The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has vowed to prosecute drug hawkers nationwide, saying such drugs are dangerous to the health.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known at the launch of NAFDAC Media Sensitisation Workshop On Dangers of Drug Hawking in Abuja on Tuesday.

Adeyeye also reiterated the agency’s readiness to increase surveillance on those using artificial methods in ripening of fruits, and to further prosecute them if caught.

She, however, solicited the cooperation of law enforcement agencies to help in the surveillance to rid the country of dangerous practices.

She said “several national dailies and organisations have raised concern about these dangerous practice drug hawking and ripening of fruits with calcium carbide.

“This workshop is also a fulfilment of my promise to collaborate with the media to continue to raise awareness about bleaching creams.

“The menace of drug hawking poses serious challenge to the nation; drug hawkers are merchants of death who go around with drugs full of poison, prescribing to gullible patients.

“Drug hawkers are major distributors of narcotics. They constitute serious threat to national security. Any drug hawker arrested will be prosecuted, we want to put an end to the menace.”

The NAFDAC boss, who also decried the use of carbide to ripen fruits, said that the practice may have effect on the skin.
She added that “fruits ripen with chemicals may also make it to lose colour, taste and the natural aroma, and can cause serious health hazards such as kidney and liver failure. The director-general said the agency is confident in winning the war against the hydra-headed problem.
(NAN)

unmen have abducted a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike.

The priest was reportedly kidnapped on Monday.

He was kidnapped with three other persons whose names could not be ascertained.

He is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area.

Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Father Mathew Opoke confirmed the incident in a statement.

He said that Azubuike was kidnapped close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.

Opoke noted the kidnappers have established contact amd demanded undisclosed amount of ransom.

The statement reads: “Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike who was abducted yesterday being Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.

“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebony State.

“He was abducted alongside three other people.

“The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.”

Ebonyi Police spokesperson Onome Onovwakpoyeya could not be reached for comments.

She did not pick calls or respond to messages sent to her as of the time of filing this report.

bia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the appointment of former Super Eagles skipper and two-time CAF Player of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu as the new chairman of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba.

Nwankwo will be replacing the club’s longest serving chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu who was in charge of the team for 24 years .

Kanu’s appointment was confirmed by the Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu yesterday in a terse press statement which read thus: “Sporting legend and former Super Eagles’ star, Mr. Kanu Nwankwo has been appointed to supervise Enyimba Football Club to strengthen the team and make it win more laurels for the State.”

Kanu twice won the coveted African Footballer of the Year award first in 1996 after leading Nigeria to win historic Africa’s first Olympic Games football gold medal in Atlanta Georgia. He made an encore in 1999 during his days with Arsenal.

Under Anyansi, Enyimba became a household name across the continent as the first Nigerian club to win the continent’s most prestigious club competition , the CAF Champions League trophy in 2003 and made an encore in 2004. The club also won the African Super Cup twice in 2004 and 2005.

On the domestic Nigeria football scene, Enyimba won a record nine Nigeria Premier Football League title as well as four national cup otherwise known as Federation Cup among other laurels.

Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON, has commended the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, describing him as one who inspires, unites and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.

He made this known during a public thanksgiving and appreciation reception organised by the Ikenne Development Association held in honour of Prof. Osinbajo in his hometown, Ikenne Ogun State, over the weekend.

According to the Governor, “Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s ability to inspire and unite people is truly extraordinary. He has fostered an inclusive and collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. His leadership style has not only brought about tangible results but has also nurtured a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the good people of Ogun State.”

While citing the great sons and daughters of Ogun State, Abiodun referenced the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, and noted how Prof. Osinbajo carries on the legacy and ideals of the former leader of the Western Region.

He mentioned that “years after his (Awolowo) demise, his ideals and belief in the entrenchment of good governance have continued to inspire us to strive for excellence. In furtherance of his legacy and ideology, Prof. Osinbajo has not only distinguished himself in his calling but also raised the bar in good governance.

The Governor went on further to state that the government and people of Ogun “are all proud that Professor Osinbajo has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Nation, Nigeria. 

“Personally, I take it as an utmost pride to be a brother, a mentee to this exemplary leader, and erudite Professor. His virtues of accountability, transparency, and commitment to the entrenchment of the rules of law are worthy of emulation.” 

The well-attended event had the presence of the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri; the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha as well as the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, 

Others include former Governors such as Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Donald Duke of Cross River State; Otunba Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State and immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.  Also in attendance were the Alakenne of Ikenne land, Oba Onakade, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Wale Babalakin, SAN, Segun Awolowo, amongst others.

Below are the full remarks of the Governor:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS OF THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, AT THE PUBLIC THANKSGIVING AND APPRECIATION RECEPTION ORGANISED BY THE IKENNE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, THE IMMEDIATE PAST VICE PRESIDENT, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO (SAN, GCON) HELD IN IKENNE, OGUN STATE ON SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023

PROTOCOLS

Today, we gathered here for a momentous occasion of recognition of one of our own, the immediate past Vice President, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Adeleke Osinbajo (SAN), GCON, for his extraordinary leadership, remarkable accomplishments, and unwavering dedication to the service of our great country.

On behalf of the Government and the entire people of Ogun State, I thank God for the strength and wisdom given him, through which he was able to sail through the storming waters of politics in a diverse and heterogeneous country like Nigeria. 

Indeed, one of the things that put Ogun State on the world map is the trail-blazing records that the sons and daughters of our dear State have set in different fields of human endeavour. Among numerous others, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, stands tall in governance and public administration. 

Years after his demise, his ideals and belief in the entrenchment of good governance have continued to inspire us to strive for excellence. In furtherance of his legacy and ideology, Prof. Osinbajo has not only distinguished himself in his calling but also raised the bar in good governance.

Our own Prof. whom we are well pleased with, as we all know is a prodigious intellect who attended Igbobi College and studied Law at the University of Lagos and has a Masters from the prestigious London School of Economics. 

He lectured at the University of Lagos where he rose to be a Professor of Law and an authority in Constitutional Law. He served as an Adviser to the Attorney General of the Federation between 1988 - 1992 and was later appointed as the Attorney General of Lagos State under our current President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

He later was chosen to be the running mate alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, an election which saw him become the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 - 2023. He was focused, loyal, and dedicated to his principal and demonstrated that his antecedents adequately prepared him for the assignment. He is an embodiment of Omoluabi ethos.

Without sounding immodest, we are all proud that Professor Osinbajo has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Nation, Nigeria. 

Personally, I take it as the utmost pride to be a brother, a mentee to this exemplary leader, and erudite Professor. His virtues of accountability, transparency, and commitment to the entrenchment of the rules of law are worthy of emulation. 

You served with dignity integrity and utmost character Congratulations! The government and people of Ogun State are very proud of you.


We must, therefore thank the Almighty God and commend his immediate family members, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), colleagues, and associates in the legal profession for their maximum support in the course of discharging his duties. 

In the same vein, I commend the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee of the Ikenne Development Association, and all those who have contributed in one way or another to this thanksgiving and appreciation reception for the son of the soil.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let us not only celebrate his achievements, but also reflect on the impact they have had on our lives in Ogun State in particular, and in Nigeria as a whole. 

This event is not just a welcome back home, it is our way of saying “thank you” for representing us well at the national level. One of the lessons we all have to learn from this exemplary leader is the transient nature of power. We all have to understand that an office is never permanent. What is permanent is the legacy we leave behind and how it impacts the lives of those who trusted you to lead them into a better future for their collective dream. Your Excellency, your legacies span from Borno to Bayelsa from Ebonyi to the Southwest 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let us emulate Prof. Osinbajo by using the opportunity of where we are today to diligently serve the people. We must appreciate the fact that the same people we left behind while going into public office will still be the same people we will return to meet after our service. 

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s ability to inspire and unite people is truly extraordinary. He has fostered an inclusive and collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. His leadership style has not only brought about tangible results but has also nurtured a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the good people of Ogun State.

On a personal note, Your Excellency, I want to thank you for the unwavering support you gave me in 2018-2019 in the course of my journey. Oke Mosan. I remain very grateful.

As a government, I want to reassure the good people of Ogun State of our unwavering commitment to continue to serve you. We are direct descendants of the forbears of good governance in Ogun State. We recognize the personal sacrifices made by our forefathers, and we shall strive to sustain their ideals and principles as our guiding light for us and for many generations to come. 

Therefore, we will not only build on the tradition of Chief Awolowo and the heritage of Chief Bisi Onabanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba but also continue to nurture the exemplary leadership of Professor Yemi Osinbajo. We will continue to metamorphose from the embryonic status of a wildness of sorts into the envy of many with an array of developmental strides and strategic advancements.

We appreciate the fact that leading a State of this magnitude is no small feat. It requires passion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to our collective goals. It, therefore, goes without saying that the success of our first term in office remains a testimony to our commitment. 

I do not need to bore you with the list of our achievements; our victory at the last general election is enough of a testament to our people’s belief in our administration. The election has come and gone, and Ogun East remains one entity. 

Our soil will never be a front for discord and disunity. We will never be forgiven by our founding fathers if we trade off their sweat for our personal benefits. As an administration that believes in an inclusive government, we are open to necessary and constructive criticism aimed at moving Ogun State forward. I enjoin you all to continue to be committed to the "Building Our Future Together" agenda of this administration.

Permit me also to remind you that Ogun State is not owned by any individual or group. It does not belong to Dapo Abiodun either. I am just a custodian of the mandate of the people. Ogun State belongs to us all, and the impact of our collective contribution will reflect on our collective aspiration to build upon the foundation of our forefathers. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has contributed his quota to this development, which is why we are gathered here today to celebrate his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the service of people in Ogun State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Now that you are back at home, we will continue to tap into your wealth of experience, especially in matters relating to good governance. Before I end this address, let me commend the efforts of the various Community Development Associations for promoting peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development at the grassroots level. I wish to extol the peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the Ikenne community and its environs, which has made it possible for us all to organise and share in the joy of this colourful ceremony.

Once again, let me congratulate, in a very special way, our own legal Amazon, God’s servant, exemplary leader, and mentor, Prof. Yemi Oluleke Osinbajo, SAN, GCON. 

I wish you the best in all your future endeavours.

I thank you all for listening, and God bless.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON
Governor of Ogun State

Released by:
Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015-2023)
11th July 2023

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.

Immediate Past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends the 2023 Presidential Inauguration, departs Abuja and arrives home. 29th May, 2023. Photos; Tolani Alli

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.

The Special Adviser on Youths to the Kebbi State Governor, Babangida Sarki, has been sacked for allegedly posting inherent materials on his WhatsApp status.

Naija News gathered that the state governor, Nasiru Idris dismissed Sarki from his position for posting homosexual pornography on his WhatsApp status on Sunday.

The governor, in a statement issued by spokesman Ahmd Idris, said the act “trampled on the moral and social ethos of Kebbi society.”

The governor’s spokesman noted that Idris frowned at the act and would not tolerate it from anyone.

He said “The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasiru Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has relieved his Special Adviser on Youths, of his appointment.

“The sacking of the S.A. was a sequel to an indecent posting he made on his WhatsApp status.

“The governor, who was enraged by the obnoxious development said the aide trampled on the moral and social ethos of the Kebbi society, which is largely Islamic.

“The Kauran Gwandu vowed that his administration would not condone any of such acts that denigrate the morality and integrity of the people of the state.

“The governor also cautioned other public officers against making such heinous postings in their social media handles and other public fora.”

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, faulted the salaries paid to members of the National Assembly.

The former president noted that the salaries received by the members were not based on the recommendations of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission.

He lamented that most of those supposed to operationalise the Nigerian constitution were the ones undermining the country’s democracy.

Obasanjo said, “By the Nigerian Constitution, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission are supposed to fix the salaries and emoluments of the members of the National Assembly, but they set the constitution aside and decided to fix their salaries”.

The former president spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a lecture titled, ‘The future of constitutional democracy in Nigeria: Imperative of a new constitutional order’ delivered by Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah.

It was part of activities marking the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the call to bar of the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).

Obasanjo said citizens were meant to enjoy democracy, which he said could only be strengthened if the players respected and implemented the constitution to the letter.

He said, “Democracy doesn’t mean anything to any man who is hungry, whose life is in danger, or whose property is being destroyed.”

A joyful Afe Babalola (SAN), who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries on the occasion, friends and family members, reiterated that the 1999 constitution could not produce good governance in the country, because of its flaws which he said could only be remedied by coming up with a new constitution for the country.

Babalola made a case for better pay packages for the country’s judges, saying as it was at present, SANs could not be attracted to the bench with the poor remuneration of the judges.

Kukah had in his lecture made a case for men of integrity in the judiciary, particularly at the Supreme Court.

The bishop, who called on the Federal Government to avoid sentiments in the process of the country’s democratic journey, said upholding the provisions of democracy required selfless service which should not be sentimentally driven to foster development.

He frowned at leaders who limited development to their hometowns, saying, “This does not project democracy. This does not speak well of our democracy.

“Nigeria needs to grow democratically and developed politically. Every federal institution must reflect what Nigeria should reflect all over the country. The country should stop reinforcing inequality. There must be sanctions and consequences for those who go against our democracy and the constitution of the land for us to have a better society.”

In his remarks, a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), called on President Bola Tinubu to show leadership and fight corruption. He said, “Corruption has taken a dangerous dimension, the president should lead the anti-corruption crusade so that this country can take its rightful place in the comity of nations.”

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who described Afe Babalola as a gift to Ekiti State, said the SAN created the platform for him and others before him to become governors, going by the role he played in the creation of the state.

Oyebanji said, “If we don’t have this state, I and all others that have been governors of this state will not have a platform. So, on behalf of myself and all the governors before me, I say thank you, sir.”

An influential socio-political activist, Shehu Sani suggests that President Bola Tinubu’s future rests not just in the hands of the courts, but with divine intervention.

If Tinubu loses his Presidential election petition, Sani warns that only God can protect him from criticism from an unnamed “emperor” in Kaduna State.

Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, used Twitter to voice his observations about the precarious position Tinubu may find himself in.

He explained that if Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election is upheld by the courts, the opposition will likely either congratulate him or criticize the ruling and move on.

However, if the court rules against Tinubu, Sani implied that a harsh fate awaits the President.

As per Sani’s tweet, “If the Court favours Tinubu and his victory is affirmed, the opposition may Congratulate him or Condemn the ruling and move on.

“If the Court ruled against Tinubu and he lost the Presidency, only God will save him from the mouth of the ex-Kaduna emperor and his next Book “How we made him and he betrayed Us”.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar are challenging the victory of Tinubu in the election held on the 25th of February, 2023.

Tinubu was declared the winner of the electoral process by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Following the confession by former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, that he worked against the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, a member of the party’s National Executive Committee, Timothy Osadolor, has said the leadership of the PDP will address the issue very soon.

Fayose had, on Sunday while featuring on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’, declared that: “I worked against him (Atiku) hundred per cent.

“Nigeria is bigger than the PDP, the APC and even Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) himself…I am not a man that will hide my action. I never worked for the PDP during the last election. I am not a liar and a pretender. I did not work for the PDP.”

Although, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and his deputy, Ibrahim Abdullahi, were not available for comment, Osadolor, who doubles as the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, described Fayose as shameless.

He said, “The confirmation by former Governor Fayose that he did anti-party activities without shame or remorse is only to convince those who did not know better.

“For those of us that know better, seeing Governor Fayose confess, like a wizard, his acts of indiscipline, sabotage and anti-party did not come as a surprise. Were he a man with a moral compass, he would toe the honourable path of resignation after this confession.

“Will the PDP be able to address him? Yes, the party will be speaking soon.”

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has given reasons why President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial list is being delayed.

According to him, the delay in the unveiling of the President’s ministers and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies was because Tinubu was carrying out an extensive consultation before making an official announcement.

Naija News reported on Monday that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held a crucial meeting with State chairmen from across Nigeria.

But it was gathered that Adamu and the National Working Committee called the meeting.

The meeting, which commenced at about 1:45 pm on Monday, had Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Borno Chairman, leading the other 31 Chairmen.

This online news platform understands that at the meeting, the APC national chairman told party chieftains not to be too expectant about the President’s ministerial list, even though loyal members would make Tinubu’s cabinet.

Adamu said Tinubu could not appoint everybody as a minister; therefore, their expectations should not be high.

Adamu said, “Every APC member has an inherent right to hope to get some patronage. We cannot all be ministers of the government. We cannot all end up as board members, directors of parastatals, and MDAs across the country.

“President has just started. He is doing his extensive consultations before coming up with his nominees for ministers. The nomination of the ministers will come first. They will go through their screening until they are pronounced after they have been submitted before Mr President. He will formally appoint his ministers and swear them in. Only then will he disclose each of them to the country to know which minister is going to which ministry and how many ministries we are going to have.

“After that is done, the ministers will assume office, make a comprehensive report, starting from all the ministries and MDAs under them, before we know what vacancies exist for chief executives, directors and part-time directors.

“These are some of the exercises that will take place in the next two months. It cannot happen by next week. But certainly, that is what we should be expecting.

“But we do expect some patronage from the government that we are forming. It is our hope and prayers that Mr President will come along with us in that regard and strengthen the relationship of the party in the states and at the national level will enjoy some level of patronage in the new government.

“Those are the key issues that we do hope to share with you in the course of this meeting.”

The APC national chairman, also condemned the kidnapping of Ekiti APC Chairman, Paul Omotosho.

He also prayed for the quick recovery of ailing Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Following the receipt of credible intelligence, a Private Security Contractor engaged by NNPC Ltd., Messrs. Tantita Security Services, has intercepted a suspicious Vessel with a Cargo of Crude oil on board on July 7, 2023.

The Vessel, MT TURA II (IMO number: 6620462), owned by a Nigerian Registered Company, HOLAB MARITIME SERVICES LIMITED with Registration Number RC813311, was heading to Cameroun with the Cargo on board when it was apprehended at an offshore location (Latitude: 5.8197194477543235°, Longitude: 4.789002723991871°), with the Captain and Crew members on board.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the crude oil cargo onboard was illegally sourced from a well jacket offshore Ondo State, Nigeria.

A statement from the NNPC said there was no valid documentation for the Vessel or the Crude Oil Cargo onboard at the time of the arrest.

Further investigation into the activities of the vessel at the NNPC Ltd. Command and Control Centre also revealed that the Vessel has been operating in stealth mode for the last twelve (12) years. The last reported location of the Vessel was Tin Can Port in July 2011.

The statement said details of this arrest and the outcomes of the investigations were escalated to the appropriate Government authorities, upon which it was concluded to destroy the Vessel to serve as a strong warning and deterrent to all those participating in such illegal activities to cease and desist.

It added, “Destroying vessels involved in transporting stolen crude oil is of paramount importance as a strong deterrent.

“The illegal trade of stolen crude oil not only inflicts significant economic losses on Nigeria and legitimate stakeholders in the oil industry, but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption, environmental devastation, and social instability.

“NNPC Ltd. assures Nigerians that we will sustain the momentum in the war against crude oil theft until it is brought to a halt.”