Port Harcourt, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Rivers is currently investigating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation that occurred near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, an official said.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that one male suspect had been apprehended.
She urged residents to remain calm as police detectives were actively pursuing leads to identify the sponsors and perpetrators behind the explosion.
“The command has launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the cause and circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
“We have identified one individual in connection to the explosion and urge residents to remain calm.
“Efforts are being made to gather crucial information and shed light to this situation,” she stated.
Iringe-Koko affirmed that security measures had been heightened to guarantee the safety of both residents and visitors within the state.
“We thank the public for providing information, pictures, and videos to assist our ongoing investigation.
“Anyone who sees any suspicious object should evacuate the area immediately and promptly notify the police,” she added.
The police image maker urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities related with the incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Stakeholders and Youths at the Conference organised by Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) to address drug abuse in Nigeria
WDD: VGADA, NDLEA enlighten youth on dangers of drug abuse
Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN) An NGO, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse Abuse (VGADA) detox centre has said that there was need to secure the future of Nigeria by addressing decisively the pervasive problem of drug abuse.
The Executive Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza said this during the National Youth Conference in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking on Friday in Abuja.
Omeiza said that the issue of drug abuse was presently threatening to destroy the future of the youths which he described as leaders of tomorrow.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is tagged “The Youth, Drugs, Mental Health and Nigeria’s Future.
Omeiza, who doubled as the Convener said that the subject to be addressed was one that had negatively impacted many households in Nigeria.
According to him, with great sadness, while working under the auspices of my organisation, I have witnessed firsthand the torment our youth who suffer from drug abuse go through.
He said “Nigerian Youths are a formidable and productive force to be reckoned with, however, drug abuse has begun to take its toll on the productivity of a reasonable percentage of our youth.
“The Nigerian population is made up of about 70 per cent of youths which is about 151 million, reportedly the highest population of youths in the world.
“Unfortunately, over 10 per cent of this youth population takes hard drugs and suffers from substance use disorders.
“For this country to thrive, the youth who are the bedrock need to be healthy and sane, but substance abuse is leaving no stone unturned as it has continued to batter the mental health of a lot of our youths.
“We need to secure the future of Nigeria by addressing decisively this pervasive problem of drug abuse which is presently threatening to destroy the future of the Leaders of tomorrow.
“I was once a drug user who would have amounted to nothing, but today, I am able to make some reasonable impact because I received intervention of some sorts, “he said.
Omeiza said that there were a lot of youths out there, who wanted to be useful and whose intellectual property if harnessed properly, would impact the country positively.
“They are however unable to contribute their quota, because they are helpless and unable to withstand the influence of substance abuse.
“Today, we have a gathering of well meaning government officials and heads of agencies, seasoned health experts, activists among others.
“It is my hope that our robust discourse here today would illuminate us on the gravity of the problem we have at hand, and help us churn out reasonable and lasting solutions to this menace, “he said.
Representative of the NDLEA Chariman, giving his lecture on dangers of drug abuse
Speaking, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa said that the concept of drug abuse was not new nor esoteric.
Marwa, who was represented by the NDLEA, Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi said that Drug use was common among those who were between the ages of 25 and 39 years.
He said that the fuller picture of the fact was that 14. 3 million of the Nigeria population was hooked on drugs with youth in the majority, in the region of at least eight million.
He said that the figure might seem inconsequential in the light of the humongous population of over 206 million.
He added “the gravity of it would not be lost on Nigeria when we come to think of it that about 15 or more African countries do not have up to eight million population.
According to him, These are the likes of Togo, Mauritania, Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Libya and Liberia to mention a few.
“And also about 28 European countries do not have eight million population. And here we are, we have about that number of youths abusing drugs in our own country.
“However, NDLEA is working hard to make care, treatment and rehabilitation available and accessible to young people, “he said.
In her remarks, Ms Titilope Gbadamosi, Senior Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Delivering and Monitoring) said that the issue of youth and drugs was one thing that would continue to reinforce in the submission about youth initiatives.
Gbadamosi however, commended the President Bola Tinubu’s administration saying that “what the presidency and even the government of Nigeria is doing was a whole lot.
“ The Ministry of Youth Development is thriving heavily on collaboration and we are doing everything we can to make sure that the menace of drug abuse is going to an all time low in Nigeria.
“And this we are not doing all alone by ourselves. I mentioned earlier that we have a good relationship with the United Nations Office for Drug and Crime(UNODC).
“And we have quite a number of initiatives that we are working on with them, which we’ll be announcing to you very soon. Our strength of collaborating is also what we have come here to do today, “she said.
Other Stakeholders present during the conference, enlightened youths on the dangers of drug abuse, illicit substance use and illicit trafficking(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Representative of the NDLEA Chariman, giving his lecture on dangers of drug abuse
Illicit drugs enabling crime, criminality in Nigeria, says Marwa
Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 29, 2024(NAN) Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said that illicit drugs and substances abuse was enabling crimes and criminality across the country.
Marwa said this in his presentation during a National Youth Conference organised by the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is tagged “The Youths, Drugs, Mental Health and Nigeria’s Future.
Marwa said that when youths indulged in drug abuse, the tendency for them to develop anti-social behaviour was high.
This, he said was had in part fueled the insecurity problem the country have on its hands today.
“I am one of the believers in the theory of crime that views the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances as enablers of crime and criminality.
“And in Nigeria of today, we have empirical and circumstantial evidence to back this theory.
“For example, the South East, known for relative calm, has in the past three years, been caught in a vortex of violence.
“The factors responsible for the cycle of violence being perpetrated by young people are many and varied but also do not preclude drug abuse, especially methamphetamine, popularly known as Mmkpuru Mmiri.
“I have heard the arguments time and again, that some young people get creative or inspiration when they smoke cannabis.
“That is balderdash. Did they also tell you that many also run mad or lose their sense of reasoning after smoking cannabis?,”he said.
Marwa said that the best option in any society’s drug control effort was still prevention adding that the more young people that were successfully treated, the lesser the demand for illicit substances by people from this social group.
He said “For the young people listening to me this morning, my appeal to you is simple. Youth is an important period in the human life cycle, a make or mar period.
According to him, It could become a period of lost opportunities due to the use of illicit drugs. And it is a tragedy for any country whose youthful population is given to drug abuse.
“The loss in economic term is often unquantifiable, because, youth who are supposed to be the engine room of the economy and the driver of a country’s GDP, becomes less productive.
“And also more of a burden when the drug culture thrives in society.
“I am sure some of you are familiar with the dire warning regarding the use of tobacco that “smokers are liable to die young.”
“That warning applies also to the abuse of anby illicit substance or any misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
“Those who abuse drugs or illicit substances are likely to die young and are likely to live a health impaired life in the later years of their lives,”he said.
Marwa said that there were many compelling reasons for any youth not to be caught in the vortex of drug abuse.
“But above all, be reminded that the consequence is not limited to only you, the abuser of the illicit drug, but your family will also be affected, as well as your community and country,”he said.
Earlier, the Convener of GVADA, Dr Hope Omeiza said that the aim of the conference was to sensise all stakeholders for more concerted efforts moving forward in the campaign against drug abuse.
Omeiza, who doubled as the Managing Director, VGADA detox centre said that it also aims at creating avenues for treatment and prevention of those who already suffered drug abuse.
This, he said included those who might be intending going into Drug abuse
“The call for action is calling on all stakeholders which is why here represented are SSA to the President, SA to the President, head of government agencies, MDAs, here to put their thought together
“They need to make a declaration for their support followed up with necessary action for implementation of all that will be said here today.
“As youths, Let us stay away from drug, Drug abuse is not Steeze.
“There are alternatives to maintaining confidence, to getting pleasures, to increasing pleasures and to not be in pain, not drug. It’s not worth the risk, “he said.
Highpoints of event were panel discussions on Effects of drug abuse on Nigerian youths, and way outs and presentations of awards in recognition of those who have contributed in curbing drug abuse in Nigeria.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed
Sallah: FRSC recorded 51% reduction in accidents nationwide, says Corps Marshal
Reduction
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday says there was a 51 per cent reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the 2024 Eid-el Kabir special patroloperations when compared to the same period in 2023 nationwide.
The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed said this during a press briefing on the outcome of the special patrol operations between Friday June 14 and Sunday June 23 in Abuja.
Mohammed said that the Corps had earlier galvanised and engaged all stakeholders in the road transportation sector to ensure that their members drove in strict compliance with established laws.
This, he said could be seen in the series of meetings held with National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), NUPENG-PTD, NARTO, RTEAN, ACOMORON among others to curtail the incessant rate of crashes.
He said that it had become very imperative because the Corps grasped that everybody was a critical stakeholder and also realised that the Corps were already running out of excuses.
He added that it was important for the Corps to commit to the very simple, proactive means that would guarantee hope instead of apprehension in the use of the roads.
According to him, the Corps took full advantage of the opportunity to deliver reduction of fatalities in our country by enforcing laws and educating commuters on safety consciousness.
“This is because we are aware that if we fail on our part, posterity will not pardon our failure to manage the challenges as the scars of our irresponsibility will be deafening.
“Interestingly, during the Eid-el Kabir special patrol, the Corps recorded 51 per cent reduction in RTCs, 38 per cent reduction in number of people involved, and 39 per cent reduction in number of people killed.
“Also, while 35 per cent decrease was recorded in number of people injured, the Corps achieved 41 per cent reduction in number of people rescued without injuries.
“For the sake of clarity, let me provide you with clearer picture in terms of the basic data for the Sallah operations.
According to him, in 2023, the Corps recorded 88 RTCs, this number was reduced in 2024 to 43 representing 51 per cent reduction.
“ In the same vein, in 2023, a total of 522 people were involved in the aforementioned crashes, while 322 got involved in 2024 representing 38 per cent reduction, “he said.
Meanwhile, Mohammed said that a total of 211 people were rescued with injuries in 2023, adding that the figure was against 137 recorded in 2024 representing 35 per cent decrease.
The FRSC boss said that in 2023, 273 victims were rescued without injuries saying that the figure reduced to 162 in 2024 representing 41 per cent reduction.
“To this end, I feel delighted to see that the Corps has made tremendous progress in the actualisation of our corporate mandate.
“However, even though reasonable progress has been recorded in crash reduction in Nigeria, it is still unacceptable, the number of deaths and injuries we recorded during our last outing.
“This is why the Corps is unrelenting in effecting measures that would sternly stem crash and fatality rate in Nigeria, hence the imperatives of doubling our efforts in our future engagements,”he said.
Mohammed commended the doggedness, resilience and capacity of the personnel who risk their lives to save lives on the roads, saying that the success was not achieved by FRSC alone.
The FRSC boss said that the mileage achieved was through a combination of efforts.
“We owe appreciation to the overwhelming support received from the Federal Government, as well as the cooperation of our numerous stakeholders, particularly the media for letting the public know what we do. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed
FRSC to withdraw licences of recalcitrant drivers- Corps marshal
Withdrawal
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will henceforth revoke the driver’s licences of recalcitrant drivers.
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed, made this known on Friday in Abuja while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the 2024 Eid-el Kabir Special Patrol Operations held between Friday June 14 to Sunday June 23.
He said that the Corps had realised more than ever before the increasing need for collective participation and collaboration of all stakeholders.
He also said the Corps leveraged on this as a necessary variable tool that would helped in achieving the mileage recorded within the periods under consideration.
According to him, prominent amongst these activities are ;strengthened ongoing Inter-agency Joint Task Force (JTF) to mitigate the excesses of trailer drivers.
“Enforcing compliance on indiscriminate use of trailers to convey human beings.
“This is also including aggressive public enlightenment, robust media engagement and aggressive advocacy campaigns carried out in motor parks across the Federation.
“Finally, there was also the identification and mapping of strategic routes across the country and effective deployment of appropriate personnel and logistics to cover them, “he said.
The FRSC boss said that the Corps had a robust engagement with the leadership of the various Transport Unions, and Security Agencies.
This, he said included State Traffic Management Agencies and the FCT Department of Road Traffic Services.
“All these where done to ensure that every stakeholder, both in public and private sector plays cardinal role in entrenching safety on the highways.
“On the strength of the foregoing, may I bring to your notice that we have added to the conventional enforcement of traffic regulations on articulated vehicles.
“We have gone a step further by commencing prosecution of recalcitrant drivers through Mobile Court operations in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Subsequently, more drastic measures including suspension and withdrawal of the national drivers license will be carried out, “he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prior to the commencement of the year 2024 Sallah special patrol, the FRSC Corps Marshal had spoken on the mileage to achieve in bringing down the curve of road traffic crashes.
These include fatalities, injuries as well as traffic offenders on the nation’s highways.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/BEKl/SH
The NDA Commmandant at the DICON Ordnance Factory in Kakuri Kaduna on Friday.
NDA seeks FG’s support to boost production of arms, ammunition in DICON
Ammunition
By Mohammed Tijjani
Kaduna, June. 28, 2024(NAN)The Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, has called on the Federal Government to support the local production of arms and ammunition in the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Ochai made the call on Friday when he toured the facilities of the DICON Ordnance Factory in Kakuri, Kaduna State.
The commandant said, “That DICON and NDA are two strategic organizations dear to the soul of the Nation because if you train and do not equip, the training is useless.
He further stated that the DICON production rate should be able to sustain the Armed Forces of Nigeria as well as meet other demands.
Ochai added that DICON was not meant to produce military hardware alone but to produce other products like uniforms, berets, and mess tins, amongst others.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress the Director- General (D-G) of DICON has made so far and pledged to create awareness of the activities of the corporation.
In his remarks, the D-G DICON Maj.- Gen. Aniedi Edet, appreciated the commandant for his commitment and sacrifice to visit DICON and his efforts to make it great .
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edet gave a brief history of the corporation, explaining that DICON and NDA were located and established in the same year.
“What DICON is doing isn’t a challenge but a prospect for the future and that there is so much to interface and innovate with NDA, “Edet said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NAF trains 271 specialists, prioritises capacity building – CAS
Graduation
By Mohammed Tijjani
Kaduna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, graduated 271 of it’s personnel trained in different specialties to enhance its operational capability.
In a remark at the ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that NAF would continue to place high premium on capacity building and development of personnel for effective and8 imperatives.
Abubakar described the graduation as a milestone not only in the history of both training institutions but also in the careers of the graduating officers.
According to him, the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) has continued to provide training in human resource management and other administration-related specialties, in line with global best practices for enhanced professionalism of NAF personnel.
“Similarly, the NAFSMAM has provided skilled medical professionals for effective healthcare delivery in support of NAF objectives,” he said.
Abubakar also said that the two training institutions have continued to live up to their mandates and urged them to keep up the good work they were doing.
The Air Chief said that NAF, under his leadership, is committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development which, he said, was one of the key enablers of his command’s philosophy.
“It thus gladdens my heart that the NAFIAM is working towards becoming an accredited diploma-awarding institution.
“I am aware that the institute is in top gear to affiliate with Lagos State University and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.
“This move will help upgrade the institute and give it the recognition it deserves,” Abubakar said.
He, therefore, advised the Commandant of NAFIAM not to relent in his pursuit to affiliate the institute with the civil tertiary institutions.
He further said that NAF Headquarters was reviewing the modalities for the commencement of Advanced Personnel and Administrative Management Officers’ Course.
“This novel initiative will enable the institute to enhance the skill sets of senior officers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle complex administrative tasks and personnel management responsibilities, effectively.
Also, he described the Basic Medical Course as being the first of its kind in NAF.
“I would, therefore, like to commend the Chief of Medical Services and entire Medical Services Branch for this remarkable achievement.
“I would also like to commend the NAFSMAM for the successful accreditation of Pharmacy Technicians Course by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
“The success of the accreditation has paved the way for the commencement of a three-year professional diploma course in the next academic session,” Abubakar said.
He disclosed that notable accomplishments of the NAFSMAM prompted NAF authorities to approve the German Technical Advisory Group’s proposal to incorporate the Air Mobile First Aid Unit as a department within the school, thereby enhancing its training capabilities.
“You must show commendable level of professionalism in discharging your assigned tasks, remember that your core duty is to protect the territorial integrity of this great nation.
“I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar said.
Accordingly, the NAF has equally re-strategised for utmost utilisation of all equipment and resources provided by the government in order to continually attain the NAF’s establishment roles and functions.
“Do not forget that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force.
“You must, therefore, uphold the high standards of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for,” Abubakar said.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support to NAF.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the graduands were from NAFIAM and NAFSMAM.
NAN also reports that 248 graduated from NAFIAM and 23 from NAFSMAM.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students, who distinguished themselves during their studies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
13 Brigade ermerges winner of inter-brigade competition in Abia
Army
By Leonard Okachie
Ohafia(Abia), June 28, 2024(NAN) The 13 Brigade, Calabar, on Friday emerged winner in the 82 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was held at 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, among five formations under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
The Chief Umpire, Lt. Col. Ifreke Peters, who announced the results after the five-day keen contest, said 13 Brigade scored 6920 points to emerge winners of the competition.
He said that 82 Division Garrison, Enugu and 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri came second with 6780 points each.
Peters further announced 44 Engineers Brigade, Enugu came fourth with 6600 points while the host, 14 Brigade Ohafia occupied the fifth position.
He said that the formations participated in various activities including drill, weapon handling, combat swimming, map reading, 5km fitness test, 10km half marathon race, navigation and obstacle crossing.
Participants who distinguished themselves in various events contested for were given award prizes in the male and female categories.
Winners in each event were presented with trophies, while 14 Brigade, Ohafia was given a wooden spoon having emerged fifth position.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, emphasised the importance of training in the Army.
The GOC, who was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. OO Ejere, said that the competition was intended to improve leadership qualities and organisational ability among the soldiers.
He congratulated the participants as well as 13 Brigade for emerging overall winner, while urging others to work harder in the next competition.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, when he arrested a motorist for overloading his vehicle with goods and humans.
FRSC arrested 5,014 traffic offenders during Sallah operations – boss
Offenders
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024((NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), arrested 5,014 traffic offenders in its Eid-el Kabir special patrol operations, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has said.
Mohammed, while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said that the figure was 22 per cent above the 4,116 offenders arrested within the same period in 2023.
Mohammed said that the nationwide patrol started on Friday, June 14, and ended on Sunday, June 23.
He listed the offences to include seat belt violations, phoning while driving, beating traffic, overloading vehicles with goods and humans, among others.
He reaffirmed his commitment to reducing crashes on the highways and ensuring sanity at all cost.
“Since taking over as the 8th Corps Marshal, I have ensured that the Corps move beyond rhetoric to action.
“A number of concrete actions have been taken which contributed to the successes we have achieved so far.
“Being aware of the challenges confronting the actualisation of our corporate mandate, we have left no stone unturned in our quest to make the roads safe.
“Part of our resolve is to consolidate on the gains recorded so far through the strategic combat operations of the Inter-agency Joint Task Force.
“We have decided to sustain the tempo by extending the operations of the JTF to other critical corridors across the nation.
“The essence of this extension is to give it a holistic approach,” he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Pray for military to overcome security challenges – Army
Prayer
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, Land Forces Simulation Centre (LFSC), Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the Armed Forces to be able to overcome the security challenges facing the nation.
Yusuf made the call while speaking with newsmen at a Special Juma’at Prayer held in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 on Friday in Abuja.
He also called on Nigerians to give the military as much information as they could give to enable them win ongoing battles against those threatening the security of the country.
According to him, the special Juma’at prayer is to kick-start activities lined up for the week -long 2024 NADCEL commemoration , which ends on July 6.
“I urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the country, pray for our leaders, for Almighty God to guide them aright.
“And to also pray for the Armed Forces to be able to overcome all the security challenges we are facing.
“We also beg Nigerians to give us as much information as they can give us so that we can win these battles as quickly as possible,” he said.
The Brigade Imam, Guards Brigade, Capt. Salisu Musa, who led the Juma’at prayer on behalf of the Director of Islamic Affairs, urged parents to train their children with the fear of God.
Musa said the insecurity ,such as terrorism, emanated from lack of proper religious training, adding that those involved in such acts lacked the fear of God and sympathy of humanity.
He said there was need to continue to preach that every member of the society should become a potential preacher and counsellor.
“We need to put all our hands together to continue to counsel and guide and we need to be more prayerful and be more God -fearing.
“Individuals should adjust themselves, fear God and move close to him and then, they should also pray for the nation.
“We closed this with prayer for the country, for our president, for all the commanders and leaders. We also pray for all our troops ,who have been deployed and those who are yet to be deployed,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NADCEL is an annual event organised to celebrate the journey and achievements of the Nigerian Army since its establishment 161 years ago(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
