QATAR BASED DRUG LORDS ARRESTED AS NDLEA INTERCEPTS THEIR METHAMPHETAMINE CONSIGNMENT AT MMIA & LOTS MORE

19/06/23

PRESS RELEASE

Operatives Of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested Two suspected Qatar-Based Drug kingpins, Eyah Celestine Nnamdi, Alias Murphy and Ugwuoke Peter Oluchukwu .

The arrest is following the interception of their Methamphetamine consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.

According to the agency’s Spokesman Femi Babafemi, Ugwuoke was the first to be arrested on 9th June 2023 during the outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers at the Departure point, Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport.
NDLEA officers discovered that the suspect was travelling to Doha with an Ivorian International passport with the name Hien Narcisse.
A further scrutiny of his black carry-on luggage led to the Discovery of a false bottom concealment of two parcels of crystalline substance that tested positive to methamphetamine weighing 1.00kg.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a Nigerian who had gone to obtain an Ivorian passport for his travels.
He confessed that he travelled to Qatar in August 2022 and returned from the Arab nation about two months ago to perfect arrangement for the movement of the drug consignment.

A further probe led operatives to discover that his Qatar-based senior partner in the trade simply identified as Murphy was lurking around in Eziani, his home town in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State.
Ugwuoke, who hails from Igboeze North Local Government Area of the State claims he holds a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic Oko.

Babafemi explained that, prompt deployment of NDLEA operatives on 10th June to Eziani community of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, led to the arrest of ‘Murphy’ whose true identity was later discovered to be Eyah Celestine Nnamdi, who had lived in Indonesia for some years before relocating to Doha, Qatar.

In the same vein, Anti-narcotic officers of the Agency have arrested a female Pharmacist, Ikwebe Ori Hellen in Kaduna following her attempts to use forged documents to purchase and distribute six cartons of pentazocine injection with 2,000 ampules.

She confessed she used fake documents of a Kaduna hospital to order the drug, which she planned to distribute in Kaduna, Abuja and Sokoto.

The consignment was initially intercepted at the local wing of the MMIA, Ikeja while being sent to Kaduna by a freight agent.

Also, the NDLEA operatives in Niger state have seized a total of 1,072 kilograms of cannabis in two raids.

On Thursday 15th June, 726kg of the illicit substance was recovered at Oyoyo filling station along Kaduna – Abuja express road where four suspects: Aminu Mohammed, 50; Nasiru Mohammed, 30; Rabiu Haruna, 29, and Hamza Abubakar, 18 were arrested. The following day, 16th Friday, operatives intercepted a Mercedes 1422 truck marked MKD 116ZM on its way from Umunede, Delta state with gallons of palm oil to be delivered at Garki market in Abuja.
However, the truck driver, Jekwe Udenze, 38, along with his two assistants: Gabriel Nzekwube, 43, and Chima Uzoma, 42, stopped over at Uromi, Edo State and loaded 19 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 346kg, to be delivered at Dumez Luxury Park along Kaduna road, Suleja to Ignatius Mokwe, 47. Both the driver and his two assistants as well as the owner of the illicit consignment, Ignatius Mokwe have been arrested.
Meanwhile, a total of 30.9 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed in Delta, Edo and Ondo in the past week. I

In Delta state, 18 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed on Monday 12th June in Umuchime village, Ogume, Ndokwa West LGA by NDLEA operatives supported by soldiers. Four suspects arrested on the farms include two men and two women: Kingsley Atuola, 40; Okikiolu Adekunle, 44; Osai Doris, 40, and Ublenu Joy, 28.

In Edo state, operatives on Wednesday 14th June stormed Awakpa forest in Owan West LGA where they arrested Malachy Amaechi; Nanmua Peter; Ojo Momoh; Afam Luke and John Danladi who were apprehended inside a hut located on 2.5 hectares of cannabis farm, which was destroyed and 102 kilograms of the substance already harvested recovered. Another farm measuring 1.294870 hectares was also destroyed with the three farms razed totalling 3.978217 hectares.

Similarly, operatives on Saturday 17th June raided the house of a dealer, Godwin Ejiro, 45, at Uyiwnendi community, Ikpoba Oka LGA, where quantities of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin, meth, swinol and cannabis were recovered. In Ondo state, John Emmanuel, 30, was arrested at Ofosu, with 81kg cannabis on Thursday 15th June while operatives on same day nabbed Gideon Akoh at Ala forest where a total of nine hectares of farm were destroyed and 12kg harvested substance recovered.

While 93.7kg of the psychoactive substance was evacuated from a shop in Enugu metropolis on Saturday 17th June, a wanted notorious dealer, Kwada Vendi, 37, was arrested with 30.6kg cannabis at Mamari, Maiduguri, Borno state on Tuesday 13th June. In Bauchi state, 87,000 pills of tramadol and exol-5 were recovered from a suspect, Tony Ogbonna, 40, by NDLEA operatives at Yelwa, Bauchi town on Saturday 17th June.

A total of 13,800 pills tramadol consignment abandoned by a suspect going to Geidam, Yobe State was recovered at Yankaba Park, Kano on Wednesday 14th June, while same day in Benue state, a suspect, Chidera Gabriel was arrested with 22,100 pills of the same pharmaceutical opioid at an NDLEA check point in Vandeikya.

PUBLIC NOTICE : TRAFFIC DIVERSION BY JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA ALONG THE LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAYS.

19/06/23

PRESS RELEASE

In continuation of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway,
the traffic has been diverted from linking the expressway at New Garage Lagos.

Traffic from Isheri Olowora passing through River Valley Estate to link the expressway.

Inward lagos have been diverted to pass through Babcock College, opposite Enyo filling station to link the expressway and drive into Lagos.

Alternatively, they could pass through Ojodu and make u-turn in front of FRSC Ojodu to link the Expressway at BRT Bus-stop.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu while directing the FRSC Commands along the corridor to ensure minimum hardship on behalf of commuters also enjoins the motoring public along the route to Exercise maximum patience and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies along the said routes .

ACM Bisi Kazeem fsi
Corps Public Education Officer

2023 FATHER’S DAYS : OBASEKI COMMENDS SACRIFICES OF MEN IN SUSTAINING FAMILIES

BENEDICTA T.D

18/06/23

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has applauded Fathers for their sacrifices and roles in maintaining the family unit and contributing to the development of society.

In Press Statement to mark the 2023 Father’s Day, Governor Obaseki assured that his Administration will continue to ensure reforms and programmes to open up more Economic Opportunities so that Fathers can satisfactorily meet up to their responsibilities amid the current Economic Realities.

The Governor noted that men play critical roles in homes, Workplaces and society and deserve praise for their indispensable role in shaping families and society.

He also noted that the State Government is well aware of the Economic challenges faced by Families in recent times, particularly due to the increase in the prices of goods and services following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government and is committed to easing this Burden

Father’s Day is Marked on the 20th Of June Annually to appreciate the Roles Men Play in the Society

NAFDAC SET FOR MALARIA VACCINE CLINICAL TRIAL All OVER NIGERIA…

20/06/23

GABRIEL O.G

PRESS RELEASE

LR: Director, Veterinary Medicines and Allied Products (VMAP) National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, Mrs Sonny Afoekelu Uchenna Marilyn, Managing Director/CEO of Embassy Pharmaceuticals, Sir Pharm Nnamdi Obi, Director General, NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, Pharm Kunle Ademola, of NIROPHARM and Director, Pharmacovigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance (PV/PMS), Dr. Momodu Rametu, at the NAFDAC Pharmacovigilance Inspection Interactive Session with Pharma Stakeholders in Lagos on Friday.


NAFDAC TO COMMENCE GOOD PHARMACOVIGILANCE INPECTIONS,SENSITIZES PHARMA STAKEHOLDERS ON REPORTING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS/ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATION ADR/AEFI

… Set for Malaria Vaccine Clinical Trial All Over Nigeria.


The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has mandated the Pharmaceutical Industry in Nigeria to establish Pharmacovigilance Surveillance department as the Agency is set for full implementation of PV across the country.


The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, dropped the hint on Friday at the Pharmacovigilance Inspection interactive session with Pharma Stakeholders in Lagos, where she also disclosed the preparedness of the nation to begin Malaria Vaccine Clinical trial in its resolve to exterminate malaria scourge in Nigeria.


The NAFDAC Boss further explained that the Pharmaceutical Industry must put structures in place to ensure adequate monitoring of their products throughout the supply chain.
She however, added that they must have strategies, goals, and clear objectives that will ensure the safe use of their products.


In a statement by the NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Prof Adeyeye pointed out that the MAHs must as a matter of importance train and further engage all relevant stakeholders along their supply chain on the need for pharmacovigilance and use of relevant reporting platforms for reporting ADRs/AEFIs to the Agency.

According to her, the sustained safety of medical products in Nigeria lies on a vast array of stakeholders and it has become imperative to continually improve on our pharmacovigilance processes for safety monitoring.
She also noted that the various Public Health programs involved in the importation of medical products for use in their respective programmes are regarded as marketing authorization holders for their products and she therefore encouraged them to establish and identify key personnel that will coordinate the activities of pharmacovigilance within their programmes.


She however noted that the six Pharmacovigilance Centers established across the six geopolitical zones of the country will be strengthened further to serve as convergence centers from the States to the Centre and most importantly from the communities to the States to the Centers. She said those centers that have been approved should also be involved, as she vowed to take charge of strengthening them personally..


She explained that Community Pharmacists are strategic in this call because they reach the populace more than any other sector with impressive records.

She noted that since community pharmacists are also involved with immunization delivery services, it has become imperative that their pharmacovigilance system should be inspected to ensure compliance with PV regulations and guidelines.
Going down the memory lane, Prof. Adeyeye said NAFDAC since its inception had engaged in some level of activities towards ensuring the safe use of medical products in-country. She stated that in recent times, pharmacovigilance has been brought to the fore with the COVID-19 pandemic and the key role that the African Union smart safety surveillance (AU 3S) played in assuring safety of products used in the pandemic within the member countries including Nigeria.


The AU-3S programme, led by African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), aims to create a sustainable continental safety monitoring system to improve the safety of priority medical products for patients across Africa.

The AU-3S coordinated surveillance system was piloted with the COVID 19 vaccines in the five member countries with the goal of future continent-wide safety surveillance of other medical products.



INDONESIA DONATES 1.58M DOSES OF PENTAVALENT VACCINES TO NIGERIA

19/06/23

CREDIT:NAN

Delivering the items at a ceremony on Friday in Abuja, Dr Usra Harahap, Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, said the gesture was a testimony to the strong bond existing between both countries.

Usra added that the two countries share a common commitment to sustaining the well-being of their citizens.

According to him, one of the most significant developments in public health has been the production of the pentavalent vaccine with a view to preventing diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis-B, and Hemophilus influenzae type B that include five critical vaccines.

He said, “The burden of these preventable diseases will be greatly lessened as a result of this thorough immunisation, especially among the most vulnerable populations, such as newborns and young children.

“The pentavalent vaccines are produced by Indonesian manufacturer PT. Biofarma and a total of 1,580,000 doses of Pentavalent Vaccines have been donated by Indonesia to Nigeria through the Indonesian Aid Agency.

“I am delighted to inform you all that for this donation – a total of 730,000 doses – arrived in Nigeria on May 30, 2023 and a total of 850,000 arrived on June 14, 2023, to make a total of 1,580,000 doses of vaccines.

“All these donations are to improve the healthcare system and increase immunisation coverage for every child in Nigeria to grow up safe and healthy.

“We are delivering these pentavalent vaccines with utmost faith and confidence in Nigeria’s capability to distribute and administer them effectively; we have complete confidence in your passion, knowledge and dedication to preserving the health of your people.”

He expressed the hope that the pentavalent vaccines would deepen ties and global health cooperation, to ensure a world where everyone is healthier, safer, more resilient and happier.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive-Director/CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Government for the donation of the vaccines.

He said the vaccines received were more than just vials of Medicine as they represent hope, protection, and the promise of a brighter future for children.

He said that partnership between both countries brought about the donation of 1,580,000 doses of lifesaving Pentavalent vaccines, to support Nigeria’s Routine Immunization programme.

“The donated vaccines will be distributed to healthcare centres throughout Nigeria to ensure they reach as many children as possible.

Particularly, those in remote and underserved communities, where they will be instrumental in preventing countless cases of debilitating and life-threatening diseases among the most vulnerable members of our society.

“We will be guided by accessibility, equity, and efficiency. We firmly believe every child, regardless of their background or geographic location, should have equitable access to life-saving vaccines. We will leave no child behind.

“We will emphasize the importance of vaccine education and dispel misconceptions or hesitancy surrounding immunization; through transparent communication and community engagement, we aim to build trust and confidence for the safety and efficacy of these Vaccines ” Shuaib said.

He commended the Indonesian government for the donation, saying it marked the interest of Indonesian-Nigeria and their commitment to global health.

In his remark, Dr Walter Kazadi, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) commended the gesture by government of Indonesia to have marked deviation from past achievements in healthcare donation.

According to him, today we saw example of triangular South-South Cooperation, “We thank the government of Indonesia for this gesture, Nigeria is in dire need of vaccines to close the gap of zero dose children”.

“We believe your contribution will go a long way as Nigeria is accelerating to close the gap, it is very important for us, especially the United Nations Agencies.

“To show that we fully support the avenue of South-South collaboration, we have suffered from injustice with COVID-19 vaccination, for so long.

“We hope beyond this gesture there will be more collaboration to strengthen our capacity for local manufacturing of Vaccines in our respective countries,” Kazadi said.

CUSTOMS SEIZES SMUGGLED ITEMS VALUED ₦22.8M IN ADAMAWA

19/06/23

CREDIT:NAN

DANIELS O G

The Adamawa and Taraba Area Command of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has seized smuggled items with Duty Paid Value of ₦22.89 million in the last six weeks.

He said the seized petroleum product would be auctioned, in accordance with NCS Standard Operating Procedure.

The Area Comptroller, Salisu Abdullahi-Kazaure, made this known while briefing newsmen in Yola on Friday.

According to him, the command made Sixteen seizures from May 6th to June 16th.

Abdullahi-Kazaure said the seized items included 494 bags of NPK fertiliser, 14,980 liters of petrol in Jerry cans and drums, and three Vehicles used for smuggling activities.

Others, items seized are 90 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice from Cameroon and 960 pieces of foreign soap.

He explained that the seized petroleum product would be auctioned, in accordance with NCS Standard Operating Procedure.

Abdullahi-Kazaure said though fertiliser was not a contraband, it was seized because some criminals were using it to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices.

ASARI DOKUBO VISITS ASO ROCK PROMISES SUPPORT FOR TINUBU AGAINST OIL THEFT

19/06/23

Credit: Pulse Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has received support from the people of Niger Delta region in his fight against oil theft in order to improve the nation’s economy.

Asari Dokubo, a Niger Delta activist, gave the support assurance when he visited the president on Friday in Abuja.

Dokubo said that the resources in the region was being hijacked by a few Nigerians and their cohorts against the greatest interest of the citizens.

He said Niger Delta activists would ensure that the wealth of the people was used judiciously for the common good of the region and its people.

“We know that oil theft is an organised racket by some powerful people, including military personnel who give directives from Abuja. We have been saying this a long time ago and many Nigerians do not understand the politics in oil theft.

“I told the president that we know the people involved in this theft. Here was a crime being conducted within metres away from security posts of personnel sent to guard these oil installations.

“These security agents were able to intimidate other legally-recognised agencies mandated to guard these installations. We need to speak out against these elements and stop the bleeding of the economy,” he said.

Dokubo said that he had extensive discussion with the president, and assured that very soon the bad eggs in the system would be flushed out to give way for sanity in the Niger Delta region.

He said that the nation should not be held hostage again by a few individuals and groups who have no interest in the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria generally.

“I will work with all stakeholders to see that oil theft is brought to zero level and also fight other crimes against the wellbeing of the economy of the country in the region,” Dokubo vowed.

REPS KICK AGAINST MOTION SEEKING TO STOP NIGERIAN YOUTHS FROM LEAVING THE COUNTRY

16/06/23

SHINA J.O

Members Of Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Thursday kicked against a motion seeking to stop Nigerian Youths from leaving the country in search of greener pastures.

This followed the presentation of a motion by a member Representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Phillips Agbese, on the urgent need to declare emigration of young Nigerians Abroad a National emergency.

According to him, those leaving the country cut across the Poor and middle class who possess skills, including Bankers, Lecturers, Health care practitioners, Doctors, Nurses and other trained manpower,all of whom were trained in the country.

The lawmaker in his motion said there was a rapid increase in the number of young Nigerians leaving the nation compared to the number captured in 2019, by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

However member representing Jibia/Kaita federal constituency of katsina state , Sada Soli,  argued that the motion was against the provisions of the constitution which provides that it’s within the rights of a Nigerian, if he is qualified, normal and has all the grant rights, to move to anywhere he wants.

The motion was stepped down by the house after the speaker , Tajudeen Abbas put it to a voice vote.

FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA, TUBERCULOSIS & AIDS,FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SEEKS SUSTAINED INTERVENTION FROM GLOBAL FUNDS

PRESS RELEASE

Credit: NAN

16/06/23

Nigeria’s Government has sought for a sustained intervention from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in consolidating its gain in the fight against the scourge of malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, made the appeal while receiving in audience the delegation from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) led by the Acting Chairman of Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism for Nigeria, Ayo Ipinmoye in his Office.

Having thanked the funding organisation for its immense contributions in stemming the tide of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the country, he sought for more intervention from the Global Fund to enable it stamp out the dreaded diseases.


“Your intervention in Tuberculosis and Malaria are very much welcome”

I also learnt that you intervened in the prevalence of AIDS, I know it has really gone down, but there are some little signs that it has not yet completely been eliminated. We are very much on course and immensely appreciate the support as We need this intervention to continue.”

He assured that the Global Fund of its commitment to fight against the tripartite diseases and optimal utilisation of the funds dedicated for the project. He added that his office will continue to collaborate with the organisation to ensure the implementation of the intervention.

Speaking earlier, the Country Portfolio Manager, Nigeria, Dr. Jean-Thomas Nouboussi Congratulated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the Global Fund has approved about $1 billion for Nigeria as part of its grant to assist the country in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV/AIDS for the next three years- with the implementation plan commencing from January 2024. He also added that out of approximately 110 countries, Nigeria is the highest beneficiary of the Global Fund grants.

Dr. Nouboussi said that Global Fund is working with Country Coordinating Mechanism in ensuring equitable disbursement of fund to countries affected countries in the fight against tuberculosis, AIDS and malaria around the globe. He therefore sought the support of the SGF to ensure speedy implementation of the funding to Nigeria in the fight against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in the country.

He commended the Federal Government for the success it recorded in the fight against the three dreaded diseases, with emphasis on tuberculosis, which according to him, is one of the countries that have achieved great feat on the treatment of tuberculosis.

The Global Fund was launched in 2002 as the result of a global consensus that a new mechanism was needed to finance a massive and rapid international effort to drive back AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria – three diseases which stand as some of the greatest impediments to the sustainable development of much of the world.

Willie Bassey
Director, Information
15th June, 2023

APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ADVISERS BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU

PRESS RELEASE

15/06/23

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the following as Special Advisers:

1.Mr. Dele Alake

Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy

  1. Mr. Yau Darazo

Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs

  1. Mr. Wale Edun

Special Adviser, Monetary Policies

  1. Mrs. Olu Verheijen

Special Adviser, Energy

  1. Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji

Special Adviser, Revenue

  1. Mr. Nuhu Ribadu

Special Adviser, Security

  1. Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu

Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment.

  1. Dr (Mrs.) Salma Ibrahim Anas

Special Adviser, Health

Abiodun Oladunjoye

Director Information

State House

June 15, 2023