News
NDLEA seizes 6,975.6kgs of illicit drugs in Plateau in 2 years
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that the agency seized a total of 6,975.6 kilogrammes of illicit drugs across Plateau in the last two years.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retired), disclosed on Thursday in Abuja when Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited him.
Marwa listed the drugs seized to include cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, among others.
He stated that the seizures led to the arrest of 1,720 suspects, of whom 156 were convicted while the trials of others were ongoing.
The NDLEA chairman commended the governor for his commitment to ensuring peace, security of life, and property on the Plateau.
Marwa urged the governor to support a standard rehabilitation centre and activate drug control committees at the state, local government, and community levels to further strengthen the agency’s drug demand reduction efforts.
He urged Mutfwang to also adopt a drug testing policy in schools, homes, and communities across the state.
Mutfwang, who spoke earlier, commended Marwa’s leadership skills in the turnaround and performance of the NDLEA since he assumed the chairmanship of the agency in 2021.
“We’ve closely followed your performance, and we can say that since you came on board, NDLEA has gone about its functions with more vigour and determination.
“And I know that quite a lot of the people who profit from trading illicit drugs have not found it easy since you came on board.
“I am here because we are genuinely concerned about the impact that substance abuse and trading in illegal drugs are having on our state, and we want to seek better ways of collaboration.
“We will continue to look for ways and means of trying to reduce the influence of substance abuse in our society.
“And one very critical thing is that while we have paid a lot of attention to the demand side, to the user, we need to look again at the supply side.
“On our part as a state, we are willing to be able to collaborate more with you and make sure that we reduce this menace to the barest minimum. And so, we’ve come today just to reinvigorate that cooperation.
“So far, we have enjoyed the cooperation of your staff, and we want to continue to do more, share intelligence, and see how we can collaborate,” he stated.
The management team of the NDLEA and Governor of Plateau State Governor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor and the NDLEA chairman agreed to strengthen collaboration between the state government and the NDLEA.
The collaboration aims to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
News
Okpebholo nominates Cyril, Oshiomhole’s son, as health commissioner
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has nominated Cyril Oshiomhole, a medical doctor, as the commissioner of health.
Cyril is the son of Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo, now a serving senator.
The commissioner nominee earned his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He has a master’s degree in public health and majors in environmental health, toxicology, and disaster management.
Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Tuesday that the governor also nominated Samson Osagie, a former member of the national assembly, as the attorney-general and commissioner for justice.
“On the new state attorney-general, Dr. Samson Osagie is a private legal practitioner having been called to the Nigerian Bar on March 22nd, 1995,” the statement reads.
He is also the current vice president of the African Bar Association (West African Region),” the statement reads.
“He was a two-term member of the Edo state house of assembly and also the house of representatives, where he rose to the position of the minority whip.
Itua said the Osagie and Oshiomhole’s names would be forwarded to the Edo state house of assembly for confirmation.
He added that Okpebholo also announced the appointment of Musa Ikhilor as the secretary to the state government (SGG).
“Barrister Ikhilor has over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking procedure and processes, constitutional drafting and amendment, and general legislative governance issues working in various capacities at the national assembly,” Itua said.
“Barr. Ikhilor is active in business, corporate legal practice, and social works, where he serves as the managing partner of Springfield Legal Consult and as the executive director and board of trustees member of the Amana Legacy Foundation.”
News
Okpebholo, Idahosa sworn in as Edo governor, deputy
Monday Okpebholo has been sworn in as the governor of Edo State after months he was elected to take over from Godwin Obaseki, who has completed his second term in office.
The Chief Justice of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, administered the oath to the governor and deputy governor at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where they pledged to uphold the constitution and work for the well-being of the people of Edo State.”
Dignitaries including vice president Kashim Shettima, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo, and other governors from the APC were in attendance as Okpebholo took the oath of office.
News
Nigerian Defence Academy opens applications for 77th regular course
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially opened online applications for the 77th Regular Course, providing opportunities for both male and female Nigerian candidates to enroll in military and academic training programs.
The application window, which began on November 6, 2024, will remain open until April 30, 2025 and successful applicants will undergo both academic and military training as Officer Cadets at the NDA for a period of five years.
Upon completion, cadets will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study and will also receive a Presidential Commission into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
NDA is partnering with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the admissions process hence applicants must also register for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB, selecting the NDA as their first-choice institution.
“Candidates applying for admission into NDA must also apply to the year 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board and select NDA as their first choice institution,” they said.
Only candidates who meet the required UTME scores will be considered for further assessment. A score of 180 for Arts, Social Sciences, and Science programs, and 210 for Engineering courses.
Screening test
The NDA screening test serves as the first phase of the Post-UTME assessment, will be conducted on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Eligible candidates are expected to bring the following documents to the test center:
- Acknowledgment form
- Screening Test Admission Card
- JAMB result slip
- Two passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 5 inches), showing only the chest upwards with essential candidate information written at the back
Candidates can begin the application process by visiting the NDA application portal at ndaapplications.net and selecting the “Purchase Access Code” option. For more enquiries visit the website here.
-
Celebrities6 days ago
AY Makun, Basketmouth discuss their 17-year feud
-
Business3 days ago
No November salary for workers without valid residents registration number, says Kwara state government
-
Education4 days ago
Keystone Bank Renovates Schools In Zamfara, Says Governor Lawal’s Feats In 17 Months Surpass Over 20 Years Of Previous Administrations
-
Special Features5 days ago
Bodex Media Announces Frank Edoho as Host for Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) 5th Edition
-
World1 week ago
Trump claims victory over Harris in US presidential election
-
Celebrities5 days ago
Why would you post pictures in your underwear? – Portable out calls Tiwa Savage
-
World1 week ago
Trump will bring the world closer to peace, says Tinubu in congratulatory message
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Davido under fire for participating in US election