NEWS
NDLEA arrests 150 drug traffickers in Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it arrested no fewer than 150 suspected drug traffickers between the months of July 2023 and June 2024.The State Commander of the NDLEA, Peter Onche-Odaudu made the disclosure at the grand finale of a week-long event to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lafia on Wednesday.Onche-Odaudu said that the suspects comprised 144 males and six females while 7,148.95 holograms of illicit drugs were seized within the period under review.According to the commander, the over seven tons of exhibit seized were made up of 7,037.2kg of Indian hemp, 0.011kg of Cocaine, 0.185kg of Methamphetamine and 111.53kg of sundry psychotropic substances.
“A very significant arrest and seizure is that of 4,037kg of Indian hemp in one fell swoop on Sunday, February 4, 2024.“This remains the single highest seizure of drugs in the history of the drug war in Nasarawa State. The suspects arrested and the 40-footer truck seized are being prosecuted and forfeited respectively,” he said.
The NDLEA commander in the state also said that within the period, 117 suspects were convicted to various jail terms at the Federal High Court, Lafia.
He added that the command, through its War Against Drug Abuse campaign, sensitised no fewer than 46,802 persons – 27,033 males and 19,769 females in schools, communities, workplaces and motor parks across the state.“As part of our rehabilitation programme, Eight male clients were taken into our facility, counselled and rehabilitated, 752 arrested suspects who were obvious drug users, were given brief counselling interventions and released to their families,” he said.Onche-Odaudu noted that the theme for the 2024 Drugs Day commemoration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” was instructive as it tallied with the ideal of the UN to prioritise prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation over punishment and incarceration.He attributed the feat recorded by the command in the drug war to the support from Governor Abdullahi Sule, his wife, Silifat Sule and the encouragement from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Retired Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa, as well as other stakeholders in the state.The NDLEA boss further appreciated the officers and men of the command for their bravery and commitment to the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which had yielded tremendous results in the state.
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NEWS
Governor AbdulRazaq inspects ongoing Kwara’s Indoor Sports Hall project
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited the Kwara Stadium Complex to evaluate the progress of the ongoing revival of the indoor sports hall.The rehabilitation and upgrade of the indoor sports complex began a few months ago after the Governor’s administration approved the project. The facility, which was last upgraded in 1991, is undergoing significant renovations awarded to Messr Disscom Ltd.Once completed, the indoor sports hall will join a number of other previously dilapidated sports facilities that Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has successfully rehabilitated in the past five years. Additionally, the administration has completed the construction of a modern table tennis hall and a squash court complex. Notably, the squash court complex is highly regarded in Nigeria and West Africa for hosting the highest number of modern squash courts in one location.
NEWS
Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him
The governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji has honoured the Primate Elijah Ayodele’s late father by naming a street after him in Ikere-Ekiti.The street which used to be ‘Area One’ where the prophet’s church in Ekiti is located has now been registered as Ayomate Avenue.According to reports, the renaming took the combined efforts of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Alagbado, his chiefs, the local government chairmen, and ultimately, the governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji.According to the governor, the street was named in recognition of the good works done by the late father of Primate Ayodele and the continuation of the good works by the prophet. He also recognized the efforts of the prophet to drive economic growth in the community.Primate Ayodele embraced the development while expressing appreciation to the governor for honouring God in such a manner. The prophet applauded the governor for his efforts towards bringing development to Ikere-Ekiti and promised that the presence of his church will in turn lead to more economic development in the local government.Furthermore, Primate Ayodele promised that he would begin by sinking boreholes across the local government to support the government in solving the water crisis.‘’I appreciate the governor for the magnanimous development of naming this vicinity after our church, it’s indeed marvellous in God’s sight. This is a testament to his love for God and the people of Ekiti state.”“I also want to appreciate him for the development he started in Ikere-Ekiti local government, the people are happy with him and above all, God is happy with him for all he is doing”“I want to promise His Excellency that our presence here will bring a new dawn to this vicinity, we will also assist the government. We will be sinking boreholes across the local government to solve the water crisis.’’History has it that Primate Ayodele’s father was one of the most respected individuals in Ikere-Ekiti who brought good tidings to the community and provided succour for individuals who needed help.Consequently, Primate Ayodele has been engaging in humanitarian activities on a large scale across the country. Since he opened a branch in Ikere-Ekiti, Primate Ayodele has organized charitable programmes thrice which involved selling a bag of rice for N20,000, scholarships for youths, empowerment for widows, to mention but a few.
NEWS
BREAKING: Gov Abdulrazaq approves bonus for Kwara workers to ease economic burden
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved a financial bonus that is equivalent to the monthly PAYE obligation for every civil servant in the state, including local government workers.
The emergency support measure will last for at least three months, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru.
“This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap that the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly implemented mininum wage. It is meant to serve as a soothing balm as workers adjust to the PAYE that was just correctly implemented in line with the Personal Income Tax Act,” she said.
“The payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December 2024. This is a significant step by His Excellency to support workers.”
The statement added that workers who have not registered with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so immediately because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December.
The statement said labour unions have also agreed to a refund of the special levy deducted from workers’ salary and suspension of deductions of same until further notice.
“Governor AbdulRazaq’s directive to deliver this relief speaks volumes about his humanity and his commitment to the welfare of Kwara workforce,” Dr. Nuru stated.
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