SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH JIGAWA GOVERNOR, VICTIMS FAMILIES OVER FUEL EXPLOSION TRAGEDY 

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in the unfortunate fire incident in Majiya town, in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker.

The Governor also sent a note of sympathy to his colleague, Governor Umar Namadi, friends and associates of the victims, as well as the people and Government of Jigawa State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the unfortunate incident has left yet another scar in the minds of millions of Nigerians, adding that no nation or people could afford to experience this kind of tragedy without its effect on the social and psychological wellbeing of the people.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, offered prayers for the victims and their families, Governor Umar Namadi, and the citizens of Jigawa over the tragic loss of their fellow residents.

He said, “It is with heavy heart that I have read and followed the development of the disaster that happened yesterday in Majiya town, in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker that claimed over 153 persons.

“Certainly, this unfortunate incident is beyond what we can reasonably imagine, going by what I have seen in the media. The devastating effects can only be imagined.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with my brother, Governor Umar Namadi, the Government and the people of Jigawa State over this very sad incident.

“I pray for the repose of the deceased and ask that the Almighty Allah grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Medical Emergency: Financial support required for a journalist, Kola Kuforiji

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In a world where health is wealth, Kola Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist who had worked for about two decades with Rhythm FM (Sliverbird Group) reporting business is facing an unthinkable challenge, and needs urgent help.

Kola, a 54-year-old husband and father of two, whose life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a drug-resistant, Parkinson’s disease with pronounced difficulty in walking and tremor has been very ill for more than two years and the severity and debilitating nature of his illness has depleted the finances of his family.

He was initially treated at Ikorodu General Hospital, Lagos, where a presumptive diagnosis of his medical condition was made.

He was over a year ago referred to LASUTH, but there has been little improvement in his health.

Medical treatment abroad now offers the best option for his recovery with a recommendation from Atasehir Medicana International Hospital – Atasehir / Istanbul, Turkey confirming that he will need a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.

The expected total cost of the Deep Brain Stimulation surgery with traveling expenses is put at $35,000 (USD) about N57 million at recent exchange rate.

Meanwhile friends of Kola have initiated moves to seek financial support from concerned citizens to help bridge the gap and ensure that he receives the care he needs to overcome this challenge.

A bank account to receive fund for the urgent medical intervention has been opened for donation that will bring hope and healing to Kola and his family.

Name of Account: SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI

Account Number: 1790322317

Bank: Polaris Bank

Kola’s story is one of courage, resilience, and determination, but it’s also a story of urgent need.

He had worked for about two decades with Rhythm FM (Sliverbird Group) covering business at large and had contributed immensely to deepening understanding of the economy.

Over the years he has explored his media platform as a strong tool to drive financial inclusion and expanding frontier of knowledge of Nigerians on the activities and stride of the energy, banking and finance sectors at large to national development.

Despite his illness, Kola remains hopeful and determined to overcome.

Use this link to join SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/GHFNIlVCgEC7PVFwE3NVqp

Apapa Port Command Seizes N1.1bn Illicit Drugs in 4x40ft Containers

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command has busted an attempt at smuggling illicit drugs worth a total of N1,183,915,500 (one billion, one hundred and eighty three million, nine hundred and fifteen thousand, five hundred naira into the country in 4 units of 40ft containers.

Breakdown of the seizures shows they were 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and barkadin cough syrup packed in a total of 2,174 cartons from two terminals under the command. Three of the seizures were made in APM Terminals and one was made at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

Giving further details on the seizures, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, described it as a fallout of the service zero tolerance for smuggling.

Comptroller Olomu said, “On 11th of October 2024, our officers during a joint examination of 1×40 container number MRKU0377493 found prohibited CSP cough syrup in 34,800 bottles. The offensive importation was also found to have expired. The smugglers packed them in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton.

“On the same day, during another examination in the same terminal, a 1×40 container TGBU8886020 was found to be laden with 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup packed in 100 bottles per carton.

Another 1x40ft container NO TCKU6800526 dropped at APMT Container Terminal, said to contain Essential goods was examined on 15 October 2024, and after examination it was found to contain a concealment of 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup for throat and chesty with codeine 100ml packed in 200 bottles per carton

“At Kachicares Resources Terminal,1X40FT container NO SUDU8579006 said to contain kitchen wares was examined on October 15, 2024 and found to contain concealment of Barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough in 100ml

“They were packed in 1,584 cartons. Another set of 83 loose bottles was also found in the container.

“Like I have always said, Apapa Command is committed to seamless trade facilitation powered by robust stakeholders engagement but will not compromise on our revenue collection, anti smuggling mandates as we facilitate trade.

” For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear from Apapa Port as our eagle eye officers relying on intelligence, technology and on the job experience are out to uncover all their smuggling antics” the controller said.

Codeine abuse has been found to cause nausea or vomiting,making addicts feel sleepy, unable to concentrate or think clearly, and behave irrationally, including exhibition of criminal tendencies.

The federal government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 following its abuse and the adverse effects it caused on many youth who got addicted to it.

These banned substances have been found to spur criminal activities and deviant behaviors capable of setting society backward.

The Area Controller has directed further investigation into the seizures to unravel further details that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved.