To combat the problem of drug abuse among youths in the society, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called for collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
The collaboration according to the student body is to address issues of drug abuse and trafficking among youths.
The student body led by the NANS National Senate Clerk, Abdulyekinn Oduanyo, NANS Chairman Ogun JCC, Francis Adeyanju, NAOSS Global President, Kehinde Thomas, among others made the call on Monday during a visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the student leaders, Oduanyo said the abuse of drugs calls for urgent action due to the large number of mad youths roaming the streets.
The NANS Senate Clerk harped on the need for the agency to expand its awareness efforts into campuses and communities through student leaders.
He said, “I can confirm that the NDLEA has been doing so well when it comes to enforcement but most of the students on campus are not aware, and most of our friends, sisters, and brothers at home are not aware. I think the NDLEA can do better by extending an awareness campaign into our campuses and communities through the student leaders to our friends and family at home.
“We have a very large number of mad people roaming the streets. Everything is not a spiritual problem, most of this is caused by the illicit use of drugs and they are most times influenced by their friends.”
While lamenting that most Nigerian youths have turned the abuse of drugs into a daily lifestyle, Oduanyo underlined the importance of addressing the problem from the root.
“So apart from arresting those involved I feel the agency should be able to curb these acts directly from the source because those buying it are not the source or problem, those selling are also not the problem but where is it coming from? Who are those distributing these drugs?
“And we the Nigerian student leaders are ready to cooperate and collaborate with the NDLEA to take the campaign out of our campuses and the state,” he added.
Responding, the NDLEA State Commander, Tijjani Rabe, represented by the Deputy State Commander, Ekundayo Williams, said the Command in 2023 destroyed about three farms and arrested over 3,000 suspects.
Williams, however, expressed the Command’s willingness to collaborate and work with the student leaders.
“If we are to go by enforcement alone we have been doing it, just last year alone NDLEA destroyed about three farms in Ogun State here and about 10 suspects were arrested. We have been arresting dealers but these dealers work on roasters, if we pick a particular dealer out of the street you would see another in the next hour.
“Between January to this time over 3,000 suspects were arrested in the Command here and we have convictions.
“So we are ready to collaborate with you because awareness is key and we want to protect the youths rather than go about arresting them,” he said.
Drug Abuse: NANS seeks collaboration with NDLEA
Drug Abuse: NANS seeks collaboration with NDLEA
Nigeria’s capital importation rose by 210% in Q1 2024
The National Bureau of Statistics has disclosed that the nation’s capital importation rose by 210% in the first quarter of 2024.
The report, which was released on Monday, noted that the total importation into the country stood at $3,376.01 million, higher than $1,132.65m recorded in Q1 2023 thereby indicating an increase of 198.06%.
When compared to Q4 last year, the national importation value rose by 210.16% from $1,088.48m.
This, the bureau said, owes to the high Portfolio Investment valued at “$2,075.59m, accounting for 61.48%; followed by Other Investment with $1,181.25m, accounting for 34.99%. Foreign Direct Investment recorded the least with $119.18m (3.53%) of total capital importation in Q1 2024.”
The NBS statement partly read, “The banking sector recorded the highest inflow with $2,067.44m, representing 61.24% of total capital imported in Q1 2024, followed by the Trading sector, valued at $494.93M (14.66%), and Production/Manufacturing sector with $191.92M (5.68%).
“Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc received the highest capital importation into Nigeria in Q1 2024 with $1,257.38m (37.24%), followed by Citibank Nigeria Limited with $547.71m (16.22%) and Rand Merchant Bank Plc with $528.73 (15.66%).”
Also, the report noted that “out of the three states that recorded capital importation during the quarter, Lagos State remained the top destination with $2,782.41m, accounting for 82.42% of the total capital imported. Abuja (FCT) followed with $593.58m (17.58%), and Ekiti State with $0.01m.”
– Top importation sources –
Nigeria’s capital importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $1,805.83m, showing 53.49% of the total capital imported.
This was followed by Republic of South Africa with $582.34m (17.25%) and the Cayman Islands with $186.21m (5.52%).
Anambra Police Command commences training, retraining of officers
The Anambra State Police Command has begun a comprehensive training and retraining programme for its officers, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving relationships with the public.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the training is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and his vision of ensuring effective service delivery to the Nigerian populace.
The capacity development exercise, scheduled in batches for all personnel, will cover various aspects of police duties, including Police Act and Regulations, musketry, riot drills, foot drills, use of firearms, and human rights.
The training aims to equip officers with modern-day policing strategies and skills in crime prevention, protection of life and property, including schools, higher institutions, markets, churches, and private and government infrastructures in the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, emphasized the need for professionalism and a better policing system, urging trainees to make the most of the reorientation period to become better officers.
The training commenced on July 1, 2024, and is expected to run in batches for all personnel of the Command.
Anambra Police Command commences training, retraining of officers
Griezmann returns in Euro clash, Trossard
Antoine Griezmann returns to France’s starting XI for their Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Belgium in Duesseldorf on Monday.
Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann was dropped for Bradley Barcola by coach Didier Deschamps for France’s 1-1 draw with Poland, Les Bleus’ final Group C fixture.
But the 33-year-old returns for Monday’s heavyweight contest, as Kylian Mbappe starts up front with what he called his “horrible” face mask protecting his broken nose.
Griezmann excelled in midfield at the last World Cup but was underwhelming in France’s first two group games at this, his sixth major international tournament.
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco has made two changes from the goalless draw with Ukraine which ensured their passage to the knockout stage in Germany.
Yannick Carrasco comes in for Youri Tielemans in midfield while Lois Openda replaces Leandro Trossard on the right flank.
Belgium are seeking revenge for defeat against France in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Teams:
France (4-4-2)
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, N’Golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot; Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe (capt)
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
Belgium (3-4-3)
Koen Casteels; Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate; Timothy Castagne, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne (capt), Yannick Carrasco; Lois Openda, Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku
Coach: Domenico Tedesco (ITA)
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
AFP
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Address terrorism, climate change, Abbas tells ECOWAS
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas on Monday, urged the Economic Community of West African States’ parliament to find solutions to the scourge of terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, the impact of climate change and bad governance in the sub-region.
The Speaker made the call while delivering his goodwill message at the formal opening of the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the sixth legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, who was earlier formally inaugurated as a member of the parliament, Abbas harped on the need for commitment on the part of the member States of the sub-regional body, adding that the resolution of the body would only take effect when member states demonstrate eagerness to drive change.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted Abbas as saying, “While I feel greatly delighted to commend the ECOWAS Parliament for these invaluable contributions, we must also acknowledge that these multifaceted challenges are still confronting the sub-region in new and complex dimensions. Terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, the impact of climate change and bad governance have remained serious impediments to the peace, security and economic development of our sub-region.
“These challenges have placed greater responsibility on the ECOWAS Parliament to continue to carry out its legislative functions with increased vigour, passion and commitment. It is my sincere hope that this session of the parliament will produce resolutions that will impact positively and go a long way in mitigating these challenges. However, it is important to stress that any resolutions reached will amount to nothing if there is no commitment and cooperation on the part of ECOWAS member states.
“Since its establishment by the ECOWAS Treaty in 1975, the ECOWAS Parliament has no doubt contributed immensely to strengthening representative democracy, promoting and defending human rights, democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance in the sub-region. It has also been actively involved in promoting peace, security and stability.”
He also called for unity and togetherness saying, “I appeal to our leaders to commit to implementing resolutions of the parliament for the greater good of our sub-region. The current challenges confronting our sub-region cannot be decisively addressed unless there is unity of purpose, partnership and cooperation in our decisions and actions.”
That said, the Speaker pledged the readiness of President Bola Tinubu-led government to defend and promote the tenets of democracy with inputs from the 10th National Assembly.
“Rt Honourable Speaker and members, let me assure you that Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to defending and promoting democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights in our sub-region. On our part, the Nigerian parliament is committed to supporting the President through legislative measures that will provide a robust framework for Nigeria’s foreign policy, strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic interests, enhance security cooperation, and promote regional and global peace.
“Let me also assure you that we shall continue to cooperate and partner with the ECOWAS Parliament in the areas of building legislative capacity, sharing of experiences and ensuring that resolutions passed are implemented.
“In doing this, we shall take advantage of Nigeria’s strong representation in the ECOWAS Parliament to push for debates and resolutions that will be of immense political, economic and social benefits to our sub-region,” he added.
INEC holds retreat for RECs ahead of Edo, Ondo gov polls
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has noted the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, alongside several pending bye-elections, as immediate tasks necessitating unwavering readiness.
Yakubu stated this at the induction retreat for new Resident Electoral Commissioners in Lagos, on Monday.
The INEC boss emphasised the retreat’s role not only in inducting new appointees but also in reviewing and enhancing INEC’s operational capabilities.
He said, “Today’s retreat is held against the background of forthcoming governorship elections in Edo State in the next 81 days and Ondo State in the 137 days.
“In addition, there are five pending bye-elections for Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State and four state constituencies: Khana II of Rivers State, Bagwai/Shanono of Kano State, Zaria Kewaye of Kaduna State and Ganye of Adamawa State. These outstanding bye-elections bring the total of such elections to 14 since the inauguration of the national and state assemblies in June last year.
“Looking forward, there are four major elections before the next general election in 2027. The Anambra State Governorship election next year will be followed in 2026 by the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections and, I must remind you, in case you forget, the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Therefore, as we think, reflect and innovate for credible elections, we are also instantly implementing the reforms and innovations that we can introduce by administrative action. Since the election is a process governed by law, we also plan to intensify our engagement with the National Assembly for activities that require legal reform.”
The INEC chairman stressed the importance of training and equipping the new RECs with the knowledge and skills required to handle these responsibilities effectively.
“As new RECs, we should focus on how we can acquaint ourselves more with the processes and procedures of the Commission. For the veterans, we should leverage our privileged field experience to contribute how to mitigate recurring challenges in the areas of pre-election and post-election litigations, operational issues, especially in the area of logistics, improvement on voter education processes, issues of strategic communication and combating fake news, misinformation and disinformation as well as inclusivity in the electoral process, voter registration, allotting voters to polling units, the role of technology from pre-election activities to Election Day processes, political party issues mainly arising from leadership crisis and the management of party primaries, the recruitment and training of election duty officials, election security and our code of conduct.
“In a well-organised retreat such as this one, there is always something new to learn. Upon reflection, there is also a new experience to share with colleagues. However, always bear in mind that the cardinal objective is improved service delivery,” he noted.
He underscored the commission’s commitment to perpetual election readiness and process improvement.
Nine of the RECs were sworn in on December 12, 2023, and one of them on January 30, 2024.
They were deployed as follows: Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Pawa, Kebbi; Abubakar Ma’aji Ahmed, Borno; Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, Edo State; Ehimeakhe Shaka Isah, Akwa Ibom; Aminu Idris, Kaduna; Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar, Kwara; Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, Ondo; Olubunmi Omoseyindemi, Ekiti; Etekamba Umore, Delta; and Shehu Wahab, Nasarawa.
Ongoing membership drive meant for new members
The Peoples Democratic Party National Working Committee has said its ongoing membership registration drive aims to provide an opportunity and access for eligible Nigerians eager to join the PDP nationwide.
In a statement on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, also clarified that the existing memberships remain valid and do not require revalidation.
Ologunagba explained that the clarification was necessary because the PDP National Working Committee had received reports of existing members in some wards in certain states being asked to revalidate their membership.
The statement read in part, “The NWC in clear terms clarifies that the on-going membership drive and registration of new members is only targeted at providing opportunity and access to eligible Nigerians who are enthusiastic and surging in their millions to register as members of our Party across the country.
“The NWC further clarifies that the membership status, rights and privileges of already existing members remain valid and in no way whatsoever affected by the membership drive.
“Consequently, no existing member is expected or required to have his or her membership revalidated as such individuals remain bona-fide members of the Party and not subject to any form of revalidation.”
The PDP urged its members and officers, particularly in all electoral wards nationwide, to take note of this information and act accordingly.
It continued “The NWC again acknowledges the continuing influx of millions of Nigerians into our Party in the on-going PDP membership drive exercise across the country.
“The PDP urges all members to continue to work together in the drive to further strengthen our Party for the task ahead.”
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UEFA probe Bellingham celebration against Slovakia
UEFA opened a disciplinary investigation on Monday into a gesture made by Jude Bellingham after he scored a stunning overhead kick to keep England in Euro 2024.
The Real Madrid midfielder struck in the 95th minute to equalise before England went on to beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra-time on Sunday to set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.
In the aftermath of the goal, Bellingham was caught on film mimicking a crotch grab while apparently looking towards the Slovakian bench.
In a statement competition organisers UEFA said an investigation had been launched into “a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.”
Bellingham posted the incident on social media, dismissing the suggestion it was aimed at the Slovakian players and coaching staff.
“An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” Bellingham said on X.
AFP
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NAF clarifies drone, not helicopter, crashed in Kaduna
The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) has clarified earlier reports on the air mishap in Kaduna State.
In a statement released on Monday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola Gabkwet, the NAF clarified that the aircraft involved was an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone.
Reports had emerged that a NAF helicopter crashed near Rumji Village, Igabi local government area of Kaduna in the early hours of Monday morning.
READ ALSO:NAF helicopter crashes in Kaduna
The NAF spokesman said the UAV “experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission.”
Gabkwet said: “A NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap after take-off for a mission, at a location near Rumji Village and about 15 Km from Base. Since it is an unmanned vehicle, there were no casualties on board or on the ground.
“preliminary investigation has since commenced to ascertain what may have caused the mishap. Nigerians can rest assured that this minor setback will not, in any way, impinge on all ongoing operations.”
The post NAF clarifies drone, not helicopter, crashed in Kaduna appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Ododo re-appoints Kogi poly rector for second term
The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has renewed the appointment of Prof. Salisu Usman for a second term as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Protocol of the institution, Olale Uredo, stated that the governor noted that his re-appointment was due to the sterling performance of Ogbo during the first term
The rector appreciated the governor for acknowledging his modest contributions to the growth of the institution.
Usman also appreciated the immediate past Governor, Yahaya Bello, for bringing him on board as acting rector, after which the appointment was confirmed in 2021.
The rector also thanked the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, staff and students of the institution for the invaluable support that assisted in the transformation of the polytechnic thus far.
He said, “I will put in much more effort in this second term to strengthen the positive visibility of the institution.”
It would be recalled that since coming on board as rector of the polytechnic, Usman has radically transformed the institution as reflected in massive infrastructure improvement, security of lives and properties, full accreditation of programmes stagnated for years, administrative reforms, restoration of discipline, general quality assurance, amongst others.
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