Author: Adetoye Bukola

Ogun Gov’s wife seeks ban on sachet alcoholic drinks

Drugs

By Bukola Adetoye

Abeokuta, June 26 , 2024 ( NAN) Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of Ogun governor, has called for a ban on the sale of sachet alcoholic drinks in the country.

Abiodun made the call on Wednesday before the commencement of an awareness walk organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) , Ogun Command, in Abeokuta .

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Abiodun led the awareness walk against drug abuse to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and  Illicit Trafficking.

The theme for the day was ‘The Evidence is Clear ; Invest in Prevention’.

It is a global event celebrated on June 26 each year to strengthen actions and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse and related problems.

Abiodun pointed out that the high rate of illicit drug trafficking and consumption in the state was a pressing issue that needed prompt action.

She said, ” It is very sad that the state ranked high among others in drug abuse.

“The reason, among other factors, is the proximity of the state to the borders.”

Abiodun, who is also the Chairman of Ogun Drug Control Committee (OSDCC) said the infiltration of the sachet alcoholic drinks was worrisome because of their affordability and accessibility for the youths.

She said ,” Our youths are approximately exposed to these sachet drinks because of their availability and affordability .

“They consume the drinks in a high rate in order to get high , which subjects there lives to distress,

“Let us be reminded that these youth are the future leaders of this country,

” If we expect a better Nigeria, with viable development, we should strive harder to protect them from illicit drug use,” Abiodun urged. (NAN)  (www.nannews.ng)
OBA/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Ogun NDLEA secures 86 convictions in 5 months

By Bukola Adetoye

NDLEA

Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun says it secured convictions of 86 illicit drug dealers between January and May 2024.

The Narcotics Commander of NDLEA, Ogun Command, Mr Tijjani Rabe, said this at a news conference to commemorate 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking in Abeokuta on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 celebration of the Day is: “The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention.”

Rabe said that families, schools, religious organisations, and professional bodies need to invest in prevention to stop activities leading to illicit drug use.

“This theme emphasises the importance of a prevention-oriented approach to reduce illicit drug use among the youth, often influenced by peer pressure and the desire for acceptance.

“it also aligns with the command’s drug control initiatives, highlighted through it’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) activities that target schools, and religious organisations to improve the well-being of the state’s residents,” he said.

The Narcotics Commander also disclosed that 3.33 tonnes of marijuana, 10.949 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.017kg of Cocaine and 0.129kg of Methamphetamine were withdrawn from circulation during the period in review.

“Other illicit drugs withdrawn from circulation during the period under review included 227 litres of skuchies and 11.0 litres of Codeine,” he said.

Rabe said further that the command arrested  157 suspected illicit drug dealers that comprised of 127 males and 30 females.

He also said that 112 suspected drug users including  5 females and 107 males were counseled and rehabilitated during the period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OBA/AYO/AOS

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni

Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 2,150 personnel for security in Ogun

Security

By Bukola Adetoye

Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun Command, has deployed 2,150 defenders for effective security  during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

A statement signed by the NSCDC Corps Commandant ( CC) , Mr  David Ojelabi and released by the command’s spokesperson, Mr Dyke Ogbonnaya, in Abeokuta, on Friday said the defenders would do their best in this direction.

Ojelabi said the mandate given to the defenders include protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and surveillance on all government critical infrastructure.

The Corps Commander said tactical teams like the Counter-Terrorism Unit, the Special Female Squad :Special Armed Squad; the Anti-Vandal Squad were already working on their various beats .

” Other tactical teams deployed include the Mines and Steel Monitoring Squad; the Disaster and Rescue Management Unit amongst others, for a peaceful celebration in the state,” he said.

He said the command would deploy sophisticated surveillance and intelligence network to oversee operational officers and men.

“All public places such as praying grounds, market places, recreation centres, electricity cables and assets, black spots and other places with high human population and activities would be guarded ,” he said

The NSCDC boss said the corps would not hesitate to arrest anyone suspected to be undermining the peaceful coexistence in Ogun.

He said the operational order had also been extended to the Ojude-Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

” The festival  is a global and annual gathering of all sons and daughters of Ijebuland which comes two days immediately after the Eid-el Kabir celebrations in the state.,” he said .

He implored residents to provide necessary and required intelligence for the arrest of anyone found to be breaching public peace. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
OBA/EBI/SOA

Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

Agency deploys personnel to ensure accident-free Eid-el-Kabir in Ogun

Deployment

By Bukola Adetoye

Abeokuta, June 13, 2024 ( NAN) The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said it has deployed its personnel and facilities to ensure accident-free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

A statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, in Abeokuta on Thursday said the agency would do its best in this direction.

He said the traffic management would cover all praying grounds and the 18 major traffic corridors prior, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations..

” This is in line with the operational guidelines of the Eid-el-Kabir Special Patrol Schedule,” Akinbiyi said.

He said the agency would collaborate with other safety and security agencies and all road users through the TRACE Traffic Whistle Blower Initiative.

“The other initiatives that would be employed are TRACE Emergency Traffic Service and the Community-Based Traffic Management Scheme, among others ,” the spokesperson said.

Akinbiyi said,,” All the agency’s Commanding Officers have been directed to ensure that  operatives are presentable, civil, professional, fair and firm, when the need arises..

”The Commander and Chief Executive Officer of TRACE, Mr Seni Ogunyemi, has admonished the Muslim faithful to reflect on the reason for the season and be safety-conscious.

” He has also urged them to observe strict traffic rules and regulations because any vehicle contravened for any traffic infraction(s) during the celebrations would not be released until June 25.

“However, for feedback calls in case of emergency situations, the following hotlines can be reached: 0806 270 3568 and 0803 491 9165.” (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Security

By Bukola Adetoye

Abeokuta, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Ayeni, a retired commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has urged governments to procure more operational vehicles for security agencies to strengthen their fight against criminal activities.

Ayeni gave this advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abeokuta.

According to Ayeni, many remote areas currently beyond the reach of security patrols have become havens for criminal hideouts.

He emphasised that functional operational vehicles, along with other security gadgets, would enhance patrol capabilities and enable operatives to obtain crucial first-hand information for necessary action.

Ayeni, who is the founder of Eco-Safe Guards Ltd., decried the high incidence of defilement, kidnapping, cultism, and robbery in rural communities.

“The rate of atrocities in rural areas is high due to the absence of security operatives,” he said.

He noted that some criminal elements had relocated from cities to rural communities to continue their activities, taking advantage of the lack of security presence.

“They move to rural communities because of the absence of security agencies.

“More patrol vehicles would enable these agencies to expand their reach and address civil and criminal matters in the villages,” Ayeni stated.

However, Ayeni commended the efforts of security agencies, particularly in Ogun, for their diligent work in combating insecurity.

“It is the best moment to applaud the efforts and sacrifices of security agencies and local vigilantes.

“They strive to ensure peace and tranquility, which instills confidence in the people,” he said.

He also commended the recent approval of about 10,000 successful applicants by the Police Service Commission for recruitment, noting that this would enhance the strength and capacity of the Nigerian Police Force. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBA/KOO/AWA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa