September 2024 | Page 7 of 26

NAFDAC executes major mop-up operation in Maiduguri markets

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out thorough mop-up operation in key markets across Maiduguri, Borno State, to remove drugs and food items contaminated by recent floods. This initiative is aimed to protect public health and prevent the sale of compromised products that could lead to disease outbreaks. Led by NAFDAC officials from Borno, Yobe, Gombe, and the NAFDAC Area Laboratory, the operation targeted Gamboru, Monday Market, Open Air-Theatre Drug Market, and Gwange Drug Market. Contaminated food and drugs, valued at over N5 billion, were seized and sea. NAFDAC also issued guidance to vendors and the public on identifying and handling potentially unsafe products. NAFDAC has temporarily close manufacturing facilities in the flood-affected areas for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) reassessments. The Agency remains committed to ongoing monitoring and urges the public to report any suspicious products to their nearest NAFDAC office.

Nigerian Fencing secures N40m equipment for 2024 Junior Epee World Cup

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Nigeria, recognized as the leading fencing nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, will host the Fencing World Cup this December. The event is sanctioned by the Switzerland-based International Fencing Federation (FIE). Absolute Fencing, a leading fencing equipment manufacturer based in the USA, has donated five aluminum fencing pistes (each measuring 1.5 m x 17 m) valued at ₦40m. Gary Lu, President of Absolute Fencing, stated, “Absolute Fencing is pleased with the progress made by the Nigerian Fencing Federation and their dedication to advancing the sport in Nigeria. As part of our commitment to supporting the growth of fencing across Africa, we are proud to donate these fencing pistes to the Nigerian Fencing Federation for the upcoming 2024 Junior Men’s Epee World Cup in December.” An excited Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, emphasized that this support would motivate them to ensure a successful tournament and called on corporate bodies and individuals to support the federation’s efforts to elevate Nigeria’s status in the global fencing community. “Nigeria has successfully hosted several major international tournaments over the years, establishing itself as the frontrunner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, Nigeria is the only Sub-Saharan country with the right to host a Fencing World Cup. This donation is a testament to the international recognition of our achievements in developing the sport, particularly as fencing pistes are the most expensive equipment in the sport. We now call on local organizations to support and partner with us as Nigeria continues to host these historic events,” Samuel said.

NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with N4.6billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilograms with an estimated street value of Four Billion Six Hundred and Fifty Six Million Naira (N4,656,000,000.00). Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986kg. He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13thJuly 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00), which he paid and was set free. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest. Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt. As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect. A total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.40kg belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered. During interview with the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a secondary search since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade. Investigation reveals Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done, adding that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria. He said the Agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.

79th UNGA: US Chamber Of Commerce commits $320m to Mortgage Financing, SMEs, Others in Nigeria

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Nigeria’s participation at the 79th Session of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (#UNGA79) recorded the first success on Monday, as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment towards mortgage refinancing and women empowerment received the support of the United States Chamber of Commerce @USChamber with a commitment of about $320 million. This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is leading the federal government delegation and representing President Tinubu at this year’s UNGA, has met with other members of Nigeria’s delegation to strategise on Nigeria’s engagements in New York. At a US-Nigeria Executive Business Roundtable hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, Nisha Biswal of the American International Development Finance Corporation announced that with a portfolio of $1 billion, it was investing $200 million in mortgage refinancing in Nigeria. The sum of $100 million has been earmarked for FCMB to finance SMEs in Nigeria, with particular interest in women empowerment. The US Chamber of Commerce also announced that $20 million has been approved for a firm, Robust International, for processing of cashew nuts in Nigeria. Biswal said the American Chamber remained committed to working with Nigerians in the development and pursuit of sustainable economic policies. Appreciating the gesture of the group, Vice President Shettima reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to investor-friendly policies. He stated: “I urge you to give Nigeria the benefit of the doubt. The current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most investor-friendly administration in the history of Nigeria. When fuel subsidy was an albatross around Nigeria’s neck, President Tinubu, from day one, hit the ground running by withdrawing the fuel subsidy and unifying the multiple opaque foreign exchange markets.” Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar @YusufTuggar, led other members to brief the Vice President on the activities and itinerary lined up for him in New York. Tuggar outlined the programmes and activities, saying the Vice President is expected to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly. Apart from President Tinubu’s national statement delivery, Vice President Kashim Shettima is also expected to meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations. Aside other heads of states lined up to meet with the Vice President, there are also scheduled meetings with the head of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States; the President of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Director General of the International Atomic Agency, and multinational companies, among others. Also on the itinerary of the Vice President is a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a host of other international partners. Top Nigerian officials present at the meeting included the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite. Others are Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake; Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, among many others.

Cinderella attempts to resuscitate fuji career

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Female Fuji act, Fatimoh Ajoke also known as Cinderella has made moves to resuscitate her musical career. Cinderella, who was off the radar for a few years ago has seen paying visits to some musical icons. She was recently sighted at reigning Fuji act, Sulaiman Alao Adekunle aka Malaika to pay homage. Cinderella was well received by Malaika as he prayed for her and hope for her foray in the industry.

Ailing Nollywood actor receives N3.4m donations, bursts into tears

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Nollywood actor Bisola Badmus has received a donation of N3.4 million in her battle against brain tumour. The lump sum was delivered to the quintessential actor by her colleague and Movie producer Kunle Afod. The sum of N3.4million is an addiction to the N1.3million that was donated to her a few weeks ago. Badmus, in a video posted on KunleAfodTV YouTube channel, bursts into tears, just as she thanked the donors for their supports. She said; “A oni fi iru e gba o.” Meaning, the donors will not go through such trauma. Some of the donors, according to Kunle Afod were Social media buffs Yinka TNT, veteran Juju musician, Asiwaju Dele Taiwo, Biola Adebayo, 220 and many others. Afod while appreciating the Donald believed Badmus will be happy with the In previous interviews, Badmus spoke about the difficulty of co-parenting with Kwam1, who is the father of her son, Malik. Badmus claimed that K1 has shown little interest in their child’s well-being. She also revealed that she has been battling a brain tumor for the past three years. She said that while K1 initially supported her after learning about her illness, he has since stopped responding to her calls. “He didn’t know about my condition earlier because I didn’t tell him. When he knew, he tried his best for a while but stopped at some point,” she revealed.

PDP rejects Edo Governorship election results

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the Edo State Governorship election in its entirety. The Party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Illiya Damagun stated this while addressing newsmen in a press conference held on Monday. Damagun claimed the PDP had on several occasions alerted of sinister plot by the APC to subvert the election, the roles allegedly being played by AIG Zone 7, Benneth Igwe and Edo State Commissioner of Police @PoliceNG CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo and the appointment of a known APC apologist and supporter, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, as the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). “Several demands by our Party for the redeployment of these officials as well as the release of all arrested PDP members and supporters fell on deaf ears and tend to validate PDP’s suspicion of a top-level conspiracy to rig the Edo State governorship election. “Nigerians and the world watched in horror as the APC-compromised security operatives and thugs unleashed terror, harass, arrest and detain PDP members and supporters, foisted siege mentality on the people and paved the way for APC agents and procured INEC officials to manipulate the ballot process, substitute genuine results from the Polling Units with fictitious figures and transferred the victory clearly won by our candidate, Asue Ighodalo to the defeated APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo. “As Nigerians already know, despite the violence, intimidation and manipulations by the APC, results obtained from the Polling Units show that our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo clearly won the election before the figures were altered at the State collation exercise in favour of the defeated APC candidate.” The PDP therefore unequivocally rejected the final result of the Edo State Governorship election as declared by INEC, saying it doesn’t meet the minimum standard for democracy having not reflected the expressed will and aspiration of the people in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines for State Governorship election. The PDP demands that INEC within the time stipulated by Section 65 of the Electoral Act, 2022 review the Edo State governorship election and announce results only as obtained from the genuine votes cast at the Polling Units. The PDP however charged the people of Edo State to remain resolute and undeterred as the Party make moves to retrieve the mandate with legal means.

Ekong celebrates Saudi’s national day

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong on Monday joined millions of citizens to celebrate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia national day. The Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia new buy expressed his best wishes via his official X handle. The defence ace cladded in Saudi Arabia traditional attire wrote; “Happy Saudi national day.” Checks revealed that National Day is significant as it was the day to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established with Arabic as its national language and the Quran as its constitution. Ekong, who led Nigeria to silver medal win at AFCON 2025, was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament with a total of five goals which is the highest number of goals scored by a defender in history.