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We’ve Set Up Task Force to Dismantle Cartel Behind Mkpuru Mmiri —Marwa

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…Commends South East communities for taking ownership of drug war

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

C

hairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that a special task force is currently working across the country to track and dismantle drug cartels behind the production and distribution of methamphetamine, popularly called Mkpuru Mmiri, being abused by youths in parts of the country.

He stated this while answering questions from journalists at a press briefing at the Agencys national headquarters in Abuja on Monday 24th January, 2022 to mark his first anniversary as Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA. He challenged communities across Nigeria to take ownership of the war against drug abuse as those in South East states are doing by standing up to those engaging in abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs.

In his words, If you look at the preponderance of the dealers in drugs, Im not saying anything new but the South East has the predominance and thats a fact. Who are the Boko Haram people? I know they are not Yoruba and I know they are not people from Edo, but if you go to the North West and ask who are the bandits, I know they are not from Cross River or from Lagos. If you ask the people doing the human trafficking, the women, you know from where. So definitely, we have the preponderance of the drug dealers from the South East, but what more do you have; the greatest efforts by communities to rid the country and their communities of drug use is from the South East. Clearly, in the same South East, they are doing two things; first, they are telling their fellow travelers who are not decent, that look you are the very few who are spoiling our names here. Stop it!

And more importantly, they are riding their communities of drug abuse, they have taken the ownership of the war themselves against drug abuse especially the Mkpuru-Mmiri. By the way, we have set up a special task force to face that challenge and very soon you would hear and see the results of our efforts.

In essence, what I am saying is that, I am now taking the South East as an example, for all the other communities in Nigeria. This war has to start from the bottom, from the communities; set up your War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, Committees. In every community, you are the ones who know those patent medicine stores that sell drugs, the mai shayi, those at the corner ends of the streets who sell and hawk drugs, you know the traffickers and you know those who use them.

Take this war to your communities because you know these people, cleanse your communities, and take the ownership of this war and the NDLEA will always be there to back you up. However, the NDLEA does not and will not support the flogging of the culprits and some of the other human rights abuses. We will be there to support with counseling and treatments.

And I urge the entire country to take an example of the ownership of the war against drug abuse from the South East.

He attributed the successes recorded in the drug war in the past year to God, support of President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly, Minister of Justice and other stakeholders including international partners such as UNODC, EU, and foreign governments as well as local CSOs and NGOs. He listed the arrest of 12, 306 suspects, including 7 drug barons; conviction of 1, 400 offenders; seizure of over 3.4 million kilograms of assorted drugs; drugs and cash worth over N130 billion and the counselling and rehabilitation of 7, 761 drug users as some of the achievements recorded in 2021 in the area of operation.

While promising to build on the foundation laid in 2021, Gen. Marwa said the Agency under his leadership now has a clear roadmap to the future. According to him, The Agency has come a long way. And there is still a long way to go. We have a clear vision of where we are headed, and there is a roadmap to that destination. Today, the improvement in our fortune as an organisation is driving the NDLEA workforce to continue to push for the attainment of organisational goals and fulfillment of our core mandate of securing our country against the drug scourge. We all believe in the vision of the new NDLEA and we are committed to its mission. Our mandate is to ensure a drug-free Nigeria. We shall continue to play our role towards the achievement of that goal.”

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Eid-el-Kabir: JANDOR Felicitates with Lagosians, Expresses Hope in Nigeria’s Future

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Eid-el-Kabir: JANDOR Felicitates with Lagosians, Expresses Hope in Nigeria’s Future

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former PDP Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), extends warm greetings to all Muslim faithful and the good people of Lagos State on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

Dr. Adediran describes the essence of the celebration as an act of obedience and total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah. He notes that the unwavering trust exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim by his willingness to sacrifice his son as a show of total respect to God is an assurance to all Lagosians that whosoever put his trust in God will not be put to shame.

He acknowledges the Nigerian economic rebound as a fulfillment of promises made by Mr. President at the early stage of this administration when the removal of the fuel subsidy and Forex unification took their toll on the Nation’s economy.

JANDOR posits that while the road may seem tough today, there are genuine efforts being made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to reposition the country and make life better for all Nigerians.

He urges citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of initiatives aimed at reforming key sectors of the economy, improving infrastructure, and ensuring security across the country.

“Let us continue to stay united and resilient as we journey toward a more prosperous Nigeria. Lagosians have always shown strength in difficult times, and I believe our collective resolve will help shape a brighter tomorrow. I wish all Muslim Ummah a peaceful and joyous celebration as we pray for continuous peace, progress, and prosperity in Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

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Ileya Festival: Olori Afolabi launches food bank, distributes rice to Apomu people

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Ileya Festival: Olori Afolabi launches food bank, distributes rice to Apomu people


AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, has distributed 150 bags of 50kg rice to Apomu people for the celebration of Ileya Festival, just as she launched a foot bank in the ancient city in Osun State.

Olori Afolabi said the food distribution is in response to the pressing issue of hunger in rural communities.

She said: “It is aimed at providing immediate relief to those in need and support rural families.

“Every package of rice represents a moment of relief.

“As we distribute the food we are not just meeting a basic need we are offering compassion, care and kindness.

“We are not just filling stomachs, we are filling hearts with hope because every act of kindness no matter how small can have a profound impact.”

The rice was distributed at the launch of Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation Food Bank on June 3, 2024 at the palace of the Alapomu of Apomu, the headquarters of Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State.

Olori Afolabi said: “We are honoured to launch this food bank to address hunger and promote well being in our community.

“We recognise that hunger is a reality for many in our community and we want to do something about.

“The food bank will offer a range of services, which include: food distribution to indigent families and support programmes on nutrition education and counselling.

“Our Food bank is more than a pantry.

“It is a symbol of hope.

“We are reminding those in need that they are seen, heard, and valued.

“The food bank is a testament of our dedication to serve the community.”

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Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book Launch in Abuja

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Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book Launch in Abuja

Lago

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is to chair the public presentation of the book Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a publication of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

The event is scheduled for 110am on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.

President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who confirmed this development said the book presentation will be graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations.

Alhaji Idris was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With over three decades of experience in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations, and advertising, Idris has brought a wealth of expertise to the role.

His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.

As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Idris has served both local and transnational corporations.


Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred “Kaakaki Nupe” on him.

A press statement by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the GOCOP president as saying that the proceeds of the book will be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.

Nweke further noted that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism.

Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP’s membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism

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