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Nasarawa Promises Free Food For Students In Tertiary Institutions, Free NECO For Secondary Pupils

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By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for students of secondary and tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State as government said it will pay registration fees for the 2024 National Examinations Council (NECO) for all final year students in public schools.

Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed this while inaugurating four newly appointed permanent secretaries, as well as the executive chairman and members of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission, on Monday.

This is just as Governor Sule said his administration will embark on the distribution of food items as palliative to all the indigenous students of tertiary institutions.

The Governor emphasized that his administration decided to offset the registration fees for final year students writing NECO, as well as distribute items as relief to students of tertiary institutions, as parts of efforts to cushion the hardships being experienced across the country.

He reiterated that President Bola Tinubu is fully aware of the hardships being experienced by Nigerians and that the president is working hard through the governors and other agencies, to cushion the effects of the hardships.

“Nasarawa State has just concluded the distribution of food items throughout the state in order to bring relief to the people.

“This week, we are going to all our tertiary institutions in order to distribute items to the students. Government has also taken a decision that all our secondary school students we are going to pay their NECO this year. There are some who have already paid.”

Governor Sule explained that all the final year secondary students who have already paid their NECO registration fees would be refunded their money.

He added that his administration is working hard to bring industrialization to the state, as well as agricultural activities, in order to engage the people in meaningful ventures.

The Governor pointed out that his administration is on the verge of acquiring 10, 000 hectares of land for the production of rice and maize.

“Nasarawa State is currently working on the acquisition of 10, 000 hectares of land in order for us to be able to produce some crops such as rice or maize, but more importantly to engage our people so that we can provide for the people and cushion the effects of the hardships.

“Palliative is what we need now. But what we need permanently is something to do.”

Governor Sule charged the new appointees, especially the new permanent secretaries, to shun corruption by imbibing the culture and principles of transparency, accountability, and probity, in line with the posture of his administration.

“At this moment, let me specifically show great appreciation to my mentor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, for initiating this and for the good work that he did in order to ensure that today becomes a reality.”

He further urged them to endeavor to ensure budgetary discipline and prudence in the management of public resources.

Governor Sule pointed out that the inauguration of the executive chairman and members of the state’s disabilities rights commission, was in line with the resolve of his administration to give every citizen of the state a sense of belonging.

He said the coming onboard of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission was also in line with the National Disabilities Act 2018, which encourages the promotion, protection, and priotization of the rights of the people with disability, as well as enhance their productivity through education, health, and other socio-economic activities.

CBN: Mass Sack of Directors Triggers Anger In Apex Bank

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has terminated the appointment of more directors of the government owned bank.

Last week, the Yemi Cardoso-led apex was said to have served some directors with letters of termination of appointment.

Those affected were believed to have worked in the bank for more than 20 years or more, but now asked to go home.

They are now angry that in spite of putting in those years, the new management has decided to relieve them of their appointment, with or without severance benefit.

According to sources privy to the issue, some of the directors have been asked to go without pay because they were allegedly indicted by Jim Obaze, the Special Investigator appointed last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to probe Godwin Emefiele, a former CBN governor.

Obaze submitted a damning report last December to the president which indicted some top officials of the bank, including former Deputy Governors and some departmental directors.

While the deputy governors have since been sacked from their positions, some directors who were indicted in the report are still holding on to their positions, according to sources in the bank.

The sacked directors are now refusing to go without putting up a fight. They are trying to contest their sack in the court, because they believed that they have not committed any offence to warrant their exit from the bank.

The affected directors, according to the sources, have the sympathy of their colleagues who consider the termination of their appointment to be unfair, particularly on the basis that some of them have not been indicted by the presidential investigator.

“Their grouse is that no cogent reason was stated in the letter for the termination of their appointment. These are high profile officials who have served the bank for many years, and are now asked to go because a new CBN governor is in office,’ a source told the magazine on Monday.

“Why Governor Adeleke Decided To Renovate Osun State House” – PDP,  Accuses APC Of Massive Looting

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By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has said Governor Ademola Adeleke has done what All Progressives Congress (APC) government under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola could not do in four years on the sorry situation of the Government House before PDP took over.

The PDP asked opposition group to either apologize for its wicked looting of the state’s common patrimony or stop polluting the airwaves with unguarded noise.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by the media office of the ruling party and signed by the State Chairman, Sunday Bisi.

It described the statement credited to Lawal led APC faction as unbridled affront on the collective intelligence of the well enlightened people of Osun State, who are still spoiling for further punishments against the inglorious pilfering of public asset by stalwarts of the APC.

“Granted that Lawal and his conquered hirelings in the APC are in shock over the level of upgrade and innovations in the State Government House.

“We expected that it would have served the looters better if they had opted for the silence button, instead of classless grumblings over the patriotic efforts of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke in bringing the state assets up to speed of modernity and dignity befitting of cradle of Yoruba race.

“APC as a party populated by known thieves in the context of the renovated government asset was just bringing its shamelessness again to the fore by having the guts of any finger of objection to bringing the State House back to life.

“This is after the edifice was set for desolate with reckless looting of almost all the interior fittings by APC officials without any iota of consideration of the cost implications on the already mismanaged economy by the prodigal son in chief, Gboyega Oyetola.

“APC statement about the Government House renovation has shown that Lawal and his faction of mourners are still grieving about the rejection of their discredited party by the Osun people.

“They have since their woeful loss resort to wailing and craving for attention and public sympathy they’ve lost long ago with no remedy in sight.

“Lawal and his factional members should be grateful for the maturity and exposure of the good people of Osun State by allowing the APC elements to still walk the streets without some pebbles on their heads considering the ungodly level of atrocities committed against humanity in Osun State.

””While you await your days with relevant security operatives for your sins, you should keep shut and lay low at least.

“As a good manager of resources, Governor Adeleke, unlike Oyetola, will continue to inject life into all abandoned assets of the state left to rot away by the immediate past APC administration and this the governor has pursued without compromise

“Lawal has not only shown unseriousness and confusion about governance but he has also reduced his group to ‘Paperweight, Jesting Desperados,’ merely hallucinating about the steadfast running of the state by the Governor Adeleke led administration.

“Lawal should tell Osun people how he came about the N1b cost of renovation he quoted. He should be tapped out from his fallacious claim that there is nothing to show in the state in terms of physical infrastructure.

“Lawal should be reminded that the last time Osun State had a befitting infrastructural investment, like what is ongoing in the state, was under PDP administration, followed by Ogbeni Aregbesola, only for the opportunistic Oyetola to bring the expected progress to a criminal halt after he was spoonfed into office by his predecessor.

“The only thing Oyetola did in his 4 years in terms of infrastructure was to give Osogbo a substandard, Mungo Park era bridge, which aggravated public anger against him and his acrimonious lieutenants.

“For Governor Ademola Adeleke, he is making good his promise to give the state a global standard facelift and we are glad the great of the state are right behind him to succeed.

“While the PDP government is open to constructive criticism as enshrined in a democratic society, the APC factional group is however expected to do better by engaging their thinking cap, away from frivolous ranting and wailing without borders.”

Delta Killing Of Soldiers: Defence Ministers Assure Nigerian Military’s Commitment To Secure Nigeria

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By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle have assured that the killing of soldiers on peace mission in Delta state will not deter the military from the task of securing the nation and guarantee its peace.

They condemned the killing of the military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Information, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Henshaw Ogubike in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Ministers said the ambush at Okuama community resulting in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion Lieutenant-Colonel A.H Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers, along with the unfortunate death of a civilian, was a matter of grave concern, noting that the perpetrators must be brought to book.

“This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation.

“Their dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty.”

The Ministers added that they are committed to safeguarding the security and well-being of  Nigerians and will not tolerate any threat to the nation’s sovereignty and stability.

Furthermore, they assured Nigerians that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Edo APC Governorship Primary: Oshiomole Finally Accepts Outcome, Congratulates Okpebholo

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Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader in Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s standard bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Senator Monday Okpebholo have embraced peace, ahead of the election.

Oshiomole has written a letter to congratulate Okpebholo on his emergence as the candidate of the party.

The former governor’s annoited candidate for the position, Dennis Idahosa was first declared winner of the governorship primary but the result was annulled by the national leadership of APC, which faulted the process of his emergence and ordered fresh one.

Idahosa has however been picked as the running mate of Okpebholo, in a unanimous decision by the leadership.

Oshiomhole, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him and made available to the press by his senior aide, Victor Oshioke, on Monday, in Abuja, said that Okpebholo’s victory in the primary election was a reflection of the belief of the party members in his unwavering dedication and commitment to the party.

He however urged the APC candidate to put aside the intrigues of the primary poll and extend a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants and all the stakeholders of the party in the state.

The former governor pointed out that together the party must forge a strong, united front that resonated with the electorate and secured victory in the Edo governorship election.

He commended Okpebholo for choosing his closest rival in the primary election,  Idahosa, as his running mate, saying his decision demonstrated great wisdom and foresight.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved emergence as the flag bearer of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

“Your victory in the closely contested primaries reflects the belief of our party members in your unwavering dedication and commitment to our party’s core values.

“As we embark on this crucial journey, I urge you to leave behind the intrigues of the primaries and extend a hand of fellowship to all those who contested with you for the ticket, as well as to all stakeholders of our party in the state.

“Together, we must forge a strong, united front that resonates with the electorate and secures victory in the governorship election on September 21, 2024.

“Your decision to choose Hon. Dennis Idahosa as your running mate, demonstrates great wisdom and foresight. Your joint ticket presents the people of Edo State with the best option to usher in a dynamic, progressive, and responsive government that aligns with the aspirations of our vibrant youth population.

“I am confident in your leadership abilities and believe that, with the support of all APC members across the state, we can restore Edo State to the path of progressive governance, sustainable socio economic growth and political inclusion in all its ramifications.

“Congratulations once again, as I eagerly anticipate our collective efforts towards achieving victory in the upcoming election.”

Aviation Reality TV Show Endorsed By Keyamo

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Festus Keyamo

By Akinwale Kasali

Festus Keyamo, Minister Of Aviation has endorsed the the launch of the country’s first-ever aviation Reality TV show, aimed at promoting talent development within the aviation sector.

Leader of Airborne Entertainment team, Toni Ukachukwu, met with the Aviation Minister to unveil Flight 100, a reality TV show that would transform the Aviation Industry in Nigeria.

Ukachukwu, during the meeting, said Flight 100 is more than just a television show, it’s an endeavour dedicated to fostering talent, empowering youths and bridging the skills gap within the aviation sector.

Ukachukwu stressed the show’s commitment to providing aspiring aviation enthusiasts with opportunities for growth and advancement through a combination of tech challenges, mentorship programmes and real-world experiences.

The Airborne Entertainment leader team presented the team’s vision for nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals, emphasising the significance of capacity building and career development in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Reacting, Keyamo commended the Airborne Entertainment team for their innovative approach and unwavering dedication to promoting talent development within the aviation sector.

Lauding the initiative, Keyamo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives like Flight 100, emphasising the critical role of investing in training and education to meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s burgeoning aviation industry.

Flight 100 reality TV show is poised to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring aviation professionals across Nigeria and Africa.

The show according to initiators, will through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders, the show aims to not only showcase the exceptional talent of young Nigerians but also to catalyze the growth and advancement of the aviation and aerospace sector.”

Soludo Laments Hardship Faced By Nigerians, But Says It’s Inevitable

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has said the hardship faced by Nigerians as a result of the economic woes bedeviling the nation as an inevitable pain.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said the biting economic state of the nation is for the betterment of the nation as it is a phase that remains inevitable.

Making this assertion in an interview on Channels Television, Soludo said this is a phase needed before the country begins to flourish.

He said, “You see, sometimes, I kind of feel we don’t get it.”

On the nation’s economy, Soludo likened the country’s situation to a patient undergoing treatment.

He said, “But whether there will be pains for any step you take or the other, it is going to be. It is inevitable. But that is obviously what we need to pass through,” he said, maintaining that President Bola Tinubu inherited a bad economy upon assumption of office in May 2023.

“We must realise that things were really bad. We must get it clear that there is no easy way to get this patient who has multiple problems [to become better],” Soludo added.

Soludo, who is marking his second year in office, also spoke about his achievements since 2022, adding that his government has created jobs for the masses.

”In the first nine months of coming into office, we have employed over 5,000 teachers and processing 2,000 more.

“ We have employed over 1,000 health workers and in the area of security, we have over 2,000 employed”, he said.

“Nigerians Want To Know Their Actual Population”, Deputy Speaker House Of Reps Tells NPC

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu has called on the National Population Commission, NPC to, this time around, avail Nigeria its actual numerical strength.

This is even as he has commended Ndigbo for refraining from the ongoing nationwide protest against the prevailing economic hardship.

Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia state, who spoke at an inauguration dinner for Chief Emmanuel Trump  Eke, the Commissioner representing Abia State on the new Board of NPC held in Abuja at the weekend ,said that knowing the accurate population figure remains an essential part of planning and spread of infrastructural facilities across the country.

According to him, it is no longer  viable to be predicating the country’s economic planning policies on estimated population figure ,adding that it is high time the narrative was changed .

In a statement issued on Sunday March 17 2024 by  his Media Adviser, Levinus Nwabuighiogu, the Deputy Speaker stressed that the foundation of the country’s economic planning is knowing the accurate population, and the country’s demographic structure.

” The charge to you people as Commissioners is to be honest. We don’t know our number in Nigeria. We can not be claiming that we are the giant of Africa when we don’t have an accurate statistics of our number as a Nation.

It is embarrassing . Each time they ask you of your population,you say about”…..That descriptive thing to our number? You people should make it exact .

When we call Ogun state ,you tell us the number . We call Abia ,you tell us.Total number in the South East ,you give us .Total in the South West ,North West, South South etc you give us so that we can plan because economic planning without actual knowledge of the population is a waste of time .

So the root of our economic planning is knowing our number and demography ,so that when we want do project allocation,the spread will be guided by the population. So census is what you have to do as a service to this nation.

Push it hard and make sure that when the result comes ,Nigerians will be glad to say yes ; we are 250 million. But I can assure you by the time you are done ,we might be 300 million ” Kalu stated.

The Deputy Speaker who noted that the present hard economic situation ,predated president Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration, expressed happiness that Ndigbo are not participating in the protest marches rocking some parts of the country.

While assuring that the Federal Government is working towards finding a lasting solution to the the problems facing the country, Rt Hon Kalu urged Ndigbo to continue to lend support to President Tinubu as according to him, the administration has so far giving a sense of belonging to the South Easterners.

” The president has shown us love despite the fact that we did not vote as we ought to have voted .He has shown us great love and it is about time we also reciprocated”

Ijaw Youth Council Condemns Killing Of Soldiers, Wants Perpetrators Brought To Book; Falana Urges End To Reprisal Attack

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Soldiers Killed in Delta State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has condemned the killings of 16 Army Personnel in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Soldiers were on a Peace and Rescue Mission in the Community before they met their untimely end.

In a statement by Doubra Okotete, Omoghomi Olu-Derimon and Luguard Izoukumor, Chairman, Secretary and Information Officer, respectively, IYC described the killing as barbaric and wicked.

The statement reads, “While we do not want to support the decision of the military to burn down the entire Okuama community and leave the already impoverished inhabitants to suffer, we wish to call on the Delta State government to swing into action and protect the lives of the innocent people in the area.

“It is also pertinent to clarify that the Okuama community where this sad event occurred is an Urhobo-speaking community in Ughelli South LGA, and not an Ijaw community.

“We are, therefore, using this medium to call on Governor Oborevwori and the Nigerian security agencies to investigate and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous act.”

Following this development, there has been reprisal attack, prompting Legal Luminary and Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, to call on the Federal Government to put an end to the reprisal attacks by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State.

Falana, who made this call in a statement on Sunday, said, “Unfortunately, some villages were attacked last night by angry soldiers. After the attack, the villages were set on fire during the nocturnal military invasion.

“Having regard to the destruction of Odi and Zaki Biam over the killing of soldiers, the authorities ought to have taken adequate measures to prevent the attack and burning of the affected villages. It is unfortunate that the Federal Government has not issued any statement on the barbaric incident.

“ In view of the tragic turn of events, I call on the military authorities to halt the destruction of the properties of innocent people in the warring communities. It ought to be pointed out that collective punishment is a serious offence under domestic and international law.

Therefore, the Delta State Government should ensure that the murder suspects and arsonists among the civilians and soldiers are fished out and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in society.

“Once again, I commiserate with the bereaved families of the slain officers and soldiers. Since they were brutally killed in the course of duty, the Federal Government and the Delta State Government should compensate the dependents of the deceased military officers and soldiers. Compensation should also be extended to the victims of reprisal attacks by angry soldiers.”

On the killing of the officers and soldiers, Falana said, “We join the members of civilized humanity in condemning the brutality meted out to the military officers and soldiers as they were deployed for a peacekeeping mission to resolve the crisis in two warring communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

“We are , however, pleased to note that the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

“ Having regard to the massacre of innocent people when the military invaded Odi in Bayelsa State and Zaki Biam in Benue State in similar circumstances, we commend the military authorities for resisting the temptation to subject the two warring communities to a reprisal attack. By all means, the army should avoid a repeat of the history of having multiple tragedies.

“We have confirmed that, in line with the directive of the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Gwabim Musa, some of the gunmen involved in the heinous crime have been arrested.

“The Delta State Government, the respective local governments, and the leaders of two warring communities should assist the police in identifying and isolating the remaining reckless murderers and unraveling the motive behind the heinous crime.

“While we commiserate with the Nigerian Army and the bereaved families of the slain military officers and soldiers, we call on the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into the case with a view to prosecuting the suspects without any delay.”

NDLEA Intercepts Drugs In Odd Areas, Arrests Hair Stylist, Dispatch Rider For Selling Drugs-laced Chin-chin To Students

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NDLEA Arrest Hairstylist

A 20-year-old hair stylist, Josephine Odunu and a dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, 30, have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for selling and distributing illicit drug-laced chin-chin to school students and at social parties in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

NDLEA officers on patrol around Opolo area of Yenagoa had on Sunday 10th March 2024 intercepted the motorcycle dispatch rider, Edesemi and recovered 200grams of chin-chin produced with cannabis sativa, which he was on a mission to deliver to a buyer. A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of the hairdresser, Josephine, who distributes the drugged chin-chin from the salon where she works in Kpansia area of Yenagoa. A search of the salon also led to the recovery of 3.00kilograms bringing the total weight of the illicit substance seized from the duo to 3.2kg.

Investigations reveal that they distribute the chin-chin often laced with cannabis and tramadol to students and at birthday parties. While Edesemi handles the delivery to buyers, Josephine is a major distributor to a wanted suspect who produces the drugged chin-chin.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa state on Wednesday 13th March arrested two wanted suspects: Ajim Samuel (aka Boss), 30, and Davidson John Joshua (aka Dantala), 36, while on their way from Onitsha, Anambra state where they had gone to buy a consignment of tramadol containing 14, 428 pills of the opioid which they tucked in the body compartments of their black Honda Civic car marked YLA 623 SL. They were nabbed   along Numan-Jalingo road. Also recovered from them were 21grams of cannabis and monetary exhibits totaling N19, 280.

In Osun state, commercial bus driver, Ogunleye Adegoke, 49, was arrested along Gbongan-Ibadan road after NDLEA operatives discovered 2,000 capsules of tramadol, 60 tablets of rohypnol and 10 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in the spare tyre compartment of his vehicle. While a total of 343,000 pills of opioids were seized by NDLEA officers from a suspect, Lawan Abubakar, 33, in Azare town, Katagum, Bauchi state on Friday 15th March, same day the Nigerian Army transferred a suspect, Muhammadu Rabi’u, 37, with 64,000 pills of tramadol recovered from him to the Bauchi state command of NDLEA.

At least, 24kg of cannabis was seized from the driver of a transport company, Ikechukwu Obialo, at Sagamu Interchange, Ogun state by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th March, while in Kano, two suspects: Ali Amadu, 27, and Adamu Hassan, 33, were nabbed with a total of 125.3kg cannabis; 3,400 pills of tramadol; and 30 bottles of codeine syrup. They were arrested on Monday 11th March at Gadar Tamburawa area, and Friday 15th March at Tsamiya Babba, Hotoro respectively.

While 118 kilograms of cannabis were recovered from a warehouse in Masaka area of Nasarawa state on Saturday 16th March, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Thursday 14th March arrested a suspect, Kole Samuel, 50, with 75kg of same psychoactive substance at market area, Otuo, Owan East LGA. Same day, operatives raided the Oloma-Okpe forest in Akoko Edo LGA where they destroyed 3,944.2075 kilograms of cannabis on 1.577683 hectares of farmland.

With the same vigour, the various commands of the Agency across the country

continued the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Government Day Secondary School, Michika, Adamawa; students and staff of Nana Aisha Secondary School, Damaturu, Yobe; students of Dee Unique International School, Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos and students and staff of Purple Crown Secondary School, Uwani, Enugu as well as a WADA advocacy visit to the paramount ruler of Alesa -Eleme kingdom, Emperor JD Nkpe 11, Rivers state.

While commending the officers and men of the Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Edo, Kano, and Ogun Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.