News
Oborevwori, Marwa say Nigerians must rise in unison to defeat drug scourge
Oborevwori, Marwa say Nigerians must rise in unison to defeat drug scourge
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state have stated that for Nigeria to defeat the twin evil of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, Nigerians must rise in unison to stamp out the scourge from communities and cities across the country.
They agreed on this in their remarks when the NDLEA boss paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House in Asaba during his three-day working visit which ended on Friday.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said Marwa while explaining his mission to the governor and members of his executive council at the executive chamber of the Government House where he was received along with senior NDLEA officials who accompanied him.
Marwa said he was visiting Delta to personally condole the family of Mr. Fidelis Omhonrina over the tragedy of the unintended death of young Ivan and the wounding of his brother, Eromosele, as a result of a ricocheted bullet that strayed 600 metres away from the scene of an NDLEA encounter with some notorious drug dealers on 13th July in Asaba.
He said he was equally in the state to assess the operational needs of the Delta state command and Delta Ports command of the Agency with a view to mobilizing officers and men of the two formations to go all out for drug cartels operating in the state. He also added that his third mission was to rally stakeholders key to a successful fight against the drug menace in Delta with a 2018 prevalence rate of 18%.
He said with a projected rate of 40% rise in drug abuse in Africa by 2030, all well meaning Nigerians and organisations must unite behind the anti-narcotics agency in its ongoing renewed efforts in drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.
Marwa, while encouraging the governor to intensify his poverty alleviation programmes to address youth unemployment, which is a major trigger for substance abuse, asked for logistics support for the two Commands in the state, setting up of drug control committees from state, to local government and community levels as well as provision of rehabilitation centres in each of the three senatorial zones of the state.
He commended the governor for his good works within a short time in office and his commitment to the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
In his response, Oborevwori celebrated Marwa for always providing quality leadership and unflinching dedication to duty in all national assignments assigned to him.
According to him, “We know your antecedents as military governor in Borno and Lagos state. And under your leadership, NDLEA has recorded successes, going after drug cartels. This momentum must be sustained if we have to win the war against illicit drugs.”
While saying the drug scourge has become a public health issue globally and in Nigeria, which needs urgent and proactive actions, the governor assured the agency of his support and partnership to rid the state of the menace. He thanked Marwa for showing empathy and prompt response to the July fatal incident. The governor said “Nigerians are appreciative of what you’re doing in NDLEA, please don’t relent and don’t be discouraged. Those involved in the illicit drug business must be dealt with.”
The NDLEA had earlier in a separate meeting with chairmen of local government councils in the state sought their support and collaboration as the agency was preparing to deploy personnel to LGs across the country beginning from the first quarter of 2024. He urged them to set up drug control committees in their councils and down to communities and wards for the purpose of cascading war against drug abuse, WADA, advocacy messages to the grassroots.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of Ughelli South local council, Dr. Koffi Richard told the NDLEA boss “we’ll give you any level of support at the LGs because you’re someone we’ve been looking up to for years. We’re willing to collaborate with you and your officers because we want peace and security in our respective LGs.”
In another meeting with the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien and other traditional rulers and chiefs in his palace, Marwa urged them to set up drug control committees in their domains while asking for their partnership in the fight against illicit drugs. The respected monarch assured the NDLEA chairman of the readiness of the traditional institution to support his efforts because “the subject matter of your visit is of great importance to us and Nigeria as a whole.”
The NDLEA boss and his team also visited the home of Mr. Fidelis Omhonrina where he again assured the family of continued support over the death of Ivan and the plan to fly Eromosele abroad for further treatment. The family expressed appreciation for the visit and support.
End
Oborevwori, Marwa say Nigerians must rise in unison to defeat drug scourge
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
By: Balami Lazarus
The Southern Borno Concerned Citizens has made her position clearl on the tax reform bills.
In a press release issued recently to newsmen in Maiduguri signed by her National Chairman/ Spokenman Comrade Bulama Ali Haruna Sawa said that the organization is standing firm with Senator Ali Ndume on tax reform bills.
“In reality Senator Ndume stands has only bolstered our support for his commitment to our welfare.” It further said that government should consider tax relief for the suffering masses “this is a time when our government should be considering tax relief , as seen in neighbouring countries.”
The organization disputed the fallacies of one Adamu Bashir of the so called “Northern Redemptions Colliations” regarding the position of Senator Ali Ndume, on the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly.
“We feel compelled to counter the fallacies in Bashir’s recent response to Senator Ndume interview on channels TV. “
Finally, the statement said that they strongly affirm that the people of Southern Borno are satisfied with Senator Ndume’s representation and stand with him.
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
*** Commissions Mosque in Ogbomoso, warns against selfishness
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to exemplify true leadership by prioritizing community service and legacy-building over personal gain.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise spiritual obligations and community service over personal interests in an era where people are becoming more individualistic and giving less premium to God.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the Vice President expressed worry about the shifting societal values in contemporary Nigeria.
“Today, the world is unfortunately marked by a mindset that values self-interest over selflessness, and many see giving back or even engaging in spiritual obligations as burdens or distractions,” VP Shettima said.
According to him, the Mosque, a multi-million naira project built by Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District, is a “gift for generations” that stands in stark contrast to prevailing materialistic trends.
“Every second of our lives is a reminder of our impermanence, and the brevity of life underscores the urgency of filling our days with deeds that matter in the hereafter,” the VP added.
VP Shettima lauded the project, describing it as an example of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), noting that such initiatives represent the kind of legacy-building that society desperately needs.
“This is a legacy, a bridge between this world and the next, grounded in kindness and devotion,” he stated.
In a pointed message to political leaders and wealthy Nigerians, Shettima questioned the lasting impact of material accumulation: “We must ask ourselves—what remains when this race ends? In the end, all that endures are the records of our selfless deeds, our adherence to our faith, and our acts of charity.”
The new religious edifice is expected to serve as a major spiritual centre for Muslims in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with the Vice President expressing hope that it will “be a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for this community and beyond.”
Earlier, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, also eulogised Senator Buhari, saying the Mosque project was not just a service to the Muslim Ummah but to humanity at large.
“My prayer is that God reward you with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. You are an epitome of good character and someone who is always at the forefront of service to this country and humanity at large,” he said.
On his part, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said the immediate family of Senator Buhari would be proud to have someone who makes them very proud all the time.
“On behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, we appreciate the Vice President for coming to our state,” he said.
He said the Mosque project is not just a physical building but a spiritual exercise in which the reward extends beyond one’s earthly life.
“It is also a means of spiritual purification and unity, fostering the unity of Nigeria because whenever we worship, we call for the unity and peace of Nigeria,” he added.
Responding, Senator Buhari said it was indeed an honour and a dream come true for him to have completed the Mosque project.
He specifically thanked the Vice President, the governors of Oyo and Kwara States, members of the National Assembly, and community members who contributed to the success of the worship centre.
There was also a welcome address by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland and the turbaning of two Imams for the newly commissioned Mosque.
Other officials at the event included the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, state government officials and traditional rulers.
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
News
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) concluded the fifth and final session of its Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course. This intensive program, spanning from 23 September to 8 November, trained senior and mid-level officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian military, and other security agencies. The course, organised by NARC in collaboration with the EFCC, aligns with NARC’s vision to be a leading think tank focused on research, knowledge advancement, and sustainable development solutions.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab (Rtd), Director General of NARC, and the EFCC Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Hassan Hamman-Joda, representing the EFCC Chairman, Executive Director Consult, Major General AS Ndalolo, management staff of NARC, and consultants. Highlights included the presentation of certificates to the course participants, souvenir presentations to dignitaries and resource persons, and the decoration of key NARC figures with the EFCC Crest as Ambassadors for Anti-Corruption. The event took place at Hall F, ML Agwai Block, NARC.
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
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