National News
Marwa Tells NDLEA Officers to Stand Firm, Resist Temptations from Drug Cartels
Marwa Tells NDLEA Officers to Stand Firm, Resist Temptations from Drug Cartels
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged newly trained 2,500 personnel of the agency ready for deployment to stand firm and reject insidious temptations that will come their way from drug barons and cartels.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the newly trained Narcotic Agents and Narcotic Assistants in Katsina on Thursday, Marwa reminded the new personnel that they can’t afford to compromise on their work because their efforts will directly impact the safety and well-being of their families, communities, and the country at large.
He said: “I believe that before you reported at the Academy, you must have read and heard about the good works of NDLEA officers. Today, the door is open for you to contribute your quota. NDLEA has a storied history of dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. We are in a new epoch in which we approach the fight against drug trafficking organisations with an indomitable spirit and determination to break their stranglehold on society.
“In the renewed war on illicit drugs, NDLEA is employing the latest techniques, technologies, and intelligence to curb the menace. Hence, I can assure you that you are coming into the Agency at a time when the job has become challenging but exciting and gratifying as well.”
Marwa who was represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd) said the agency launched an Offensive Action to put traffickers and barons on the defensive while equally promoting a War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy campaign with long-term objectives of preventing drug abuse in society.
He said: “In the pursuit of the solemn duties of our mandate, it is vital for you to recognise and vehemently reject the insidious temptations of bribery and corruption that often accompany the drug trade. Drug traffickers and their cohorts, who readily use the trap of financial gain to push their nefarious objectives, would attempt to compromise the integrity of anti-narcotic law enforcement officers. Therefore, the officers and men of NDLEA must remain impervious to these temptations.
“We should be reminded at all times that the fight against drug traffickers is a noble cause rooted in the unwavering commitment to eradicate the suffering and devastation caused by the illicit drug trade. Corruption and bribery have no place in this mission, and you must not only resist these temptations but actively expose and report any attempts of compromise. Bear in mind at all times that the consequences of falling into the abyss of corruption have far-reaching implications for the society you all have sworn to protect.
“Therefore, I implore you to stand firm in the face of these temptations, to act with integrity, and to uphold the core values of NDLEA. Our duty is sacred. Our commitment is a beacon of hope for victims of the drug scourge. Our loyalty to the cause, therefore, should be absolute and unalloyed.”
He further told the new personnel that “in rejecting corruption and upholding our commitment, we are not only defending the well-being of our nation but also preserving the moral fabric of our society and ensuring that justice prevails.”
To the larger society, Marwa said “we all owe a duty to this country to rid it of the drug menace and safeguard its corporate existence. We must bear in mind that it is our society, children, youths and indeed, our culture and future, that are under attack and in danger of being corrupted by the illicit drug culture. Hence, we need to rise in unison against this dreaded monster. Your support to NDLEA, especially through the supply of useful intelligence, will go a long way in stemming the tide of abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs in our country.”
The NDLEA boss expressed appreciation to the government and people of Katsina; the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the management and staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); management and staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina as well as the Commandant and instructors of NDLEA Academy for their support and assistance towards the success of the training.
The ceremony which was well attended by high-ranking officers from various security agencies include march past, demonstration of basic anti-narcotic operations skills and presentation of awards to outstanding cadets.
Dignitaries at the event include Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Secretary to the Katsina State Government, who represented Governor Dikko Umar Radda; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Daura, who led other members of the assembly; and the representatives of the Emir of Katsina.
Marwa Tells NDLEA Officers to Stand Firm, Resist Temptations from Drug Cartels
National News
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
•••Says 4500 Students Deployed In Varsities In Nigeria In 2025
By: Michael Mike
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the significant achievements recorded by the agency in the Niger Delta in about two years.
He spoke at the flag-off of the fourth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
The PAP had in July and August 2025 successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility.
Otuaro, who said the President is delighted with the agency’s expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta, urged stakeholders to maintain their position as key players in the region’s peace and development.
According to him, His Excellency, President Tinubu is very supportive of the programme because of his strong desire for the region to enjoy sustainable peace, stability and development.
He reiterated that the workshop is a vital component of the PAP’s peace process with all stakeholders as important partners in the peace initiative.
He stressed that the participants are not only partners for peace, but also the President’s peace ambassadors.
The PAP boss also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support to strengthen the programme’s initiatives and enable it to achieve the intended objectives for the people of the region.
While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency has been very supportive of and desirous of.
“The objective behind this training is to ensure that all of us are partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also to give you a sense of belonging.
“When we organised this workshop in July and August this year, we assured stakeholders that more people would also participate in the training. We don’t want to do the PAP’s work alone. It is a process of putting our heads together to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we are united, Mr President will do more for the region.
“We must also realise that peace starts from our communities; you all are leaders in your own rights. I know and acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we came on board. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and is designed to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.
“Since we came on board, we have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. We have achieved a lot. This 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students, our future leaders, on scholarships to universities within Nigeria. We are doing this to invest in the future of our region.”
Otuaro said that his leadership would not be distracted by the smear campaign of some anti-Niger Delta elements who were angry that the programme had been taken to the people of the region, saying “nobody will hold the region to ransom.”
He further urged stakeholders not to be manipulated by political merchants, but to massively support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid because of his clear agenda for the region.
Otuaro enjoined the stakeholders to participate actively in the workshop and utilise the lessons they would gain to strengthen peace and development in their communities and the Niger Delta in general.
He also expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peace process in the region.
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
National News
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
By: Michael Mike
The DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has approved the promotion of 523 Staff of the Commission.
The promotion, according to a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adegoke said: “This is a statutory part of the performance reward system for Staff who sat and met the pre-requisite conditions as spelt out in the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the 2025 promotion exercise.
He disclosed that accordingly, two staff members were promoted to the Director’s cadre (GL 17), and eight staff members moved to the Deputy Director cadre (GL 16) and 35 staff staff members promoted to the Assistant Director cadre (GL 15).
He further disclosed that 35 staff were promoted to the level of Chief Identity Officers (GL 14), with 109 moving to Assistant Chief Identity Officers (GL 13).
Adegoke said 113 officers moved to the rank of Principal Identity Officer (GL 12), while 82 were promoted to Senior Identity Officer ranks (GL 10), and 130 to the rank of Identity Officer 1 ( GL 9).
The DG/CEO congratulated all the promoted staff and charged them to see the promotion as an opportunity to serve the country better. She reiterated zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff to desist from it.
Engr Coker-Odusote, furthermore, encouraged all staff members of the Commission to work harder in the coming year 2026 and ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number project. She reiterated her commitment to prioritise staff welfare and ensure the dignity of labour.
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
National News
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, saying his exemplary and progressive leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), his state, and the nation at large is worthy of emulation.
He noted that as Chairman of the PGF, an umbrella body of Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise the party’s Governors towards achieving a collective vision for Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Vice President on Saturday, described the age of 67 as an important milestone in the life of Uzodimma, noting that the special moment reflects how far the Governor has come, and sets the stage for what lies ahead.
Acknowledging how Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” VP Shettima described the PGF Chairman as a committed servant of Nigeria.
“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” the VP told the Governor.
This singular honour, Senator Shettima said, reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.
He observed that the Imo State Governor’s strategic governance, infrastructural achievements, and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the progressive leadership Nigeria needs at this crucial time.
The Vice President prayed the Almighty God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health, and strength to sustain his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
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