In the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revealed that a total of 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 barons, have been apprehended in the last 38 months. Providing insight into the agency’s relentless efforts, Marwa disclosed that, out of these apprehensions, 9,034 individuals were successfully prosecuted and convicted. Additionally, the agency seized over 7,561 metric tonnes of illicit substances during this period, sending a strong message to drug cartels and their kingpins about Nigeria’s unwavering stance against such criminal activities. This announcement came during…
Author: Editor Francis
In the ongoing fight against kidnapping, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced on Monday that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, has successfully rescued over 1,000 kidnap victims without yielding to ransom demands. This revelation came as Ribadu received 22 students and staff members from the Federal University of Gusau, Zamfara State, who were rescued from captivity on Sunday. These individuals had been abducted during a raid by bandits on September 22, 2023, where over 30 students and staff were taken. Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Mummuni, joined the university community in urging security agencies to…
In a recent turn of events at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja, Vera Anyim, the woman embroiled in a controversy after being interrupted during her testimony, has expressed her forgiveness towards the church and its Senior Pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche. The incident unfolded during Anyim’s testimony when she claimed to have graduated with a “Bsc in Law” from the National Open University of Nigeria. However, Enenche intervened, questioning the veracity of her statements and instructing her to leave the pulpit. Following widespread criticism and demands for an apology from the pastor, Anyim took to her Facebook page to announce…
The U.S. government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Lesotho have launched a new $300 million compact to improve healthcare access and boost the horticulture sector in the southern African nation. The Health and Horticulture Compact, which also includes $22 million in funding from the Lesotho government, aims to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system, invest in climate-smart irrigation infrastructure, and support the growth of high-value crop production. “MCC and Lesotho have enjoyed a 20-year partnership. I am inspired by the Government of Lesotho’s commitment to reach this moment and write a new chapter in our longstanding relationship,”…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has acted against ward leaders who previously suspended the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Following an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee, chaired by Abdullahi Abbas, the state chairman, it was revealed that certain members, led by Inusa Sulaiman Dawanau, were engaged in anti-party activities. Abbas accused them of colluding with the ruling NNPP-led administration in the state to sow discord within the party. “We have evidence of meetings between state government officials and those involved in the suspension of the national chairman,” Abbas stated firmly. “As…
In a keynote address at the Second Annual Minority Serving Institutions Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged young people from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in diplomacy and foreign policy. Speaking to a room filled with students from minority-serving colleges and universities, Blinken emphasized the importance of building a State Department that reflects the diversity of the United States. “The more complex our work becomes, the more vital it is that this department – and the United States Government as a whole – attract a diverse range of thinkers and doers who can help us address these challenges,”…
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed a range of regional issues, focusing on efforts to promote stability and resolve ongoing conflicts. According to the State Department readout, the two diplomats addressed the volatile situation in the Middle East, with Secretary Blinken reiterating the U.S. position that an escalation by Iran would not benefit anyone in the region. The call also touched on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with the Secretary and Foreign Minister discussing ways to increase humanitarian assistance to the area, protect Palestinian civilians, and achieve an immediate ceasefire that secures…
In a dynamic session at the Skoll World Forum held in Oxford, England, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) interacted with key figures in philanthropy, private enterprise, and civil society. The discussions encompassed vital global issues, notably climate finance, grassroots development initiatives, humanitarian aid, democratic resilience, and collaborative partnerships in the realm of development. A pivotal moment occurred during the Democracy Delivers event, jointly organised by USAID and the Skoll Foundation. Deputy Administrator Coleman, alongside Hilary Pennington, Executive Vice President of Programs at the Ford Foundation, and Aidan Eyakuze, Executive Director of Twaweza…
In an effort to advocate for racial equity and justice on the global stage, U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice, Desirée Cormier Smith, is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey to Geneva and New York City from April 15th to April 23rd. In Geneva, Cormier Smith, alongside Ambassador Michèle Taylor, will lead the United States’ delegation at the third assembly of the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent. Addressing the forum’s opening session, Cormier Smith will deliver remarks emphasising the importance of racial equality in education. Additionally, she will engage with civil society leaders…
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the FMHUD in Abuja, plans have been revealed to allocate 8,925 residences across the country through the national housing programme. According to Ogunbiyi, this allocation signifies the conclusion of a thorough assessment adhering to the prerequisites and protocols outlined in a circular distributed in December 2023, governing housing sales under the National Housing Programme. The allocation encompasses various housing schemes, including outright payment, mortgage, rent-to-own, and installment payment, catering to the diverse needs of applicants. A total of 8,925 applications were submitted, with distribution by payment method as follows: outright payment – 1,294,…
In a decisive move against illegal mining operations, Garba Sabo, the Commissioner of Mineral Resources in Niger State, has revealed the arrest of 30 individuals linked to illicit mining endeavours across various sites in the state. Sabo emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to scrutinising 229 mining companies, aiming to discern which entities adhere to regulations for approval. Addressing reporters in Minna, Sabo underscored the challenges faced by authorities, citing instances where miners fled upon their approach. Despite encountering resistance, the recent arrests during site inspections underscore the state’s firm stance against illegal mining, as mandated by the Governor’s directives. Sabo dismissed…
In a startling development, Pastor Paul Enenche, the founder of Dunamis Church, has come under fire from social media users after publicly rebuking a church member, Vera Anyim, over her testimony during Sunday Service at the Church’s headquarters in Abuja. Vera had shared her testimony, claiming to have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) the previous day with a B.Sc degree in Law. However, Pastor Enenche intervened, accusing her of falsehood, citing that there was no B.Sc in Law offered by NOUN. Nevertheless, social media erupted with images from Vera’s graduation day and a confirmation list verifying…