Dismissal
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed three officers and sanctioned others for various acts of misconduct.
This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer(SPRO), Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar, on Thursday in Abuja.
Umar said that the service,in a bid to maintain a high standard of discipline and professionalism ,reviewed various cases of unprofessional conduct of the affected personnel .
He said the review of the various cases,such as gross negligence of duty,absence without leave, trafficking in illicit items and general inefficiency, resulted in the dismissal of the personnel ,including a Controller of Corrections.
According to him, in a letter issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), twenty personnel were discharged and acquitted.
“This is for the various offences which they were accused of; while one officer who was previously suspended was reinstated after the review exercise.
“Also, a total of three personnel were compulsorily retired, six personnel had their ranks reduced, while 13 personnel attracted either verbal or plain warning.
“These sanctions are in line with the zero tolerance on staff misconduct, a cardinal mantra of the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa and targeted towards ridding the Service of unscrupulous elements and misfits.
“This is so as to improve professionalism as well as to entrench discipline, ethics and excellence in its officers and men,”he said.
Umar said that the Service had the onerous mandate of keeping custody of the legally interned in a safe and humane condition as well as reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating them to the society as responsible citizens.
He said :“In order to meet these mandates, the Service ensures that it cleanses personnel of bad eggs as well as unprofessionalism that may set back or slowdown the achievement of these important national mandates.
“The Service hereby assures members of the general public of its resolve to secure all custodial and non-custodial facilities, and engender true correctional practice in conformity with international best correctional practices.
“The general public is also requested to support the Nigerian Correctional Service in its efforts towards effective offenders’ management so as to promote public safety and national security in general,”he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Road safety stakeholders during a news conference on National Drivers’ competition in Nigeria
PDSA unveils Best Driver in Nigeria competition
Competition
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The Professional Driving and Safety Academy (PDSA) in collaboration with the National and International stakeholders in transportation sectors unveiled the 2024 best driver in Nigeria competition and free road safety education for drivers nationwide.
Speaking at a news conference to officially kick-start the programme on Thursday in Abuja, the Registrar and Chief Executive, PDSA, Mr Jide Owatunmise said that driving remained one of the most complex tasks.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the briefing is: “Drivers’ Education, Recognition and Motivation: Vital tools for Road Traffic Crash (RTC) Reduction”.
Owatunmise said that several global and national research reports have affirmed that over 80 per cent of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) were caused by human factors while over 70 per cent were attributed to drivers.
He said that if the causative factors associated with the drivers were effectively addressed, the rate of RTCs would be significantly and sustainably reduced.
He also said that as high as the rate of RTCs, injuries and deaths were, they were preventable with adequate knowledge and compliance to road rules.
He, however, said that over 70 per cent of all classes of drivers currently knew little or nothing about safety measures.
According to him, vehicle technology has been changing, road traffic regulations are regularly updated, the mental and physical fitness of drivers/riders is not static and the road environment is also dynamic among other developments.
“Section 57 (1) of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR 2012 and 2016 Amendments) clearly states that Drivers (and Riders) are to undergo a minimum of Cumulative Nine hours of Competence training before every renewal of their Licence.
“The Resolutions of the National Council on Transportation (NCT, Dec.8, 2022) also affirmed that the employers of drivers and even drivers of personal vehicles should periodically undergo seminars in driving and road safety use in Nigeria, thereby, reducing the rate of RTCs on Nigeria roads.
“It is, however, disheartening that over 80 per cent of drivers’ are not complying with provisions of the NRTR and Resolutions of NCT on the need for regular updating of knowledge, skills and attitudes on driving in Nigeria.
“Driving is one of the most complex tasks because it involves simultaneous use of the eyes, ears and nose to gather information.
“It also needs the brain to interpret information gathered and hands and legs to apply the interpreted information in a continuously changing environment to enhance effective and safe vehicle control,” he said.
The Registrar said that research reports revealed that most of the Government MDAS, Private sector organisations, professional commercial divers and drivers of self – owned vehicles had not been complying with provisions of the Laws.
He said the Law provided compulsory regular proficiency training, adding that they all complained of lack of time and or money to undergo regular training while some were not even aware of the existence of the laws and resolutions.
He added that in view of the high rate of RTCs, injuries and deaths in Nigeria, there was, therefore, an urgent need to bridge the gaps toward ensuring Safety on Nigeria roads.
According to him, our organisation, in collaboration with several road safety stakeholders initiated and commenced the annual drivers’ day event in Nigeria on Nov. 15, 2023.
He said “representatives of the relevant stakeholders attended the event including Ministry of Transportation, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIOS), and Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI), Transport Unions, NGOs/CSOs, Media and driving schools among others.
“The expanded year 2024 edition of the Annual Drivers’ Day has three branches of events as follows: Best Driver in Nigeria Competition and Free Road Safety Education, International Drivers Conference and Awards to deserving Organisations and Individuals in Transportation and Road Safety.
“The goal is to collaborate with all stakeholders to advocate for Policies, Initiatives and Activities which effectively enhance road safety education and safer road use in Nigeria.
“Our objective is to boost road safety education, enhance road safety consciousness, reiterate the relevance of drivers and riders in the prevention of RTCs, and to boost Drivers’ and Riders’ Motivation for improved performance and safety.
“Other objectives are to significantly reduce the rate of RTCs, injuries and deaths, to emphasise the fact that road safety is a shared responsibility and to promote road safety culture for all road users in Nigeria.
Representatives of various stakeholders like FRSC, DRTS, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Women Drivers Association, VIO mayors of the Federation among other present at the briefing all pledged their support for the 2024 National Drivers Day Competition.
NAN reports that special awards, certificates of participation, books on driving, riding and safety tips and other packages shall be given to participants and staff of organisations that will participate.
Best driver will be given a car worth N20 million, First Runner up will get fN5 million, Second runner up- N3 million, fourth to 10th position – N1 million each and varieties of consolation prizes for all other contestants.
Registration for participation starts from Friday June 28, nationwide with a fee of N2, 000. Screening and Free Road Safety training starts from July while the grand finale is Nov. 21, 2024.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Director General, Committee of Youths Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) Chief Obinna Nwaka presenting the award of excellence performance to the Director Corps Mobilisation (DCM) Ms Walida Siddique
NYSC Director bags award of Excellence from CYMS
Honour
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Committee of Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) has honoured Hajiya Walida Siddique, the Director, Corps Mobilisation (DCM) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with award of excellence performance in Public service.
Speaking during the award presentation, the Director-General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka on Wednesday in Abuja said that the DCM demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities to merit the recognition and award.
Nwaka said that the award was not meant to eulogise or massage the ego of the Director rather, CYMS was propelled by the desire to encourage her not to relent in efforts and do more.
The CYMS director general who appreciated the DCM for identifying with the group, describing her as a detribalised Nigerian adding that the Youth want those kind of people in public offices.
“We are here to honour the Mama of Nigeria Youths”. And also to thank her for her mentorship and follow up.
“She didn’t know that she was nominated, we are here to thank her for standing by the Youth, because we believe that whoever that stands by the youth is standing by the CYMS and we appreciate her because she has also invested in the youths .
“If you are a mother, you have every opportunity to invest in youths, if you are a grandmother, it is an opportunity to invest in the youthful age of your grandchildren, if you are a youth, you have opportunity to invest in your youthful age.
“We have invested in our youthful age and that is why we are enjoying the dividend and one of the dividend is obvious.
“Thank you on behalf of Nigeria youths and this is a call of action for you to do more no matter who you are, no matter how poor or rich you are, you are useful in the society because even the rich needs the poor to help them
Nwaka charged Nigerian youths to be responsible people in the society as the government was doing their part.
This, he said was needed because “if we fail to be responsible, we will face the consequences of being irresponsible citizens in the society.
Nwaka said that CYMS would continue to recognise, identify and award people with proven character in both public and private sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CYMS team were Mr Kelechi Ugwumba, Director of Mobilisation, Hon. Taiye Agbaje, former house of assembly Lagos State Epe Constituency, Prince Boluwaji Kudus, Director Logistics, Ruth Elu, Head of Corpers and Volunteers among others.
CYMS held its National Conference on Thursday, June 6 where youths from different walks of life meet and discuss on peace and development of the nation with awards presented to exceptional and nominated persons.
Responding, Siddique described the award of excellence as the most cherished award adding that it had spurred her to doing more for the youths in Nigeria.
She promised to continually support the youths and the CYMS in carrying out their mandate as a youth organisation saddled with the responsibility of growth and development.
“I want to thank you and this award will spur me in doing more for the youth of this country. It has qualified me to be a volunteer to CYMS.
“Whatever you do, I’ll volunteer, let me know how it is going. We will identify with the youths and this makes us more of mentors.
“I will always say that in NYSC, we mentor the youth. We go along way to ensure they go out there to be good citizens of the nations.
“I want to tell you that this is much appreciated. I will always be there for the youths. It may interest you to know that I have passion for working with the youths, “she said.
In his goodwill message, Chief Eddy Megwa, Director Information and Public Relations, NYSC expressed joy for the recognition of the DCM.
Megwa urged Governors to do better with the kind of work the CYMS were doing.
“We are excited that you recognised one of our own. She is one of the unique personalities in the scheme and also fit into the vision of your organisation.
“I also learnt your organisation is made up of men and women of integrity and you are nurturing the younger ones, the youths to also key into that transparent and integrity aspect of their growth.
“This can help make this Nigeria a better place and that fuses into the vision of the scheme that we are running and trying to build this sense of responsibility and integrity among the youth.(NAN)
Queen Solomon distributing educational materials to the students of FCT
Group seeks more campaign on menstrual hygiene in schools
Hygiene
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A NGO, Improved Child Education in Africa, has called on wealthy individuals, charitable organisations and religious institutions to embark on aggressive advocacy campaigns in primary and secondary schools on menstrual hygiene and climate change .
Ms Queen Solomon, the Executive Director of the NGO gave the advice while distributing sanitary Pads and writing materials to Pupils of Government Junior Secondary School,(GJSS) Apo Legislative Quarters, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Solomon said the aim of the event was to enable girls have sound knowledge on how to live a better life, check outbreak of diseases and prevent unwanted pregnancies.
She said that most challenges facing girls in the society was how to manage themselves during menstrual period.
She also appealed to government to ensure functional infrastructure in all public schools.
The executive director pledged to carry the campaign to all schools across the country to compliment government’s effort at ensuring clean environment and improve girl child education in the country.
“We are here today to educate students on menstrual hygiene. Girls need to understand that good hygiene is necessary and paramount.
“We will continue to advocate for this and ensure all the six geopolitical zones in FCT is reached, “she said.
Students of Government Junior Secondary Schools, Apo Legislative Quarters , FCT Abuja
Speaking, the Head Girl of the School, Miss Rejoice Chukwuka- Charles said that the campaign provided ample opportunity for girls in the school to ask questions on best ways to manage themselves during the menstrual period.
She said “knowledge impacted on the girls will go a long way in encouraging and building a better future for the younger generation.
In her goodwill message, Mrs Rebecca Alaku, Chief Education Officer, Universal Basic Education Commission,(UBEC) said that provision of writing materials and the sanitary pads would encourage young girls and increase child enrollment in FCT schools.
Also, the Vice Principal Administration of the school, Mrs Felicia Gyaube expressed gratitude to the philanthropist for considering the school in her Pet Project.
Gyaube called on parents not to shy away from their responsibility of educating their girls on effective management of sanitary pads.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Founder, Ms Yracy Solomon is the 2023 Miss Heritage International winner.
The campaign also featured talks on the need to avoid violence especially fighting between Students of different schools.
Over 3,000 exercise books, 500 sanitary pads and other instructional materials were given to the pupils.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) a Non Governmental Organisation says the proposed death penalty for offenders will not solve the underlying issues related to drug crime.
The Executive Director, Olufunke Adeoye, made this known while addressing newsmen in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Drug Day is celebrated every June 26 globally and the year 2024 theme is: “Evidence is clear; invest in prevention,”.
Olufunke said that the proposal would only divert attention and resources from more effective strategies such as harm reduction and rehabilitation.
She said that several comprehensive studies and reports highlighted the lack of a significant deterrent effect associated with the death penalty for drug trafficking.
She also said that amnesty International analysis pointed out that countries with high execution rates for drug offenses, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, still faced serious drug problems.
She added that a review of data from Southeast Asia, including countries like Singapore and Indonesia, shows that the death penalty has not led to a substantial reduction in drug trafficking.
According to her, Nigeria has been a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) since 1993.
“Article 6 of the treaty states that “in countries which have not abolished the death penalty, sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law in force at the time of the commission of the crime.
“This is typically defined as those involving intentional killing of which drug offenses do not meet the threshold.
“Furthermore, at the Universal Periodic Review, the Nigerian government represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi SAN had informed the United Nations and the world on the January 23, 2024 that Nigeria has a voluntary moratorium on the death penalty.
“The proposal to include death sentences for drug offenses contradicts the position presented by the Nigerian government during the just concluded Universal Periodic Review (UPR),”he said.
Adeoye said that the death penalty inherently carried the risk of irreversible errors adding that In any judicial system, the possibility of wrongful convictions posed a serious threat to justice.
She however, said that this risk was significantly magnified in systems facing substantial challenges, such as Nigeria, which the National Assembly has been actively addressing in recent times.
According to her, death penalty perpetuates a cycle of violence and undermines the value of human life. There is a global trend towards abolition of the death penalty especially for non-violent crime.
“Part of the rationale for this is that scientific evidence and modern criminology suggests that addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and social inequality, rather than relying on severe punitive measures are the true deterrent factors.
“There is also a growing emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative justice rather than retribution.
“This approach aligns better with our constitutionally guaranteed human rights principles and aims to reduce recidivism.
“Nigeria through some of its recent legislations such as the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 has also shown a move from retribution to restorative justice, “she said.
Adeoye maintained that by imposing the death penalty for drug offenses, Nigeria would be moving against the global tide and its recent progressive strides.
This, she said would be by aligning itself with a shrinking minority of 34 countries that maintained such harsh penalties for drug-related crimes and the 3rd African country to do so.
NAN reports that the Senate on May 10 approved a death penalty for drug offenders found guilty of drug offence .
The lawmaker proposed a death Sentence for anyone found guilty to serve as a deterrent to drug offenders.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
WDD: NGO raises concern over proposed death penalty for drug offenders
Death
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), has raised concern over the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) proposed amendment to impose death penalty as maximum punishment for drug offenders.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs Oluwafunke Adeoye, said the proposed amendment would not curb the scourge during a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World Drug Day on Wednesday in Abuja.
Adeoye urged the National Assembly to critically review and reverse its position on the use of Death Penalty for Drug offence in Nigeria.
She said that the proposal represented a severe setback for human dignity and criminal justice reforms in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Proposed Amendment, known as the NDLEA (Amendment) Bill, 2024, encompasses diverse objectives, including enhancing the operational efficiency of the NDLEA.
NAN reports that other objectives also include facilitating the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories for drug analysis among others, all of which are very much welcome.
However, a major amendment highlighted in the bill is the modification of Section 11 of the existing act, which pertains to the punishment of drug offenses.
Adeoye said that the previous legislation prescribed life imprisonment for offence involving the importation of hard drugs.
“However, the amended version introduces a much stricter penalty – the death penalty. After extensive consideration, the bill passed its third reading and received unanimous Senate approval.
“This development reflects a fearful stance against progressive criminal justice reforms in Nigeria.
“On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold human rights and human dignity and to promote justice that restores.
“Hope Behind Bars Africa firmly opposes the introduction of the death penalty for drug offenses in Nigeria.
“We urge the National Assembly to reconsider this bill and focus on progressive, humane, and effective solutions to address the drug endemic,“ he said.
The NGO emphasised that Hope Behind Bars Africa’s position against the death penalty should not be misconstrued as support for crime-related activities.
She said that the organisation had overtime supported the mandate of the Legal Aid Council to ensure the speedy delivery of justice for the socio-economically disadvantaged.
This, she said was firmly upholding human rights and ensuring that indigent persons charged with capital offenses had the best form of legal representation pro bono.
She added that the organisation’s approach to crime deterrence was co-creating evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of crime and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in the process.
According to her, Specifically for drug related offenses, we believe that the evidence is clear, the government must invest in prevention.
She said “On this WDD observed annually on June 26 to promote action and cooperation for a drug-free world, we believe it is crucial to amend the NDLEA Act.
Adeoye called on the national assembly to focus on Including appropriate proactive measures to block the pipeline through which people were able to access illicit drugs.
She also called on the lawmakers to develop detailed guidelines for appropriate imprisonment and fines for drug offenses by categorising them based on the type of narcotic and specific quantities involved.
“Also, discriminalisation of low-level drug use or implementation of non-custodial sanctions alongside adequate mental health support.
“There is need to Adopt harm reduction strategies by strengthening social protection systems and implementing policies that focus on public health approaches to drug use, access to treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
“Also, Investment in the capacity development of law enforcement officers, judicial officers and other stakeholders who handle drug-related cases.
“Enhancing oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure that legal processes adhere to human rights standards will go a long way,“ she said.
NAN reports that the Senate on May 10 approved a death penalty for drug offenders found guilty of drug offence .
The senate’s decision follows the consideration of a report by a joint Committee on Judiciary , Human Rights and Legal Matters and Committee on Drugs and Narcotics on an Act to amend the National Drug Law Enforcement agency Act .
The contentious clause II recommending a death sentence sparked an uproar among a cross section of Lawmakers in the Senate but it was eventually passed
Chairman of the joint committee , Senator Tahir Monguno presenting the report to amend the National drug law enforcement agency act to strengthen the operation of the agency , review penalty provisions and enhance the power of the agency to prosecute drug related offences .
During the clause by clause consideration , the Chief Whip of the Senate , Ali Ndume, disapproved of the Committee’s recommendation on clause 11 which proposes a more lenient penalty for drug offenders of not more than 25 years imprisonment , without option of fine different from what is contained in the Act which provides a life sentence .
The lawmaker proposed a death Sentence for anyone found guilty to serve as a deterrent to drug offenders .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, Founder, National Coordinator,Anti-Kidnapping ,Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse initiative (AKH-TRACADA)
Drug Abuse: NGO seeks investment in prevention, treatment programmes
Prevention
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has urged stakeholders and government at all levels to invest in prevention and treatment programmes to stem the tide of drug abuse in the country.
The Founder of the Organisation, Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 World Drug Day theme is: “Evidence is clear; invest in prevention,”.
Ezeanyaeche who also doubles as the National Coordinator said drug abuse remained a global menance that should be jointly tackle by all to curb its upsurge and the devastating effects in the society.
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to begin to see the issue of drug abuse as a public health problem.
He said that drugs, substances abuse and illicit drug trafficking were the template behind most of the crime being perpetrated in the country.
According to him, about 70 to 75 per cent crimes committed globally were under the influence of drugs. Wherever there is crime, there is drug, and wherever there is drug there is crime.
”The need to prevent drug abuse particularly at the grassroots has become imperative, because drug problem is not respective of ages, races, genders or social status.
“The government need to invest so much more in prevention and treatment programmes which include: training, sensitisation, advocacy, policy formulation that will aid to stem the tide of drug abuse.
”Government at all levels must ensure that treatment centres are available, prevention programmes be on the way, and let people who are in drug owned up to the reality and be ready to change,” he said.
The NGO boss advised those who already involved in drug abuse to come to the point of making the decision to really want to quit drug abuse, and seek the right help.
He emphasised that one way to effectively prevent drug abuse among youths, was by giving them self-confidence, strength, skills and abilities to say no to drugs.
He assured the readiness of the NGO to collaborate with all concerned to prevent drug abuse and the harm that drugs could cause to families and society in general.
”We will continually work together with law enforcement agencies to enforce drug laws to stem and seize the flow of illicit drugs.
“Together, we can tackle the world drug problem, “he affirmed.
The NGO boss called for partnership with spirited organisations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in capacity building especially in the thematic areas of drug abuse, sensitisation, awareness and preventive strategy.
He advised the young people not to ruin their lives by engaging in drug abuse, while enjoining parents to watch over their children and guide them in the right direction.
Ezeanyaeche assured that the NGO would continue to work with the media and drug enforcement agency to achieve its purpose of a drug-free society.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking, is marked on 26th June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office(VIO) Dr Yusuf Suberu
VIO Chief seeks urgent completion of 13.125km Apo-Karshi road
Road
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN)The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has urged the Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike to complete the 13.125km Apo-Karshi Road project for safety and security of lives and property.
Dr Yusuf Suberu, FCT Squadron leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Suberu said that commuters, who come into Abuja from the neighbouring Nasarawa State on a daily basis, face excruciating pains, caused by the traffic gridlock on the AYA-Nyanya -Mararaba Expressway.
He said that thousands of people who reside in Karshi, Orozo, Gidan Mangoro, Kurudu, Waru, Madalla, Wassa, Kyami, Takushara, Chorin and other communities, would be direct beneficiaries of the road project if completed.
He also said that the congestion on the road had caused several incidents and unfortunate occurrences where many lives and property were lost.
He added that the incidents occurrence, particularly during rush hours alone, was enough reason for the government to complete the road construction.
He urged that the government should also consider the condition and health of the motorists by ensuring the road construction was completed soon.
“The pressing issues faced by the residents of Karshi have prompted this call for intervention from Wike as the FCT minister.
“Road network is a crucial incontrovertible infrastructure for the socio-economic and agricultural development of a nation, providing unhindered access to places of opportunities and services.
“In many of the developed countries, transportation plays a significant role in the ease of doing business and the government plays an integral role in the implementation and administration.
“The completion of the Apo-Karshi road is seen as crucial not only for alleviating the suffering of the residents of Orozo-Karshi but also for enhancing the restoration of the Abuja master plan.
“Numerous abandoned projects in the Kurudu-Orozo-Karshi axis, owned by Abuja residents, have been left incomplete due to the lack of accessible roads to the FCT, “he said.
Suberu affirmed that with a reputation as a no-nonsense leader, there was optimism that the FCT Mnister would overcome any challenges and ensure the early successful completion of the Apo-Karshi road project.
He however, acknowledged the impact of the minister’s previous visit to Bwari, which reportedly led to improved security.
He said “this is also a call for him to visit the Apo-Karshi road site to witness the challenges firsthand.
“It is believed that his visit can bring relief to the residents, similar to the positive outcomes observed in the Bwari axis.
“The collective hope is for an end to the suffering of the Orozo-Karshi axis residents and the emergence of smiles on their faces through the minister’s intervention,”he said.
The Apo-Karshi Road project was inaugurated to Kakatar Limited, an indigenous company, in 2011, with a completion period of 20 months. Meanwhile, it’s been over 13 years, and the project is yet to be completed.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Rehabilitation centre, Dr Hope Omeiza
WDD: Drug abuse prevention starts with parents, teachers – Centre
Prevention
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 24, 2024(NAN) Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a rehabilitation centre in Abuja, has urged parents and teachers to educate their children, youths, and wards against drug abuse to reduce the risk of mental illnesses and other risky behaviours.
The Executive Director of the centre, Dr Hope Omeiza, made this known in a message to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day on Monday in Abuja
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Drug Day event is marked on June 26 every year.
This year’s theme is “Evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention,”.
Omeiza said that the aim of this year’s campaign was to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who used drugs with respect and empathy.
This, he said, included providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion.
He added that the campaign also aimed to combat stigma and discrimination against people who used drugs by promoting language and attitudes that were respectful and not judgmental.
He said “in spite of challenges posed by drug abuse among youths, we have no doubt as an organisation that the impact can be mitigated through organised preventive actions.
“That is why we are leading the campaign to prevent a greater number of younger ones from drug abuse, “he said.
Omeiza, however, said that children and youths who were not properly informed were at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviours and experimenting with drugs.
He identified parents and teachers as critical to the fight against rising drug addiction among different age groups, especially children, saying that young people who persistently abused substances often experienced problems.
“Parents and teachers need to pay adequate attention to their children and students. You need to see what they are doing and when they are misbehaving.
“Preventing illicit drugs begins with you. You are the ones who spend more time with these children, and having a drug free society starts from the home, then the school, “he said.
He emphasised that the fight against drug abuse should begin with families to help discourage the demand and supply of drugs to safeguard their future.
He said “policy is very important and so far so good. There have been policies against drugs that are not accepted in society. Now, everybody should be on the lookout for our society.
”This is because sometimes, we realise that drugs that have been banned are still being sold, and when such is noticed, the best is to report the matter.
“We believe that if much effort is put into discouraging demand for drugs, suppliers will find the business no longer profitable and will be forced to switch to other legal business ventures.
“Parental monitoring and supervision of friendships are also critical for drug abuse prevention,” he said.
The executive director urged more advocacy against drug abuse, saying that it does not only mean saving drug abusers but also saving the next generation.
He said that the organisation had been engaging in advocacy and sensitisation programs in building leaders with great attitudinal behavior in society.
“Now I’ll say information is power. This is the reason we are holding a National Youth conference on June 28 for young people on the dangers of engaging in drug abuse, “he said.
NAN reports that a report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in Nigeria indicates that 14.4 per cent (14.3 million) of people aged between 15 and 64 years abuse drugs.
The statistical analysis of the findings of a 2015 nationwide survey of 10,609 respondents showed that alcohol is the drug with the highest prevalence rate, whereas cannabis is the most abused illicit drug.
The report showed that the drug abuse in Nigeria was prevalent across educational levels and reaches down to the secondary school level.
The report showed that drug and substance abuse is prevalent across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.(NAN)
Staff of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with the Resident Chaplain, National Christian Centre(NCC) Rev. Mike Agbon
Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa has urged young people to stay away from illicit drugs and have focus as leaders of tomorrow.
Marwa said this during a thanksgiving service at the National Christian Centre (NCC), in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day (WDD), on Sunday in Abuja.
The 2024 WDD is themed, “Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention”.
He said that the theme was timely, adding that the NDLEA was doing its best in preventing drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the country.
Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Mr Shadrach Haruna, said the 2024 WDD main message was prevention.
According to him, youths need to say no to drug abuse. And this is where prevention comes in.
“There is nothing good that comes out of illicit drugs. It destroys you as a person; it destroys your family and your communities.
“Youths need to stop taking illicit drugs, not to yield to peer pressure and not to think that drug is the coolest thing to do.
“This is because if you go into drugs, you ruin your future.
“That is why prevention is the ultimate thing for this year. We should all invest in prevention because if you prevent people from going into drugs, it will help.
“The country is for the youths and they are the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why we want them to shun drugs and have a focus,”he said.
Marwa said that the NDLEA was doing a lot to invest in prevention, adding that the agency believed in carrying everyone along including the Church, communities and families, among others.
He said the agency had always depended on God to lead.
He emphasised that the Church and the Mosque were involved as part of ways to carry the messages of ensuring that people shun drugs.
“If we’re able to invest in intervention, I think we will save so many lives. We know how many lives have been destroyed by drugs,”he said.
Marwa encouraged officers and men who have been on the field, working hard not to be discouraged.
He also encouraged them not to fear anyone saying: “if you’re working for a good cause, nothing will affect you”.
Rev. Mike Agbon, Resident Chaplain, National Christian Centre (NCC), said that religious bodies needed to be able to play a significant role in the area of sensitisation.
Agbon said there was also the need to introduce a spiritual approach to dealing with rehabilitation of drug addicts.
According to him, whether we like it or not, drug addiction in our nation is growing to an epidemic proportion and we need to be holistic in dealing with it.
“The NDLEA is doing a laudable job in dealing with the drugs, cartels and arrests of all the barons.
“The Church needs to rise to the occasion.
“We need to be able to rehabilitate most of the drug addicts and get them back into society.
“I believe that the spiritual approach to it will make a difference because I believe that drug addiction is a spiritual thing,”he said.
The cleric, therefore, urged the NDLEA to take time to look at the need to be able to incorporate the Church, so that there could be synergy, especially in the areas of rehabilitation.
He said that most of the Pastors trained as counselors, could help in the area of guardians and counseling.
“We need to come to that level of synergy and deal with this issue. We must all have our hands on deck.
“We must as much as possible, work together. It’s only that synergy that can solve or put a halt to the alarming proportion or rise in drug addiction in our society, “he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
