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NDLEA arrests149 suspects, seizes 1.49 tons of illicit drugs in Kogi

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 149 suspects with over 1.49 tonnes of illicit drugs between Jan. 1 and June 24 in Kogi.

The Kogi NDLEA Commander, Umar Yahuza, made the disclosure on Monday, in Lokoja at a news conference heralding a week long United Nations Day against drug Abuse and trafficking in the state.

Yahuza, who said that programme was organised by the agency in collaboration with Kogi Government, said 29 out of the 149 suspects arrested had been convicted, while cases against others were still pending at Federal High Court, Lokoja.

“The drug menace in Kogi and Nigeria is so disturbing and demands urgent action to arrest it before it destroys our youths and future leaders.

“This is because the ugly situation has serious implications on security, economics and the general wellbeing of the citizens.

“We have made a series of arrests and seizures of assorted drugs such as codeine, Methamphetamine, Diazepam, tramadol, Cannabis sativa, Pentazocine among others.

“In fact, statistics and empirical facts from the agency’s operations indicated clearly that the drug problem is mutating into a colossal social problem.

“It has become an issue linked beyond doubt to the escalation of insecurity and its attendant effects on peace and economy across the country, ” he said.

The commander attributed the effects of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, rape and other violent crimes against humanity in the country to the use of illicit drugs.

He said that illicit drugs were mostly the catalyst for these vices, adding “anywhere there is drug, there is crime and vice versa.”

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According to him, Kogi, being a microcosm of Nigeria, and a federating unit, cannot stand alone in the face of this ominous threat of drug abuse and trafficking.

Yahuza further said that from Jan. 1 to date, the command had engaged in various operations, sensitisation, courtesy/advocacy visits in an effort to curtail the menace.

He, however, called on government, corporate organisations and spirited individuals to collaborate with NDLEA to eradicate the menace of drugs in the society.

The commander commended Gov. Usman Ododo’s administration for the enormous support offered to the agency in its discharge of duties in the state.

Also speaking, the commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Anyebe, commended NDLEA for its resilience in the fight against illicit drugs within the Kogi and the country at large.

The commissioner said that Ododo had genuine interest in the wellbeing of Kogi youths and desired that the youth and the entire populace to be sensitised on the harmful effects of this killer habit, believed to be primarily practiced by the younger generations.

“It’s evidently clear that investing in prevention is the most effective way to address drug abuse and addictions in society .

“By investing in preventive measures, we can empower the younger generations with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being as well as the growth and development of the country, ” he said. (NAN

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Gen. Katunku Simon Gora, A Leader With Humility, Purpose, Positive Heart For Service

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

I’AM ROOTED IN HUMANITY AND DRIVEN BY IMPACTIVE SERVICE:

With nearly 30 years of exemplary military service behind me, my approach to leadership has always been anchored in humility and a profound respect for every individual. These principles are not mere concepts; they are deeply embedded values that influence every decision and action I take.

I firmly believe that true love and genuine selfless service can only originate from God. It is His presence within our hearts, minds, and strength that empowers us to extend sincere care and support to one another. My faith has been the guiding force, shaping my view that life’s true rewards come not from accolades, but from lifting others in their time of need.

Witnessing suffering – whether through poverty, disease, or adversity – stirs a deep compassion within me. I remain steadfast in my hope that one day, the essential needs of every community will be fully met. This vision continues to inspire my goals and fuels my enduring commitment to service.

MY LIFE BUILT ON PURPOSE AND INTERGRITY:

Integrity stands at the core of everything I do. I believe in living authentically, staying true to the person I am, while always striving to evolve into the person I am destined to become. God has blessed each of us with the gift of free will, and with it, the profound responsibility to use that freedom wisely.

Every goal I set is purposeful, pursued with enthusiasm, and carried out with unwavering dedication. Regardless of the final result, I find contentment in knowing that I have given my best, embracing each outcome with gratitude and humility.

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Purpose, for me, is not a mere ambition; it is the reason for living. It is about making a tangible impact, however big or small, and knowing that one’s life has contributed meaningfully to the world.

FULFILLING MY CALLING OF SERVICE:

The most profound mission in life, I believe, is to answer the call for which we were created. Whether on the battlefield, within the community, or through personal growth, I have always sought to serve a purpose greater than myself.

Every act of service, no matter how modest, contributes to a larger tapestry of positive change. I am committed to ensuring that my time, my talents, and my energy are dedicated to making a difference leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and hope.

To me, success is not measured by personal achievements alone but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire. If through my service I can make even the smallest difference, then I believe I have truly fulfilled my purpose.

WE MUST UNITE IN PROGRESS AND HOPE:

I firmly hold to the belief that unity is our greatest strength. “United we stand, divided we fall” is more than just a phrase; it is a timeless truth that reminds us of the power of collective effort. By standing together, supporting one another, and striving for common goals, we create a future rich with promise and opportunity.

Growth and progress are not achieved in isolation. They flourish when communities come together, bound by mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to a better tomorrow. It is through unity that we overcome adversity, and through cooperation that we achieve lasting success.

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The journey ahead may be filled with challenges, but with a spirit of togetherness and an unwavering focus on service and integrity, I am confident that we can continue to grow, prosper, and uplift one another.

I STAND ON LEGACY OF SERVICE AND FAITH:

As I reflect on my life’s journey, I remain deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. Every moment of service, every challenge faced, and every act of compassion has reinforced my belief that a life of humility, purpose, and unwavering faith is a life well lived.

May we all strive to serve with heart, live with purpose, and unite in a spirit of hope and progress. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

United We Stand – Divided We Fall. Together, We Grow and Progress!

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Kaduna State to hold education summit – Commissioner

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Kaduna State Government will convene an Education Summit as part of its strategy to bring about transformative change in the education sector, which will be anchored on four strategic pillars.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, who disclosed this while inaugurating the steering committee, further said that the event will be titled KADA EDUPACT International Summit 2025″.

According to him, one of the pillars is the Policy/Governance/Innovative Education Financing Pillar.

The Commissioner also listed the Access and Retention, Credible Learning Outcomes From Quality Inputs Pillars, as well as the Technology and Innovation pillars.

Prof Bello argued that the main objective of the summit is “to forge an Educational Pact between the government and the people, establishing commitment to shared model for education delivery, measurable outcomes and clearly defined negotiables.”

He further said that experts will make motivating presentations, adding that the Summit will provide opportunity for robust discussions on local and international investments in education, policy-making as well as technological innovations for improved teaching and learning.

The Commissioner also assured that a comprehensive education development roadmap for Kaduna State would fashioned out during the summit.

He said that the Director General of Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, will coordinate the activities of the steering committee, whose membership cuts across relevant Ministries Department and Agencies.

Sub-committees to handle various aspects of the summit were announced immediately after the steering committee was inaugurated.

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Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring In Oyo, Rescue 84 Victims

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The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a human trafficking ring in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In a major operation, the police rescued 83 individuals and a child from a house in the Orogun area of the city, where they had allegedly been held for an undisclosed period.

Preliminary reports suggest that the victims, believed to be nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, were lured to Nigeria under the pretence of being offered employment opportunities.

There are also claims that the perpetrators extorted significant sums of money, reportedly in dollars, from the victims’ parents and relatives as part of the elaborate scheme.

The rescued individuals are currently at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where authorities are conducting further investigations to ascertain the full details of the case.

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