National News
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country, insisting that there is need for conceited efforts from all across the world to curtail the global drug problem.
The President also assured he would continue to provide necessary support and tools for the nation’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA to fulfil on its mandate.
Tinubu, gave the assurances on Tuesday while declaring open the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President said: “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate.”
He said: “We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.
“For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.
“So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.”
He noted that: “Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.”
The President while emphasising the threat posed to countries by drug scourge, urged participants attending the conference to seize the opportunity of the gathering to come up with novel strategies to dismantle drug cartels across the African continent.
He said: “We are at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilizations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bid to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe.”
He said the choice of Nigeria to host the conference and its drug czar to chair the meeting is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs. Over the decades, criminal organizations have attempted to breach our security measures in their business of polluting nations and minds. But while it’s a compliment that drug-law enforcement organisations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted,” he added.
The President stated that: “Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed.”
In his remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) who was elected to chair the conference, while citing the details of the 2023 world drug report as a challenge for Africa, charged his counterparts across the continent to strengthen operational networks and raise the bar in the drug war.
He said: “Drug use disorders are harming health, including mental health, safety and well-being,” adding that the harms caused by drug trafficking and illicit drug use are enormous, insisting that they are also contributing to many of these threats, from instability and violence to environmental devastation.
He said: “Young people are using more drugs than previous generations, and the majority of people being treated for drug use disorders in Africa are under the age of 35. What is worse, the availability of treatment and other services has not kept pace with these developments, and women in particular are suffering from treatment gaps.
“The world drug problem, in all its forms and manifestations, affects all of us. The stakes are especially high for Africa. No one country can tackle a problem of this magnitude alone; just as well, the world drug problem cannot be tackled solely through international policymaking; it also requires effective implementation and collaboration among practitioners. This is where the HONLAF comes in. The meeting is very important, as it enables its parent body, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to learn about current regional drug trends, threats, and emerging challenges from practitioners and law enforcement experts, from all parts of the continent.
“We need regional perspectives to enrich the global policy discussion, and HONLAF is the opportunity to bring the African perspective to the global level. The sessions provide a platform to share knowledge and practices and learn from each other.
“The 31st meeting will indeed provide an opportunity for us to raise the bar and break new ground in different areas of our operations and collaborative efforts. I am as excited as a lot of us in this hall are to make presentations, listen to others, and share experiences that will positively shape our operations and redefine our cooperation at the end of this conference.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director, International Criminal Justice Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Nkiruka Jones-Nebo said “It is imperative that this conference remains proactive in addressing the legal complexities that may impede seamless cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training. These barriers must be dismantled to prevent any loopholes that could potentially facilitate the activities of drug cartels operating across our borders.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice stands committed to providing unwavering support and efficient systems to empower NDLEA in its mission.”
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe on his part, said the drug problem has changed from what it used to be 20 years ago, noting that: “Today, the picture is different, local consumption is increasing, and increasingly problematic. We need a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction. We need to invest in prevention and in treatment. And, we need alternatives to imprisonment for drug users that are more effective and help decongesting prisons. At the same time, we need to strengthen cooperation between countries along drug trafficking routes with the aim of dismantling the ever more sophisticated trafficking networks.”
The Executive Director, UNODC, Ghada Waly and the Chairman, UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs who both spoke via video messages expressed support for the gathering and charged delegates to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform.
One of the highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of a report on Organised Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment (NOCTA) produced by the National Institute for Security Studies in collaboration with security agencies and supported by the UNODC. Speaking on the report, Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke said “With investigations to connect transit and production countries, the report is hoped to encourage other partnerships to create a coalition that fights organised crime in partnership and collaboration. We must not give up, let us give Nigeria the true future it deserves.”
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
National News
Easter: Church Targets Spiritual Renewal, Community Impact with Power-Packed Programme
Easter: Church Targets Spiritual Renewal, Community Impact with Power-Packed Programme
By: Michael Mike
As Christians prepare for the Easter season, the City of Truth and Grace Assembly has positioned its 2026 celebration as more than a routine observance, unveiling a spiritually driven programme aimed at fostering personal transformation and strengthening community bonds.
Themed “The Power of Resurrection,” the church said the initiative is designed to rekindle faith, inspire hope, and provide a platform for collective spiritual engagement at a time when many people are seeking renewal amid prevailing social and economic pressures.
The programme, to be hosted by Dipo Fisho, will begin on Good Friday with a family-focused prayer session which organisers describe as a strategic gathering to address both personal and societal challenges through intercession.
According to the church, the prayer session will emphasise unity, healing, and divine direction for families and the wider community.
The Easter activities will culminate on Easter Sunday with a special worship service centred on the message of resurrection, renewal, and spiritual rebirth.
Organisers explained that the programme goes beyond worship services, incorporating moments of fellowship such as a love feast aimed at strengthening relationships among church members and welcoming first-time attendees while reinforcing the central Easter message of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
“This is not just a celebration; it is a call to experience transformation and new beginnings,” the church said, adding that the programme has been carefully curated to deliver both spiritual inspiration and emotional impact.
The event will take place at The Grounds Sport Arena, with activities scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Good Friday and 8:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday.
With expectations of a large turnout, the church said the programme—also tagged “The Power of Resurrection”—is open to people of all backgrounds and is intended to inspire faith, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Residents across the city have been encouraged to participate, as organisers project the gathering as a significant Easter convergence focused on renewal, hope, and shared spiritual experience.
Easter: Church Targets Spiritual Renewal, Community Impact with Power-Packed Programme
National News
Germany, Agrofood Fair Drive Investment and Technology for Nigeria’s Food Processing Sector
Germany, Agrofood Fair Drive Investment and Technology for Nigeria’s Food Processing Sector
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government, industry and the diplomatic community have intensified efforts to mobilise investment and modern technology to strengthen Nigeria’s food processing and packaging sector, as the 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria concluded in Lagos.
The push was highlighted during a networking event hosted by the German Consulate General Lagos, where Nigerian agribusiness stakeholders, German exhibitors and members of the German diplomatic and business community discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration across Nigeria’s agri-food value chain.
Speaking at a press briefing, the German Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, said strengthening agriculture and food processing is central to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and food security.
Krull noted that improving the country’s food processing capacity would not only reduce post-harvest losses but also stimulate industrial growth, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s ability to meet domestic food demand.
He pointed to Germany’s global strength in food processing technology as evidence of how innovation can transform agricultural output into competitive products.
According to him, Germany remains Europe’s largest exporter of coffee despite not cultivating the crop domestically, a feat made possible through advanced processing technology and value-addition capabilities that tailor products to consumer needs.
“Agriculture and food processing are key to addressing food insecurity and unlocking economic potential. Technology and innovation will play a decisive role in enabling Nigeria to fully harness these opportunities,” Krull said.
The annual exhibition, organised by German trade fair company fairtrade Messe GmbH, brings together players across the entire food value chain—from food production and ingredient manufacturing to processing equipment, packaging technologies and finished product distribution.
Managing Director of fairtrade Messe, Paul März, described the event as a vital marketplace where businesses across Nigeria and West Africa connect with global technology providers.
“It is a meeting point and market place where industry meets once a year for Nigeria and West African countries to come to Lagos to discuss products with exhibitors,” he said.
Now in its 11th year in Nigeria, the exhibition featured 137 companies from 17 countries presenting equipment and technological solutions aimed at strengthening food production, processing and packaging.
Since 2017, the fair has also hosted an official German Pavilion supported by the German Government, providing a platform for German manufacturers to showcase advanced machinery designed to improve Nigeria’s food processing capacity.
Organisers said the initiative is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s food self-sufficiency by introducing technologies that reduce dependence on imported food products while encouraging domestic production and industrialisation.
März said the exhibition has already contributed to noticeable improvements in Nigeria’s food processing ecosystem, particularly in the area of packaging and the development of new supply chains.
However, he stressed that significant gaps remain, especially in packaging technology needed to extend shelf life and meet international export standards.
According to him, several companies participating in the fair have already sold machines for sachet packaging, milk powder processing, PET bottling and recycling to Nigerian businesses.
“With its long-term approach, Agrofood will continue to hold yearly in Nigeria to provide even more solutions to existing problems such as food safety, recycling and processing,” he said.
Krull also highlighted Germany’s broader economic engagement with Nigeria, revealing that Germany currently maintains a development portfolio of about €570 million in the country.
He explained that beyond trade exhibitions, the German government supports Nigerian businesses through technical advisory services, vocational education and training programmes as well as financing opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises.
These include credit facilities and financial support windows facilitated through the German Desk at Access Bank, which provides funding options for businesses seeking to invest in food processing technology.
German companies already operating in Nigeria are also investing heavily in workforce training to ensure local staff can operate and maintain advanced industrial equipment, thereby strengthening technology transfer.
While acknowledging challenges confronting Nigeria’s agri-food sector—including insecurity, financing constraints, regulatory issues and energy shortages—Krull stressed that such obstacles should not deter stakeholders from taking decisive action.
He said Nigeria possesses the natural resources, entrepreneurial capacity and market potential needed to achieve significant growth in the food processing sector if investment, technology and policy support are effectively aligned.
By connecting entrepreneurs, investors and technology providers, he added, initiatives like Agrofood Nigeria could play a pivotal role in accelerating the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Germany, Agrofood Fair Drive Investment and Technology for Nigeria’s Food Processing Sector
Shettima Hosts Gates Foundation Delegation as 2027 Political Calculations Begin
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday received a high-level delegation from the Gates Foundation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in a visit that observers say comes at a politically sensitive moment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The delegation was led by the President of the foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity division, Hari Menon, and included senior officials of the organisation’s Nigeria office. The team briefed the vice president on the foundation’s ongoing programmes and partnerships in Nigeria.
Posting on his verified Facebook page after the meeting, Shettima commended the foundation for its long-standing support to Nigeria in critical sectors such as health, agriculture and development.
“Yesterday, I received in audience a delegation of the Gates Foundation led by the President of the Foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division, Mr. Hari Menon, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja,” the vice president said.
“In my interaction with the delegation, I applauded the Gates Foundation for sustaining investments and humanitarian aid in Nigeria. Indeed, the Foundation remains the nation’s strategic partner in the drive to change the Nigerian narrative.”
The visit comes amid growing political conversations about the composition of the ruling ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election and whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will retain Shettima as his running mate.
Although the meeting was officially centred on development cooperation, political watchers say the timing has drawn attention within policy and political circles, especially given the influence of the foundation founded by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates.
Sources familiar with the engagement said discussions focused largely on the foundation’s interventions in Nigeria, including programmes aimed at improving public health, expanding agricultural productivity and supporting vulnerable populations.
During his visit to Nigeria, Menon also held diplomatic engagements, including a visit to the Indian High Commission where he met with the ambassador, Abhishek Singh.
The Gates Foundation has operated in Nigeria since 2000 and has been a key partner in several national initiatives, particularly in immunisation campaigns, disease control, nutrition and agricultural development. The organisation marked 25 years of its presence in the country in 2025.
Despite its extensive development footprint, some of the foundation’s programmes have occasionally attracted debate in Nigeria, particularly around issues such as genetically modified crops, vaccination initiatives and population policies.
Analysts say that as political alignments gradually begin ahead of 2027, high-profile international engagements by key government figures may increasingly attract attention beyond their immediate development objectives.
Shettima Hosts Gates Foundation Delegation as 2027 Political Calculations Begin
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