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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
Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth
By: Michael Mike
The drive to unearth the potential of Nigeria’s creative sector and further empowers the youth has received a boost as a youth-focused initiative aimed at building sustainable fashion-based businesses across the country.was unveiled on Wednesday
The unveiling was done in Abuja by Embroidery Chief in collaboration with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong,
Speaking during the unveiling at a stakeholders’ engagement themed “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa,” the Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said that the initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with practical embroidery and fashion design skills that can be turned into profitable ventures.
According to him, the project launched in partnership with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong, will begin with the establishment of innovation hubs in 10 states, including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be equipped with 50 embroidery machines, offered at subsidized rates to make them accessible to young entrepreneurs.
Abdulsalam noted that training programmes will run in three phases: one month for design, two weeks for machine operation, and one month for technical repairs.
He said that many young Nigerians already possess natural creativity but lack the technical skills to fully express and monetize their talent.
Abdulsalam said: “The purpose of this gathering is to raise awareness about key issues in the fashion industry, how individuals can upscale, identify existing gaps, and connect with the right people and opportunities.
“We aim to collaborate with the government, which is why we have key stakeholders here today. Our plan is to establish hubs in about 10 states. Each hub will receive approximately 50 embroidery machines, and we will train end users on machine operation, technical support, and digital design creation.
“This initiative will begin with 10 states as a pilot. We are committed to empowering individuals by providing these machines at subsidized rates, making them affordable for emerging entrepreneurs.
“In Nigeria, many people still lack the technical knowledge to properly size and digitize designs using software. That’s why training is essential. Once people learn how to use both the machines and the software effectively, it will foster healthy competition and unlock creativity across the board.
“Youth will be able to create designs on sneakers, shoes, bags, clothing, even decorative frames. The possibilities are vast, and with the right skills, we can unlock an entirely new wave of innovation in the fashion industry.”
In his remarks, Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, said the company is seriously considering setting up a branch office in Nigeria to support the growth of the embroidery ecosystem.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde who was represented by Dr Taiwo Bashir, described the initiative as a golden opportunity for Nigerian youth.
He noted that there are numerous areas where the government can collaborate, which is likely why the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President asked him to attend the event on his behalf.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for Nigerian youth, as the embroidery industry is worth millions of dollars and still largely untapped. There is so much to be done, and anyone with the vision and willingness to act now stands to benefit immensely.”
Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth
Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have neutralised a suspected bandit and rescued a kidnapped victim during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Gari village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the operation, which occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits along the Kampani–Zurak–Sabon Gari axis.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 2, deployed under Operation Safe Haven, laid a tactical ambush at key crossing points used by the criminals.
During the engagement, one bandit was neutralised while others fled the scene. The troops later combed the general area and rescued one Mr. Amadu Alhaji Nuhu, a 45-year-old man from Taraba State, who had been held captive.
Items recovered from the scene included one fabricated pistol, a pistol magazine, four rounds of 9mm ammunition, one boxer motorcycle, a pair of shoes, a cap, and a head warmer.
The rescued victim and recovered items are currently in safe custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.
Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.
They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.
Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.
Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth
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Troops neutralise bandit, rescue victim in Wase ambush operation
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