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Shun drug abuse, cultism, actions that can ruin your future, Kwara Gov tells students

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  • As govt holds stakeholders’ dialogue on stemming social vices
  • Experts harp on good parenting, value reorientation for crime control

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday called on the Nigerian youth most especially students to always shun drug abuse, cultism and other actions that can ruin their future.

He said the future of Nigeria is tied to how the youth turn out to be, urging them to make the right choice.

The Governor was speaking in Ilorin,.the state capital, at the Stakeholders’ Dialogue on
Stemming the Tide of Social Vices among Students: A Panacea for Positive Growth.

The programme was organized by the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Abdulwasiu Onidugbe. It featured panel discussions where the panelists shared their views on how to tackle the menace.

“Cultism, cyber crime, drug abuse, and sexual abuse, among others, set you up for uncertain future of regrets, stigmatization, premature death, and inability to attain your dreams. I am pleading that you do not engage in any of it for the sake of your future,” the Governor said through the Commissioner of Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde, who represented him.

“Your parents have made huge investments to make you a successful person. The way to pay them back is to shun any activities, associations, and affiliations that will make them cry”.

AbdulRazaq commended Hon Onidugbe for the initiative, and appreciated all security agencies and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the discussion.

“This conversation is not about name-calling or public shaming of anyone who may be involved in any of these social activities we have talked about. It is about giving you fresh perspectives and opening your eyes to the danger associated with these activities, and asking you to make good choices that will give you a head start and make you a valuable member of our community,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi ably represented by Hon Rukayat Shittu; some cabinet members; State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya; State Commander for NDLEA, Bashir Ibrahim Muhammed; Ilorin Zonal Head for EFCC, Harry Erin; Director, National Orientation Agency, Kwara state branch and a panelist, Olusegun Adeyemi; heads of federal and state institutions, academics, Corps members and students from across the tertiary and secondary levels.

The Minister of Youth Development, who is from Kwara, Hon Jemilat Bío was represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga; while Hon Yinka Dallas stood in for the Minister of state for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Onidugbe, in his remarks, said the dialogue was organized to raise awareness about the severity of the menace, share experiences and expertise, and collaborate on effective strategies and solutions.

He said it is unfortunate that social immoralities on campuses are on the high side, thereby undermining the efforts of the government and putting the students’ lives at risk. He said there is the need for all key stakeholders to join hands in protecting the students and ensuring their success.

CP Olaiya, for his part, said youth indulge in cultism and cyber crimes because they are in haste and desperate to achieve set goals, admonishing them to thread slowly.

“Some youths are too desperate to get things done. Don’t be in the fast lane. Try to stay on the slow but steady lane, because those who are on steady lane win the race,” he said, pledging to continue to work to rid the state of all forms of crime.

A University don, Prof Mary Fajonyomi, in her lecture, said cyber crimes, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other forms of social immoralities are largely bred from “sick” homes, where she noted, lack the good morals.

Fajonyomi, who decried how poor parenting is fast crippling the society, and tasked all parents and guardians to be alive to their duties by properly monitoring their children, and guide their steps to succeed and become useful.

Adeyemi, in his contribution, said it is important for parents to ensure that their children are properly guided on the use of social media, failing which he said can expose them wrongly.

Prince Momoh Olugbenga, who represented the Minister of Youth Development, commended the state government for its commitment to youth development and how it continues to groom them for a better future.

He said the Federal Government is committed to engaging Nigerian youth positively through training and restraining in entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

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Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message

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SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.It was Idris Elba.Ten Of Us NowThe award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”Africa’s Greatest World Cup?The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.Every Match, Every ScreenAll 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Receives Nigerian Air Force Delegation in Gusau to Strengthen Security, Combat Terrorism

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Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal P.hD, received a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.

The visit featured a presentation and inspection of key military air assets, including a combat-equipped helicopter designed for rapid response and real-time operations.

The Governor, alongside top government officials and security chiefs, was briefed on the aircraft’s capabilities, operational features, and its role in tackling banditry and other security challenges.

During the session, Air Force personnel demonstrated key features of the aircraft, including weapon systems and surveillance technology, highlighting its effectiveness in reconnaissance and combat missions.

Governor Lawal expressed strong interest, inspecting the equipment and asking questions about deployment and coordination with ground forces.

He commended the Federal Government and Air Force leadership for their commitment to restoring peace in Zamfara and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting all security agencies through collaboration and strategic initiatives.

The visit marks a significant step toward enhancing aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Zamfara, reflecting renewed progress in addressing insecurity in the state.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 120-Day Rapid Intervention Plan to Revamp Zamfara’s Educational Sector

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Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing systemic failures in Zamfara State’s education sector.

The Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key decisions were taken.

During deliberations at the 65th Council meeting, issues related to education, health, works, and other sectors were discussed and approved.

The Council endorsed a 120-day rapid intervention plan built on prior diagnostic activities conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, includes payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It proposes targeted, time-bound interventions across governance, infrastructure, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare.

The Council also approved the formation of a joint committee to immediately assess all illegal or unapproved structures built around schools in the state, with a view to relocating them and securing school environments. The committee will be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST).

Additionally, the Council approved a single, unified Education Sector Bill (covering Early Childhood Care Development Education to Tertiary level), to be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agencies, institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and development partners. A draft bill will be presented to the State House of Assembly for enactment within the emergency timeframe.

The Governor further approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, labourers, gardeners, cooks, guards, drivers, health workers, and artisans—from the Ministry’s payroll to appropriate MDAs (CPG, MoH, Establishment) or private firms.

Among other important issues, the Council approved the composition of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency on Education and authorised the Committee to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) and co-opt stakeholders including the NUT, UNICEF, UBEC, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and CSOs.

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