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Young man commits suicide in Abuja over gambling debts

Posted on by admin50

Tragedy struck in the Saburi 2 community of Abuja on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a young man identified as Stephen Chidubem reportedly took his own life over mounting gambling debts.

 

 

The heartbreaking incident occurred at Chidubem’s residence on Abba Street, located behind the Anglican Church in Saburi 2. According to reports, the young man allegedly hanged himself using a rope tied to a ceiling fan.

 

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who confirmed the incident via social media, said the deceased had been battling emotional and financial distress as a result of his gambling habits.

 

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and evacuated the body to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed d3ad by a medical doctor.

The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy.

 

A suicide note recovered at the scene pointed to gambling addiction as the cause of the tragic act.

 

In the note, Chidubem apologized to those he owed and to those he believed were affected by his financial troubles.

 

The note read in part: “Sorry to everyone who cared, I can’t continue putting people in trouble because of my gambling addiction. Please forgive me Elvis, Paul, and all I’m owing. And you, Bishop Andy Ero, give the balance of N507,500 to Elvis or Paul.”

 

It was gathered that the deceased had been struggling with a severe gambling addiction that plunged him into debt and emotional distress.

Nigerian gov drags FG to Supreme Court over 13% derivation

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The Niger State Government has filed a legal action at the Supreme Court against the Federal Government over its exclusion from the 13% derivation fund, challenging what it described as a constitutional oversight.

 

In the suit, filed through a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, the state is asking the apex court to determine whether it qualifies as a resource-producing state and is, therefore, entitled to benefit from the 13% derivation as stipulated in Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

 

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice was named as the sole defendant in the case.

Niger State is insisting that it contributes significantly to the nation’s natural resource pool, particularly through solid minerals and hydroelectric power infrastructure, and should not be excluded from the derivation benefits extended to other resource-producing states.

 

It further prayed the court to interpret and apply section 232 (1) & (2) of the Constitution to compel its inclusion by FG, in line with the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004.

 

The state alleged a failure to include remittances from proceeds of fiscal revenue generated and accrued through Hydroelectric Power dams within its territory, which it argued formed part of resources it contributes to the overall electricity generation to the national grid since 1968.

According to the plaintiff, it hosts four major hydroelectricity dams: Kainji Dam, Jebba Dam, Shiroro Dam and Zungeru Dam, which serve as a power house for electricity supply to various states in the country.

 

It argued that through these power stations, FG extended electricity supply to the Republics of Benin, Togo and Niger.

 

The state said its decision to list the AGF as the sole defendant in the matter was because he statutorily offers oversight legal advice function and represents the Federal Government, including the Accountant-General of the Federation.

 

It noted that the Accountant-General has the constitutional role of preparing the nation’s financial statements arising from collection and receipts of income, fees, rentals and taxes, as well as payments from the federation account.

That the attorney general at all times is charged with legally advising and representing the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission that oversees revenue accruing to, and disbursement of such funds from the Federation Account,” it argued.

 

It accused the defendant of failing to properly advise the President, especially on how to ensure equitable distribution of resources in conformity with current realities, particularly with the enormous fiscal revenue generated by Niger State.

 

The plaintiff stressed that it is a purely agrarian state as its inhabitants are subsistence farmers whose produce are enjoyed across the state and beyond.

It contended that as a result of the large expanse of the land occupied by the dams, a large population of its citizens and residents are denied the opportunity of engaging in agricultural activities.

 

Niger state maintained that it has continued to host the dams that were established since 1968, decrying that despite its contributions in terms of revenue, it has been a victim of incessant and continuous flooding.

 

“This has resulted in wanton loss of human lives and livestock as well as destruction of properties, leading unavoidably to displacement of many residents from their homes,” it averred.

 

More so, the plaintiff claimed that Physicochemical/Microbiological Impact Assessment Report it conducted showed a high level of degradation in the affected areas.

This represents an impending danger that looms large in the horizon for the state over the coming years if urgent stringent environment protection measures are not taken.

 

“To the chagrin, detriment, continuous exploitation and utter impoverishment of the people of Niger State, the defendant continuously and continually whisked off profits from the state.

 

“The federal government should not be only concerned about benefiting from the dams located in the territory of the state without a care for its people,” the plaintiff added.

 

More so, the plaintiff said it was unfortunate that the office of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, had no information on the volume of electricity by megawatts, generated by the dams since 1968 and 2019, except for those of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

It

said the NBS computation of the volume of electricity by megawatts generated into the national grid from 2020 – 2023, was: “The sum total megawatt generated in 2020 is equal to 2,232,706.27, 2021 equal to 2,632,348.00, 2022 equal to 2,830,002.96 and in 2023 equal to 2,658,612.96.”

“These dams have generated fiscal revenue which has been controlled by the federal government and have been indisputably redistributed equally amongst the constituent states without considering the host (Niger State) since 1968 till date,” Ndarani, SAN, added.

He said the plaintiff, its citizens and residents suffered continuous exploitation, neglect and ravaging flood due to the power generating activities of FG and its agencies.

Consequently, the plaintiff prayed the apex court to intervene and order its inclusion in the 13 percent derivation.

 

Meantime, no date has been fixed for the matter to be heard.

 

 

 

(Vanguard)

PSC Disown Application For Admission Into The 12TH Regular Course Degree Programmes Of The Nigeria Police Academy.. insists there must be stakeholders input

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The attention of the Police Service Commission has been drawn to an advertisement tagged “APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO THE 12TH REGULAR COURSE DEGREE PROGRAMMES OF THE NIGERIA POLICE ACADEMY, WUDIL, KANO STATE” informing the general public that the online application for admission into the 12th Regular Course of its degree programmes will open from 28th July 2025 to 8th September 2025.

 

This advertorial which was placed in flagrant violation of the required procedure was an undisguised attempt to undermine the Commission which has the Constitutional Mandate to recruit including through the Academy.

 

The Commission has the sole authority to appoint persons holding or aspiring to hold offices into the Nigeria Police Force as clearly stated in the Court of Appeal’s judgement on the 30th day of September 2020 in Police Service Commission v. Inspector-General of Police & 3 ors CA/A/84/2020 pg 80 and this was affirmed by the Supreme Court in NPF v. Police Service Commission SC/CV/773/2020.

 

As a law abiding institution of government, the Police Service Commission will continue to resist and condemn any action by any person, body or authority that is in contravention of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The publication obviously undermines the rule of law and infringes upon the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens as has been interpreted by the Apex Court in the land. No individual or institution including the Police Service Commission or the Nigeria Police Force is above the rule of law.

 

The issue of Recruitment/Employment is not solely a Police Service Commission assignment but extends to all key stakeholders in order to avoid the issue of spoils system, cronyism, nepotism, corruption and other related vices.

 

The Commission, through the spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, hereby notifies the general public to disregard the said advertisement as it is not aware and necessary stakeholders input was not sought or received. These stakeholders include the Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission and the Nigeria Police Force who were not consulted before the said release of the advertisement by the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil.

 

Furthermore, the process and procedures that the Management of Police Academy introduced in the recent past is completely chaotic, confusing and unpredictable, deliberately designed to breed and create room for corruption. Worse still, charging application fees of N6,000 in an exercise designed to be absolutely free is absurd.

 

In addition, inviting all the prospective applicants to appear in the premises of the Police Academy instead of decentralizing the process and procedures in the 36 states and Abuja where the applicants reside is an invitation to avoidable anarchy that will continue to create unnecessary stress, economic wastage, risk of journey, accommodation problem for the applicants and their families and most especially complaints of parents of a coordinated practice of corrupt tendencies in the chaotic situation.

 

The present Commission’s leadership, in collaboration with the key stakeholders, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission and Nigeria Police Force is set to bring policies in line with Global best practices of governance, transparency, accountability, equity and fairness in tune with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

This statement serves as a disclaimer that any unlawful or unconstitutional action occasioned by the advertisement is meant to mislead the public and does not reflect a legitimate exercise of constitutional responsibility. Hence, the Police Service Commission would not be held responsible.

 

Consequently, the advertisement is hereby declared null and void.

Feedback: What the people want retooled in our democracy (2)

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

Quote:

 

“Nearly all the elected and appointed leaders at various levels prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the citizens, thereby perpetuating widespread corruption and selfishness.”

 

-Abiola Ayankunbi ( Head Consultant at AningMO3 Marketing Management )

 

 

The importance of the political leaders listening to the opinions and views of members of the led majority of the people, to shape their policies, programs and projects should not be undermined under a democratic dispensation. Governance is not all about satisfying the wishes, whims and caprices of the family members, friends, political acolytes and praise-singers of the local government council chairmen, state governors, lawmakers, commissioners, ministers and Mister President. Such a wierd political paradigm, as it has unfortunately been playing out right before our eyes since 1999 dovetails towards dictatorship.

 

 

It is in the light of this position that yours truly got in touch with some enlightened individuals, concerned about how government has been run and is still evolving ever since the return of democracy in 1999. So, what exactly should be restructured to make our own variant of democracy swing back in favour of the masses ? The responses that follow should serve as food-for-thought for those who pilot our affairs virtually on daily basis.

 

 

Writing from the University of Port Harcourt, a doctoral candidate, Abiola Ayankunbi, Head Consultant at AningMO3 Marketing Management

has this to say:

 

.

*”Challenges of Nigeria’s Leadership Structure*- *”Absence of Strategic Planning*: The present governance system is reactive instead of being proactive. The policies are without depth and promises made without substance. Lack of comprehensive planning and accountability leads to a cycle of trial and error that sacrifices national stability and progress.

 

 

– *”Corruption and Selfishness*: Nearly all the elected and appointed leaders at various levels prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the citizens thereby perpetuating widespread corruption and selfishness. This greatly constitutes a disconnect between the government and the governed.

 

 

– *”Poor Leadershipi Accountability*: In Nigeria, previous year is always better than the present one. This has been the case since the time immemorial. Political office holders use to blame their predecessors for their shortcomings instead of taking responsibility for their actions. This blame game has become a common phenomenon irrespective of the political party they belong to.

 

 

– *”Inadequate Board Composition*: Most of the boards’ members consist of loyalists, girlfriends, or family members with limited independence or professional leverage, leading to poor decision-making and weakened governance.

 

 

– *”Weak Regulatory Frameworks*: We have laws but they are meant for the poor; those in authority do not respect or obey those laws. Regulatory bodies need to be fortified so that they can strengthen, monitor, and enforce necessary mechanisms to prevent governance breaches and ensure compliance with established codes.

 

 

– *”Lack of Transparency and Accountability*: The absence of transparent communication and accountability mechanisms erodes citizens’ trust and confidence in leadership at both governments and corporate organizations level.

 

 

– *”Absence of Separation of Power*: On paper, the three arms of government (legislature, executive, and judiciary) are separated but in practice, executive dominates and dictates to the remaining two. This anomaly discourages open debate, suppresses robust discourse thereby leading to the executive dominance.

 

 

On his part, seasoned journalist, Charles Okoh of

Independent newspapers clearly states his candid opinion on the critical matter:

 

‘”As long as the system that continues to throw these crops of politicians as our leaders remains there is nothing we can do! The problem of our electoral process has little to do with the Constitution or Electoral Acts but more to do with the rogue electoral process as supervised by INEC.

 

 

“We do not have a say as to who our leaders should be therefore we cannot also send them out of office.”

 

 

Coming up strong to express the areas of his dissatisfaction with the current polity, Hassan Amos Bello, a renowned author writing from Jos, Plateau state has this to state:

 

 

“We have lost our values; at family level, the church and the society. ⁠A tree is known by its fruits. You can’t plant mango and harvest pawpaw.

The family, the church or mosque and the society are giving birth to their kind. We don’t have leaders currently in the country. The crop of people we have at the corridors of power are selfish and only interested in themselves

 

 

“Politicians once they come to power are not interested in the wellbeing of the people that appointed them; but to prepare for the next election. The nation celebrates thieves today, our traditional rulers give them chieftaincy titles even when they know the source of their wealth.

 

⁠”So the ripple effects of all these are systemic failures, corruption etc. What are the solutions?

 

 

“The nation should be restructured into regions or we should have a United States of Nigeria. Let each region manage their resources and contribute to the center. The current constitution should be thrown into the dustbin. That is where it belongs.”

 

 

In its distilled essence, according to experts on political re-engineering and communication feedback plays a critical role in strengthening democracy by fostering accountability, promoting responsiveness, and enhancing citizen engagement.

 

 

In fact, effective feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, public forums, and open communication channels, would allow the citizens to voice their opinions, influence policy decisions, and hold elected officials accountable.

 

 

Eventually, it solidifies the relationship between the citizens and their political helmsmen, leading to more effective and representative governance.

 

 

And if the leaders listen to and implement the opinions of the people it would guarantee policy Improvement and responsiveness

 

Informing policy decisions:

Feedback from citizens can provide valuable insights and inform the development of more effective and relevant policies. It would also serve in promoting a more inclusive and representative democracy to build and sustain the key elements of trust, confidence and collaboration with the leaders

 

 

By giving all citizens a voice, feedback mechanisms can help ensure that democracy is inclusive and representative of all segments of society.

 

 

All angles considered therefore , feedback is a powerful tool in a democracy. By fostering accountability, promoting citizen engagement, and enhancing policy responsiveness, feedback strengthens democratic institutions and builds a more just and equitable society.

 

Such an inclusive system of government is what Nigeria needs now more than ever before. With it all the undue focus on who wins what come 2027 would reduce. Instead of chasing such nebulous shadows of the greed for power focus should be on delivering the dividends of democracy to the long-suffering Nigerians.

Police Recruitment: Argungu Seeks Cooperation Of Federal Character Commission.. Reads Riot Act on any Form of Racketeering

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission has warned that it will deal decisively with anybody who intends to involve himself in any form of racketeering or fraud in the recruitment of qualified Nigerians into the Nigeria Police Force. The Commission will soon begin the processes for this year’s exercise which will include Cadet ASPs and Inspectors.

 

The Chairman of the Commission DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu rtd, mni gave the warning when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele Esq and its Management team today, Wednesday 30th of July, 2025.

 

DIG Argungu who led a PSC team that included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, warned that any unacceptable behaviour, sharp practices or untoward acts during the recruitment processes will be resisisted and deviants sanctioned.

He maintained that though the date for another recruitment of qualified Nigerians into the NPF has not been fixed, there can’t be a better time to seek the partnership and cooperation of the Federal Character Commission as one of the reliable and pivotal stakeholders in the Police recruitment process.

 

The Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani disclosed that the PSC Chairman assured that there must be transparency, accountability and equity in the recruitment process. The issue of discretion, waiver, or replacement, he said negates the principle of fairness and equity, and so must be totally avoided.

 

Welcoming his guests, Hon. Kayode Oladele, Esq, the Federal Character Commission boss saw the courtesy call as not only a demonstration of inter -agency cooperation but also a testament to a shared commitment to the ideals of fairness, justice, equity and national chesion as enshrined in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

He further noted that “by working together to ensure fairness and balanced representation in law enforcement institutions, we are laying the foundation for a stronger sense of belonging, trust in public institutions, and sustainable peace across the country”.

 

The FCC Chairman also reiterated that “a diverse and inclusive Police Force is better positioned to build public confidence, deter insecurity, and serve all citizens without bias thereby reinforcing the pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

 

He finally reaffirmed the FCC’s readiness to work closely with the PSC in monitoring and ensuring Federal character compliance in the Nigeria Police Force and also confident that the partnership will go a long way in serving the best interests of Nigeria and Nigerians in general.

NDLEA, FME agree on drug education in school curriculum, test for varsity students, others

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As Marwa meets Alausa for collaboration on war against substance abuse

 

Compulsory drug integrity test for students of tertiary institutions and the review of current secondary school curriculum to include drug education are part of agreements reached between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Ministry of Education when the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) led a delegation of his management team to a meeting with the Hon Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa in Abuja on Wednesday 30th July 2025.

Marwa had during the meeting commended the minister for his proactive approach to his job while highlighting the devastating effect of substance abuse on the country’s youthful population. He noted that the fight against illicit drugs is a fight for the souls of the Nigerian youth.

“The purpose of this visit is to seek collaboration with this esteemed ministry in our collective efforts towards drug control in Nigeria. Our focus basically will be on schools and educational institutions. There are millions of our children that are under the supervision of this ministry, and it’s very critical. The drug scourge, as we all know, is very high in Nigeria

So, we’re actually fighting for the souls of our children. Now, we also know that the drug use is exacerbating criminal activities. That is, the Boko Haram, the terrorism, banditry, and so on.

“We know that without drugs, they wouldn’t be able to do what they are doing, because they wouldn’t do all these criminal activities in their right senses. So, in our own way, we are contributing to the fight against insecurity in the country. Now, through law enforcement action, we have continued to deal mortal blows to the drug cartels. We know that through the seizures, arrests, convictions, and assets forfeiture, we’re doing our best.

“Supported by President Bola Tinubu, within the last two years, we have made arrest of 40,887 criminal elements, gotten 8,682 convicted and seized 5,507 metric tons of illicit drugs. In fact, from January last year to the present, opioids, that’s tramadol mostly, that we have seized, are in excess of one billion pills, which is worth more than N1 trillion.”

While stating that the President is also supporting the Agency to build seven rehabilitation centres in addition to the existing 30 centres in NDLEA commands nationwide, Marwa noted that President Tinubu has also approved the construction of one model rehab centre in each of the geo-political zone in the country.

He listed three key areas he will want the Ministry and NDLEA to collaborate to effectively check the menace of substance abuse among Nigerian youths. According to him, “the first suggestion we have is for a review of the drug education curriculum in secondary schools. Even though we’re told of the existence of this in the past but because of the complexity of drugs, the dynamism of it, and the new psychoactive substances that have come to play, we feel that it is time to consider a review of this drug education curriculum.

“Another area we were thinking of suggesting is to introduce stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in schools, secondary schools. Not the curriculum this time, but programmes that stand on their own, lectures, competitions, and involving the parents, and so on. And then the third area we were thinking is to adopt a drug testing policy in tertiary institutions, because we want a policy to keep our campuses clean. Several vice chancellors have come on their own to seek both our guidance and participation in conducting drug test for their students. So, what we are suggesting now is drug tests for new students, for students returning from vacations, and random tests. This will make the children to avoid taking drugs, knowing fully well that if they do and they are found out, there will be consequences. And the consequences do not necessarily mean rustication.”

In his response, the Minister commended Marwa for his steadfastness and commitment to the service of Nigeria. “Thank you for your service to Lagos. And beyond that, General Buba Marwa, has committed his life to serve this country. Since I know him 30 years ago, he’s still serving the country. And you could see the passion in the way that he laid out the problems in the country and what he wanted us to do. And as he was talking, I made note and it was as if I had seen his prepared comments. Thank you so much for making this visit.”

He noted that the drug scourge is a huge problem that must be tackled headlong.

“When the youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school and even when they go to school, they are not getting functional education. And at the end of the day, what happens? Their level of critical thinking is lower. Their ability to make informed decisions in the later part of their life becomes significantly reduced. So, they become unemployable. And what happens? You now have that vicious cycle. They’re not functional. They’re not useful to themselves. All they do is resort to criminality. Once you use drugs, you’re likely to have a dysfunctional family. So, it’s a huge menace that we need to tackle, and tackle very quickly.”

Talking about the areas of collaboration, the Minister said “I would suggest we form a technical working group, inter-ministerial working group between our ministry and NDLEA.

As a result, I will also like to create a Substance Use Prevention Unit in the ministry

“We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. And that’s why I’ve asked the director of Senior Secondary School to come, to be here and then we find a way to cascade it down to primary school. But we need to get both primary school and secondary school and add this to their curriculum. But the one for secondary school, we can definitely do that now. We’re just developing their new curriculum now.

“Also, on the stand-alone school programmes, I agree with you fully. We should also design ongoing programmes in our schools. That we can roll out, and cascade down. You also said something very important about the drug test policy in tertiary institutions. We will do it.

We have to do it. We do not have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students as well as random testing.”

The Minister also assured on getting two agencies under the Ministry, UBEC and TETFUND to partner with the NDLEA Academy in Jos as part of efforts to deepen drug education in basic, secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.

Following the Minister’s directive, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Abel Oluwamuyiwa Enitan announced the take off of the new Substance Use Prevention Unit while giving the vote of thanks.

Lagos Taskforce Arrests Fake Official Extorting Motorists In Lagos

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has apprehended a suspected impostor, Idowu Adesina, aged 35, for impersonating a Taskforce official and unlawfully extorting motorists.

 

Idowu, whose residence is listed as No. 13 Ijegun road, Ikotun, was arrested at Cele Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway where he and other members of a syndicate are known for their notorious activities of terrorizing motorists in the area by falsely accusing them of traffic offences such as driving one-way and other related infractions, under the guise of Taskforce operations.

 

According to the Director, Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, The suspect was caught by plane clothed officers on patrol in the act of impersonation and extortion, further dragging the name of the Lagos State Taskforce into disrepute. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the illegal traffic enforcement syndicate, who remain at large.

 

Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, vowed to go hard and prosecute all impostors dragging the name of the agency in the mud and warned that individuals involved in impersonation or illegal traffic enforcement should “desist forthwith or be ready to face the music.”

“In this dispensation, the Lagos State Taskforce is committed to making the metropolis uninhabitable for environmental and criminally minded detractors. We are determined to restore sanity and public trust by ridding the Highways of fake officials and individuals that are out to cause pain to motorists,” the Chairman stated.

 

He also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activity via the “See Something, Say Something” initiative to aid the agency’s fight against criminality.

 

Idowu,who pleaded guilty in court, has been remanded at a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings. The case has been adjourned till August 27, 2025.

Dangote Foundation feeds 10,000 households in Cross River

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As part of efforts to ameliorate the pangs of hunger in the society, the Aliko Dangote Foundation last week began the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice, each weighing ten kilograms, to vulnerable households, people living with disabilities and the less privileged in Cross State.

 

Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, represented the State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, at the event. Prof Owan-Enoh described the donation as a true example of what public private partnership can do to reduce level of suffering in the society. He said “this impactful gesture, part of a nationwide food intervention effort, is a testament to the power of collaboration between government and private organizations in improving the lives of citizens. On behalf of the Governor, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation. This kind of support uplifts our people and aligns perfectly with the ‘People First’ agenda of the Cross River State Government. Cross River State remains committed to partnerships that bring relief, hope, and development to our communities.”

Speaking during distribution exercise, the Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Edero Victor Ejiro, said the initiative is part of the foundation’s annual National Food Intervention Project, which aims to support over one million disadvantaged Nigerians across the country.

 

He stated that the foundation will be distributing 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the vulnerable population in the state.

He pointed that the Foundation’s distribution is across the 774 local government areas in the country and is intended to cushion the effects of the hardship currently being experienced in the country.

His words: “We are here to present 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Bayelsa. The Aliko Dangote Foundation has been in existence for over 30 years and has been helpful in the areas of empowerment, nutrition and education.

“This distribution of rice is to support and complement the food security initiative that is been put in place by the various state governments and the rice distribution is across the 774 local government areas in the country. Our target beneficiaries are market women, the vulnerable, physically challenged people, widows and artisans.

“We have seen the template that the state government wants to use to distribute the rice and we are impressed with what we saw, and we believe that they are going to do a thorough job by distributing the rice to the needy and vulnerable in our midst.

“This programme is to support families, support people in the grassroots to alleviate and back up synergy with the state government.”

There was a large turnout of beneficiaries at the event, who after receiving the bags of rice commended the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation for his large heart in caring for the vulnerable in the society. A widow, Victoria Edem Ekpenyong, one of the beneficiaries lauded the Chairman of the ADF for his kind gesture and prayed for God’s continuous protection for him.

Distribution has also kicked off at the local government level, with hundreds of beneficiaries collecting the bags of rice with joy and praising the founder of Aliko Dangote Foundation.

Reps summon Oyetola, NIWA boss over Baro port project

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The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the rehabilitation and operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port has summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Munirudeen Oyebamiji.

 

Committee chairman, Saidu Abdullahi, issued the summons during the panel’s sitting on Tuesday, directing both officials to appear before the lawmakers with detailed records of all expenditures on the Baro Port project to date.

 

“We need everything: the full contract files, evaluation reports, evidence of what was done and what was not done,” Saidu said.

“We are asking for all relevant documents as far as the Baro port is concerned. We are not here to fight anybody. This committee is very serious about our job. The managing director and the minister are summoned to appear.

“The matter has been referred to this committee, and we are going to do our work thoroughly. We want to know how much was paid to the contractor.

 

“We want the financial breakdown. Let’s stop playing games. Somebody must take responsibility for what is a scandal.

 

“This is a very serious matter. We cannot allow a project that has gulped several billions of naira to go to waste. This house will not accept it.

 

“We have a responsibility to the Nigerian people to ensure that this kind of waste does not continue unchecked.”

 

The committee members took turns to express reservations over the project.

Agbahe Fidelis, NIWA’s general manager for environmental services, who represented the managing director, said the project remains non-functional due to limited access roads, silted waterways, vandalised rail infrastructure, inadequate dredging, and security challenges, among other factors.

 

Inaugurated in 2019, the port remains largely inoperable more than five years later.

NDLEA auctions forfeited drug traffickers’ properties in Lagos, Kano, Ondo, Ogun

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Targeting proceeds of crime ‘ll serve as punishment and deterrence – Marwa

 

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday 29th July 2025, conducted a public auction of forfeited houses which were either acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking or used as instrumentality of committing the crime.

The exercise which took place at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja had pre-qualified auctioneers, bidders, representatives of civil society organizations and the media as well as other government agencies in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) who was represented by the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrack Haruna, said the exercise forms part of the Agency’s strategic efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks by depriving offenders both liberty and illicit wealth in strict compliance with legal frameworks and due process.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s resolve to pursue drug offenders not only through prosecution but also by targeting all assets acquired through proceeds of crime. According to him, “this auction is part of our broader commitment to transparency and justice. Beyond prosecuting drug offenders, we are committed to ensuring that the financial incentives that drive these crimes are neutralized through legal forfeiture. This serves as both punishment and deterrence. When drug traffickers know they stand to lose everything, including their ill-gotten assets, it sends a stronger message than imprisonment alone.”

The auction involved forfeited eight properties across Lagos, Kano, Ondo, and Ogun. Two of the houses located in Lekki and Ikorodu areas of Lagos were stepped down from the process due to notices of appeal received after the processes had begun. Six other properties were auctioned to pre-qualified bidders, with only two sold at over N139 million following successful bids above their reserved prices. Others either failed to receive any bids or attracted offers below the benchmark.

Speaking at the bidding exercise, Umar Yakubu of the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch, commended the NDLEA for conducting a process that was open, credible, and compliant with international best practices. He noted that the level of transparency observed was commendable and reflective of a strong institutional culture that prioritizes public accountability. He further encouraged the Agency to amplify such efforts as a public education tool to underscore the consequences of drug crimes.

In his remarks, Director, Proceeds of Crime Management in NDLEA, Jerry Iorwa Aernan noted that participating auctioneers were pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and had met the required integrity checks to ensure that disposed assets are not returned to original owners through the back door. He emphasized that successful bidders must pay 10 percent of their bid value within fourteen days to confirm their interest, while the full payment is expected within a stipulated timeframe.