Blog

ASUU urges FG to prioritise varsity education to curb brain drain
ASUU urges FG to prioritise varsity education to curb brain drain
Education
By Douglas Okoro
Ndufu-Alike (Ebonyi), June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise university education to boost research and academic excellence in the nation’s ivory towers.
The Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI), branch of ASUU made the appeal in an address delivered during a press conference on the campus on Wednesday at Ikwo local government area in Ebonyi.
The union had earlier embarked on a peaceful march that commenced on the university campus and terminated at entrance gate of the institution to draw awareness of its demand for a better welfare and funding of university education in Nigeria.
The address signed by Dr Louis Omenyi and Dr Joseph Chukwu, the branch chairman and secretary respectively lamented the poor state of infrastructure, welfare of lecturers and other anomalies in the system.
According to the unionists, the perceived rot in the public owned universities need urgent action so as to stem brain drain and incessant strike actions that had bedeviled the university education.
The union rejected what it termed, ‘illegalities , underfunding, disrespect and flagrant violation of university autonomy and academic freedom by governments at all levels.
It also decried the federal government’s failure to honour the agreement it reached with the national body.
“All these anomalies have occasioned the massive exodus of some of our best brains through the phenomenon that has become popularly known as ‘Japa’ syndrome.
“The few of us left behind will not let our generation down because the struggles of our irrepressible union are our historic responsibility to secure the heart and soul of the university system where intellectualism, research, innovation and development are nurtured and delivered.
“The baton is in our hands today and we cannot let down our heroes past by allowing people who benefitted from free and subsidised education to destroy our national heritage and educational system,” ASUU said.
ASUU which reaffirmed its commitment to industrial peace and harmony noted that it remained and committed to placing quality education of all Nigerians in its rightful place.
“We are here to reaffirm that we are committed to ensuring qualitative and affordable higher education for all Nigerians and nothing will make us renege from this sacred responsibility,” it added.
The union frowned at the government’s insensitivity to the plight of the university lecturers and lack of commitment to implementing agreements entered with the union and the infrastructural decays.
It therefore called on relevant authorities to do the needful to avert another looming crisis that could lead to further devaluation of standards in the university education.
“We are also making a clarion call to all Nigerians to join hands with ASUU to salvage the Nigerian university system from total collapse.
“We are also using this medium to warm that the ritual of ASUU’s preparation for another round of strike has just begun.
“Arising from the texts of press conferences after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held recently at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the cloud is gathering for a show down if the needful is not done very quickly.
“You will recall that ASUU has reached an agreement with the the government in 2009, which is supposed to be reviewed three years later; for 15 years now, that agreement has not been wholly implemented let alone reviewed.
” As a consequence, lecturers in public universities have remained stuck with the same poor condition of service,” the union said.
ASUU called on government to urgently set up a committee to review the agreement reached by its leadership and Prof. Nimi Brigs-led Government committee to further look at the document, adjust it according to the current economic realities.
The union condemned government’s sustained use of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) payment platform saying that the system usurped the powers of the university councils.
The group rejected continued withholding of three and half months salaries of members, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and promotion arrears among other alleged injustices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ODO/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 26, 2024
NECA seeks collaboration with FG on economic growth reforms

Reforms
By Joan Nwagwu
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has sought to collaborate with the Federal Government on reforms that would drive economic growth in the country.
Mr Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, said this at third edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit on Wednesday in Abuja.
The theme of the summit was “Economic Renaissance Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility.”
Oyerinde said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration within one year had introduced different fundamental reforms that would shape the growth trajectory of the country.
According to him, these reforms, one way or the other has affect every body differently. It has affected the private sector and it is already affecting Nigerians and households.
“One of the aims of the summit is not just to interrogate the reforms but to find a way where we can create a deeper nexus between those reforms.
“It is also to create an environment where the private sector can play a major role in facilitating the achievement of the objectives of those reforms, as all reforms have their own objectives,”he said.
He said that the federal government needed credible organisations such as NECA to help drive the reforms to a logical conclusion.
He, therefore, said that the summit aimed basically to discuss the reforms of government and also to seek the private sector collaboration with government to achieve the objectives of the reforms.
“It also to let government know that much can be achieved when we deepen the collaboration between the private sector and government towards the fulfilment of the 8 point Agenda of this administration.
“This is because without the private sector involvement in those reforms, much cannot be achieved.
“Also, because new reforms or policies need new adjustment modalities and there should be gestation periods to adjust to the new reforms in the country,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
JAN/IU
========
Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
June 26, 2024
Upgrading Ibadan airport to international has been approved by FG — Makinde
Airport
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde on Wednesday disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the airport at Alakia in Ibadan to an international airport.
Makinde, while receiving the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, in Ibadan said the President’ approval has made his administration’s efforts to have the airport upgraded become a reality.
He explained that the upgrading project, which would begin in the next three weeks, would include the construction of a new terminal, runway and other structural features.
“The project will be handled by experts and delivered to standard,” he said, pointing out that he had identified the need for the airport’s upgrade to be central to his economic expansion agenda.
On developmental projects by his government, Makinde said his administration had spent the last five years turning around the state’s economy
“Our government’s resolve to build infrastructure which targets the economic expansion agenda has also seen it investing resources on the 110-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road.
“This administration will consider the Air Force’s request for land for its post-retirement housing scheme on the Circular Road corridor,” he said
The governor appreciated the Chief of Air Staff for his officers’ efforts in working with sister security agencies to secure Oyo State.
He urged that the cordial relationship between the Force and the people of the state be maintained.
Makinde equally noted that his administration has remained committed to working with the Air Force to deliver the Air Force Base in Ajia, Ibadan.
He assured Abubakar that his promise of a speedy completion of the road that leads to the base would be kept.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Air Staff had described the governor as a visionary leader, thanking him for his support for the Air Force.
He noted that the acquisition of 60 hectares of land for the Air Force Base at Ajia and the provision of security operational vehicles were commendable efforts of the governor.
Abubakar acknowledged the governor’s focus on economic development and enhancing security in the state.
“The Air Force will continue to support the state and also build on the mutual relationship with the state,” he assured.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DAK/OLAL
=========
(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

June 26, 2024
PCRC will support Police, others to tackle insecurity in Nasarawa – Chairman
Insecurity
By Awayi Kuje
Lafia, June 26, 2024 ( NAN) The Nasarawa State chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee ( PCRC), has promised to support the Police and other security agencies toward tackling all forms of security challenges confronting parts of the state.
Its Chairman in the state, Mr David Abuluya, said this on Wednesday in Lafia.
Abuluya spoke during a townhall on strengthening community policing in Nigeria, with the theme ”Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Abuluya, who is the proprietor, Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, said that effective partnership with the security agencies would promote lasting peace in the state
” It will also bring speedy development to Nasarawa state, North-Central Nigeria and the country at large.
“So, we will support the police and other security agencies to promote peace and unity at all levels,” he said
The PCRC chairman promised to create awareness on the gains of peaceful coexistence toward the growth and development of the state.
Abuluya urged residents of the state to provide useful information to the police, adding that such move would enable prompt response in distress moments.
He promised to initiate policies and programmes that would promote peaceful coexistence in all parts of the state.
NAN reports that Abuluya was presented with an award by the ministry of police affairs for his dedication and commitment toward a peaceful society.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AKW/AZA
=========
Edited by Polycarp Auta
June 26, 2024
Invest more in healthcare to prevent disease outbreaks – Obi urges FG
Healthcare
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has called for more investment in healthcare to prevent disease outbreaks and improve life expectancy.
Obi made the call at the 6th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria (PSN) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University NAU, Awka on Wednesday.
The lecture with the theme, “Access to Quality Medicines in an Opinion unstable Environment’’.
He said that catering for the health of the citizens should be one of the major priorities of government to drive desired development.
“The most critical measure and driver of development in any country is improved life expectancy which is health. That is the number one thing, because your health is your wealth.
“It is only when people are healthy that they can become productive.
“According to the measurement of life expectancy, Nigeria is number 157 over 190 countries measured. That means we are low, and this is because access to healthcare is low.
“Under the sustainable development goals, health is a fundamental human right, meaning that every human being must have access to healthcare known as health equity but the reverse is the case in Nigeria,” he said.
Obi decried the rising cost of essential drugs in the country, urging the Federal Government to partner with local pharmaceutical industries for the manufacturing of high quality drugs.
He said that many Nigerians had resorted to prayers whenever they fall sick to secure spiritual cure, than go to the hospital.
“Our government needs to increase budgetary allocation to health and invest more in healthcare. When we do that, outbreaks such as cholera will not emerge.
“There is need for Nigerian to have access to medical care especially the poor, this can be done by providing health insurance to all the citizens.
“There should be a deliberate policy by government to ensure local manufacturing of drugs and medicines in the country to avoid over-dependence on importation of drugs,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Afam Obidike, Anambra state Commissioner for Health, said Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration acquired 5,000 hectres of land at Ogboji in Orumba South to build a Pharmaceutical Industrial City.
According to Obidike, the idea of the pharmaceutical industrial city is to change the known concept of importation and selling to manufacturing and exportation of drugs.
“It will be the biggest pharmaceutical distributors’ hub in West Africa,” he said.
Earlier in his address, Dr Joel Adagadzu, Chairman, Board of Fellows, PSN, said the recommendations from the lecture would help the leadership of PSN to continue the dialogue with government on finding equitable solutions to access to quality medicines for the teeming population. (NAN) www nannews.ng
LCO/OIF/MNA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

June 26, 2024
Quick countering of fake news’ll curtail its damage – NAN MD
Quick countering of fake news’ll curtail its damage – NAN MD
News
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Malam Ali M. Ali, the Managing Director(MD) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has said that quick countering of fake news by communication specialists would curtail its damage.
He made this known in Abuja on Wednesday in a paper he presented at a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), and Development Specs Academy (DSA).
The theme of the event was “Asymmetrical National Security Challenges, the Army and National Development”.
Ali spoke on the topic “Professional News Management as Panacea for Infodemics, Misinformation and Fake news”.
He declared that there was need for timely countering of misinformation which entailed striking a balance between speedy response, and the volume of information available for the responding outlet.
“A burning issue should not be allowed to fester before we react, although there are times when silence is said to be golden until an auspicious time when a valid response would be desirable.”
The MD also said that the media, globally, play a very important role in practically every aspect of life.
“In an increasingly shrinking global space marked by exponential growth in media convergence and artificial intelligence, the dampeners of infodemics, misinformation and fake news have all but assumed lives of their own.
“This development rightly ought to be a source of concern and it is gratifying that NARC and the Development Specs Academy have given this issue more than a cursory attention.”
He said that Infodemics, as defined by David Rothkopf, a journalist and political scientist, is “a few facts, mixed with fear, speculation and rumour, amplified and relayed swiftly worldwide by modern information technologies”.
Ali said that infodemics was now dominating national life where purveyors of misinformation and fake news turned little facts on their heads to achieve a predetermined end.
Proffering solutions to infodemics, fake news and misinformation, the MD said that truthfulness and accuracy must be upheld in order to build trust with the public.
“The authenticity of a message reinforces that copy or communication. When people perceive the message to be authentic, they tend to believe it the more and show understanding.
“Genuineness or sincerity is critical in winning the people over,” he said.
He also suggested that institutions of state must promote digital literacy among their communications professionals, especially now that the media landscape was constantly in a state of flux.
“As communication specialists, we have to be innovative and refrain from a one-size-fits all communication approach,” he said.
Also speaking, Executive Director, Development Specs Academy (DSA), Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, said that the country had security challenges that were no longer easy to deal with, following traditional methods.
“As such, there is the need for a social reorientation of citizens to divulge information on threats in their communities, to security agencies.
“It is about a progressive change of social attitude, about security at the level of awareness, at the level of people knowing that they should have an interest in securing the society. And should tell persons responsible when they see danger.”
He said that to deal with the nature of Nigeria’s insecurity, it would require social reorientation, having greater partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs),and community-based organisations.
“More importantly, education and reeducation of youth leaders. If they become part of the conversation, they will be in a position to tell those who don’t know, what to do with themselves,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said that the objective of the roundtable was to try to foster military-media cooperation and understanding.
Wahab, who was represented by retired Maj.-Gen. James Miyam, said that the media should continuously try to propagate what the Nigerian Army was doing and, by so doing, elicit community support among Nigerian citizens.
“What came out in the roundtable table is that there is an overarching need for perception management by media managers.
“This is for them to understand and balance the need to carry out their responsibilities well.”
He said that the community and citizen support was very critical to the operational activities of the army.
“So, we are trying to now sensitise the entire Nigerian citizenry on the need for them to come to us when they have information that can enhance operational activities of the military.
“They should not shy away; they should quickly come forward and give this information,” he said.
For a former spokesman of the army, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, there was the need to improve the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the public.
This, he said, was to have a better understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices and the efforts of the Nigerian Army in dealing with the security challenges in the country and defending its own territorial integrity.
He also said that non-violence communication could be integrated in the overall communication strategy of the army in dealing with their relationship with the public.
In his submission, a traditional ruler from Delta, Prof. Echefuna Onyebeadi, said that in spite of the overwhelming evidence of the importance of traditional rulers in the management of national security, there existed some challenges that mitigate their proper functioning.
“One of the challenges is lack of constitutional role. The Constitution does not make any specific provision for the role of traditional rulers in this country,” he fumed.
While expressing sadness over ‘security votes’ to state governors without much results in the fight against insecurity, Onyebeadi said that if part of the votes “trickle down to the traditional domain, it would aid national security”.
On the part of the NGO, Executive Director, Hedda Beautiful Hands, Ltd, Hope Ayabina, suggested that the military should get involved with the activities of NGOs.
“They should teach them a skill or two; security skills preferably. That, in itself, can be a tool for intelligence gathering,” he said.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NNL/ETS
=========

June 26, 2024
NGX stock market rebounds, gains N95bn
Gain
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Breaking three consecutive sessions of losses, the Nigerian stock market rebounds by 0.17 per cent on Wednesday as investors improve interest in Tier-one banking stocks.
Gains in Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Zenith Bank, FBN Holding, amongst other advanced equities, were the primary drivers of the positive performance of the broader index.
Consequently, investors gained N95 billion or 0.17 per cent, as the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) market capitalisation which opened at N56.126 trillion, closed at N56.221 trillion.
The All-Share Index also rose by 0.17 per cent or 168 points to close at 99,385.44, compared to 99,217.60 recorded on Tuesday.
As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return rose to 32.91 per cent.
Market breadth also closed positive with 35 gainers and 23 losers on the floor of the Exchange.
Meanwhile, FTN Cocoa Processors led 34 advanced equities on the gainers’ table by 10 per cent to close at N1.54 per share, while Secure Electronic Technology Plc also led 12 declined equities by 10 per cent to close at 54k per share.
Analysis of the market activity showed that trade turnover settled 33.15 per cent lower than the previous session.
A total of 276.36 million shares valued at N4.12 billion in 7,597 deals were traded, compared to 361.57 million shares worth N6.16 billion in 8,511 deals posted in the previous session.
Also, Access Corporation led the activity chart in volume and value with 45.34 million shares worth N859.40 million. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RUKY/AJA
=========
Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

June 26, 2024
FG commits to robust community policing strategy implementation
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Minister of States for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the Renewed Hope Police Agenda town hall engagement in Lafia, Wednesday.
Policing
Olukayode Babalola
Lafia, June 26, 2024. (NAN) The Federal Government has restated its commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, a policing strategy designed based on local peculiarities and considerations with communities and stakeholders participation.
The Minister of States for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this during a citizens town hall engagement on strengthening community policing in Nigeria on Wednesday in Lafia.
The theme of the town hall engagement is, Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together.
She pointed out that the town hall engagements across the country would catalyse grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.
The minister stated that security is inherently local, and people’s approach must reflect an appreciation for each community’s distinct characteristics, challenges, and strengths.

“Security is local, and must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation.
“Today’s town hall is a reflection of the significant shift in our approach to policing. As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as the government’s priority, ” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that President Bola Tinubu has placed security at the centre of the administration’s eight(8) priorities, and they have commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, which will ensure that the police force is strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate.

According to her, at the heart of this Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and stakeholder blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.
She lauded Nasarawa state for its uniqueness in terms of its diversity and for demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, especially security challenges.
She noted that the substantial miner deposits Nasarawa State that attracted both local and international attention, its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the attendant socio-economic opportunities had increased the security burden on the state.

The minister reiterated that the Renewed Hope Police Agenda for Nasarawa State, therefore, seeks to build on local efforts while supporting the existing collaborations that have made the state a shining example of effective security measures within the North Central region.

She outlined the six foundational pillars that serve as strategic frameworks designed to redefine and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, which include Technical and Operational Excellence: Infrastructure Advancement: Welfare Enhancement: Policy Framework Development and Re-branding, Strategic Communication, and Public Trust Management.
Also speaking, Alh. Mogaji Olaniyan, the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), represented by the National Vice Chairman, Don Kenneth Otuonunyo, said that police were the main focus in policing and that security revolved around them.
He noted that there was a wide gap between Nigeria Police Force and the society, making policing difficult in the country.
He maintained that the community must be ready to collaborate with the police by availing them with information that would enhance their performance in the country.

“Police work 24 hours every day without a break and they need support and encouragement to succeed,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state lauded the Minster of State for Police Affairs for her dedication and leadership in driving the critical reform aimed at transforming policing in Nigeria.

He said that the town hall would provide the state government with a crucial platform to explore new ideas, gather valuable insights and strengthen the state’s collective approach to ensuring the safety and security of the state.

“We are confident that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and his renewed policing strategy, we will see enhanced collaboration, innovative solutions and a stronger commitment to addressing our security challenges in Nigeria,” he said.

He urged the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to support the Renewed Hope Police Agenda to achieve its objectives.

In his welcome remarks, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General, Intelligence, DIG Dasuki Galadachi, revealed that his in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) had approved the Crime Data Analysis and mapping survey in all the local government areas in the country.
He said that the data analysis would determine the strategy to be deploy to tackle security challenges in each local government area of the country. (NAN)
OB/ IU
========
Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
June 26, 2024
Governors in closed-door meeting over minimum wage, LG autonomy

Governors
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Governors on the platform of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are currently in a closed-door meeting in Abuja to discuss the proposed new national minimum wage and other national issues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other matters on the meeting agenda, chaired by the forum’s Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, included the issue of local government autonomy.
The Supreme Court on June 13 reserved its judgement on the suit filed by the Federal Government, to secure full autonomy for the 774 Local Governments in the country.
Also on the meeting agenda were the representatives of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG CARES), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and Royalties Accounts Reconciliation/Debt Net-off.
Already in the meeting were Governors of Oyo, Zamfara, Anambra, Gombe, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Ondo, Ogun, and Kano.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Governors of Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Borno States. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OBE/FON/MNA
==============
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu
June 26, 2024
Psychiatrist wants drastic measures to curb illicit drugs
Drugs
By Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Dr Collins Egbeola, Consultant Psychiatrist, Federal University, Lokoja Teaching Hospital, has advised parents and government to take drastic measures against illicit drug abuse and trafficking to save Nigerian youths.
Egbeola gave the advice on Wednesday in Lokoja in a paper he presented at the celebration of this year’s Day Against Substance Use.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the celebration was organised by the NDLEA, Kogi Command, in onjunction with the state government,
In the paper titled: “Prevention of substance use disorders: An approach in perspective”, Egbeola emphasised the need to promote healthy living, delay initiation into drug use, prevent development of a disorder and delay of relapse.
He said that the dearth of trained manpower, brain drain syndrome, funding challenge, lack of political will to control access to legal substances due to economic interests, were some of the challenges to drug control in Nigeria.
“Some drug-related realities include adverse effect of substance abuse on individuals, family and society.
“Traditional approach to fighting drug abuse involves supply interruption – reducing opportunity for use – and demand reduction via awareness campaigns.
He said that prevention was cost-effective and could not be compared to the disease burden.
“Prevention should go beyond primary prevention; there is the need for interventions through the whole spectrum.
“Prevention reduces burden of the problem. Government must change theory to focus on individual factors like the risk associated with drugs.
“There is the need to enlist buy-in of all stakeholders like politicians, families, communities, dispensers and prescribers,” he said.
In her remarks, Hajiya Safinat Ododo, wife of Gov. Usman Ododo, represented by the wife of the deputy Governor, Mrs Margaret Oyibo, pledged government’s support to NDLEA in the fight against illicit drugs abuse/trafficking in Kogi.
Safinat called on parents and guardians to watch over their wards to ensure that they did not engage in illicit drugs consumption.
“The youths are the hope of the survival of the country; they must be given good counseling to be responsible and hardworking so as to pilot the affairs of the country in the near future,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/OJI/ETS
============
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Ephraims Sheyin
June 26, 2024