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NDLEA Engages State, LG Governments Over Youth Employment To Tackle Drug Abuse

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In it’s efforts to limit the usage of drugs among the youths and also control it’s spread, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has initiated engagement with states and local governments in the country on the need to gainfully engage their youths.

 

The Media Director of NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi

 

 

Speaking on Ajoro, a public enlightenment program on Miliki 101.3 FM on Tuesday, as monitored by the column.ng , the Media Director of the Drug control agency, Mr Femi Babafemi said that unemployment has been identified as a major catalyst to the growing patronage of the illicit substance among the youth. He said it has been discovered by the agency over time that, most drug abuse victims crave the habit not out of interest in drug usage, but because of idleness.

 

 

To this end, he said the agency has initiated a joint intervention committee with states and local governments, primarily, to fashion out means of engagements for their youths, to gainfully engage and discourage them from
taking drug, by the provision of Skill acquisition centers and small scale businesses for them.

 

 

Babafemi explained that engaging the youth has become imperative, not only to discourage them from engaging in drug usage, but to also serve as a sure means of rehabilitation for those who have been rehabilitated, but continue to go back to drug use because of joblessness.

 

 

The Media Director revealed that the agency has rehabilitated 33, 000 victims in the last three years in it’s about 20 rehabilitation centers across the country. He said within the same space of time,52,000 people have been removed from the streets while as many as 9,000 have been prosecuted.

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Kinsmen Defend INEC Boss, Calls For National Restraint

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PRESS STATEMENT
From: Okun Development Association (ODA)

 

The Okun Development Association (ODA), on behalf of Okun sons and daughters worldwide, extend sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
GCFR, for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, as Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral Commission. (INEC). We receive this decision as a clear
endorsement of competence and character, and as a call to national service, anchored on
merit. The confidence reposed in Prof. Amupitan SAN, is an honour to Okunland, to Kogi
State, and to every Nigerian who believes that public office should reward integrity and
capacity.

ODA declares, without reservations, our unflinching support for Prof. Joash Amupitan
SAN, as he assumes leadership of INEC at a defining moment in our nation’s democratic
journey. His public and academic record reflect uncommon discipline, fidelity to due
process, and abiding respect for institutions. In every assignment he has handled, Prof.
Amupitan SAN, has shown the temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage
required to manage sensitive national duties with fairness and firmness. We are assured
that these qualities will guide his stewardship of the Commission.

Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, personifies the values Okunland holds dear: honesty, hard
work, humility, and service above self. As a scholar, he has raised generations of
Nigerians who today serve in critical sectors of our society. As an administrator, he has
built systems that outlast individuals.

His commitment to strong, impartial institutions is exactly what INEC requires to
consolidate public trust. We are confident that under his leadership, the Commission will
discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, and that his tenure will
strengthen the credibility of our electoral process.

ODA is mindful that the office of INEC Chairman will always attract intense public
scrutiny. While such scrutiny is part of democracy, we respectfully remind all
stakeholders, political actors, and concerned citizens that Nigeria’s constitutional order
provides established channels for resolving disputes. We therefore urge any aggrieved
parties to ventilate their concerns through the appropriate legal and institutional
mechanisms. We call for restraint in public commentary and ask all Nigerians to grant
Prof. Amupitan the calm and institutional space needed to serve the nation with neutrality,
courage and desired result.

The Okun Development Association reaffirms its commitment to national unity,
democratic stability, and the success of the Tinubu administration. We assure the
President and the Nigerian people that Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, will discharge his
responsibilities with honour, will bring credibility and candour to his office, to Okunland,
and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We request the prayers and goodwill of all citizens
as he undertakes this solemn duty for the nation.

God bless Okunland.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Amb. (Chief) Akenson Rotimi
President General,
Okun Development Association.
President-General: Amb. Akenson Rotimi
08075259447

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Egunjobi’s Track Record of Road Development Strengthens Reps Bid – Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola

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Former Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Kola Egunjobi, has emerged as a strong contender for the House of Representatives, with his extensive record of road construction and rehabilitation projects widely cited as a key reason he deserves to represent Agege Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber.

 

During his tenure in Agege, Lagos State, Egunjobi initiated and delivered a broad range of road projects aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating local economic activities.

These projects, executed through new construction, rehabilitation, and interlocking stone paving, were strategically spread across the council area to address critical infrastructure gaps and long-standing community needs.

Notably, his administration constructed several new roads, including: Awori/Adesokan Street, Union Road in Dopemu, Alagbigba Street with streetlights, and Taiwo Street, also equipped with streetlights.

Similarly, Oniwaya Market Road, Sanni Omomeji Street, Abudu Oladejo Street, Shodipo Street, Ishola Yusuf Street, and Ogunjobi Street were completed, thereby easing movement and enhancing commercial access within key parts of the locality.

Furthermore, the administration rehabilitated Ashade Ogba Road, while also extending development to: Majaro Street, Oshungboye Keke Road, Humani Street, Onibeju Street, Imam Ojoku Street, Alowonle Street, and Ajibose Street. In the same vein, projects such as Elicana Phase 1, Ajakaiye Street, Arigidi/Sonaya Street, Adegbola Street, Adeniyi Street, Onilude Street, Okanlawon Street, Old Union Street, Onafuwa Street, and Abolore Phase 1 were successfully delivered.

In addition, construction works covered Anuoluwapo Street, Ashafa Street, Oredapo Street, Mayaka Street, Sarumi Alawo Street, Akerele Street, Ashiata Street, Abeje Street, Ashaolu Street, and Kosoko Street.

Significantly, Adebari Street was both constructed and interlocked, while Olowo Street benefitted from a combination of construction, installation of streetlights, and the provision of a security house, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure and safety.

Residents and stakeholders have continued to acknowledge the impact of these projects.

A community leader noted that the roads “greatly improved accessibility and supported economic activities across several neighbourhoods,” adding that many previously inaccessible areas have now been opened up.

Consequently, political observers maintain that Egunjobi’s infrastructure footprint underscores his administrative capacity and grassroots appeal.

They argued that his performance in office provides a solid foundation for legislative representation.

As the contest for the Green Chamber intensifies, supporters insist that his track record in road development remains a defining factor, positioning him as a candidate capable of attracting meaningful progress and sustained development for Agege at the national level.

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 65th Independence: Nigerians Wants INEC Chair Elected, Genuine Corruption Fight.

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Nigerians have unanimously demanded for a combative approach to eliminating corruption in the country for her to record a post 65th independence success, even as it was suggested that, the office of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be made elective instead of being by appointment by the President.

The demand was made this morning on Miliki 101.3 FM ,as listeners made contributions on a program flagging off activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary on the station .

On the program monitored by thecolumn.ng, the majority of the speakers stated that the country will only continue to count years without any tangible achievement for as long as corruption continue among the citizens.

Though some guests admonished that moving forward, the country should reduce her concentration on oil, improve on its security status and eliminate touting in the transportation sector to ensure moderate pricing of farm produce, majority of the speakers however insisted that conscious efforts should be made to eliminate corruption in the system failure of which the country will continue to retrogress.

The tone for the zero corruption demand was set by one of the callers, who introduced himself as Kaymus, following which Other speakers maintained the same line, insisting that the anti graft agencies in the country should be well equiped to confront the problem which they claimed has assumed a cankerworm status.

A lone voice among the speakers who advocated that the constitution should be reviewed for Nigeria to progress, also suggested, that Nigerians should henceforth elect the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as against the present practice where occupants of the office are appointed by the president for the country to record a credible electioneering process.

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