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NDLEA intercepts over N2.1bn worth of Codeine syrup, Loud consignment

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted large consignments of codeine-based syrup and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis worth over N2.1 billion in street value.
The NDLEA spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Babafemi said that the consignments were seized at Onne port, Rivers and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Ikeja by the NDLEA operatives.
According to him, at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers with the cooperation of other security agencies on Friday May 31, intercepted a large consignment of Loud.
He said that the drugs were in eight suitcases, containing 320 parcels with a total weight of 164.50kg of the strong psychoactive substance.
He added that they were coming from Canada on a KLM flight via Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Babafemi said that the consignment estimated to be worth N960 billion, which was brought in by a passenger, Ughenu Francis, was discovered at the E-arrival hall of the airport by personnel of NDLEA, Customs and others.
“This was during a joint search operation by the security operatives while the suspect was attempting to smuggle the suitcases out of the hall.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a resident of Germany but travelled to Toronto, Canada to transport the drug to Nigeria.

“During his interview, he claimed that he was recruited as a mule to convey the drug to Nigeria for an agreed fee of N6 million,” he said.

Codeine syrup seized by the NDLEA operatives
In another development at the Onne Port in Rivers, NDLEA operatives on Monday May 27 intercepted a container marked TEMU 6807401 imported from India enroute C to C bonded terminal in Enugu.
According to Babafemi, during a joint examination of the container by personnel of NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies, 1,750 cartons of codeine were discovered.
He said the cartons, which collectively weighing 26,250kg, contained 175,000 bottles of the opioid worth N1,225,000,000, in street value.
“Also, in Abuja, a 25-year-old lady, Blessing Thomas, was arrested with 1.0kg methamphetamine by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kwali – Gwagwalada expressway,” he said.

Babafemi said that the suspect was arrested on Friday May 31 while travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Yola, Adamawa state.

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Illicit drugs intercepted by the NDLEA operatives
Also, Babafemi said that operatives in Nasarawa state on Wednesday May 29 nabbed a 70-year-old man, Muhammadu Ibrahim, with 57.2kg of  marijuana in Lafia, the state capital.
The NDLEA spokesman further said that two suspects: Suleiman Kazeem, 35, and Sunday Gbenga, 20, were arrested when NDLEA officers raided Ara forest in Ara-Ekiti, Ekiti state.
He said that the operatives recovered 426 kilogrammes of marijuana already processed and packed in big sacks.
Babafemi added that the NDLEA operatives also destroyed over 4,000kg of marijuana on 1.66 hectares of farmland on Thursday May 30.
According to him, operatives of the agency also seized 76 blocks of marijuana, weighing 42kg, from a Nigerien, Suleman Audu, 29, in Katisna State.
He said that the suspect was arrested on the Zaria – Malumfashi road on Wednesday May 29.(NAN
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Orelope-Adefulire Celebrates Dame Abimbola Fashola at 60, Hails Her Legacy of Service and Empowerment

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended warm felicitations to Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola on the occasion of her 60th birthday, describing her as a woman of deep compassion, humility, and enduring impact whose life has been devoted to service and empowerment.

In a statement released by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen in Abuja, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State celebrated the former First Lady of Lagos State for her transformative contributions to social development, women’s advancement, and youth empowerment.

“Dame Fashola’s life is a shining example of quiet strength, purposeful leadership, and unwavering dedication to service,” the statement read.

“As First Lady from 2007 to 2015, she used her platform not for fanfare but to make tangible, lasting impacts in the lives of women, youth, and communities.”

She highlighted Fashola’s efforts in building on the successes of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), her nearly two-decade-long career with the British Council, and her visionary leadership through the Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), a platform that has equipped countless young Nigerians with life skills and moral guidance.

“Her devotion to family, faith, and national service embodies the very ideals the SDGs stand for, which is leaving no one behind and building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society,” Orelope-Adefulire noted.

Dame Fashola, wife of former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, clocks 60 this month. She is widely admired for her modest yet impactful approach to public service and her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

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Kaduna: Skills hub will tackle unemployment –Commissioner

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The Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, has said that Governor Uba Sani’s efforts to make Kaduna State the skills hub of the nation, is one of the ways of tackling youth unemployment.

Mrs Fakai said that Kaduna State Government is constructing three world class Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities, with one in each senatorial zone, pointed out that tackling youth unemployment requires a holistic and collaborative approach.

The Commissioner made this known at the 2025 edition of the Jobberman Career Fair that was organized at the weekend, adding that the challenge of youth unemployment is not new.

She however argued that ‘’it is imperative to think critically on developing integrated youth employment strategies that addresses job creation and helping youth transition into reputable and decent work roles.’’

Mrs Fakai reminded the participants that the Career Fair ‘’reflects a powerful partnership between government, the private sector, and educational institutions aimed at empowering our youth and supporting our economic ambitions. ‘’

She recalled that the maiden edition of the Career Fair which held on the 23rd of November, 2023, recorded a significant milestone, with ‘’a total of 1,496 unemployed youth with 71 representatives of employers of labour in attendance and over 300 job placements have been secured to date and still counting. ‘’

The Commissioner noted that this year’s edition of Jobberman Kaduna Career Fair ‘2025 is themed “Meet – Connect – Get Hired,’’ just as she expressed optimism that the programme will succeed in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment.

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According to her, the success of the programme is hinged on employers of labour, career placement organizations, and training providers, remaining committed to the implementation strategies.

Mrs Fakai reminded employers that they are the backbone of economic growth, adding that their willingness to invest in talent will empower ‘’ not just for those you hire, but for the entirety of Kaduna State.’’

The Commissioner told the job seekers that the Fair provides an ‘’opportunity to showcase your skills, your creativity, and your passion. It is a moment to engage, learn, and grow.’’

‘’ Remember that each interaction here is a step toward realizing your potential and securing your future. Your careers do not only serve your personal growth but are integral to the progress of our beloved state,’’ she added.

She also commended Jobberman for ‘’orchestrating such a vital initiative, connecting thousands of hopefuls with their potential careers and contributing to bridging the employment gap in Nigeria. ‘’

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ACF urges FG to end insecurity in Plateau

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep sorrow over the recent attacks by terror gangs on vulnerable communities in Plateau, which claimed numerous lives, including those of children.

National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Prof. Tanko Baba, in a statement on Sunday, described the March 28, 2025 attacks as disheartening and frightening.

According to it, they have further compounded the grim statistics of deaths, injuries, and destruction caused by ongoing terror and banditry in recent years.

The ACF extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the affected communities, and the Government and people of Plateau, while strongly condemning the heinous acts.

The forum called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable and banditry-prone communities.

It also urged the adoption of early warning and early response mechanisms that actively involve community members.

Additionally, the forum urged intensified intelligence gathering and deployment by security agencies.

This is to uncover the root causes of the latest violence, identify and prosecute perpetrators and their enablers, and ensure justice is served.

It also called for full compensation for families of the deceased and relief support for the injured.

The forum tasked both the Federal and Plateau Governments with empowering traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to drive community dialogue, conflict resolution, and reconciliation.

The ACF appealed to the citizens to support the security agencies with credible intelligence on insurgent and criminal activities.

It urged the members of the National Assembly to demand accountability from the Federal Government and security agencies on efforts to end the violence.

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While reaffirming its support for the Federal Government, Plateau Government, and the security agencies, ACF called for renewed vigour and decisive action to protect the lives and well-being of all Nigerians.

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