Metro
Humanitarian ministry collaborates with NDLEA to curb drug abuse
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is partnering with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA to tackle substance and drug abuse in the country.
Special adviser to the minister on media Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday quoted the Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq to have said that the objective of the collaboration is to free the society from the scourge of drugs and substance abuse which has caused untold misery to individuals and families.
The minister spoke at a Psychosocial Support and Integration of Victims of Drug and Substance Abuse held at NDLEA Rehabilitation Facility in Gudu, Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister who was represented by the Director Humanitarian Affairs Department, Alhaji Ali Grema stated that the federal government is determined to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of a free drug society.
“This meeting is part of our commitment to deal with the menace and issues surrounding drug abuse and provide an avenue for the expression of collaborative commitment of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to combat the problem in all its forms.
“As a Ministry charged with the responsibility of Social Development, we want to begin a process of focusing on the socio- economic challenges faced by the clients of illicit drugs and substance abuse, not only in Abuja but throughout the federation”.
The Minister called on youths in particular to refrain from abusing drugs and other harmful substances as they are injurious to health with potentials of destroying their future.
Umar Farouq noted that the most effective tool to combat drug use is to strengthen prevention programmes and treatment for victims.
“In view of this, the Ministry will provide National Social Investment Programme opportunities for victims under rehabilitation by the NDLEA. Clients will undergo training in their various choice skills and will be equipped with starter packs for easy integration into the society”.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig. Gen. Mohaammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) OFR who was represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Barrister Shedrack Haruna described the programme as laudable and the first of its kind.
“The use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine as well as prescription medications exert tremendous toll on the individual, families and the society. Substance abuse affects the physical, social and psychological levels of the user and family members.
“Findings from the National Drug Use Survey (2018) conducted by UNODC reviewed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years had used psychoactive substances in the past year for non- medical purposes. More worrisome is that out of this figure, about 370,000 Nigerians have drug use disorder and in every 4 drug users in Nigeria, 1 is a woman.
“Globally, there is a shift in drug policy which sees drug as a public health issue. Therefore, reducing the demand for drugs depends to a large extent on the successful treatment and reintegration of people who use drugs”.
The Chairman congratulated the clients for being the first beneficiaries of the Social Investment Programmes and charged them to be good ambassadors.
He also thanked the ministry for providing starter packs to equip the clients with skills to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration to their families and society.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs donated 20 Tablets, 5 industrial Gas Cookers, 5 industrial frying pans and spoons for the rehabilitation of the clients.
At the occasion also was Dr Ngozi Madubuike Director Drug Demand Reduction NDLEA, John Yakubu, Director General Services Department, Tokumbo Rufai Director Human Resource Management and Sule Chogudo Director Social Development.
Nadia Muhammed -Soso, Head Special Duties, Sarah Ogah, Executive Director The Amina Agbo Foundation TAAF, Nsikak Okon Team Lead N-Power, Barrister Zainab Halim, actress Jumoke Odetola and other dignitaries spoke at the event.
Metro
Plane Crash Averted Hours After Enenche’s Prophetic Warning at Prayer Session
In a mindblowing prophetic insight, Senior Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre led prayers against an impending plane crash during his Commanding The Day Midnight Prayers on Thursday, which many believe averted a disaster just hours later.
During the early hours at the Glory Dome in Abuja, Dr. Enenche urged his congregation to pray fervently against a possible plane crash, asking for divine intervention to “cancel” any agenda of harm in the skies. “We must pray against a plane crash,” he declared, adding, “I stand anointed to cancel every agenda of the devil to cause any crash…it is canceled in the name of Jesus.”
Six hours after the prayer session, an incident involving an Air Peace flight traveling from Abuja to Lagos appeared to validate his warning.
As the flight was about to take off, a bird strike at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport forced the plane to halt immediately.
Passengers onboard, including Lagos-based lawyer Inibehe Effiong, were shaken as the aircraft came to a sudden stop. Effiong shared his experience on social media, expressing relief that the incident occurred before takeoff, which could have led to a graver situation. “Thankfully, it didn’t happen after takeoff. It would have been scarier,” Effiong wrote.
As a replacement aircraft was brought in and passengers reboarded, Effiong called for the adoption of bird detection radar technology to prevent similar incidents.
Dr. Enenche’s congregation took to social media to celebrate what they saw as divine intervention, expressing gratitude for his timely prayer, which they credit with averting a national tragedy.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and has inspired many in the congregation to deepen their faith and remain steadfast in prayer.
A video of Dr. Enenche’s prophetic declaration is now being widely shared, with many inspired by his foresight and the significance of this near-miss event.
Metro
ENSG Cracks Down on School Bullying, Orders Arrest of Culprits
The Enugu State Government (ENSG) has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of students involved in the bullying and physical assault of a fellow student at the Federal Government College, Enugu.
This is coming after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.
In a statement, Commissioner for Education Prof. Ndubueze Mbah expressed deep concern, labeling the incident as “emotionally distressing” and underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying and abuse in schools.
He confirmed that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that all those involved, including any school authorities who failed in their duties, face appropriate consequences.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount,” Prof. Mbah stated, pointing to the state’s significant investment in education under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration as evidence of its commitment to providing a safe learning environment.
He warned that acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence will be met with strict repercussions.
Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at FGC Enugu sought to clarify the situation, dispelling rumors of cult involvement.
PTA Chairman Dr. Chinedu Mba explained that the disturbance began when a student was found with Indian hemp.
He emphasized that parents should counsel their children on avoiding harmful behaviors and reassured the public of the PTA’s commitment to student safety.
Metro
Group Calls for Suspension, Investigation, Prosecution of FERMA MD Over Alleged Corruption
A group, Coalition for National Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (CNRR), has issued a formal plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate suspension, investigation, and potential prosecution of the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Their call is coming amid series of damning allegations surrounding corruption, incompetence, and misuse of office.
The group who converged on Thursday morning at the Headquarters of the FERMA at the Wuse 11 in the Federal Capital Territory carried banners and placards with inscriptions calling for the investigation and possible sack of the Managing Director of the Agency, Engr Emeka Agbasi.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the President and Commader in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Three Arms Zone, and read by the National converner of the coalition Alhaji Ali Abacha, they outlined numerous accusations against the FERMA boss.
They accused him of gross mismanagement and criminal activity, which threaten to undermine the government’s anti-corruption drive. Key allegations include the sale of contracts for financial gain, abuse of Direct Labor Agencies for unauthorized projects, and financial irregularities involving the illegal virement and swapping of payments without due process.
According to the letter, the FERMA MD is also accused of laundering money through fronts operating via Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Zenith Bank, living lavishly in Abuja hotel suites such as Pinnatech Suites Ltd., and sidelining experienced contractors in favor of cronies.
Furthermore, the MD is being accused of ignoring directives from the Ministry of Works, acting independently and awarding contracts unrelated to federal road maintenance.
Abacha stressed the importance of suspending and investigating the official to maintain public trust and uphold the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to take immediate action.
The statement warned that allowing such actions to continue unaddressed would reflect poorly on President Tinubu’s administration, which has made fighting corruption a key priority. CNRR urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to its image and credibility.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Presidency or FERMA regarding these allegations. The Nigerian public and stakeholders in the construction sector are closely watching for developments in what could become a significant test of the government’s resolve in combating corruption.
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