—moving resolutely towards our collective aspiration of a drug-free, resilient Nigeria”, he added.
Also speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Rep Cheikh Toure stated that “If the root of this crisis lies in our neighborhoods, schools, and homes, then the solution must too. The National Drug Control Master Plan and the WADA initiative remind us of that national framework alone cannot heal fractured communities. Lasting change begins when states and local governments own this fight.”
He reminded the first ladies that their influence transcends politics, adding that “you are the custodian of trust in your states. When you speak, community listens. When you act, local governments follow. Today, I urge us to channel this unique power into three pillars of action. Number one, state-led resource mobilization. Every state must prioritize dedicated budget for prevention and treatment. This means establishing a state-specific drug control task force to align with NDLEA’s national efforts, allocating local government funds to build community drop-in centres, safe space for counseling, and care within walking distance of those in need.”
The UNODC chief stated further that states must adopt evidence-based programmes to their cultural contexts, and decentralize treatment access. The head of ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah spoke in same light in his goodwill message, urging state governments to invest in prevention and treatment efforts at the state and community-levels.
Experts who served as resource persons during the technical session of the workshop include: Dr. Martins Agwogie, Prof. Akintunde Oyedokun, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, Dr. Kunle Adeshina, Dr. Abubakar Salami, Dr. Kunle Adeshina and Dr. Ngozi Madubuike.
Drug war: First Lady, UNODC, Marwa Charge States on Community-based Interventions
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VP Shettima Leads Tributes At Funeral Of CBN Deputy Governor’s Mother
VP Shettima Leads Tributes At Funeral Of CBN Deputy Governor’s Mother
** Says Deaconess Usoro’s daughter, Ms Emen, embodies a mother’s dream fulfilled
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM has paid glowing tribute to the late Deaconess Eno Nnana Usoro, mother of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor Ms. Emem Nnana Usoro, describing her as a woman whose life exemplified grace, faith, and service to humanity.
He noted that the late Deaconess’ enduring legacy is evident in the lives of her children, particularly her daughter, the CBN Deputy Governor, whom he described as a mother’s dream fulfilled.
Speaking on Saturday at the funeral reception of the deceased held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the Vice President said the late Deaconess Usoro’s life was a profound testimony of the power of prayer and the transformative influence of motherhood anchored in faith.

“The exemplary Ms. Emem Nnana Usoro is a daughter she couldn’t have been prouder of. She stands today as a symbol of a mother’s dream fulfilled—a story defined by sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance,” VP Shettima said.
The Vice President described Ms. Emem Usoro’s rise to the CBN Deputy Governor’s position as a testament to her mother’s refusal to settle for mediocrity and her belief in excellence anchored in faith.
“The height that Ms. Usoro has attained in public service, as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, tells the story of a mother who refused to settle for mediocrity, who believed that her child could compete with the best of the world’s minds and still remain anchored in faith,” he said.
VP Shettima emphasised that Deaconess Usoro was more than a mother to her family, serving as a pillar of her church, a mentor to women, and support for the less privileged.
He noted that she exemplified humility and compassion while raising her family to understand that excellence without empathy is emptiness.

“When we celebrate the Late Deaconess Eno Nnana Usoro’s achievements, what readily comes to us are the stations of those she left behind. When we celebrate them, we are in truth celebrating the woman who shaped their character—the mother who toiled in silence, whose sacrifices were the scaffolds upon which their destiny was built,” the Vice President noted.
He added, “Those who live in the service of others never truly die. They are resurrected in every act of goodness that continues in their name.”
On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT and the Federal Government, VP Shettima extended condolences to the Usoro family, describing the deceased’s life as “a sermon, her kindness a ministry, her legacy an inheritance that will outlive her.”
The Vice President urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the late matriarch’s example, noting that success in life stems from being nurtured by love, discipline, and prayer.
“Let us not say that Mama is gone. Let us say that she has returned home to rest from her labours,” VP Shettima said, while praying for divine strength for the bereaved family.
Earlier, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State @aksgovt, Pastor Umo Eno @_PastorUmoEno, paid glowing tribute to the deceased and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, praying for the repose of the soul of late Mama Eno Nnana Usoro.

“When we came to the world, a few of us came very quietly, but when you leave and the ovation is high, it shows the lives you have touched. So, I know that you must be happy that God has helped you give your mother this honour. You have brought Nigerians, standing to send her home in glowing bliss.”
The Governor thanked God for her life and, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, welcomed all guests, and commended Vice President Shettima for honouring the invitation to visit Akwa Ibom State, saying “it shows the love he has for the Akwa Ibom people and for the family.”
The President of the Senate @SPNigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation, noting that “today heaven is happy to receive an angel in the late Eno Nnana Usoro.”
“My dear sister, the Deputy Governor of CBN, Emem Usoro, let me thank you for doing Akwa Ibom proud, let me thank you for the resounding applause and ovation with which you have sent your beloved mother to heaven,” Senator Akpabio said.
“I thank you and your brothers and sisters for this wonderful tribute. I thank God Almighty for your life and the lives of your family and, like I said in the Church, may the peace of the Lord which surpasses all understanding, console you and take care of you now and forever.”
The Senate President, who appreciated the Vice President for his presence at the event, noted that the people of Akwa Ibom State hold the Vice President in high esteem.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Rep. Abdulmumini Ari; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; captains of industry; staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria; members of the State and National Assemblies; chief executives of banks; and other top government functionaries.
VP Shettima Leads Tributes At Funeral Of CBN Deputy Governor’s Mother
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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Gamboru Ngala, a border town in northern Borno State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the insurgents launched the attack on Saturday evening at about 6:15 p.m., attempting to infiltrate through the Flatari axis of Gamboru.
The sources said the troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat after a brief exchange of gunfire.
“No adverse report was recorded during the encounter. The troops are currently on exploitation to track fleeing elements,” one of the sources said.
The situation in Gamboru Ngala has since returned to normal as residents commended the vigilance and prompt response of the military.
Gamboru Ngala, which shares a border with Cameroon, has been one of the strategic towns targeted by insurgents due to its proximity to transnational routes used for smuggling and movement of fighters.
The latest attack comes amid sustained military operations across the North-East aimed at dismantling remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists still operating in isolated enclaves.
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala
News
Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri
Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), his orderly, Cpl. Adam Hussaini Gamawa, and his driver, have died in a fatal auto crash along the Malam Sidi–Gombe Road.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday, shortly after the trio departed Maiduguri, Borno State, where they had participated in the North-East Regional Consultation on the development of a national Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) framework.
Col. Bello and his team were said to have left Maiduguri cheerfully after the closing ceremony of the three-day consultation, which brought together delegates from Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States.
According to sources , who was among the panelists at the consultation, Col. Bello actively participated in the session, contributing valuable insights on Gombe State’s role in hosting the Operation Safe Corridor facility.
“Col. Bello introduced himself as the third Commissioner since the ministry’s establishment in 2019. He spoke passionately about consolidating the foundation laid by his predecessors and reaffirmed his state’s commitment to the DDR process,” the sources recounted.
He described the late commissioner as a vibrant participant who engaged meaningfully during discussions and later shared perspectives on the unique security dynamics of different states.
“Our last conversation centered on the importance of integrating Disarmament and Demobilization into any dialogue with armed groups. I emphasized that without those key components, such dialogues amount to mere temporary ceasefires,” sources said.
Sources said the consultation ended successfully on Friday, with delegates departing for their respective states. He added that news of the accident broke later that evening, sending shockwaves through the participants and officials of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Col. Bello and his orderly lost their lives instantly, while the driver, who was critically injured, passed away on Saturday morning. It was heartbreaking these were people we had just interacted with, full of life and dedication,” sources said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and the people of Gombe State, describing the tragedy as “a painful reminder of the fleeting nature of life.”
“May their souls rest in peace. Indeed, life is transient, and we are all living on borrowed time as mortals,” he added.
Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri
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