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“Nigerian Youths Take Fermented Urine, Lizard Dungs To Get Intoxicated” – NDLEA Laments

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised alarm over the high intake of hard drugs by Youths, mostly of Borno State.

The Agency disclosed that youths in Borno State are drinking fermented human urine, preserved for over 10 days, as an alternative to hard drugs to get ‘high’.

Iliyasu Mani, the Commander of Narcotics in Borno State revealed that the  abuse of psychoactive substances was prevalent among the youths, noting that they also take other unusual substances such as lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, and Mentholated spirit mixed with soft drinks.

Mani added that the Youths go to the extreme of inhaling toilet fumes and gutter dirt in their quest to get intoxicated.

Mani said, “Let me state categorically here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include Cannabis Sativa, skunk, Cough syrup with codeine; Ice, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, Pentazocine, rubber solution, glue, gutter dirt, toilet fumes, lizard dung.

“Others include lipton soaked in gin, camel urine, mentholated spirit in soft drinks; 10-day-old human Urine, and so on.”

Mani said the NDLEA command, under his watch, had fought a hard battle against drug abuse but “unfortunately, the issue of substance abuse is even getting challenging, especially with the involvement of young teens in the abuse of new psychoactive substances, especially women.”

“Despite all these, we must not lose our hope as the agency has strengthened its efforts towards prevention strategy through the establishment of remodeled counselling/rehab centre within the premises of Borno State Command,” the NDLEA commander said.

Mani said his command had also established drop-in centres across all tertiary institutions to serve as drug abuse research centres for the benefit of all.

He said the command, under his watch, had seized  4.5 tonnes of illicit substances and arrested 863 suspects, of those arrested, he said 53 had been convicted while 736 were undergoing counselling.

The intake of hard drugs by Youth in Nigeria has grown astronomically with Medical Expert saying that Youth mostly engage in this illicit act due to bandwagon, peer pressure, emotional distress and depression.

President Thumbs-up Funke Akindele Over ”A Tribe Of Judah” Movie, Atiku Also Lauds Initiative

By
Ayodele Oni
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Funke Akindele - A Tribe Of Judah Movie

By Ayodele Oni

Accolades are pouring in for Funke Akindele over the success of her latest movie titled ‘A Tribe Called Judah’  the first Nollywood film to gross one billion naira.

President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale on Friday,  celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.

He commended the thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

“The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

“The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration.

“I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” the statement read.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, took to Facebook to congratulate actress Funke Akindele on the outstanding success of movie, “A Tribe Called Judah”.

In his post on Friday, Atiku expressed his heartiest congratulations to Akindele for the record-breaking achievement of “A Tribe Called Judah”.

He said “The movie has not only shattered box office records by grossing 1 billion naira in domestic theatres, making it the first Nigerian movie to achieve this feat, but it also serves as an emblem of cultural pride and the unyielding spirit of Nollywood.

“A Tribe Called Judah” stands as a cultural gem that showcases the vibrancy and resilience of Nigerian cinema. He commended Akindele’s achievements and her role in pushing Nigerian cinema to new heights, stating that her success serves as an inspiration for a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers in Nigeria and beyond.”

Atiku congratulated Akindele on this historic milestone, lauding her for setting a new standard of excellence and inspiring others in the industry.

World Bodies Say Nigerian Children With Basic Education Still Lack Literacy Proficiency

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Chidiebere Onyia

By Ayodele Oni

The World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO have identified in the country what they refer to as ‘the Nigerian Learning Crisis’

This followed discovery that in Nigeria, three out of four children that completed basic education lack numeracy and literacy proficiency.

Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who disclosed this, said 50 per cent of pupils in the state can neither read in English nor solve simple mathematics questions.

Onyia stated this while delivering a keynote address titled, “Smart Basic Education and the Future of Africa” at the quadrennial convention of the Old Boys Association of Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, in Enugu.

According him, the government discovered the shortcoming in its Baseline Assessment of primary schools in the state, conducted in November 2023.

“Our findings were shocking. After six years of primary school,  50 per cent of our children cannot read a single word in English and those who can read struggle with comprehension.

“Fifty percent of our children cannot solve simple subtraction challenges. What we found out in Enugu State is written large across our nation.

“The World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO have defined this as ‘the Nigerian Learning Crisis’.

“On top of this, our children suffer a ‘Skills Gap’ because existing modes of teaching do not equip children with scientific, technological, productive, and digital competences.”

The SSG, however, revealed that the state government education policy has been repositioned to incorporate bio-digital-technology that would drive industrial growth.

This, he said, would be achieved through the introduction of innovative technologies in education, particularly at the basic education level.

He stated that Governor Peter Mbah has taken deliberate steps at reforming the education system to meet the changing global demands.

Onyia assured that the challenges were being addressed through well-thought-out radical policy-initiatives by the government.

The SSG explained that this include the introduction of smart school model across the 260 electoral wards in the state, which had new facilities such as centres for artificial intelligence and robotics, and interactive smart boards among others.

The SSG added that the academic curricula would now prioritize experiential learning methods, problem-solving and case studies.

He pointed out that the changes would not only equip students with emerging technological skills, but also afford them opportunities to compete with their peers globally.

“In Enugu State, we now believe that in addition to providing continuous training and professional development to teachers within the school systems, we must also transform how teachers teach, as well as how students learn.”

NGF Commends FG On Timely Intervention In Plateau State Killings

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has been commended by the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, for its prompt intervention to avert a reoccurrence of the killings in Plateau and Kaduna States.

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, who is the Chairman of the NGF showered praises on the Federal Government for providing support and relief materials to the survivors and families of the slain.

Speaking with Journalists after a closed door meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Yahaya said there is need to curb the spread of divisive narratives among communities that could escalate the crisis within the communities in the States.

He said, “In my capacity as the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, I praise the steps taken by the President to get to the root of what happened in these two states and the pledge he made that the right action would be taken to prevent future occurrence of these incidents.

“Above all, I thank him for supporting victims or survivors.”

He described the Plateau crisis as old, calling for a broader review of the immediate and remote causes to produce lasting solutions.

“Even though this matter has been there for a long time, it is time for stakeholders to have a round table and tell each other the truth and then take deliberate steps toward loving each other. Before now, the people were living in peace and doing their regular business.

“Some major issues that seem to allow the problem to persist include farmer-herder clashes, the clamour for indigenes versus settlers.

But the world over, if any society or country does not welcome visitors, such a nation will not progress. After all, we here are the same family,” he reasoned.

Yahaya sympathised with those who lost their loved ones, appealing for restraint from aggrieved communities who may be tempted to revenge.

He advised, “There should be no reason why anyone should go and kill or take the life of a fellow human being since it is not a war situation.

“Reprisal attacks have not taken us anywhere, so we need to concentrate on understanding ourselves and knowing that we have leaders at all levels to whom we can lodge our complaints.

“We should imbibe the habit of loving one another and living in peace for the progress of all of us.”

The Chairman Called for a deeper collaboration between federal and state governments as this would ease development in all sectors for the good of Nigerians.

Lawmaker Condemns EFCC Raid On Dangote’s Office

By
James Orji
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Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, a member repesenting Imo State in the National Assembly, has condemned the reported raid of the Lagos Office of the Dangote Group by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Officials of the anti graft agency, sources said raided Dangote office on Thursday in their quest to get document that could assist them in their ongoing investigation on the allegation of roundtripping against Aliko Dangote.
The raid has elicited mixed feelings from many Nigerians, even as some Nigerians have linked Dangote’s current predicament to the last presidential election.
Reacting to the development, Ugochinyere said the timing of the raid, coming at a time that Nigeria is seriously looking for investors. He said investors would be discouraged as a result of the incident.
He explained further that the raid portends serious negative image for the country because “this is not good look for us internationally.”
According to him,, “This evening, I read about the raid of the headquarters of the Dangote Group in connection with ongoing investigation into forex allocations in the country. The EFCC was reported to be investigating forex allocations to some companies during the tenure of Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I’m of the view that the timing of the raid on Dangote Group is not only very suspicious, but most importantly capable of worsening the economic situation and scaring investors. In the last few months, our nation has lost so many foreign investors. While some of the foreign companies operating in the country are leaving, potential investors are also sidelining us. Now you have the EFCC despite the word the nation is currently facing, raiding the headquarters of the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa.

“The Dangote Group, with investments in several sectors and across 14 countries in Africa. This is not good look for us internationally. What will the international community think of Nigeria when they read about news like this? Dangote Group’s impact for decades has been felt through various facets of Nigeria’s economy.

“The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote. has helped transform our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in some critical industries, including cement and Fertiliser. And given our current fragile economic situation, I believe this move by the EFCC will worsen things, now is not time for this, it’s time for the nation to focus on integration of African economies and expansion of trade and investments across the continent to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities, not carrying out raids on its largest conglomerate.”

Close watchers of the ongoing investigation  of Dangote told the magazine that the business man’s fortune has nosedived after losing his position  as Africa’s  Richest man to a South African, Johann Rupert.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Olofa Ina Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Olofa Ina

By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of Veteran Actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, also known as Olofa Ina.

The Nollywood Actor died Thursday evening.

The News of his passing was made public by his colleague, Saidi Balogun who mourned the aged actor.

Balogun took to his Instagram page and wrote, “Goodnight Legend Chief Adedeji alias Olofa Ina”.

The cause of his death remains sketchy at the time of filing this report.

The Late Actor was born May 15, 1950, into the family of Late Chief AbdulSalam Aderemi and Late Madam Aisha Aderemi of the Jagun- Olukosi compound in Ede, Osun State, during the reign of Late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede Land.

He was known for his good interpretation of roles, as he  acted as a Chief in most Yoruba Movies.

Repair Work On Third Mainland Bridge Begins Next Week

By
James Orji
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0

The Lagos State Government, LASG, says repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge will resume on Tuesday, January 9.
The state government said traffic on the road will be closed within the period of the repair.
According to the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement he signed on Thurday, the closur was necessary to enable the Federal Ministry of Works to repair some sections of the bridge.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele section would be closed for effective repairs of the entire section of the bridge, adding that alternative routes have been provided to make vehicular movement seamless for commuters.
Part of the statement said, “The closure is part of the ongoing work that started in November 2023, focusing on fixing the ramps, and now, the remaining parts of the bridge will also be repaired.
“Conversely, from 12 noon to 12 am, motorists will be able to access the bridge from the Island to the Mainland while motorists from the Mainland heading towards the Island will have to use Eko Bridge.
“These timings have been selected to match the peak period flow of traffic and reduce travel stress.
“Please cooperate with our traffic management officials who will be helping out. Thanks for your usual understanding and cooperation. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.”

Dangote: More Trouble For Business Mogul; EFCC Raids Office, As Rift With Tinubu Deepens

By
James Orji
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0

There is a serious trouble for Aliko Dangote after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, reportedly stormed the head office of the Dangote Group in Lagos on Thursday in connection with an alleged roundtripping.
Leadership newspapers had reported that Dangote’s office was raided by EFCC officials in connection with the agency’s ongoing investigation into the foreign exchange transactions during the tenure of former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, who is also being prosecuted by the anti graft agency.
Sources said the raid was intended to search the Dangote’s Office for vital documents that could assist the agency in its investigation.
The EFCC raid comes after Dangote lost his position as Africa’s Richest man to a South African businessman. Close sources to the Nigerian business mogul said he has faced serious problem since the administration of Bola Tinubu came to power this year.
Though the cause of Dangote’s problem with the Tinubu’s administration has yet to be known, those close to him said, this may not be unconnected b with his support for Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during last year’s pesidential election.
Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election defeated Atiku who came second in the election.
Concerning the EFCC investigation, the commission was said to have written letters to 52 companies directing them to supply documents supporting the allocation and utilisation of foreign currency in the last 10 years.

But in November 2023, Dangote Group denied allegations of foreign exchange (forex) malpractices and money laundering of the sum of $3.4 billion.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, was unreachable for comment on the matter when filing this report.
The spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, could not also be reached to comment on this development.

Uzodimma Constitutes 44-man Steering Committee For His Inauguration, Swearing-in Ceremonies

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved the constitution of a 44-member Steering Committee that will see to his successful second term inauguration and swearing in ceremonies billed for January 15, 2024.

Headed by Senator Chris Anyanwu with the  Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu as Co-Chairman, the membership was chosen from the three senatorial zones of Imo State as well as representatives of key State and National organs.

Key persons who made the list include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly and Minister of Education (State) , Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah, Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu and two other former Speakers- Rt Hon Maxwell Duru and Rt. Hon Paul Emeziem.

Other current and former National Assembly members who made the list include, Hon Eugene Dibiagwu, Rt. Hon Nnanna Igbokwe, Rt. Hon Ikenna Elezianya and Rt. Hon Bede Ekeh, Hon Victor Murako, Hon Amarachi Nwoha,

Former Ambassador, His Excellency Greg Mbadiwe, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Dr. Eddy Anyanwu, Chief Cosmos Maduba, Sir Greg Owuananam, Chief Charles Orie,  Barr Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Chairman of CAN in Imo State, Dr. Divine Eches Divine, Chairman of ALGON in Imo State, Willie Okoliogwo, among others made the list.

Some Commissioners in the Committee include Chief Declan Mbadiwe, Barr. Raph Nwosu, Hon. Ruby Emele, Hon. Nkechi Ugwu, and Hon Chimezie Amadi.

The comprehensive list reads in full:

  1. Sen Chris Anyanwu – Chairman
  2. Chief Cosmas Iwu – Co-Chairman
  3. Rt Hon. Goodluck Opiah
  4. Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie
  5. Hon. Declan Emelumba
  6. Barr. Ralph Nwosu
  7. Chief Jerry Chukwueke
  8. Hon. Bede Ekeh
  9. Hon. Rubby Emele
  10. Hon. Ray Emena
  11. Rev. Philip Nwansi
  12. Barr. Emeka Agbo
  13. Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwigwe
  14. Rev. Divine Eches Divine
  15. Hon. Nkechi Ugwu
  16. Comrade Austin Chilakpu
  17. Macdonald Ebere, Ph.D.
  18. Sir Greg Owuamanam
  19. Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu
  20. Rt Hon. Maxwell Duru
  21. Dr. Eddy Anyanwu
  22. Hon. Uche Diogu
  23. Hon. Amaechi Nwaoha
  24. Hon. Victor Muruako
  25. Hon. Mike Uzodimma
  26. Engr. Sam Nwaire
  27. Hon. Ikenna Elezianya
  28. Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe
  29. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu
  30. Barr. Enyina Onuegbu
  31. Willie T.C. Okolieogwo
  32. Kierian Unegbu
  33. Ethelbert Okere
  34. Fidel Onyeneke
  35. Paul Emeziem
  36. Chief Charles Orie
  37. Rt Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu
  38. Greg Mbadiwe
  39. Chimezie Amadi
  40. Chief Cosmas Maduba
  41. Cliff Nzeruem
  42. Ezeania Oguchinti
  43. Leo Awaziama

44. Ikenna Adikibe

EFCC Storms Dangote’s Head Office In Lagos

By
The Source
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0
EFCC Operatives

By Gideon Njoku

For Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, Thursday, January 4, turned out unpleasant.

On the day it became public that he has lost his position as Africa’s richest man, Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, stormed the head office of his conglomerate, in Lagos.

Dangote who had held the top position as Africa’s richest man for 10 years, lost it to a South African, Johann Rupert. According to Forbes Magazine, Rupert beat Dangote with a little less than two billion Dollars. He boasted the sum of $12 billion to Dangote’s $10.8billion. Dangote’s worth recently dropped by a whopping $4.12b due to Nigeria’s economic crisis.

Just as Nigerians were coming to terms with the loss, reports emerged that the EFCC on Thursday, stormed the Dangote Group headquarters in Lagos and carried out a thorough search.

While it is not yet known why the EFCC took the action, speculations are that it has everything to do with the investigation and prosecution of former Central Bank Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele.

There have been allegations  that Emefiele and Dangote got cosy in some untidy Forex businesses.

Unconfirmed reports insist that Dangote got unprecedented waivers and attention from Emefiele when the later was CBN Governor.

The search by the EFCC on Thursday, according to a report in the Cable, was over Forex allocations to the company.

Neither the EFCC nor the Dangote Group has confirmed the raid, but according to The Cable, an anonymous Dangote staff offered that: “They (EFCC), asked for documents on forex transactions with the CBN.”

Not a few people think that the relationship between Dangote and the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government is not smooth. It is the first time Dangote seems not to be in the “priority” friendly list of a Nigerian President since 1999 – the year Nigeria went back to democratic rule.

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