Nigerians Will Reap The Rewards Of Our Policies – Tinubu

Nigerians will continue to reap the rewards of our administration’s new economic reforms after the time of sacrifice needed to transform the nation.

President Bola Tinubu made this known on Thursday in Lagos at a reception in his honour by the Lagos state government.

He said that these rewards would be replicated in all the states and local governments of the country through the active participation of all the three tiers of government.

He said that the administration would work tirelessly to ensure that the country is brought back from the economic brinks to that of economic resilience.

The president appreciated the governors and the members of the national assembly present at the event, adding that the solidarity must continue for the betterment of Nigerians.

“We will work together in an open door policy that will bring Nigeria from the brinks back to a resilient economy; be ready.

"You governors, I know what I am going to do from Monday, Tuesday, up. I want us to be partners so that we can rescue our country and make it whole again.

“We shall receive the joy of giving, the joy of perseverance, the joy of resilience and endurance. You will see the reward. For this country is going to be prosperous for us.

“I am happy that the legislature, the executive arms of government are here. I appreciate it and I will continue to appreciate it more when we work together to dissect the possible economic prospects of our nation in favour of our children.”

The president said he will not allow the country’s huge population to be disappointed because it was not an alternative for him.

“The reason you voted for me is to see changes that will affect not only you but your children and we are set to realise that by re-engineering the economy to exploit it full potential.”

Lagos State Releases 2023 Public Service Examination Results

Ministry of Education in Lagos state through its Examinations Board, has released the 2023 Public Service Examination results.

According to the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Candidates who wrote the examination can log in to the website with their username and password to print out their results slips.

The Director of Lagos State Examinations Board, Mrs. Abulu Cordelia announced the release of the results via a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

The board however, appealed to anyone having issues with their results to write a letter to the Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Ipaja Road, Agege.

The board’s statement reads “The Examinations Board hereby requests all Categories of Cadres in the State Public Service who duly participated in the Examination to kindly visit the Board’s Portal by login into: https://examsboard.lagosstate.gov.ng with their USERNAME and PASSWORD to print out their Results’ Slips for further necessary actions

“In the same vein, for the candidates who are having issues with the results are advised to write a letter to the Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Ipaja Road, Agege for necessary attention, the statement added.

PICTURES: GOV SANWO-OLU, FASHOLA, AMBODE AT STATE RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU HELD AT LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA, ON THURSDAY, 29TH JUNE 2023

L-R: Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Bola Tinubu and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) during a State reception in honour of the President, at the Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, 29 June 2023.

ICPC Accuses Ex-JAMB Registrar Of Forging Names To Commit Fraud

Corruption allegations against a former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde pile up as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) accused him of forgery.

The ICPC is currently prosecuting Ojerinde for alleged N5bn fraud.

Compounding the allegations against him, the anti-graft agency in a statement on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, accused the former JAMB boss of forging names to perpetrate fraud.

The agency alleged that Ojerinde “used several false names, aliases, and forged means of identification such as Akanbi Lamidi, Adeniyi Banji, Habibulahi Lamidi, Joshua Olaniran Olakuleyin, etc to perpetrate his corrupt practices through various bank accounts and still retains the resources and influence to evade justice.”

The ICPC also rejected a recent court ruling that ordered it to pay N1m damages to Ojerinde over his re-arrest on January 26 on the court premise.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja had maintained that the agency violated Ojerinde’s right to personal liberty and thus declared that his re-arrest and continued detention were illegal.

But in its statement on Wednesday, the ICPC rejected the ruling, saying it would challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

The agency added that Ojerinde’s re-arrest was based on a warrant issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

PICTURES: GOV SANWO-OLU, DEP GOV HAMZAT AT 60TH BIRTHDAY OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, MR BABATUNDE FASHOLA (SAN) IN LAGOS

PIX 2830/2837 L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu embraces the celebrant and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) during the 60^th birthday of Mr Fashola at his residence in Lagos, on Wednesday, 28 June 2023

                                                                  

PIX 3265 L-R: Wife of former Minister of Works and Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola; her husband/the celebrant, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr Ibijoke and Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat during the 60^th birthday of Mr Fashola at his residence in Lagos, on Wednesday, 28 June 2023

                                                                  

PIX 3152 L-R: Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the celebrant and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and others during the 60^th birthday of Mr Fashola at his residence in Lagos, on Wednesday, 28 June 2023   

  

                                                

NASS, Governors Assure President Tinubu Of Support

President Bola Tinubu has received the assurance of support from the leadership of 10th National Assembly and state governors on his Renewed Hope agenda.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio gave the assurance when a delegation of senators, governors and captains of industry paid Tinubu a Sallah courtesy visit on Wednesday in Lagos.

The Renewed Hope was Tinubu’s campaign agenda that touched all aspects of national life from economy, health, education, youth empowerment to international relations.

“The president has clearly shown a roadmap of his administration in the decisions taken within his first few days in office.

These decisions and policies are going to turn the fortunes of the country for good. The assembly will match such expeditious measures with its full legislative processes.

“I will like to assure Nigerians that whatever will improve their standards of living will receive the backing of the National Assembly,” he said.

Akpabio said that the assembly would hit the ground running immediately it resumes in order tofacilitate laws for the good of the country and its people.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo also said that states would match the speed of the Federal Government in the task of nation building.

He said that Tinubu has declared the intention to turn around the economic, legislative and judicial systems for the best, adding that the states were equal to the task.

“You can see that the impact of the president’s decision on subsidy removal and reversal of the multiple exchange rate regime has started impacting on the economy.

"It has received national and international recognition because it was a hindrance to the growth of the nation. We will just appeal to Nigerians to further be confident of the new administration.

“As he stated in his Sallah message, we all need to be united, work for peace and stability to attain a greater height in the comity of nations,” said Uzodinma, Chairman of Progressive Governors.

Similarly, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said that state governments would reciprocate the people-oriented policies of the Federal Government.

He said that Tinubu was already showing the way forward with his recent decisions and policies that states could key into.

“We have seen what he did in Lagos State as governor, which is still a model among other states. That surely will be replicated at the federal level.

“Lagos will continue to exploit the laudable programmes and policies of the Federal Government as a model to attaining a society of our dream,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Among those who visited Tinubu were the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Secretary to the Federal Government , George Akume and NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari.

Former governors of Kano and Kebbi, Abdullahi Ganduje and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively were also there.

MultiChoice Unveils Asisat Oshoala As Brand Ambassador

MultiChoice Nigeria has unveiled prolific Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, as brand ambassador. The partnership is part of the 'Here For Her' SuperSport campaign in support of female sports. 

Oshoala is one of the biggest football stars from the African continent. She is currently making waves with the Barcelona female team, winning the 2023 Women's UEFA Champions League and the Spanish League title. 

Speaking at the unveiling in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said the choice of Oshoala as brand ambassador was due to her passion and dedication for the game, which continues to inspire millions across the globe. 

"I am especially excited about our partnership with Asisat Oshoala, as I pride myself as an advocate for women, leading a team that comprises an equal split of men and women. We are patterning with Asisat as our brand ambassador, as part of our 'Here For Her' SuperSport promise supporting female sports, because she has proven to be a strong dedicated advocate for the sport, and has inspired millions with her skills, athleticism and grace - on and off the pitch.

"With this brand partnership,  we will continue to tell our truly authentic stories and sports forms a key part of that narrative, especially with the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup from July 20-August 20, 2023, across our SuperSport channels. We are here for the Super Falcons, we are here for Asisat," Ugbe said. 

Commenting on the partnership, Oshoala said the partnership is about giving hope to the younger generation.  "I really hope this will be a long term because I can see a lot of positivity at the beginning. This is not about me, but about the younger generation coming, the kids that will be hopeful for the future. I didn't have the opportunity to watch a lot of matches while growing up, but here I am, a MultiChoice ambassador. 

"It's amazing how female sports have grown.  We need to acknowledge the power of the media at promoting talents, and that is what MultiChoice has brought to us. I appreciate everyone that made this happen. The World Cup is here, MultiChoice will be showing all the matches, and I urge you all to support the Super Falcons," she said. 

Oshoala has enjoyed a spectacular career with loads of trophies and personal awards to her name. She was crowned the African female Football Player of the Year for 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019; won the Golden Ball at the 2014 African Women's Championship and the Golden Boot at the 2016 Africa Women's Championship. 

Her other personal awards include 2014 U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball; 2017 Chinese Women's League Top Scorer; Queen Of The Pitch Award 2014; BBC Footballer of the Year 2015 and Aiteo Award for Best CAF Player 2017. 

President Tinubu Prays At Dodan Barracks Praying Ground

President Bola Tinubu has joined other Nigerian Muslims to perform the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground in Lagos.

The president was accompanied by Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Babatunde Fashola, a former Lagos State Governor and other top government functionaries.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abu-Nolah, said that the festivity promotes the culture of sacrifice, unity and tolerance among the Muslim faithful.

“The religion does not permit the practice of selfishness, intolerance or sectionalism.

“We should use the occasion to reflect on the various challenges facing the country and use it to rectify whatever is our challenge through prayer to God Almighty.”

The Chief Imam prayed for the continued peace, progress and stability of Nigeria and called on all Nigerians to imbibe the values of Prophet Ibrahim. Mr Femi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the wellbeing of the country.

“We must sacrifice for the nation because praying and loving is part of our duty as citizens because it is what will make the nation great,” he said.

Gbajabiamila, in his speech, said that the president would continue to give hope to Nigerians by continuing to implement people-oriented policies. He said that the president would need the prayers of Nigerians to continue the various initiatives towards turning the country into the dream of our founding fathers.

“As the president returns Abuja, he will need your prayers and as he moves to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, he will also need your prayers.

“The weight of the task is daunting but with the prayers and support of all Nigerians, the president will surely surmount them,” he said.

Sterling Bank, SMEDAN To Create Nigeria's Largest SME Database

Lagos, Nigeria, 28 June 2023: One of Africa's fastest-growing companies, Sterling Bank, has recently signed an agreement with the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to establish a comprehensive database of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This will help in scaling intervention programs and providing tailored solutions that truly contribute to the growth of SMEs.

The signing ceremony took place in Lagos, where the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, expressed his optimism about the collaboration. He emphasised that genuine collaborations, driven by opportunity rather than regulation, often yield positive outcomes. He regarded this partnership as one of those promising ventures, highlighting that no external regulatory pressure compelled their cooperation.

Suleiman stressed the MoU’s significance while noting the critical role of data in economic development. He asserted that the agreement marks the beginning of a journey towards a formalised economy, enabling the government to intervene effectively when necessary. Suleiman also emphasised the importance of SMEs having access to capital based on their historical data. In order to do this, he stressed the importance of developing an atmosphere that motivates SMEs to self-report, even if it is just to be eligible for SMEDAN services. Furthermore, Suleiman emphasised that self-reporting is the initial step for small and medium businesses to become auditable institutions. 

Sterling Bank is committed to dedicating its resources to the success of the MoU and will advocate for government support of SMEs. Suleiman noted that the outcomes of this collaboration would benefit the entire banking industry, not just Sterling Bank.

Mr Olawale Fasanya, Director General of SMEDAN, expressed his appreciation for the bank's initiative and highlighted the MoU's immense value to SMEDAN's operations. Fasanya stressed the criticality of data to their activities, citing their recent online registration of SMEs. Despite registering approximately 3.8 million SMEs through this initiative, the data still requires cleaning. Fasanya emphasized that the availability of accurate data would enable SMEDAN to connect SMEs operating within the same market.

Mustapha Otaru, Chief Product Officer at Sterling Bank, described the bank's approach to managing SMEs as an ecosystem and emphasised the federal government's importance of collaboration with SMEDAN. He acknowledged that progress is impossible without such partnerships.

Otaru said that in addition to providing access to finance, Sterling Bank aims to nurture 

SMEs and support their growth from micro to corporate levels. The bank achieves this through innovative solutions such as its common facility for fashion entrepreneurs and special bundled offerings. Sterling Bank's products, according to Otaru, are strategically designed to align with its HEART (Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation) strategy, which the bank adopted in 2018 to focus its investments on key sectors of the economy.

Bolanle Tyson, the Head of SME Products at Sterling Bank, underscored the integral role of SMEs in economic growth. She expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with SMEDAN, envisioning a lasting collaboration that leverages combined resources to drive economic growth.

Benue State Workers Hail Governor Alia For Prompt Payment Of Salaries

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has fulfilled his promise to commence payment of salary to workers from June 25, 2023.

Recall that the previous administration led by Ortom defaulted in payment of salaries and arrears to Civil servants in the state.

The backlog of salary arrears was one of the factors responsible for the loss of Ortom-led Peoples Democratic Party in the last general elections.

However, Alia had, in his Democracy Day broadcast, promised to start payment of salary as from June 25.

A cross-section of workers, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday, expressed joy and commended the governor for honouring his words.

A staff member in the Ministry of Works, Tony Msugh,said, “I thank the governor for fulfilling his promise. Do you know that people started receiving alert since Sunday, which some of us never expected?

"Our prayer is that the state should not have the kind of leader we had in the past eight years."

BREAKING: FG Declares Wednesday, Thursday As Eid-el-Kabir Holiday

Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 28 and Thursday, June 29, as Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

The government announced this in a statement by a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade.

The statement reads in part, “The Federal Government has declared Wednesday June 28th and Thursday June 29th 2023 Public Holidays in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration and heartily felicitates with the Muslim Ummah at home and in the diaspora”.

Akinlade advised Nigerians “to make sacrifices for the growth and development of our communities and our great country, Nigeria”.

BREAKING: Tinubu Renames Airports After Buhari, Awolowo, Dan Fodio, More

In a significant development in the aviation sector, the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has announced the renaming of several federal airports in Nigeria.

The decision, aimed at honoring notable Nigerians, was revealed in a memo issued by the Federal Ministry of Aviation on June 1, 2023. Joke Olatunji, representing the Director of Airport Operations, signed the memo, which was made available to Channels Television on Monday, June 26, 2023.

According to the statement, the renaming of the airports is part of the government's ongoing reforms in the aviation sector. Notable figures from various fields have been chosen to immortalise their contributions to Nigeria's development. The renaming process aims to pay tribute to these individuals and promote their enduring legacies.

Among the airports renamed, the Maiduguri Airport, situated in Borno State, has been dedicated to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari. The Port Harcourt Airport in Rivers State now bears the name of the late nationalist Obafemi Awolowo. Additionally, the Nasarawa Airport has been immortalised in honor of Usman Dan Fodio, the esteemed founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.

The renaming initiative extends to other airports across the country as well. The Benin Airport, located in Edo State, now carries the name of the late Oba Akenzua II, honoring his remarkable contributions to the region. The Ebonyi Airport, situated in Ebonyi State, pays tribute to the late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo. The Ibadan Airport, in Oyo State, has been renamed after the late Premier of the old Western Region, Ladoke Akintola.

Here is the full list of renamed airports:

1. Akure Airport – Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu

2. Benin Airport – Oba Akenzua II

3. Dutse Airport – Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi

4. Ebonyi Airport – Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo

5. Gombe Airport – Brigadier Zakari Maimalari

6. Ibadan Airport – Samuel Ladoke Akintola

7. Ilorin Airport – Gen. Tunde Idiagbon

8. Kaduna Airport – Hassan Usman Katsina

9. Maiduguri Airport – Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

10. Makurdi Airport – Joseph Sarwuan Tarka

11. Minna Airport – Mallam Abubakar Imam

12. Nassarawa Airport – Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio

13. Osubi Airport – Alfred Diete Spiff

14. Port Harcourt Airport – Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo

15. Yola Airport – Lamido Aliyu Mustapha.

*Post No Debit: "Dead" Customer Recants, Thanks Polaris Bank For Protecting His Funds.*

A Polaris Bank customer Mr Anthony Olasele on Thursday, June 23, writing on his Twitter handle has, applauded the Bank for protecting his account.

Mr. Olasele, with Twitter handle @avogroovy, had on his last thread on May 16 alleged that Polaris Bank was "trying to steal millions from my account," while calling out the Bank to provide a copy of the court order from Abuja saying "I am dead and a hold (PND) should be placed on my account so I can go to the same court and show proof of life or lift the inactive status on my account."

The tweet caused an uproar on social media, leading many commentators on his thread to question the integrity of the Bank.

However, our social media tracker shows that the matter has now been resolved, with Anthony writing on Twitter to thank Polaris Bank, saying, "I am delighted to announce that the PND placed on @PolarisBankLtd account has been lifted and issues resolved amicably and I have access to my funds."

"Kudos to the @PolarisBankLtd team that worked assiduously on resolving this matter especially the Customer Care & Legal team that handled communication professionally and with urgency - you guys are champs and a shining light within your organization."

He stated that the matter has since been handed over to the police with a proper investigation underway, saying, "The matter is now in the hands of @PoliceNG and a suspect has been arrested last time I checked."

Meanwhile, Polaris Bank has responded to Anthony's tweet via her official Twitter handle @PolarisBankLtd "Thank you, @avogroovy, for your generous words. We sincerely value your feedback. As a responsible financial institution, we remain committed to safeguarding our customers' rights at all times. Our actions were solely aimed at ensuring the security of your funds, as this is the utmost priority for any reputable financial institution. 

Even at the expense of uninformed media attacks, we consistently go above and beyond to shield our customers from any potential fraudulent activities. Thank you."

This latest incident has been one of the many instances of people taking to social media to lodge service failure complaints quickly to resolve complaints within the service industry. Commercial Banks in Nigeria operate round-the–clock-all-week call centres where unhappy customers can voice and have their complaints amicably resolved.

While the popularity of using social media to lodge complaints may provide immediate relief for customers, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid hasty expressions of rage.

Unsubstantiated allegations can damage the reputations of brands and inadvertently harm the complaining customer's personal brand.

Shettima Decorates New Ag Customs CG, Adeniyi

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday decorated the newly appointed acting  Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Olusola Abiola, Director Information, Office of the Vice President, in a statement in Abuja, said the ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa.

The vice president described the appointment of  Adeniyi by President Bola Tinubu as morale booster for officers in the service.

“Congratulations for bringing professionalism back to the Nigerian Customs Service.

"Now, every Customs officer can aspire to occupy the pinnacle of his or her profession.

“I wish you well, on behalf of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Congratulations, once again,” Shettima said.

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the decoration  Adeniyi expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing a serving officer as the head of the agency.

He assured the president and Nigerians of a more effective and innovation driven NCS.

“In the last eight years, the NCS  has gone through a period of transition;  in some areas, we recorded progress – we made remarkable progress in e-Customs.

“We made a lot of breakthroughs in capacity building; but the NCS can still live to its full potentials when we bring in more innovation to drive Customs operations.

“These are the kind of things we are looking at in the years ahead; we are going to be professional in our approach; there are a number of key stakeholders that we are going to be working with.

“It is a very onerous task but we are going to be working alongside other stakeholders and partners that we have identified.

“We intend to come up with innovations that will carry along all partners and stakeholders,”  he said.

Adeniyi added that the service would leverage technology and innovation to break new grounds in its operations.

Police Bust Rail Line Vandals, Impound Conveyance Truck In Kaduna

Police Command in Kaduna State says its operatives have busted a rail line vandalism operation, impounded a conveyance truck, and recovered some exhibits.

This is contained in a statement by DSP Muhammad Jalige, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on Monday in Kaduna.

Jalige said that following credible intelligence, personnel of the command on June 22 at about 22:30 hours, busted a gang of rail line vandals.

“An unspecified number of unknown persons came to Sanzwan in Zonkwa, Zango Kataf Local Government Area, in an articulated vehicle (DAF) with reg no DAL 172 YL and vandalised about 600 pieces of railway slippers.

“On receipt of the information, Police personnel were quickly mobilised to the scene of the crime. On sighting the Police officers, the suspects fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle meant to convey the vandalised items,” he said.

The PPRO said so far no arrest had been made, adding that on June 25, two additional trucks fully loaded with railway slippers were equally recovered.

He said that efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects as the investigation was in progress.

“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Garba, commended the gallant personnel for halting the vandals’ activities while charging the public to always make credible information available on time,” Jalige said.

Sanwo-Olu Leads Awareness Walk Against Drug Abuse

….Over 90 Tons Seizures Made In One Year In Lagos - NDLEA Boss

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu (m); Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos State Command, Alhaji Umaru Isa Adoro (R); and Manager, Sustainability and Impact Reporting, MTN Foundation, Mr. Edward Fagbohun (L), during the awareness walk against drug abuse to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Saturday, 24th June, 2023.

 

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Saturday led an Awareness Walk against drug abuse and illicit dealing in narcotics organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

 

The walk was put together in partnership with telecommunication firm, MTN Nigeria Limited as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse which is celebrated annually on June 26.

 

The awareness walk commenced from the NDLEA’s Office located at 5, Jaguomi Street, Gbagada Phase 2, and ended at the Terminal 2 of Oshodi Transport Interchange.

 

According to Dr Sanwo-Olu, the war against Drug Abuse is a serious problem and needs to be tackled by all relevant stakeholders.

 

“We are very serious about the war against drug abuse in Lagos State. All over the world, June 26 is celebrated as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and the theme for this year is: “Together, we tackle the world’s drug problems”

 

“The war against drug abuse is not a war for just one person, it involves you and me, non-governmental agencies, students, elders amongst others. I, myself being a senior girl child, mother, medical practitioner, and First Lady of Lagos State finds it important that I take part in this exercise.

 

“Therefore, I encourage all women, mothers, and intending mothers to join forces to fight against drug abuse and illicit dealing in narcotics in all the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas and wards in Lagos State,” she said.

 

The First Lady commended NDLEA and all partners that supported the awareness campaign, just as she urged everyone to partake in the fight as the war against the menace should be and must be seen as everyone’s business.

 

Commander, Lagos Command of the NDLEA, Alhaji Umaru Isa Adoro said Lagos is crucial to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking because dealers come in through the state.

 

He commended the First Lady for her tremendous support and the Lagos State Government, saying their backing had enhanced the feat achieved in a short period of assumption of duty.

 

“Last week alone, this particular Command made a seizure of 2.4 tons of Canadian loud. As we were on it, our counterpart in the Marine unit made an arrest of over 2.1 tons of Canadian loud. These drugs were on the high sea and on their way to Lagos for onward distribution to other parts of Nigeria.

 

“If you look at the volume, in one week, we have about 4.5 tons. You can now imagine the number of tons that have been arrested in Lagos. Over 90 tons meant for consumption in Lagos State and other states have been arrested from last year till now,” Adoro said.

 

He added that barely in his 6 months in office from November 2022 till now, over 450 dealers were arrested, while over 20 tons of drugs have been removed from circulation.

 

“We have enjoyed enormous support from the office of the Governor and the First Lady because Nigeria cannot be Nigeria without Lagos State and Lagos Command has been working hard to make arrests and seizures at the drug dens,” he said.