The New President, Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) Hajiya Nafisa Shehu with the former President, Hajiya Aisha Biu
ROSOWA new president promises unity, oneness of purpose
Mantle
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Hajiya Nafisa Shehu, the new president of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) has promised to promote unity and sisterhood among members.
Shehu made the promise while taking over the mantle of leadership of the association from the erstwhile President of the Association, Hajiya Aisha Biu in Abuja
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that it was Pursuant to the appointment of Mallam Shehu Mohammed as the new FRSC Corps Marshal.
At the handing over ceremony, Shehu, commended her predecessor for her exceptional leadership and gave assurance of her resolve to build on the legacies handed over to her.
She pledged her commitment towards promoting collaboration and strategic initiatives that would promote unity amongst members.
Shehu appreciated God for the opportunity to serve, and implored members of the association to give her the necessary support to make her tenure a successful and impactful one.
Speaking, Biu urged members to give her successor more support than she enjoyed during her tenure.
NAN reports that the handing and taking over ceremony was carried out at the National Secretariat of the Association in Abuja.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Some of the suspects arrested for drug related offenses
Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 9, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni, with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.250kg Cannabis Sativa(Indian Hemp).
A statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja stated that the suspect was nabbed along the Lalgo-Birnin Kebbi road, Kebbi on Saturday, June 8.
Babafemi said the consignment was concealed in four pesticide tanks, adding that operatives in Gombe, same day, arrested one Ibrahim Abubakar at Herwagana.
He said that Abubakar was arrested with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.
Meanwhile, not less than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi Iwula, 42, following his arrest in a commercial bus at Aloma junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LocalGovernment, in Benue.
Also, in Bauchi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday, June 5, arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa that weighed 28.2kg.
“Their counterparts in Yobe nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along the Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s travelling bag,” he said.
In Oyo State, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa, he said.
Babafemi said the drugs weighed 44.4kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, adding that they were all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.
In the same vein, not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja village, Lokoja, the Kogi capital.
Babafemi said the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna state.
Also in Kaduna, Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Lafiya area, Kudan Local Government Area of the state, he said.
Babafemi further said that at least nine suspects, including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid on Toaabora hills in the Federal Capital Territory.
“They were arrested on Saturday, 8th June, with a total of 83.01kg cannabis recovered from them,” he said. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 9, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of 175,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup imported from India.
Mr Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday.
Babafemi said that the seizure was made on Friday during a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs Service and other security agencies.
He said that the seizure was coming barely a week after the agency seized a shipment of 175,000 bottles of the same substance at the Port Harcourt Port complex in Onne, Rivers state,
Babafemi said that the two seizures followed earlier intelligence which made the agency to request a 100 per cent examination of the shipment.
He also said that the latest seizure of 875 cartons of codeine containing 175,000 bottles was weighing 26,250kg.
In a related development, Babafemio said that officers of NDLEA’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation on Wednesday June 5 intercepted five different parcels containing illicit drugs.
He said that the drugs were concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair en route the United States and United Kingdom.
“Some of the seized drugs are 620 ampoules of pentazocine injection, promethazine and other opioids, they were seized at a courier firm in Lagos,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa with the Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre in Abuja
NDLEA, centre partner on campaign against drug abuse
Rehabilitation
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre have strengthened partnership on the campaign against drug abuse, treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa said this when the Executive Director of the rehabilitation centre paid a courtesy visit to the agency on Friday in Abuja.
Marwa was represented by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VGADA detox centre which is a rehabilitation facility in Abuja is organising a National Youth Conference on Drug Abuse for Youths on June 28.
Marwa said that the agency had partnered other organisations that have or operate, private run treatment and rehabilitation centers like VGADA Detox centre.
He said that the agency had gone further to see how other states could be mobilised to support rehabilitated and treated people with skills acquisition as well as getting them reintegrated to the society.
According to him, So one of the things we do in drug demand reduction is to bring help to those who need help and those who need treatment.
“We choose to raise awareness first, because prevention is better than cure. So when the people know about the dangers of what they are about to abuse or what they are abusing, then they may likely restrain themselves.
“And that way, they would have prevented themselves from going into harmful way and also, for those that are already abusing these illicit substances, again, we also have a responsibility to provide help for them.
“And that’s why we have treatment and counseling centers across the country. We have 30 of them across our Commands,’’ he said.
Marwa said that one of the things the agency had also introduced in addressing drug demand reduction for those who may be afraid of stigmatisation or being judged was the toll free helpline 080010203040.
He said that drug abusers tends to be scared of arrests adding that there were a lot of them who were afraid to go out to a treatment centre to seek for help.
“One of the things the agency had also done to encourage them to seek help is setting up a call center with a toll free helpline, 0800 10203040.
“With that helpline, anybody can sit in the comfort of their homes in any part of the country, make a call to the toll free helpline.
“And there at the other end, we have our experts like counsellors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists among others to assist these people.
“If they check and realise some of them need to be sent or refered to rehabilitation centre, they do so and also follow up in the course of their treatment,’’ he said.
Speaking on the forthcoming National Youths Conference on drug abuse by VGADA, Marwa commended the centre for the good work and initiatives done so far in ensuring proper treatment and rehabilitation of drug users in Nigeria.
He said, “I want to give thumbs up to VGADA for the initiative. This is not their first in this regard, they have been working and partnering with the agency to advance the course of better or public health.
“We are happy they are doing this again to bring the youths together at a conference to teach them all they need to know concerning drug abuse and to guide them on dangers of substance abuse.
“That is why we are supporting them and as a result, we encourage all our youths to make it a date on June 28,’’he said.
Earlier, Omeiza said that the centre was committed to the wellbeing of citizens, and would do whatever it takes to eliminate or drastically reduce to the barest minimum, the use of illicit drugs and substances across the country.
He said that the forthcoming National Youths Conference was part of programmes to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He also said that World Drug Day, which was celebrated annually on June 26 was to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
“Our organisation does not castigate people who abuse drugs but we do our work creatively with distinction and honor.
“Our role is to make a positive impact in every community so that our nation will be a better place to live, work and we will not relent,’’ he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa with the Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre, Dr Hope Omeiza
32,402 drug users counselled, treated in 3 years nationwide- Marwa
Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says no fewer than 32,402 drug users have been counselled and treated from January 2021 to March 2024 across the country.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said this when he received the Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Detox Centre, Dr Hope Omeiza, and his team on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VGADA Detox Centre, a rehabilitation centre in Abuja, is a leading provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in Nigeria.
The centre is holding a National Youth Conference on June 28 in commemoration of the World Drug Day celebrated globally every June 26, in Abuja.
Marwa, who was represented by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, said that the agency had also secured 9,034 convictions with over 12,000 other cases going on in Court.
Marwa said: “There is no denying the fact that indeed, there is a misconception about the role of the agency, especially as it concerns drug demand reduction.
“I like to put it on record that indeed the agency has two key roles, that is, drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction.
“And when you look at what we have done in the area of demand reduction, I can even almost say it far outweighs or surpasses what we have done in drug supply reduction.
“But because the supply reduction has to do with arrest, seizures, prosecution of offenders and their convictions, sending them to jail, confiscation of their assets and other funds in their bank account through court order. So, quite a lot of people believe that’s all we do.
“But indeed, beyond that, let me put it this way, maybe to be very clear this way, if you look at the last three years, the agency has counselled and treated over 32,000 in our facilities nationwide.”
He said that out of the 32,000, the agency secured 9,034 convictions with over 12,000 other cases going on in Court.
Marwa said that one of the things the agency did in drug demand reduction was to raise awareness about the problem of substance abuse in the country.
He added that the frequent awareness led to the creation of a social advocacy platform precisely on June 26, 2021 at the presidential villa.
“The platform is called War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), social advocacy platform to raise awareness nationwide about substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
According to him, it is also to mobilise everybody, including stakeholders, all citizens, irrespective of their age and status, to buy in and take ownership of the fight against substance abuse.
“The agency is also working with other organisations, NGOs like VGADA detox centre and a lot of other stakeholders, to engage with the people, to engage with everybody in the society.
“This is starting from the family level, to the schools, students, communities, faith-based organisations like churches and mosques.
“Also, those in the motor parks, those in traditional institutions and the palaces among others are not left out,” he said.
Earlier, Omeiza said that VGADA Detox Centre had team of like minds dedicated to offer selfless services for the peace, unity and progress of the country in the present generation and future ones.
He said that the centre remained committed to inculcating in youths, the need to be aware of harmful practices within their environment and the general society.
This, he said included informing the youth to stay away from drugs and substance abuse so as to keep themselves and the society safe. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Rainy season: VIO chief cautions motorists on vehicle maintenance
Rain
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has called all motorists to be cautious on the roads during the rainy season while urging them to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.
Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Suberu also harped on the need for strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations among road users especially during the period.
The VIO chief expressed concern about the rate at which people neglected the basic ethics of driving during the rainy season, which resulted in avoidable crashes, death and fatal injuries in some cases.
He said that low level of vehicle maintenance among motorists, especially the commercial drivers had caused major havoc on the highway across the country.
He also said that it was also imperative for drivers to be patient and calm while driving adding that it would help to ensure sanity on the highways during the season.
This, he said would also help to avoid road hazards that occur as a result of wet and slippery road surfaces, foggy weather and occasional poor visibility that characterise the season among others.
According to him, we wish to reiterate our commitment towards safer road use during this rainy period.
“We want to warn the motoring public on the need to comply with all traffic rules and regulations as they ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.
“It is important that drivers fix the vehicle wiper blades, head and tail lights, brakes and avoid the use of worn-out tyres to enhance safety as they ply the roads when it is raining.
“Motorists should also note that visibility might be affected when the rain is heavy and they are advised to reduce speed and stop when it is obviously unsafe to continue driving.
“Also, if visibility is very poor, drivers should endeavour to move off the road and park safely, leave your parking lights on and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you”, he said.
Suberu expressed the VIO’s concern over the attitude of many drivers in the country on tyre care and maintenance, adding that most Nigerian drivers have poor maintenance culture.
He urged motorists to be mindful of potholes and pedestrians crossing the roads adding that the VIO mayors would visit motor parks and sensitise commercial drivers.
He said that the sensitisation would be on how to desist from excessive speeding and dangerous driving on highways to avert road traffic mishap.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Dr Hope Omeize, Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), with Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development.
Youth ministry, centre partner on drug abuse, rehabilitation
Abuse
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is prepared to partner with Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), to raise awareness against drug abuse.
It is also prepared to rehabilitate and provide skills for youths affected by substance abuse.
Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development, made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja when he received Dr Hope Omeiza, Executive Director of VGADA detox centre.
The News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the VGADA detox center, a rehabilitation centre in Abuja, is a leading provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in Nigeria.
Olawande noted, with appreciation, the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying that it would lift Nigerians in all spheres and make life meaningful for all.
He emphasised the need to engage those at the grassroots, adding that they were the informal people who needed the good message of the campaign.
“There is also need to enlighten the parents, especially the mothers at the grassroots, so as to help educate children and youths on drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he added.
He said that the ministry had been to 19 states and many local governments to campaign against dangers of drugs, substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
“From our experience, we have two different types of young people today – the formal and the informal
“The formal people know and are aware of the dangers of these drugs, but the informal are at the grassroots level.
“We are not engaging the informal people and that is why illicit drug use has been spreading widely to the towns, the villages, and to the grassroots.
“This is the reason you’ll see me in every community engaging with the stakeholders, the women especially.
“We believe that everything begins from the home; with the mothers talking to their children, it will help curtail the menace to the barest minimum,” he said.
Olawande said that the Tinubu administration was doing all it could to ensure that issues relating to illicit drugs were resolved to the barest minimum.
He said that the ministry would continue to educate and enlighten the youths and children to make them better patriots, promote peace and enhance unity in the country.
“We have 774 local governments. We are planning to hit at least 500 so that we will bring the government to the doorstep of the people.
“This will help a lot. People need to see and touch the government in every aspect. It is not everything that is about money.”
Earlier, Omeiza had painted a grim picture of the drug situation in Nigeria, especially as it affects the youth population.
Omeiza stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders, at all levels, to strengthen partnership with necessary rganisations, especially VGADA.
“Such partnership will curb the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, especially since there is a strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges facing the country.
“We have a programme coming up on June 28 and it is for the youth. The event will address the pressing issues of drug abuse, mental health challenges and their impact on the future of Nigerian youth,” he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
FRSC chief pledges efficient, prompt service delivery
Commitment
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has pledged its commitment to improved and prompt service delivery by the corps nationwide.
Mohammed said this when he paid a working visit to some strategic facilities of the Corps on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the visit was another step towards entrenching ease of doing business, quality assurance and customer satisfaction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal visits Drivers License Capture Centres, Road Signage and Number Plates production plants as well as the Print Farm.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed while inspecting some of the strategic facilities
The FRSC boss said that the visit was to also ascertain the challenges confronting the operations of the production plants and capture centres.
He assured the motoring community of his administration’s commitment towards enhanced of service delivery on all FRSC products and services.
He revealed that the visit was fruitful as obvious challenges were identified, noting that they challenges would be surmounted in the nearest future.
“I want to assure the motoring public that we will address these challenges soon.
“For more efficient result, technical partners of the Corps will be involved to find lasting solutions to all the problems”, he said
Mohammed commended the corps for promoting better road culture, saving lives. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed while inspecting the Strategic facilities in FCT
FRSC’ll address number plate’s scarcity, driver’s license- Corps Marshal
Challenges
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, says adequate measures are being put in place to address issues associated with current scarcity of numbers plate nationwide.
Mohammed also said the issues associated with issuance of driver license nationwide would also be addressed.
The FRSC boss made this known while inspecting the FRSC strategic facilities at Wuse, Kado and Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday in Abuja.
Mohammed commended the investment of the Federal Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, to enhance Motor Vehicle Administration in the country.
He said that the Corps would soon meet with the Joint Tasks Force (JTF) and other partners, to address the challenges of production and distribution of FRSC products and services.
According to him, within the few days that I assumed office, I received series of complaints from the general public concerning the National Driver’s License (NDL) office.
Mohammed said, “We are not unaware of their pains and suffering and that necessitated our on spot assessment of the uniform license care facilities in FCT.
“We have visited the NDL centre in FCT. We have visited the print farm where the licenses are being produced and we are here at the plant where number plates are produced.
“Equally, we have identified the problems. The problems are in two categories. We have the internal problems and the external problem.
“The internal problems are more administrative and we have set up administrative measures and processes to tackle the problem, so that we can reduce the suffering of the public.
“The external problems are more of technical and financial.
“We are going to sit down with our technical partners and our supervisors, to fashion out how we are going to find solutions to all those problems,” he said.
The FRSC boss maintained that the new administration would highlight out new initiatives that would bring effective traffic management across the country.
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) with top officers of the Corps
Mohammed also stressed that the corps would place priorities on good working environment and improve welfare package to boost the productivity of personnel.
He said that the corps would continue to work with sister agencies for National Security, while assuring the motoring public of safety of their lives and their investments on the highway.
“We will play our role towards enhanced National Security and do everything possible to support security agencies across the country.
“I want to assure the motoring public and the general public that we are committed to continue delivering quality service of all FRSC products.
“I also want to assure that the problems identified with driver’s license centre will soon be a thing of the past. We want the general public to support us to continue to deliver our mandate,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Inspection Tour was the first major assignments of the Corps Marshal on assumption of duty.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NDLEA arrests intending pilgrims with cocaine in Lagos
Consignment
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested four intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia with cocaine consignments in Lagos.
Mr Femi Babafemi, spokesman for the NDLEA, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Babafemi said NDLEA operatives had raided Emerald Hotel, Ladipo, Oshodi, Lagos State, on June 5.
He said the intending pilgrims were caught in the act of ingesting wraps of cocaine ahead of their flight to the holy land.
According to him, those arrested during the intelligence-led operation include Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38 and a lady, Ayinla Kemi, 34.
“The four suspects were lodged in two rooms in the hotel where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms to swallow when NDLEA officers stormed their rooms.
“100 wraps of the Class A substance were recovered from each of the two rooms bringing the total seizure to 200 wraps. Two suspects were to swallow 100 wraps each,” he said.
Babafemi quoted the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending the commander, officers and men of the Lagos State command who conducted the operation.
Marwa said the agency would continue to spread its dragnet to track, trace and apprehend criminal elements.
This, he said, included those who may want to hide under pilgrimage to carry out their nefarious activities capable of denting the image of the country.
”The Agency will work with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
