News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria reaffirms commitment to maintain robust relations with Ghana
Foreign

Nigeria reaffirms commitment to maintain robust relations with Ghana

123 total views today
By Fortune Abang
Nigeria has reaffirmed commitment to maintaining robust relations with Ghana, including at citizen-to-citizen level.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by Dr Magnus Eze, her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media.
The statement follows the minister’s two-day visit to Ghana to tackle the ongoing strain in Nigeria-Ghana citizens’ relations.
She is also scheduled to meet with relevant stakeholders at both ends, including the President of Ghana.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu is also to meet with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, traditional rulers and Nigerians resident in the country.
This is aimed at dousing the tension and ensuring that the lives, property and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians living in Ghana are safe and protected.
The minister’s aide said the minister had upon touching down at Kotoka, Accra International Airport, Ghana on Tuesday evening, also met with Ghana’s Inspector-General of Police, Christian Yohuno.
Eze said that the minister continued with similar engagements with Ghanian officials and leaders of the Nigeria community on Wednesday and is expected back to Abuja on Thursday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
Women Affairs ministry inaugurates transparency, ethical governance committee
Gender

Women Affairs ministry inaugurates transparency, ethical governance committee

99 total views today
By Justina Auta
The Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA) has inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Committee to improve institutional integrity and ethical public service delivery.
The committee members were sworn in at the ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
Dr Maryam Ismaila-Keshinro, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said the initiative marked a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability and the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
She said: “this inauguration is more than a ceremony; it is a call to action.
“While ACTU serves as the institutional anchor, the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, integrity and the full engagement of every staff member.”
She, therefore, emphasised the need for good governance, service delivery and ethical conduct across all sectors.
Dr Musa Adamu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), commended the ministry’s initiative and commitment to institutional reform.
Adamu, represented by Mr Jude Okoye, emphasised that the inaugurated officials were not competitors of management, but were to complement and identify weaknesses in the system.
He added that they would also monitor budget implementation, ensure compliance with ethics and support overall institutional performance.
“ACTU is now recognised as a formal anti-corruption mechanism within the public service framework.
“And with support from management, including adequate funding, office space, and committee representation, ACTU can truly deliver on its mandate,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Mr Musa Aliyu-Musa, Chairman, ACTU, reiterated their commitment toward discharging their duties with utmost diligence, integrity and professionalism.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the key responsibilities of the ACTU Committee include conducting staff sensitisation and training on anti-corruption and ethical standards.
Others are reviewing organisational procedures to identify corruption-prone areas and recommend solutions and conducting corruption risk assessments (CRA) to detect vulnerabilities.
It is also to develop and monitor the ministry’s Code of Ethics; oversee budget implementation to ensure transparency; coordinate the deployment of ethics and integrity compliance scorecard.
ACTU is further saddled with the responsibility of undertaking preliminary investigations into complaints and reports.
Other members of the committee are Mrs Obiako Kate-Ukamaka, Secretary; Mrs Tubomo Lifu, Mr Dibor Ogochukwu, Mrs Ebune Miria-Ugbede and Mr Kamal Yusuf.
Also inaugurated as officials were Mrs Julie Akharia, Mrs Chikwe Joy-Obiageli and Mrs Babatunde Adenike-Fatima as members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Mark Longyen
NDLEA, FME partner on drug test for students, curriculum review
Education

NDLEA, FME partner on drug test for students, curriculum review

103 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education have agreed to introduce a compulsory drug integrity test for students of tertiary institutions.

The organisations also agreed to review the secondary school curriculum to incorporate drug education.

The agreement was reached between the two agencies when the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.

Marwa, who led a delegation of his management team to the meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, commended the minister for his proactive approach to his job.

He highlighted the devastating effect of substance abuse on the country’s youthful population, adding that the fight against illicit drugs was a fight for the souls of the Nigerian youth.

Marwa said that the focus of the agency would be on schools and educational institutions, adding that there were millions of Nigerian children that were under the supervision of the ministry, and it’s very critical.

“So, we’re actually fighting for the souls of our children. Now, we also know that use of drugs is exacerbating criminal activities. That is, Boko Haram, the terrorism, banditry, and so on.

“We know that without drugs, they wouldn’t be able to do what they are doing, because they wouldn’t do all these criminal activities in their right senses.

“So, in our own way, we are contributing to the fight against insecurity in the country. Now, through law enforcement action, we have continued to deal mortal blows to the drug cartels.

“We know that through the seizures, arrests, convictions, and assets forfeiture, we’re doing our best.”

Marwa said that with support from President Bola Tinubu, within the last two years, the agency arrested 40,887 criminal elements, obtained 8,682 convictions and seized 5,507 metric tons of illicit drugs.

According to him, from January last year, opioids, that’s tramadol seized, are in excess of one billion pills, which is worth more than N1 trillion.

The NDELA boss emphasised that the President was also supporting the agency to build seven rehabilitation centres in addition to the existing 30 centres in NDLEA commands nationwide.

Marwa noted that President Tinubu had also approved the construction of one model rehab centre in each of the geo-political zones in the country.

He listed three key areas he would want the Ministry and NDLEA to collaborate to effectively check the menace of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.

According to him, the first suggestion is for a review of the drug education curriculum in secondary schools.

“Even though we’re told of the existence of this in the past but because of the complexity of drugs, the dynamism of it, and the new psychoactive substances that have come to play, we feel that it is time to consider a review of this drug education curriculum.

“Another area we were thinking of suggesting is to introduce stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in schools, secondary schools.

“Not the curriculum this time, but programmes that stand on their own, lectures, competitions, and involving the parents, and so on.

“And then the third area we were thinking about is to adopt a drug testing policy in tertiary institutions, because we want a policy to keep our campuses clean.”

In his response, the minister commended Marwa for his steadfastness and commitment to the service of Nigeria.

“Thank you for your service to Lagos. And beyond that, General Buba Marwa, has committed his life to serve this country. Since I knew him 30 years ago, he’s still serving the country.”

Alausa, however, noted that the drug scourge was a huge problem that must be tackled headlong.

“When the youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school and even when they go to school, they are not getting a functional education.

“And at the end of the day, what happens? Their level of critical thinking is lower. Their ability to make informed decisions in the later part of their life becomes significantly reduced.

“So, they become unemployable. And what happens? You now have that vicious cycle. They’re not functional. They’re not useful to themselves. All they do is resort to criminality.

Talking about the areas of collaboration, the Minister suggested that a technical working group, inter-ministerial working group be formed between the Education ministry and NDLEA.

“We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. And that’s why I’ve asked the director of Senior Secondary School to come, to be here and then we find a way to cascade it down to primary school.”

The minister also assured of getting two agencies under the ministry, UBEC and TETFund to partner with the NDLEA Academy in Jos as part of efforts to deepen drug education in basic, secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Abel Enitan, announced the take-off of a Substance Use Prevention Unit in the ministry as directed by the minister. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Yakubu Uba

Strategic work-based learning will boost private-sector participation in agriculture–UNESCO
General News

Strategic work-based learning will boost private-sector participation in agriculture–UNESCO

93 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) says there is need for a strategic approach on Work-Based Learning (WBL) to bolster private sector participation in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

Mr Mendy Albert, Head, Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, made this submission on Wednesday in Abuja at the one-day workshop to promote private-sector involvement in WBL and entrepreneurship in agriculture sector.

The workshop with the theme: “Enhancing WBL and Apprenticeship in Agriculture, Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Skills Development and Employability” was organised by UNESCO in collaboration with Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nigeria.

Albert was represented by Mr Manish Joshi, Regional Coordinator of the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR III) project.

According to him, the workshop is designed to bring together key stakeholders to examine and deliberate on strategies to promote WBL toward increasing private-sector participation in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“This dialogue is both timely and essential, particularly as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) features prominently in the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“WBL is a proven approach that ensures learners acquire industry-relevant skills, preparing them to transition more smoothly into meaningful employment.

“By gaining hands-on experience in the real world, learners become not only job-ready but also more innovative, adaptable and self-reliant.

“WBL, an umbrella term that includes internships, apprenticeships, cooperative education, enterprise-based training and diverse forms of experiential learning, is essential and critical to building a skilled and future-ready workforce,” he said.

He said such efforts could not succeed in isolation; therefore the need for private sector to play critical role in offering employment, mentorship opportunities as co-creators of training solutions.

Speaking, Mr Namgung Tak, Chargé d’Affairés of Republic Korea Embassy in Nigeria, said the Korean Government had long supported TVET across Africa.

“We are proud to collaborate with UNESCO, ILO, FAO, the African Union, civil society organisations and many others on this important initiative.

“The BEAR project has already made a strong impact through its first two phases, Tri-Metal Aid in Eastern and Southern Africa.

“Building on those successes, the third phase of the project now includes a key initiative in Nigeria focused on WBL in agriculture,’’ he said.

Mr Onallo Akpa, Chairman, Sector Skills Council for Agriculture (SSC4A), commended the workshop’s focus on agriculture as the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy, in terms of livelihood and food security.

“Every part of this country can practice all kinds of agriculture, from crops to livestock agriculture and to all these commodities in the agricultural sub-sector.

“For us, it is an enormous task and an enormous responsibility; we cannot do it by talking; we can only do it by engaging ourselves, impact ourselves with good knowledge and then, learn how to do it,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr Muyibat Olodo, Director, Technology and Science Education, Federal Ministry of Education, described the WBL and apprenticeship as proving models for closing the gap between the school and the workplace, theory and practice.

“This programme under the BEAR III initiative sponsored by the Government of Korea reflects a shared commitment to transforming technical and vocational education across Africa, particularly within Nigeria.

“Agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic development, food security, and employment generation, especially for young ones; we must ensure our training systems are relevant, responsive and rooted in the real-world needs of industry,” Olodo said.

Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive-Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), underscored the need for enhanced policy and curriculum integration, industry-academic partnerships, as well as monitoring and reflective practice systems to achieve desired goals.

Bugaje, represented by Mr Aliyu Imafidor, General-Manager, NBTE Centre of Excellence for TVET Rand Coordinator, NBTE UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre, said that WBL was not optional, but a foundation to developing quality, relevant and employable skills in agriculture TVET.

“This multi-stakeholders approach will not only ensure graduates are equipped with skills needed for immediate workplace relevance, but will also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to build competitive, innovative and sustainable agricultural economy,” Bugaje said.

The BEAR III project, implemented in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone as beneficiaries, runs from 2023 until 2027 to strengthen national TVET systems by increasing their relevance, quality and attractiveness, particularly in strategic sectors.

The initiative is also designed to help young people develop practical, industry-relevant skills that can lead to real employment opportunities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Chijioke Okoronkwo

NEITI recommits to automated, centralised extractive sector data
General News

NEITI recommits to automated, centralised extractive sector data

92 total views today
By Isaiah Eka
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring real-time, automated, and centralised extractive sector data.
The Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Orji, said at the 2025 National Extractives Dialogue in Uyo on Wednesday, that NEITI had already established a data centre to automate and centralise extractive sector data.
Speaking at the event with the theme: “Transition, Divestment and Critical Minerals: Charting a Just Future for Nigeria’s Extractive Sector”, Orji said that the centre would soon become fully operational.
“When fully operational, the data centre will centralise licensing, production, revenue, and export data across oil, gas, and solid mineral sectors.
“It will enhance transparency and accountability in the sector and enable automated disclosures by companies in line with NEITI standards,” he said.
He said that the data centre represented NEITI’s commitment to intelligent, accessible, and actionable transparency in a data-driven world.
The executive secretary said that there was need for a coordinated approach towards handling the challenges and opportunities arising from the global shift to clean energy, divestments, and the growing demand for critical minerals.
Mr Gaza Gbefwi, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, expressed the need for urgent policy actions towards harnessing Nigeria’s critical minerals that were essential for the global clean energy transition.
Gbefwi said that an International Energy Agency report projected that the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements would quadruple by 2040.
“The global transition to clean energy has intensified the race for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements.
“These minerals are essential inputs in electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage among others,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, highlighted the critical moment Nigeria’s extractive sector was facing as the world shifted towards low-carbon energy systems.
Represented by Mrs Margaret Adesida, Director, ICT/GIS, Woke said that several divestment deals involving major international oil companies had been initiated or concluded.
Earlier in her address, the Director, Spaces for Change, Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said that as the world raced towards energy transition, Nigeria should make informed choices on regulation, environmental accountability and community protection.
NAN reports that the event was organised by Spaces for Change in collaboration with NEITI, NOSDRA and Ford Foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Azubuike Okeh
FG unveils accelerated basic education programme, targets 80m non-literate youths
Education

FG unveils accelerated basic education programme, targets 80m non-literate youths

117 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Accelerated Basic Education (ABE) programme, aimed at mobilising 80 million under-served young non-literate Nigerians and adults still outside the reach of basic literacy.

The programme aims to meet non-literate youths and adults wherever they are in the six geopolitical zones of the country without compromising quality or relevance.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, unveiled the new programme while speaking at a one-day National Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Youth and Adult Literacy in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ahmad, who was represented by her Special Assistant (Technical), Dr Claris Ujam, said the new programme would address out-of-school children challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its 2022 report stated that nearly 80 million Nigerians who constitute 31 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated 250 million population were non-literate.

Ahmad said that the ABE programme was designed to provide inclusive, adaptable, and high-impact literacy interventions that would meet learners wherever they were without compromising quality or relevance.

Justifying the reason behind the Accelerated Basic Education programme, the minister said that far too many of Nigeria’s over 250 million population still remained outside the reach of basic literacy.

“We all know that education forms the bedrock of every prosperous and inclusive society, yet far too many Nigerian youth and adults still remain outside the reach of basic literacy.

“This salient crisis suppresses individual potential and stalls national progress. Our mission is unequivocal to craft pathways of hope, dignity, and opportunity through the instrumentality of accelerated basic education.

“The ABE programme is more than a solution. It is a movement, one that rejects age, geography, and circumstance as barriers to learning.

“It is designed to provide inclusive, adaptable, and high-impact literacy innovations that meet learners where they are without compromising quality of relevance,” she said.

The minister urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other partners to expand community-driven initiatives, pioneer innovative delivery models, and help the government reach the un-reached.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the workshop and Director Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr John Edeh, said the meeting was a strategic moment for reflection, collaboration, and decisive action.

“We are here because we recognise a pressing challenge; millions of young Nigerians remain outside the formal education system.

“Whether due to poverty, early school leaving, displacement, or other socio-economic barriers, these youths deserve a second chance and NMEC is that gateway,” Edeh said.

He added that the sector was positioned to meet the diverse learning needs of out-of-school children and youths through flexible, community-based and learner-centred approaches.

He explained that the commission’s strategy was to meet learners where they are physically, emotionally, and socially and help them rise to their full potential.

Edeh listed the focus of the commission to include funding and resource mobilisation for mass literacy programmes, strengthening partnerships with state agencies, civil society, and development partners, and enhancing data collection.

Other areas of focus he said were monitoring for improved planning and accountability, promoting youth-friendly curricula and delivery models, as well as integrating digital tools and innovation into non-formal learning spaces.

He called on community leaders, donors, youth advocates, and programme implementers to collaborate with the commission to make education accessible to the marginalised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Charcoal trade a threat to forest sustainability, livelihood – FG
Environment

Charcoal trade a threat to forest sustainability, livelihood – FG

121 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government says charcoal trade is a threat to forest sustainability and livelihood in the country.

Dr Aishetu Ndayako, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office (EPO), Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, said this at the opening of a one-day stakeholders dialogue on charcoal production and forest conservation.

The event, organised by Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change (CREACC-NG) supported by EkoEnergy, on Wednesday in Abuja had its theme as: “Trade and Trees-Rethinking Charcoal Production and the Vanishing Forests’’.

Ndayako, who spoke on the topic, “Charcoal Trade Forest Loss and Ecological Challenges in Nigeria’’ said that charcoal trade, was a significant source of household energy for millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

She said that the largely informal and weakly regulated trade had led to devastating environmental consequences, including deforestation, ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss.

“The paradox is that charcoal remains a significant source of household energy for millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

“With over 70 per cent of our population depending on biomass for cooking, the demand for charcoal has grown exponentially, both for domestic use and as an export commodity.

“Trees are felled indiscriminately, and entire ecosystems are degraded with minimal efforts at regeneration. Forests, which serve as our carbon sinks, biodiversity reservoirs and cultural heritage are under siege,” she said.

She highlighted some strategic shifts that must be taken to forge a coherent and inclusive response.

According to her, there is an urgent need to harmonise national policies on forest and biomass energy, and to empower enforcement agencies to regulate charcoal production and trade effectively.

“Sustainable forestry can only be achieved with the active participation of local communities. We must incentivise tree planting, agroforestry and community-managed woodlots.

“Forests must be seen as renewable assets, not disposable resources.

“We must scale up the transition and access to cleaner energy sources such as LPG, ethanol, biogas; improved biomass briquettes and solar cookstoves, particularly in the rural, peri-urban vulnerable communities,” she said.

She said that EPO was committed to providing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s ecological concerns and supports dialogues that bring together key stakeholders to forge a coherent and inclusive response to the charcoal trade and forest degradation.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said that forests were vital to the planet’s health such that they absorb carbon dioxide, regulate the climate and support rich biodiversity in Nigeria.

Ahmad, represented by Mrs Aminulai Modupe, Asst. Director, Environmental Science Education Technology and Science Education Department, emphasised the need to integrate environmental education into the national curriculum.

She said that it would raise a generation that valued conservation and understands the environmental cost of unsustainable practices.

The minister said that beyond basic and secondary education, the ministry had launched the Diaspora Bridge Initiative aimed at strengthening research and collaboration across tertiary institutions, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics- Medical (STEM-M).

She called on stakeholders to support community workshops and outreach initiatives that promote charcoal production techniques.

“Students are learning about tree life cycles, biodiversity and the importance of sustainability from an early age,’’ Ahmad said.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CREACC-NG, Usman Muhammad, said that as the largest producer of charcoal in Africa and the second-largest globally, Nigeria faced significant environmental challenges.

According to him, there is an alarming rate of deforestation and tree cover loss, especially in the Savannah woodland of Niger, Taraba, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States.

“1.5 million trees are lost every day, contributing to 3.5 per cent deforestation rate annually.

“This leads to significant CO2 emissions, biodiversity loss, drought, land degradation, desertification and health issues from inefficient production methods,” he said.

Muhammad urged stakeholders to work together towards a sustainable future, adding that the dialogue marked the beginning of a collective effort to address these pressing issues.

He said that the centre was committed to hosting a National Summit in June 2026 to further discuss these pressing matters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Kogi governor’s aide seeks FRSC collaboration on road safety
Metro

Kogi governor’s aide seeks FRSC collaboration on road safety

113 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Road Safety Matters, Dr Yusuf Suberu, has called for stronger synergy with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to deepen road safety awareness and reduce crashes in the state.

Suberu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Kumar Tsukwam, in Kogi.

Suberu said that the visit, which coincided with the FRSC’s management meeting, focused on enhancing collaboration.

This, he said was towards a successful hosting of the upcoming 2-Day Road Safety Summit, being planned as part of activities to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Addressing the corps management team, Suberu commended the FRSC for its “humanitarian-inclined” efforts in saving lives, describing their interventions as critical to public health and safety.

He stressed the importance of continuous training and re-training of operatives to better equip them for emerging road safety challenges.

He urged the corps to adopt a more diplomatic and educational approach in dealing with road users.

“I want to assure you of the state government’s commitment to safety on highways under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo.

“The recent restriction on the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles was one of many decisive steps by the Ododo-led administration to curb road traffic crashes and protect lives,” he said.

In his response, Corps Commander Tsukwam described Suberu’s visit as timely and his appointment as a strategic asset to the state’s road safety efforts.

Tsukwam pledged the corps’ full cooperation in implementing policies that would make the roads safer for all.

The Sector Commander also emphasised the need to implement the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in the state.

He noted that it would help in tackling issues such as the use of fake number plates and criminal movements on the highways.

In the same vein, Suberu also met with the State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Ahmed Dauda, to explore possible areas of collaboration on vehicle administration and enforcement of roadworthiness standards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meetings mark a renewed drive by the state government to ensure safer roads, promote responsible driving culture, and reduce preventable deaths from road crashes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NDLEA auctions forfeited drug traffickers’ properties in four states
Defence/Security

NDLEA auctions forfeited drug traffickers’ properties in four states

109 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a public auction of forfeited houses acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used as instrumentality of committing the crime.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, which took place in Abuja, had pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organisations and the media as well as other government agencies in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said that the agency would continue to combine incarceration with asset forfeiture.

Marwa, represented by the NDLEA Secretary, Mr Shedrack Haruna, said it would also serve as a powerful tool to deter drug trafficking and related crimes in the country.

He said the agency’s approach was guided in the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which empowers law enforcement bodies to seize and dispose of properties acquired through criminal activity.

“I tell you that with the coming of POCA, they are threatening the process of deterrence, because nothing again is painful to criminals when we take away the profit of their crimes.

“The aim is not only to punish drug offenders through prosecution and imprisonment but also to ensure they do not return from prison to enjoy the proceeds of their crimes.

“Our prosecutorial teams are very strong, and when conviction is achieved, we go after the assets.

“That’s why we have a Directorate of Financial Investigation to trace and recover what they have gained or used in committing the crime,” he said.

Marwa said that the agency remained committed to ensuring that forfeited assets were transparently auctioned in a manner that benefits the public.

Commenting on the outcome of the auction, the NDELA boss noted that some properties were not sold due to low bids and therefore, failed to meet the government’s reserve price.

“The Federal Ministry of Works is our official government valuer. Once they give us a valuation, it becomes our benchmark. If bids fall below that valuation, we cannot accept them,” he said.

Marwa, however, acknowledged concerns raised by auctioneers about properties in locations viewed as high-risk or unsafe, saying that the realities would be reviewed with the valuers to determine whether revaluation was needed.

“We are aware that some people are reluctant to bid on properties formerly owned by criminal enterprises, especially in volatile areas.

“Some locations like Tudun Wada in Kano had no bidders at all. Others, like properties in Odo, Ogun State, had bids far below market value due to perceived risks,” Marwa said.

The NDELA boss, however, assured that feedback from the bidding process would be documented and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further valuation and review.

Marwa maintained that NDLEA remained firm in its mission to cripple criminal enterprises and disrupt the drug trafficking value chain by stripping offenders of their illicit wealth.

Speaking at the bidding exercise, Umar Yakubu, representative from the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, commended the NDLEA for conducting a process he described as open, credible, and compliant with international best practices.

Yakubu noted that the level of transparency observed was commendable and reflective of a strong institutional culture that prioritised public accountability.

He encouraged the agency to amplify such efforts as a public education tool to underscore the consequences of drug crimes.

Yakubu also emphasised that beyond incarceration, assets forfeiture sends a strong signal to criminals that crime does not pay.

“The message is clear. Losing both your freedom and your assets is not a good outcome.

“Criminals must understand that the justice system is serious about dismantling their operations and seizing the fruits of their crimes,” he said.

In his remarks, Director, Proceeds of Crime Management in NDLEA, Jerry Aernan, noted that participating auctioneers were pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had met the required integrity checks.

This, he said, was to ensure that disposed assets were not returned to original owners through the back door.

He also emphasised that successful bidders must pay 10 per cent of their bid value within 14 days to confirm their interest, while the full payment was expected within a stipulated timeframe.

NAN reports that the auction involved forfeited eight properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun States.

NAN also reports that two of the houses located in Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were stepped down from the process due to notices of appeal received after the processes had begun.

Six other properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with only two sold at over N139 million following successful bids above their reserved prices.

Others either failed to receive any bids or attracted offers below the benchmark. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Benson Iziama

UNN don lauds alumni intervention 21 years after graduation
Education

UNN don lauds alumni intervention 21 years after graduation

148 total views today

By Hilary Akalugwu

The Head of Department (HOD), Linguistics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Joy Uguru, has commended ex-students of the department for remembering to give back to their alma mater.

Uguru made the commendation in Nsukka, while receiving chairs, tables, ceiling fans and other items donated by the Class of 2004 of the department.

She said the good gesture by the Class of 2004 should be emulated by other ex-students to enable them to come and give back to their alma mater.

“The entire department is happy and excited on what Class of 2004 have done, by remembering the department that made them what they are today.

“The class did not only donate chairs, tables, ceiling fans and other items to the department they also presented a plaque of appreciation to some of their lecturers with some amounts of cash to thank them.

“My prayer is that God will replenish their pockets in a millionfold,” Uguru said.

In a remark, the Coordinator, Class of 2004, Mrs Edith Ike-Eboh, described the occasion as a homecoming and reunion not just with the town but the ideals, values and memories that shaped the set.

“Because it’s within these walls that our minds were shaped, our perspectives broadened and our sense of cultural identity deepened.

“This department gave us more than education, it gave us a sense of purpose.

“It taught us the importance of preserving our indigenous languages, promoting intercultural understanding and contributing to national development through language and communication,” she said.

Ike-Eboh who was represented by Mrs Abigail Ifeanyi-Eke, said graduates of Class of 2004 have produced many people who have attained great heights in different sectors of the economy.

“We, in the Class of 2004, are proud to reconnect with most of our lecturers for the wonderful work done in teaching us.

“It is in the spirit of gratitude and partnership that we present these modest gift items to the department.

“While they may not reflect the full measure of our appreciation, they are a token of love, respect and solidarity.

“We hope they will serve as useful resources to students and staff, and as a reminder that the impact of this department lives on in the lives of its graduates,” she said.

She urged students in the department to study with passion so as to carry the torch of knowledge proudly into the world.

Responding, Prof Chris Agbedo, one the lecturers who received a plaque of appreciation, said he was overwhelmed by the donation of items to the department as well as the appreciation to lecturers who taught them.

“My prayer is that God will bless them abundantly for coming to give back to their alma mater.

“I urge all alumni to copy this good example on how to give back to their alma mater,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some graduates of 2004 attended the event physically, while others joined virtually. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email