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Global, national partners rally support for NDLEA’s alternative development project

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Global, national partners rally support for NDLEA’s alternative development project

By: Michael Mike

International partners and local stakeholders in the global effort to combat the scourge of illicit drug trafficking have expressed their preparedness to support the Alternative Development Project of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to a statement on Friday by the spokesman of NDLEA, it is an initiative aimed at encouraging illicit drug producers and dealers to engage in lawful and productive business opportunities.

They made the commitments in their remarks during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on “Building a Support Network for the Alternative Development Project in Nigeria”, organised by the Alternative Development unit of NDLEA at the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) explained the decision to embrace the ADP initiative. According to him, “In Nigeria, the Alternative Development Project will focus on reducing the vulnerabilities of ignorance, poverty, hunger, unemployment and underdevelopment that push people into illicit economies, particularly illicit drug cultivation. Aside from its link to transnational organised crime, illicit drug cultivation fuels national organised crime that causes agricultural states to abandon food crop cultivation for cannabis plantations in some communities in Southwest Nigeria. We intend to reduce these vulnerabilities both in urban centres and rural areas through the provision of functional mechanisms and facilities for sensitisation, skills acquisition, empowerment and positive engagements for sustainable livelihoods.

“As a diversified enterprise tailored to meet various needs and interests of the people, the Alternative Development Project in Nigeria will focus on agricultural and community development, research and basic infrastructure, and industrial and commercial engagements. We will begin with agricultural development through the crop substitution project. We will also focus on advocacy and education programmes and set up mechanisms to monitor and evaluate project implementations, progress, impacts and challenges.”

He expressed appreciation to the Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development in Berlin, Germany for providing a fully funded Alternative Development study visit opportunity to Thailand for some NDLEA officers. He equally applauded the contributions of the immediate past Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Mr. Oliver Stolpe; Chief, Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch of UNODC, Vienna, Dr. Justice Tettey; Ashnik Alternative Development Initiative, an NGO and other stakeholders who assisted in developing the framework for the birth of the Alternative Development unit of the agency.

He called for a more robust global support to ensure the success of the project.

In his remarks, Tettey commended NDLEA for blazing the trail in Alternative Development initiative in Africa. He identified four critical elements needed for the success of the project as: “people- centred and responsive approach where the aspirations of the people, inclusion and local ownership of AD programmes will ensure meaningful participation of youths, women and the locals in the project design and implementation; value added production chain and access to market which involves research- aided identification of high- yielding marketable crops in harmony with the local environment and equally satisfy local and international markets.”

He noted that environmental considerations must be paramount in all efforts around Alternative Development to ensure sustainability and protection of the ecosystem. He pledged UNODC support to ensure a successful implementation.
Equally in his remarks, Mr. Danilo Campisi, Officer- in -Charge , UNODC Country Office, Nigeria, stated that 8,900 hectares of cannabis farmland being cultivated in six states in Nigeria would have been used for production of licit crops. He condemned the recruitment of young men who are desperate for livelihood in the communities by drug barons, who exploit their vulnerabilities.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma commended the NDLEA boss for the laudable initiative, noting that the Alternative Development project is in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing issues of unemployment, youth and women empowerment by providing tools and resources needed to engage in productive licit farming activities in order to prevent the vulnerable from engaging in unlawful activities.

Others who spoke at the workshop include; Ms. Ana Medeiros, who represented acting Chief of Mission, United Nations International Organisation on Migrants; Mr. Thierry Rostan, Global Coordinator, Alternative Development/ Sustainable Livelihood Team, Vienna, Austria; Professor Bala Shehu of the Ashnik Alternative Development Initiative; Dr. Jonah Kolo, the Coordinator of the AD project and Dr. Martin Agwogie, President , International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP), Nigeria, among others.

Global, national partners rally support for NDLEA’s alternative development project

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Producers Are Mandated to Embrace Circular Economy with Recycling and Reuse as Fundamentals

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Producers Are Mandated to Embrace Circular Economy with Recycling and Reuse as Fundamentals

By: Michael Mike

The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor has explained that the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme (EPR) has made it mandatory for producers to design products and packaging that can be recycled or reused in line with Circular Economy.

Barikor made the disclosure on Tuesday, while entertaining questions on NESREA Half Hour, an environmental programme by NESREA in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, that airs on the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM Abuja.

Represented by the Assistant Director Plastic, Engr. Chukwudi Nwabuisiaku, Prof. Barikor described the Circular Economy as an economic system where products and packaging are designed to last, and their packaging at post-consumer stage or end-of-life are managed in a manner that such products can be recycled, reused, upgraded, repurposed or upcycled.

He said, “If you are producing anything, think of the end-of life of that product, it’s take-back, and what else it can be used for. Therefore, the responsibility of the producer is extended to the post-consumer stage or end-of-life.”

Barikor also stated that all producers are mandated to register with the relevant Producer Responsibility Organisation of their product’s sector, adding that here are Existing PROs in the country for the Food & Beverage , Battery, Electrical and Electronics and Tyre Sectors where the programme has already kicked off.

He said the agency was also partnering with a Fintech company to strengthen the implementation framework for the formalization of the downstream operators of the value chain and ensuring that waste pickers and collectors are properly trained and incentivized by the Producer Responsibility Organisations.

Producers Are Mandated to Embrace Circular Economy with Recycling and Reuse as Fundamentals

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Jonathan, Marwa, Onyema, 16 Others to Be Honoured at DICAN Conference

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Jonathan, Marwa, Onyema, 16 Others to Be Honoured at DICAN Conference

By: Michael Mike

A convergence of Nigeria’s diplomatic community, security stakeholders, policy experts, and scholars is set to take place in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) hosts the first-ever Diplomatic/Security International Conference, focusing on the intersection of diplomacy, national security, and Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora spearheaded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

This groundbreaking gathering, themed “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation: The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability.” is a timely response to the growing need for informed, cross-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and global interests.

It will bring together seasoned diplomats, representatives of foreign missions, security chiefs, media professionals, researchers, and civil society actors to dissect key issues shaping the nation’s international engagement and internal stability.

Chairman of DICAN, Idehai Frederick, described the conference as a bold intellectual platform aimed at bridging the gap between security policy, diplomatic action, and media accountability.

According to him, “Nigeria is undergoing a deep recalibration of its foreign policy doctrine under the 4D framework. We believe the media has a crucial role in amplifying these strategies, while experts and diplomats must align security and diplomacy with real-time global shifts. This conference offers that synergy.”

He said in recognition of outstanding contributions to diplomacy, peacebuilding, national cohesion, and security sector reforms, DICAN will present the prestigious DICAN Award of Excellence to 20 distinguished personalities and institutions who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress and international stature.

Among those to be honoured are:

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for his enduring efforts in peace diplomacy and conflict resolution across Africa;

Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for his trailblazing anti-narcotics reforms;

Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, for fostering regional connectivity, crisis evacuation, and supporting national diplomacy through aviation logistics;

The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Nigeria, for its consistent diplomatic engagement and support for bilateral cooperation.

Others on the honour list include top security operatives, humanitarian actors, and institutions whose work has strengthened Nigeria’s international presence and internal security architecture.

The conference, will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions, with prominent speakers including: Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chief Host), The Minister of Defence, The Minister of Interior, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS,

The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad,

As well as Nigeria’s Service Chiefs and select heads of foreign missions.

DICAN, as the umbrella body for journalists covering the diplomatic and foreign affairs beats in Nigeria, views this international conference not just as a media initiative, but as a national dialogue to reinforce Nigeria’s place in global diplomacy while confronting existential security challenges.

According to Idehai, “We are living in an era where diplomacy is not just about embassies and bilateral meetings. It is now an essential tool in combating transnational threats, shaping economic development, and projecting national interest. This conference creates that rare space for reflective, inclusive discourse.”
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VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI

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VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI:

Late ex-President Pursued Justice With Sincerity

** Says Tinubu-led FG will continue to protect dignity of the Buhari family, Katsina people

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said the late former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued justice with the utmost sincerity.

And in death, according to Senator Shettima, the late Buhari has also proved to the world that he was, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday during the 3rd day prayers (Fidau) offered for the repose of the soul of the former Nigerian leader, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

“Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity.

“When you are in power, your friends know you; when you are out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, the greatest son of Africa. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah. May Allah forgive his shortcomings,” he prayed.

On behalf of his boss, President Bola Tinubu, VP Shettima expressed gratitude to Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State for the reception and kind gesture accorded to the Federal Government delegation throughout their stay in the state.

“We have been together with the governor right from London to Nigeria. He gave a warm reception and all the necessary support,” he said, adding that President Tinubu is personally pained by the loss of his friend, brother and political soulmate.

The VP assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, “will continue to protect the image and dignity of Buhari’s family and the entire people of Katsina State.”

He revealed that he will proceed to Abuja with the family of the late former President to attend a Special Valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) in honour of the deceased.

Earlier, the governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda, said the deceased rendered selfless service to the nation, maintaining that nobody can dispute the fact that he was an honest and just person.

He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for honouring the remains of late President Buhari, saying, “We, the people of Katsina State, don’t have a word to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown compassion, respect for the people of Katsina State and the nation entirely. Tinubu has allowed 25 members of his cabinet, under the leadership of Vice President Shettima, to be in Katsina State. The 25 Ministers supported us at this trying moment, and we also thank the President for declaring a public holiday on the day Buhari was laid to rest,” Governor Radda added.

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the late Buhari has an important place in the national history of Nigeria, appealing to all Nigerians to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of the former President, as reminded by Islamic clerics.

“We want to thank all of you on behalf of the 25 ministers, as directed by Mr President, for finding time to offer prayers for our President and also participate in this national assignment. Indeed, former President Buhari belongs to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world,” the minister said.

Earlier, the prayer session was opened by the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Pantami, who emphasised the need for constant prayers for all the departed souls, including late President Buhari.

Pantami further observed that prayer for the departed soul should not be restricted to a number of days.

Similarly, the Minister of State Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Abudullahi, on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), prayed Almighty Allah to cover the grave of Buhari with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.

Islamic scholars who offered prayer include Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque; Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Bishop of Katsina; Mamman Musa; Khalifa Mohammad Nasir; and Malam Hassan Daura, among others.

Other dignitaries present at the prayer session are former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Ambassador Adamu Daura; former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari; former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adu, and former National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.

Others are former Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai; Business Mogul, Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, former FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade; the Sultan of Maradi from the Niger Republic, and thousands of sympathisers from various walks of life.

VP SHETTIMA AT FIDAU PRAYER FOR BUHARI

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