News
Ogun govt. laments high prevalence rate of drug abuse among youths
gun State Government has expressed concern over the high prevalence of drugs and substance use among youths in the state.
The Chairman, Ogun State Drug Control Committee (OSDCC), Mr Olufemi Fafiolu, said this during a town hall meeting on Drug Abuse on Wednesday in Ilaro.
He maintained that the state was committed to eradicating drug abuse and called on stakeholders in the society to take more responsibility towards ending the scourge.
Represented by the OSDCV Coordinator, Mr Bolajoko Igbagbo, the Chairman said that the meeting was part of government’s multipronged strategy towards addressing the problem of drug abuse in the state.
He added that government’s objective was to enlighten stakeholders on the dangers inherent in drug and substance abuse.
Fafiolu, who is also the Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the state Ministry of Health, said similar meetings had been held earlier in Abeokuta and Sagamu to cover the three Senatorial districts.
“We understand the important roles of various stakeholders in our fight against drug abuse, so, we have brought together stakeholders.
“We have the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, community development committees, youth organisations, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, Parent Teachers Association, among others.
“If we are to achieve our goal of eradicating the menace in our society, we must collaborate with these stakeholders.
“However, they need to appreciate the massive effects of drugs on the society. I assure you that government will continue to play its part,” he said.
The chairman noted the state has organised sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns in more than 150 secondary schools across the state.
He said that focus was largely on the youths, being the most vulnerable demographic to the scourge.
Also speaking, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, submitted that the menace of drug abuse would continue to linger without parents taking responsibility for their actions.
He added that “children are likely to emulate social vices from their parents or adults close to them”.
Olugbenle, represented by the Oloke Odan of Oke-Odan, Oba Olurotimi Fagbenro, said that government should increase sensitisation of road transport workers as it would go a long way to reduce road accidents as a result of drug abuse.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
Van Vicker Celebrates 21st Wedding Anniversary: “I Have No Regrets”
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business13 hours agoOkpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
Banking9 hours agoFree Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign14 hours agoSci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment6 hours agoDavido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment6 hours ago‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business6 hours agoWike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Foreign8 hours agoQinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign8 hours agoExpressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality