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Stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse, Marwa Asks Nigerians
Stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse, Marwa Asks Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman, National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has called on Nigerians to stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse.
Marwa made the appeal on Wednesday during a Special Anti-Drug Abuse Conference and Public Presentation of a book, titled “The Last Syndicate” in Abuja.
The event was organised by the NDLEA Celebrity Drug-Free Club to commemorate the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
Marwa said that the drug abuse call centre recently launched by the agency has afforded victims of drug abuse opportunity to get counselling anonymously without fear of stigmatisation.
The NDLEA boss, who was represented by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said the call centre with a toll-free help line was to enable victims of drug abuse to access counselling and treatment from the comfort of their homes.
“I am glad that the patronage of the centre by members of the public is very encouraging.
“This is because the gap that has over the years existed between those who are struggling with substance abuse and the treatment they need has been bridged.
“This is also because, now they do not have the fear of being judged or fear of stigmatisation,”he said.
Marwa commended the Celebrity Drug Free Club for their commitment to the fight against drug abuse in the society and promised to continue supporting them.
“The club is a platform set up by celebrities to advance the campaign against substance abuse in the country, first within the industry where they operate and then to the larger society.
“We believe this would help to positively influence their fans and followers especially on social media.
“This would help them stay away from substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. We must also know that indeed the agency supported some of their efforts.”
He said that the theme of the celebration, ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’, reaffirmed the importance of protecting humanity from the consequences of illicit drugs and substance abuse.
The NDLEA boss therefore urged the agency’s stakeholders to continue to promote the campaign against substance abuse.
Speaking, the Coordinator, NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, Mr Wilson Ighodalo expressed gratitude to the NDLEA boss for his support.
Ighodalo said that it was important to reflect on the global challenge of illicit drugs and substance abuse and take appropriate action.
He explained that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking was principally to strengthen actions and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
“The theme of the World Drug Day resonated with the Club vision of getting people involved in global campaigns.
“This year’s theme raises awareness about importance of treating people who use drugs with respect, empathy and providing evidence based quality service for all.
“We would continue to work with Celebrities with good track records to advance the campaign, “he said.
Also, the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Yamusa, regretted that drug abuse has become prevalent in the country, and should be urgently tackled before it completely ruin the future of the youths.
“The problem can be tackled if we all play our roles in the eradication of drug abuse.
“Parents should try to notice signs of addiction in their children. If all stakeholders, parents, community, play their part, the fight against drug abuse will be won,” the emir said.
The author of the book, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that the publication was an anti-drug message for all citizens.
Ofoyeju, an NDLEA officer, said eliminating the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking would require collective action by all well-meaning citizens.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that the issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking is tackled collectively,” he added.
Stop stigmatising persons struggling with substance abuse, Marwa Asks Nigerians
Zulum inaugurates 2 schools, flags off High Islamic College project
.Orders digitalisation of all secondary schools
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed Government Secondary Schools (GSSs) Fikiyel and Balbaya.
The governor also flagged off the construction of a new High Islamic College in Fikiyel Bayo Local Government Area.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, Governor Zulum said the High Islamic College was designed to integrate out-of-school children, particularly Almajirai, into a formal and modern educational system.
The college will run a hybrid curriculum based on the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), combining core Islamic education with contemporary science, technology and humanities.
“it is our sincere hope that the people of Fikayel will benefit from this school because we are targeting the enrollment of out-of-school children into this school so that learners can learn Arabic, and then we shall streamline the non-formal educational (Sangaya System) into the formal educational system by introducing intensive literacy, intensive numeracy, digital literacy and above all, vocational training,” Zulum said.
Briefing the governor, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, stated that High Islamic Colleges were already built in 20 local government areas of the state
In a related development, Prof. Zulum has directed the State Ministry of Education to the complete digitalisation of all public secondary schools across the state.
The directive is for integration of digital tools, e-learning platforms and smart classroom technologies with a view to enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.
The two newly inaugurated secondary schools, Fikiyel and Balbaya, are located in Bayo Local Government Area. They comprise 20 modern classrooms, laboratories, a library and sporting facilities each.
Governor Zulum was assisted by the senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; APC state chairman, Bello Ayuba; House of Representatives member, Engr Bukar Talba; the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe; the Commissioner for Works, Engr Mustapha Gubio; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, President Usman Tar; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele and other senior officials of the Borno State Government.
Zulum inaugurates 2 schools, flags off High Islamic College project
Police officer killed, others abducted as bandits seize firearms in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A police officer was killed and another abducted, along with ten villagers, after bandits attacked Farin Ruwa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, seizing serviceable firearms in the process.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the corpse of ASP Samaila Sule, along with five villagers, was recovered at the scene following the attack reported earlier on Jan. 4.
The sources said the officer’s AK-47 rifle, and 30 rounds of live ammunition, was carted away by the attackers.
Insp. Aliyu Ibrahim, also abducted with his AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds, remains missing, along with ten villagers who were taken during the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to trace the missing officer and civilians, as well as to recover the stolen firearms.
Police officer killed, others abducted as bandits seize firearms in Zamfara
CJTF member killed in suspected Boko Haram ambush in Gwoza
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed in an ambush by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along Warave–Bayan Dutse Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Jan. 5 at about 2:30 p.m., when unknown gunmen reportedly attacked CJTF and local hunters on routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, Hamman Ibrahim, 40, a member of the CJTF, was fatally injured during the ambush. The military FOB was alerted, and troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police and CJTF personnel visited the scene, documenting the incident.
The sources added that the victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Gwoza, where he was certified dead on arrival.
The corpse was photographed and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
CJTF member killed in suspected Boko Haram ambush in Gwoza
Zulum inaugurates 2 schools, flags off High Islamic College project
Police officer killed, others abducted as bandits seize firearms in Zamfara
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