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  • Plateau Gov.’s wife raises alarm over rising cases of drug abuse

    Plateau Gov.’s wife raises alarm over rising cases of drug abuse

    Drugs

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, the wife of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has raised concerns over the rising cases of drug abuse in the state.

    Mrs Mutfwang spoke out during an event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Jos, on Wednesday.

    The governor’s wife, who said that illicit drugs had been a serious threat to development, security and public health in Plateau, noted that it had also destroyed lives, broken homes and undermined the state’s social fabric.

    She said that drug abuse was no doubt affecting millions of people worldwide; from those struggling with substance use disorders, to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime.

    “The truth is that the impact of drugs are far-reaching and complex, and will require collective efforts to tackle,“ Mrs Mutfwang said.

    She said this year’s campaign had recognised that effective drug policies should be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion and a deep understanding of the social, economic and health implications of the menace.

    She said that the theme for 2024 celebration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention “, was apt and should be embraced by everyone.

    She said the government and relevant stakeholders would implement prevention policies and programmes for the youths to take a firm stance against drug addiction through administrative and legal measures.

    Mrs Mutfwang therefore, urged everyone especially the youths, to avoid the destructive path of drug abuse and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.

    Also speaking during the event, Dr Moses Audu, a psychiatrist, who warned against substance abuse, advised that prevention was key to achieving a drug-free society.

    Audu advised parents and guardians to always caution and monitor their children and wards against abusing drugs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 15 secondary schools graced the event, and four students were awarded scholarships by Rise Above Substance Abuse (RASA), an NGO, for exceptional performance.

    OIZ/DOR
    =======
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Ebonyi Governor’s wife, NDLEA partner to combat illicit drug, trafficking

     

    Drug

    By Christian Ogbonna

    Abakaliki, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru on Wednesday, said her team would embark on statewide sensitisation campaign against illicit drugs and trafficking in the state.

    Nwifuru said the campaign would be launched in the 13 local government areas headquarters of Ebonyi.

    The Governor’s Wife said this at the occasion marking the grand finale of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abakaliki.

    She noted that the theme for the 2024 celebration tagged: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” is in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi Command.

    The governor’s wife decried the negative effects of drug abuses in the society and noted that the statewide campaign became necessary for adequate reduction of drug abuses.

    She appealed to the security agencies to fully support the campaign against illicit drug, especially in the hinterland.

    Mr Peter Ogar, Commander, NDLEA’s in Ebonyi said that its personnel were committed to clamping down on abuse of illicit drugs in the state.

    Ogar commended Mrs Nwifuru on her support to NDLEA’s activities at ensuring that drug trafficking was reduced to its barest minimum in the state among men, women and youths in the society.

    He said that the Agency had made significant achievements in the fight against drug abuses, noting that it convicted 13 suspects within the period between January and June, 2024.

    “The command had also counselled a total of 40 clients arrested during raid operations in the state,” Ogar added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OOC/MNA 

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Over 64m people suffer from drug use disorders — UNODC

    Over 64m people suffer from drug use disorders – UNODC

     

    Drug

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) More than  64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders while hundreds of thousands lose their lives to drug use yearly.

     

     Ghada Waly, Executive Director of  UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) made the disclosure on Wednesday. 

    She made this known during a special event organised by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26.

    The event, with the theme, “Evidence to Impact: Powering Effective Drug Policies with Data Collection and Research”,  was monitored virtually by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Waly said  that roughly 14 million people around the world injected drugs and are more likely to contract HIV and Hepatitis C.

    According to Waly, the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking focused on the  need to invest in prevention.

    “By investing more, we can prevent drug use by young people, prevent many overdose deaths and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

    “We can alleviate pain and loss today while building resilience to the challenges of tomorrow,” Waly said.

    She said  that governments and other stakeholders must be equipped with data and evidence to inform responses and galvanise action.

    According to the official, this is the role of the World Drug Report which sends a clear message that the world drug problem is evolving in dynamic, dangerous ways, with vulnerable people paying the price with their health and well-being.

    She said that  the problem had continued to be characterised by inequality between those with the means to access health and those without.

    “As of 2022, only around one in 11 people with drug use disorders around the world receive drug treatment, and coverage is even lower when looking at Asia or Africa alone.

    “The treatment gap also overlaps with gender inequality.

    “Only one in 18 women with drug use disorders receive treatment, with women continuing to face greater consequences for drug use and greater stigma and discrimination,” she added.

    NAN reports that the 2024 UNODC World Drug Report was also launched during the event.

    Amb. Philbert Johnson, the Chair of the 67th Session of CND and Ghana’s Permanent Representative to  UN Offices in Vienna, said that the report was a roadmap for evidence-based action.

    Johnson said it served as a comprehensive resource for policymakers and researchers, offering valuable insights into the current drug landscape, highlighting emerging trends, regional variations and the impact of drug policies.

    He said that evidence played a vital role in shaping policy decisions, adding that in the realm of drug policy, data collection and research provided a transformative power.

    “They enable us to understand drug abuse patterns, trends, and the social and economic consequences that follow.

    “We have witnessed the positive outcomes that stem from evidence-driven initiatives.

    “By leveraging data and research, communities have been able to implement targeted interventions that address specific drug-related issues.

    “The power of data lies in its ability to guide our decision making, ensuring that our policies are not only effective but also responsive to the evolving nature of the world drug problem,” he said.

    Johnson, however, said that drug-related challenges continued to evolve, presenting complex obstacles.

    He said that stakeholders must be prepared to be innovative, leveraging evidence as their guide.

    He added that a multi-sectoral approach involving governments, civil society organisations, researchers and international partners must be taken.

    “By collaboration, sharing knowledge and pooling resources, we can develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions,” Johnson said. (NAN)

    OMB/IGO 

    =========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Nasarawa killings: Lawmaker calls for calm, peaceful co-existence 

    Nasarawa killings: Lawmaker calls for calm, peaceful co-existence
    Killings
    By Awayi Kuje
    Lafia, June 26, 2024 ( NAB) Mr Mohammed Omadefu, member, Nasarawa State House of Assembly (APC- Keana), has called for calm among his people over Tuesday’s killing of some farmers in his constituency.
    Omadefu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Lafia on Wednesday.
    He said that the call for the people of his constituency to remain calm and not to take the law into their hands has become necessary.
    “Due to the importance of peace and unity to the overall development of the area and the State at large,” Omadefu said.
    The lawmaker said the state government and other relevant authorities have taken up the matter and were on top of the situation.
    Omadefu said, ” I condemn in totality the lingering killings of innocent souls of Keana sons, who are genuine farmers to earn a living but were shot down to death in their farms yesterday
    ” This act of carnage is worrisome and stands condemned especially at this farming period.
    “And when the government is putting up all necessary measures towards sustainable peace and development in the State.”
    He commiserated with the families of those who were killed and affected by the incident.
    ” Security agencies are on top of the situation to fetch out the perpetrators and bring normalcy to my dear constituency
    ” May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he added, wishing those receiving treatment a quick recovery.
    The lawmaker urged the people of his constituency to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations.
    ” I want to use this medium to call on all the people of Keana and other people of the state to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their differences
    ” As peace is the requirement for the development of any society, peace is priceless and non negotiable, let embrace it all,” Omadefu urged.
    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that on Tuesday, gunmen killed some farmers numbering about three in Keana LG.  ( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/BRM
    ==================
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • NDLEA seizes 10,000kg of marijuana, secures conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo

     

    NDLEA seizes 10000kg of marijuana, secures conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo

    The NDLEA Commander addressing students before sensitisation walk in Akure

     

    Rehabilitation

    By Segun Giwa

    Akure, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Wednesday, said it sezed 10,000 kg of marijuana and secured the conviction of 241 suspects in Ondo State between June 2023 and May 2024.

    The NDLEA Narcotics Commander in Ondo State, Mr Kayode Raji, said this after a sensitisation walk around parts of Akure metropolis to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    Raji said that the command during the period under review also rehabilitated over 20 persons and counselled 18 others through its drug demand reduction programme in the state.

    The Narcotics Commander said that 120 farmers cultivating marijuana on farmlands in different parts of the state were also arrested.

    Raji said that the agency’s programmes across its areas of command in the state was with the objective of bringing awareness to the doorstep of everybody.

    According to him, the agency is investing more into prevention of Illicit drug usage and planting, rather than announcement of numbers of arrests made.

    “The joy in rehabilitation of drug dependant persons is that we don’t just rehabilitate and send them back to the society, we follow up on them, so that they don’t fall back to their old ways,” the commander said.

    An NDLEA Ambassador and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) official, Mr Seyi Ogundipe, said the day was important because of its objective to save youths from consumption of illicit drugs.

    Ogundipe said that the national students body would continue to advocate a drug free society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is: “Evidence is Clear, Invest In Prevention.”

    The United Nations declared June 26 annually the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to focus attention on the menace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/CEO/AOS

    ==============

    Edited by Chidi Opara/Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FG urges more investment in animal feed, fodder sector

    FG urges more investment in animal feed, fodder sector
    Investment
    By Doris Esa
    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in the dairy industry to increase  investment and commercialisation of the animal feed and fodder sector.
     Mrs Winnie Lai- Solarin, Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,
    made the call during a presentation on the Nigerian dairy industry in Abuja.
    She said that this would ensure a very vibrant, productive and profitable feed and fodder industry.
    Lai- Solarin said that good feed and fodder was essential for the dairy industry.
    She explained that livestock farming which included dairy production remained a sector of interest and strategic to economic diversification and food security.
    Lai- Solarin also said that the dairy industry had significant potential for growth and development, contributing to food security, employment and economic growth.
    “The Nigerian dairy Industry  has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from traditional practices to modernised systems aimed at meeting the growing demand for milk and dairy products.
    ” This sector, which is pivotal to the nation’s agricultural and economic development, has faced numerous challenges including inadequate infrastructure, fluctuating milk yields and limited access to advanced technologies.
    ” Nigeria is the largest market for dairy products in West Africa, with a population of over 200 million people,” she said.
    Lai- Solarin said that the dairy industry had significant potential for growth and development,  contributing to food security, employment and economic growth.
    The director said that the journey in the Nigerian dairy industry was a testament to resilience and gradual transformation.
    She expressed concern that the challenge of limited access to finance and technology for small holder farmers was hindering increased productivity and efficiency in the dairy sector.
    Lai- Solarin said that high cost of feed and inputs had made local production uncompetitive.
    She maintained that there was a growing demand for dairy products driven by population growth, urbanisation and increasing consumer awareness of nutritional benefits.
    Lai- Solarin said that with the combined efforts of government initiatives, private sector investments and international collaborations have sparked significant improvements in dairy production, processing and distribution.
    She further said that with continued support and innovation, the Nigerian dairy industry held the potential to become a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing to food security and employment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ORD/AMM
    ========
    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FG to create 6,500 jobs in Ebonyi through renewed hope housing project

    Jobs
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Abakaliki, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will create 6,500 jobs for different categories of persons through the construction of the 250 housing units in the Renewed Hope Estate in Ebonyi.
    The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa made the disclosure on Wednesday during the ground breaking ceremony of the estate, situated at Umuezekohu community of Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
    Dangiwa said that the estate expected to be completed in three months, would create jobs for  architects, civil and mechanical engineers, plumbers, masons, tilers, among others.
    “This project consists of 50 units one-bedrroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of two-bedroom and 50 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
    “The project will also enhance economic activities such as food sales, block supplies, provision of building materials among other trades, creating an impactful value chain,” he said.
    The minister said the ceremony began with the second leg of a nationwide groundbreaking exercise for housing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
    “The programme was, launched in February 2024 with the inauguration of a 3,112-housing units in Karsana, Abuja.
    “The programme’s first phase will deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria which includes seven renewed hope cities with 500 to 1,000 housing units per site in each geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
    “The renewed hope estates will have 250 units per site in the remaining 30 states as it aims to unlock Nigeria’s massive housing development potentials,” he said.
    He noted that the ministry had embarked on the first leg of the exercise with the groundbreaking of 1,500 housing units in the northern part of the country.
    “This includes 250-housing unit renewed hope estates, one in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto, and a 500-housing unit renewed hope city in Kano.
    ‘This second leg will see the construction of 2,000 renewed hope housing units in states of the south and north central zones and this includes 250 housing units each commencing from Ebonyi.
    “This will be followed by Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Osun, Oyo, Benue, and Nasarawa states,” he said.
    He noted that the housing units had been designed to be easily acquired and affordable for people by using organic designs for future expansion as beneficiaries”s income increased.
    “We have created different acquisition options which include single-digit mortgage loans repayable over 30 years, rent-to-own schemes from the Federal Mortgage Bank and outright purchase options,” he said.
    Gov. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila described the occasion as “historic” and commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing the programme.
    “This underscores the president avowed commitment to provide affordable housing to Nigerians especially the middle and low-income earners.
    “The project is also significant in realising the state government ‘s objective of providing affordable housing for its citizens,” he said.
    The governor assured of adequate security for the project to ensure its timely completion and appealed that at least 60 per cent of its indigenes benefited during its allocation.
    The Chief Executive Officer of Proportion Construction Company, who spoke on behalf of other developers, promised that the project would be completed within the stipulated period and also, of required standard. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RCO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • 2 in court for alleged N5.2m visa scam

    2 in court for alleged N5.2m visa scam

    Visa
    By Chinyere Omeire
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A 35-year-old woman, Olajumoke Imoh, and one Solomon Olugbenro, 43, on Wednesday appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for an alleged N5.2 million visa scam.

    The defendants whose residential addresses were not provided, are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on fraud, conspiracy and breach of the peace.

    The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendants and others still at large, committed the offences sometime in June 2023, at Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

    He alleged that the duo fraudulently obtained the sum of N5.2 million on the pretext of procuring a United States of America visa for the complainant, Mr Akinsanmi Akinyemi.

    The prosecutor said that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by not procuring the visa.

    According to him, the offences contravene Sections 168 (d), 314, 323 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

    The duo denied the charge.

    The Magistrate, Miss K.A. Ariyo, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

    She ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    Ariyo adjourned the case until July 9, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

    OCC/CEO/IKU
    Edited by Chidi Opara/Tayo Ikujuni

  • Again, court adjourns suit seeking Ganduje’s sack to July 5 for hearing

    Again, court adjoirns suit seeking Ganduje’s sack to July 5 for hearing

    Suit

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja has again adjourned the suit seeking the removal of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) until July 5.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, on Wednesday, adjourned the matter to allow the plaintiff respond to a fresh application filed by Ganduje to challenge the competence of the suit.

    Upon resumed hearing, plaintiff’s lawyer, Benjamin Davou, told the court that Sanusi Musa, SAN, who appeared for Ganduje, had just served him with a fresh motion.

    He said he would need time to study it on whether to respond to the application.

    Musa did not oppose Davou’s application for adjournment.

    Justice Ekwo, consequently, adjourned the matter until June 5 for hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge had, on June 13, fixed today for hearing after Davou applied to respond to the notice of preliminary objection and counter affidavit served on him by Ganduje’s lawyer.

    The plaintiff, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024.

    In the suit, they queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the Chairman of the APC when he is not from the North Central geo-political zone.

    Listed as defendants in the case are Ganduje, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The plaintiff wants the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as the chairman of the APC.

    It also prays the court to issue an order directing INEC not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations, since Ganduje became APC Chairman on August 3, 2023.

    The plaintiff is contending among others, that Ganduje is occupying the office of the APC chairman illegally, not being from a state in the North Central geo-political zone.

    It argued that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano State in the North West geo- political zone to replace Sen. Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central geo-political zone.

    It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party.

    The plaintiff added that by the true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) of the APC. Constitution 2013 (as amended), the party is bound to comply with the procedure for the replacement of an officer in the event of a vacancy and ought to appoint a member from Nasarawa State in the North Central geo- political zone into the office of the chairman of the party.

    It wants the court to among others, declare that by Article 20(1) of the APC constitution 2013 as amended, Ganduje cannot be appointed as the National Chairman of the party other than through democratic conducted elections and that his current occupation of the office is illegal.

    It equally seeks a declaration that by the provisions of Article 13 of the APC constitution 2013 (as amended), the party’s National Convention is the final authority of the party which has the power to elect or remove national officers of the party including the national chairman of the party.

    The plaintiff also wants a declaration that the party’s NEC lacked the power to appoint any person to the office of the Chairman, among others.(NAN)(www.namnews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Consumption of methamphetamine, our biggest challenge in Enugu – NDLEA

     

    Drug

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the agency’s biggest challenge on its fight against Illicit drugs in Enugu was the growing intake of methamphetamine -Mkpuru-mmiri

    The Enugu State Commander, Mr Abel Wadahi, disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

    The event which held at the Enugu State High Court Auditorium on Wednesday was organised by the NDLEA in partnership with David Folarinmi Foundation.

    Addressing newsmen, the commander said the rate at which youth and underage children between 10 years and 13 years consumed the substance popularly known as “Mkpuru-mmiri” was worrisome.

    He said the agency would intensify its campaign against it in the rural communities as they were currently sensitising students in schools on weekly basis against the consumption of harmful substances.

    “This is my second time of working in Enugu, I can tell you that mkpurumiri is the biggest problem we have in Enugu,” he said.

    Reading his address earlier, Wadahi disclosed that the command had put in place strategies to continue to arrest drug traffickers as well as seize all illicit drugs being peddled in and through Enugu State.

    According to him, the command have seized 1.874 tonnes of various drugs which include Cocaine, Cannabis sativa and Methamphetamine.

    “A total of 51 suspects were prosecuted and 85 cases are pending in court.

    “Apart from convictions, assets of convicts used as instrumentality of crime or the proceeds derived from drug trafficking were forfeited to Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “Within the period under review, the Command has counseled, treated and rehabilitated 122 clients, including 52 brief interventions,” he said.

    He decried the UN Office on Drugs and Crime 2018 Drug Use Survey that showed that 15 million Nigerians abuse drugs, stating that it was three times the global average.

    “This is unacceptable and considering the foregoing data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures.

    “I hope it will not be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency,” he said.

    Declaring the event open, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, said the state was working hard to combat the devastating issues of drug abuse and illicit trafficking through multi-sectoral approach.

    Mbah, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, said the drug consumption in the state was worrisome and expressed the willingness to combat it.

    According to him, the destructive grip of drugs, transcend borders and demographics, tears someone apart, shatters lives and weaken the very fabric of the communities

    “Human lives are immeasurable and economic impact is undeniable. It borders our healthcare system, drain resources and undermine public safety”.

    In a remark, the Chairman of the event, Igwe C.M Nevobasi, the Ezeani III of Agunese Mmaku Kingdom, represented by one of his Cabinet, Chief Frederick Ngene, while decrying rate of drug abuse in Nigeria, urged governments to invest more on youths development.

    He commended NDLEA for the celebration, pledging that he and other leaders in his domain would continue to sensitise youths in the area.

    Taking students who attended the event on Drug Abuse and its Effect”, the founder of David Folarinmi Foundation, David Folarinmi, said that drug abuse and Illicit trafficking could lead to addiction and death.

    Folarin charged the students to shun illicit drugs saying that it was detrimental to their health, academics and future endeavour. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu