NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested five suspects for vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Abuja.

Briefing journalists at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command headquarters in Abuja while parading the suspects, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu said the five suspects were arrested with a full truckload of vandalized items at Dei Dei -U- Turn by Mopol barracks last Saturday after resisting arrest at Aso Radio , Katampe axis by speeding off.

Odumosu said investigations so far has revealed that the suspects were coming from Guata junction in Nasarawa state to deposit the items at Iron Melting Company situated at Sabo Wuse, Kaduna road, Niger State.

The FCT Commandant reiterated the Corps ‘ preparedness to keep vandals out of business and out of the FCT for good.
“we are not taking it lightly with those who have chosen to sabotage the good efforts and intentions of the government to give meaningful life to the residents of the FCT.”

Odumosu said that the FCT command is poised to fish out bad eggs with the constant night patrols by the eagle eyes Intelligence team as well as the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department’s Tactical team on routine night patrols.

“We have a renewed vigor to fulfil our mandate of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, we are not resting on our oars untill we rid the capital city of these miscreants”.

He disclosed that Items ranging from drainage covers, Iron pipe protection for bridge shoulder, communication Mast accessories, Rolls of stainless steel pipe clamps, Angle bar from public water tank and scaffold pipes and clips were recovered.

Other recovered Items included Manhole covers, Electricity Aluminum conductors, wire mesh, Armoured Aluminum conductors, Iron steel section -U, Angle and I section, Rice Milling Machine Iron, Welding wires , Binding Wires, Barb Wires, Vandalized Motorcycle parts, vandalized Vehicle parts, Vandalized Wheel Barros and Household Utensils/ properties suspected to have been stolen.

He said suspects arrested are Aminu Yusuf, 25 years, Saminu Yusuf, 20 years;
Adamu Sani, 20 years; Suleiman Yusuf, 20 years; and Usman Jalo, 27 years.

He assured the corps’ unwavering commitment and determination to continue to perform their duty optimally until vandals, scavengers (Babanbola) and other saboteurs are chased out of the FCT.

He said: “We want to state clearly that FCT is a no go area for vandals, scavengers and all the hoodlums sleeping under the bridges in the city and coming out at night to vandalism government property and attacking innocent commuters and residents.”

He warned vandals to either repent, relocate or be ready to face the wrath of the law stating that the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and due diligence would be followed in ensuring that justice served.

Odumosu, while re- emphasizing the corps ‘ commitment to secure the FCT, solicited the public’s cooperation in the area of prompt intelligence information to enable the corps serve them better.

NSCDC Arrests 5 Suspected Vandals in Abuja

Marwa Enlists Elites into Anti-Drug War

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged the Nigerian elites to key into the whole-of-society strategy by the NDLEA to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa gave the charge in his keynote speech at the Island Club Business Forum in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said: “This is not a challenge for government alone. All of us are stakeholders on this issue and it is an assignment for all Nigerians. The standard whole-of-society approach to the drug issue is such that everyone is a stakeholder. The future of Nigeria belongs to us all.

“As we are doing our bit at NDLEA, we expect society to complement our efforts by taking a huge role in preventing the young ones from falling into situations that encourage experimentation with drugs, whether licit or illicit. Every one of us has a role to play, and the simplest role is one of advocacy. By spreading the message, we can all become anti-drug abuse advocates. Spreading the word about the dangers of misuse of drugs can go a long way in shielding more lives from the ruins of illicit drugs. The Island Club can also join in this effort to safeguard the wellbeing of our society from the drug menace.”

He told the gathering of business leaders, students and parents that since the retooling of NDLEA three years ago after he assumed leadership, “the agency has ramped up its drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction efforts leading to significant results, adding that the call for everyone to support the ongoing effort has become imperative because of the forecast by UNODC in 2021 World Drug Report that drug use in Africa will rise by 40% in Year 2030 especially among those within 25-29 and 30-34 age groups as a result of population growth.

“By and large, the outlook of the future will depend on our action or inaction at curbing the drug abuse trend. I, being an optimist, believe the future favours Nigeria―only if we get the matrix right. A lot has been said about the future belonging to Africa. Indeed, the potential is glaring, when you factor in the continent’s burgeoning youth population, the digital aptitude of the younger generation and the enterprising spirit of young people.

“But a lot of work has to go into the making of that vision. If we read the statistics correctly, the world’s biggest drug problem of the future could be in Africa. So, the future could be bright or bleak; it could be one of boom or gloom; it could be decades of prosperity or problems depending on the amount of work we are willing to do today. Tomorrow, the saying goes, belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

He said the enormity of the problem is further reflected by the anti-drug activities of the NDLEA in the past three years, noting that: “In just three years, we have arrested 52,901 traffickers, including 52 barons, and 9, 034 have been convicted. The barons we have arrested are not anonymous people in society. They include big business people and socialites—some of them have chieftaincy titles—and also government officials, including those tasked with maintaining law and order. That tells how deeply the rot had eaten into the fabric of our society. Within the period, we have seized 8.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and destroyed 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms.”

Other invited guests who spoke on the menace of drug abuse at the forum include: a consultant psychiatrist, Prof Harry Ladapo, and President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prof Lere Baale,

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Island Club, Omoba Rotimi Martins acknowledged Marwa’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse adding that “his wealth of experience in tackling this scourge inspire us all.” He described “drug abuse as a menace that has infiltrated every layer of our society, threatening our youth, destabilizing families, and undermining the socio-economic fabric of our nation.”

He said: “Today, we are gathered not only to discuss its devastating impact but, more importantly, to explore practical, sustainable solutions to this epidemic. This event exemplifies what Island Club has stood for since its inception – a hub for meaningful discourse, community engagement, and solutions-driven dialogue.

“As we embark on this journey today, let us remember that the fight against drug abuse is not just about enforcement or legislation, it is about building a society that offers hope, opportunities, and support to its citizens. Together, we can create a Nigeria where our young people can thrive, free from the shadows of addiction.”

Marwa Enlists Elites into Anti-Drug War

China Advises Nigeria to Prioritize Investment in Tourism For Economic Growth

By: Michael Mike

China has advised Nigerian government to prioritize investments in safety, infrastructure, and tourism promotion to drive economic growth and development in the country.

The advice was given on Tuesday in Abuja by the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Mr. Yang Jianxing, while presenting his remarks at the Nigeria-China Seminar on Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture 2024.

Yang emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector in enhancing GDP and fostering sustainable development.

The seminar was themed: “Promoting Nigeria-China Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Potentials and Services for Sustainable Development“.

He said: “Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, boasts a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural assets such as music, dance, art, and clothing. Tourism has immense potential to drive development.”

Yang while highlighting that tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also fosters cultural exchange and strengthens international friendships, said: “I hope more Chinese tourists will visit Nigeria to experience its vibrant culture, art, and natural beauty.”

He also underscored China’s accomplishments in the tourism sector, noting that the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism recorded 4.89 billion domestic tourists, 87.63 million outbound tourists, and 82.03 million inbound tourists in 2023, with further growth seen in 2024.

He noted the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2022 report predicting an average annual growth rate of 5.8% for the global tourism industry over the next decade, outpacing the global economic growth rate of 2.7%.

On his part, the Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Cui Guang-Zhen while calling for increased investment, echoed the call for greater investment in tourism.

Guang-Zhen while highlighting Nigeria’s cultural diversity, said: “With over 100 languages, Nigeria is rich in cultural and tourism resources.

He noted that Nigerian music, featuring global stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid, is already a worldwide sensation. However, more investment is needed to harness its tourism potential.”

The Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, who has lived in Nigeria for a decade and visited popular destinations like Calabar, emphasized the need for infrastructure development and targeted initiatives to attract international visitors.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Mr. Raphael Obi,, noted the transformative power of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Obi, who was represented by Blessing Ogar, stated in hat: “These industries are pivotal drivers of economic growth, reducing unemployment and empowering underserved communities, particularly youth and women.”

He commended China’s integration of tourism and cultural heritage into its economic framework, citing it as a model for Nigeria.

He noted that: “This seminar provides a timely platform to exchange ideas and foster partnerships that will benefit both nations.”

China Advises Nigeria to Prioritize Investment in Tourism For Economic Growth