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No attack on any Delta school, says police command

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The Delta State Police Command has disowned the information that the Girls’ Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, was invaded on 24th November 2025 at around 9.30am.

 

In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command described the reports as “entirely false and misleading.”

 

Edafe explained that, “The panic originated from misinformation circulated among students and was further amplified by unverified online reports suggesting community anxiety and alleged gunshots.

 

“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered a coordinated response and deployed the DCO Kwale Division, SP Udofia Kufre, to lead a patrol team for immediate on-the-ground verification and security assessment.

 

“The Vice Principal of the school and the security man on duty were interviewed, and both confirmed that no attack occurred and that the panic emanated solely from misinformation among students.

 

“As a precautionary measure, adjoining schools within the Kwale axis were visited and all were found to be calm, safe, and in a normal academic session.

 

“Parents who rushed to pick up their children are advised to remain calm, as the earlier rumour has been decisively addressed and normalcy has been fully restored.”

 

CP Abaniwonda has warned against the spread of unverified rumours capable of causing fear or disrupting academic activities.

 

He reiterated the command’s resolve to respond swiftly to any credible threat while ensuring the safety of all educational institutions across the state.

 

He further urges school authorities to strengthen internal communication, promptly report suspicious observations to the nearest police formation, and maintain close collaboration with local security outfits to enhance monitoring around school environments.

BREAKING: Reggae icon, Jimmy Cliff dies at 81

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By Kehinde Okeowo

 

 

 

Jamaican reggae and soul musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor, James Chambers, popularly known as Jimmy Cliff, has passed away at the age of 81.

 

The family of the legendary musician announced his death on Monday on his official social media page.

 

His wife, LaTifa Chambers, wrote on Instagram: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

 

”I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

 

”To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”

 

ALSO READ: Katsina woman allegedly stabbed husband to death three days after wedding

 

Jimmy Cliff was best known for songs including “Many Rivers to Cross” and “The Harder They Come,” the title song for the movie of the same name from 1972, which also featured him.

 

The film’s soundtrack was a major international success and did much to spread the appeal of Jamaican reggae.

 

Born in Jamaica in 1944, Cliff scored his first local hit aged just 14 with “Hurricane Hattie” and would go on to win two Grammy awards and pick up seven nominations.

 

He was only one of two Jamaicans to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside Bob Marley.

2027: Kano APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu as sole presidential candidate

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Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Kano State on Sunday endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate of the party for the 2027 presidential election.

The APC leader in the state,Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, announced the decision at the end of the three-day meeting of the stakeholders held at his Miango Road residence in Kano.

Ganduje told journalists shortly after the meeting that the stakeholders drawn from the entire 44 local government areas and 484 wards unanimously endorsed the sole candidature of the president for the 2027 poll.

He said all the stakeholders had expressed their commitment to the party’s unity, progress as well as solidarity with President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda that is positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.

He said for the last three days the stakeholders which comprised the Chairmen of all the 44 local government chapters and other leaders of the party, discussed unity and the need to be fully committed to the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The former governor of Kano State said all the decisions were imperative as the nation moves towards the 2027 general elections.

He said the meeting also agreed to ensure that the party wins all elections for positions to be contested for in the state as well as work for the total victory of President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“We have directed the chairmen of the 44 local government branches of the party and chairmen of the 484 wards that the party offices should be physically accessible and functional,” Ganduje said.

He said this would enable members of other parties defecting to the APC to smoothly partake in the party’s activities.

“We also directed executives of the party at all levels to go round and make pronouncement that Tinubu is the sole candidate of the APC,come 202,” Ganduje said.

He said the takeholders also discussed issues of e-registration of members of the the party,and that they had already acquired computers for the party’s offices for the exercise.

He recalled that Kano State produced the highest number of the APC faithful in the last registration of members of the party, adding that the state chapter of the party is determined to sustain the feat.

I’m keeping close watch on security nationwide, says Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu says he is keeping a close eye on the security situation across the country, reacting to the rescue of 38 worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Kwara State.

Armed men had stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, taking several worshippers away.

In a message posted on his X account, Tinubu referenced his cancelled trip to the G20 summit in South Africa, saying the decision allowed him to focus on domestic security efforts. He reaffirmed his commitment, declaring that “under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

He praised the security agencies for their recent operations, noting that “all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.”

The President also addressed, for the first time, the mass abduction at a Catholic school in Niger State. Until now, neither he nor the Presidency had commented on the incident, even as the Federal Government ordered the closure of 41 unity colleges and at least five states shut down schools in response to rising insecurity.

The PDP had criticized the situation, calling on Tinubu to resign if he felt overwhelmed.

But on Sunday, the President restated his resolve to restore safety nationwide.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

He added: “My fellow Nigerians, You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.

“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he wrote.

Meth, cocaine consignments in machine cylinders, auto parts intercepted at Lagos airport

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

As NDLEA launches heavy crackdown on DTOs nationwide: arrests 9 kingpins; recovers tons of illicit drugs in flight boarding pass, others; nabs ladies for selling Colos-laced brownies online

 

In a blistering crackdown on drug trafficking organisations across the country, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled no fewer than six syndicates leading to the seizure of tons of assorted illicit drugs and the arrest of nine kingpins in series of intelligence-led interdiction operations.

In one of such operations, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 18th November 2025 arrested two members of a drug trafficking organization in Onitsha, Anambra state when they showed up to take delivery of 5.40 kilograms of methamphetamine; 10.70 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis; 16grams of cocaine; 200grams of phenacetin; 200grams of methcathinone and 100grams of caffeine concealed in pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa.

The first to show up at a logistics company in Onitsha for the collection of the consignments was 30-year-old electrical appliances dealer Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu who was promptly arrested while shortly after, another member of the syndicate 51-year-old South Africa returnee Christopher Michael Ndibuisi showed up and was equally arrested.

The consignments had arrived the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja-Lagos with airway bill number 118-12882973 arriving from South Africa on a Tag-Angola flight on 13th November 2025 and was immediately seized based on credible intelligence. A follow up sting operation was thereafter organized in Onitsha, Anambra state where the recipients: Uzochukwu and Ndibuisi were arrested.

 

 

In another operation at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 20th November

intercepted a brake servo automobile part used to conceal 48 pellets and a block of cocaine

with a gross weight of 2.30 kilograms packed among other auto parts going to Gabon.

Following the arrest of a freight agent Ameh Solomon who presented the consignment for export, a follow up at ASMPDA market, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Lagos led to the arrest of an auto parts dealer Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface.

In Kogi state, NDLEA operatives on Monday 17th November intercepted a trailer conveying 4,700 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis at Kabba. Three suspects: Solomon Dauda, Friday Garba and Daniel Danladi accompanying the consignment were arrested while a follow up operation in Jos, Plateau state on Friday 21st November led to the arrest of the kingpin who owns the trailer and the illicit drug consignment, Marcus Danladi Dan Mangu.

A couple: 55-year-old Onun Okoi Okpotum and his wife 52-year-old Itam Okoi Okpotum were on Wednesday 19th November arrested at their warehouse located at 13 Park road, Ugep Yakur LGA, Cross River state where 362 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 4,706 kilograms were recovered.

In Edo state, two ladies: Praise Nwogu, 19, and Ebong Emem Oghosa, 25, who specialize in the production and online sale of brownies laced with illicit drugs were on Saturday 22nd November arrested in Benin city. At the point of their arrest, Praise Nwogu, was found with 12 plates and a cup of drug-laced brownies laced while Ebong Emem Oghosa, was nabbed with 76grams of skunk, 1.5grams of Colorado and drug-laced brownies. A raid at Ososo village, Akoko Edo LGA, on Tuesday 18th November led to the arrest of 35-year-old Shedrack Aminu, who was found with 59kg skunk.

Operatives on patrol along Enugu/Onitsha road, Enugu on Wednesday 19th November intercepted a suspect Chinoso Emmanuel Monday, 24, conveying 10.1kg skunk; 105,600 pills of tramadol 250mg, 225mg and 100mg as well as 700 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 3000 rounds of live ammunition.

In Kebbi state, 13,155 bottles of codeine-based syrup were evacuated from a warehouse located at Dole-Kaina, Dandi LGA, while a 23-year-old suspect Umar Adamu was arrested with 12,548 pills of opioids concealed in paracetamol containers heading to a Boko Haram enclave in Minok area of Borno state on Friday 21st November.

Two suspects: Anthony Mercy, 40, and Sunday Augustine, 39, were on Monday 17th November arrested with 430.5kg by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway in the FCT, while Samson Dafe, 47, was arrested at Dikko junction, Kaduna road, Tafa LGA, Niger state on Tuesday 18th November conveying 85,100 pills of opioids and 5,456 bottles of codeine syrup in his Sharon vehicle marked ABJ 114 BV. The premises of a suspect Sani Mohammed in Anguwan Makera Kuta, Shiroro LGA was on Thursday 20th November raided with 437 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 471.8 kilograms recovered.

In Lagos, a suspect Usman Ayoola Adegoke was arrested in connection with the seizure of

139 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 71kg at an apartment in Lekki while a lady Oluchi Celestine was on Tuesday 18th November nabbed in Lekki with 2.6kg Colorado packaged in branded containers and some concealed in flight boarding cards.

Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives supported by some military personnel on Monday 17th November raided the notorious Peti illicit drug enclave, Lagos Island where 385 kilograms of skunk, Loud and Colorado were recovered and two suspects arrested.

No less than 163,200 capsules of tramadol 225mg were also recovered in another operation at a motor park in Maza Maza area of Lagos.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Baptist High School, Ilero, Oyo state; St. Michael Anglican Primary School, Afuye Epe, Lagos; Government Day Senior and Junior Secondary School, Kurami, Katsina; Women Day Secondary, Kontogora, Niger state; Government Day Secondary School, Takatuku, Sokoto; St. Paul’s College, Eke, Enugu; and Iwoye Area Community High School, Iwoye, Ogun state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kogi, Edo, Cross River, Enugu, Kebbi, Niger, Borno and FCT Commands for the various successful operations, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

Justifying the current heavy crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates, Marwa said the coming festive season is usually a period often exploited by criminal elements, hence the Agency has decided to launch a relentless offensive on drug trafficking cartels across the nation. “The coming weeks present both an opportunity and a challenge. Drug cartels may attempt to increase their illegal activities, seeking to profit during the busy holiday period. We must not, and we will not, let down our guard”, he added.

13-year-old student, Seth, wins UBA Foundation essay competition

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MEET OUR AUTHOR of the WEEK, the award-winning essayist and author, 13 year old

EBUNLOLUWA OLUWATIMILEHIN

 

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

 

 

 

History was made in Lagos on Tuesday, as 13-year-old Ebunoluwa Seth Oluwatimilehin, of Igando Community Senior High School, Igando, a suburb of Lagos, emerged as the overall winner of the 15th UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, thus becoming the youngest winner in the 15 years of the competition.

 

Ebunoluwa, a public school student in SS2, also emerged as the first male winner in over eight years, as female winners have repeatedly dominated the competition. He clinched the grand prize of N10m educational grant to be used for his future studies at any African higher institution of his choice.

 

According to a statement from the foundation, an elated Ebunoluwa expressed his joy, stating, “I am incredibly grateful and overwhelmed. This competition has shown me that passion and hard work truly pay off.

 

It has been an amazing journey that has deepened my love for writing and expressing my ideas.”

 

 

The second-place winner, Njoku-Kelechi Emerald of Christian International High School, Owerri, received a N7.5m educational grant, while the third-place prize of N5m educational grant was awarded to Bayero Fatima Auwal of Cornerstone Montessori Schools, Gudu, Abuja.

 

 

In addition to the monetary grants for the top three winners, all 12 finalists were awarded brand-new laptops and other educational materials to support their academic pursuits.

 

The 2025 edition received several thousand entries, with significant participation extending beyond major cities into rural communities across the country.

 

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who commended the Foundation’s 15-year commitment to the initiative, explained the competition’s strategic role in reviving a culture of reading and writing among youth.

Thugs Kill Neighbour, Mother Of Gay Suspect In Delta As He Goes Into Hiding

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Fleeing Bright Anie

In spite of the 14 years imprisonment stipulated by law as penalty on conviction for involving in same-sex love relationship in Nigeria, some thugs have resorted to killing the mother of a suspected gay and their neighbour in attempt to clap down on the suspect.

Though, the incident was said to have occurred in Effurun-Warri in Delta State, yet it seemed to have been covered up as no media reported it as at the time of occurrence.

However, our investigation revealed that it was a very bloody day in January, 2024 when residents of the area woke up to witness what was described as very gruesome attack in which two persons were killed in connection with same-sex relationship involving two young men, Yusuf Abubakar Ibrahim and Bright Anie.

According to reliable sources resident in the area, what led to the attack started a few days before the incident. The actual date could not be confirmed, but two among the anonymous persons who spoke to our correspondent insisted the crisis that eventually led to the attack had begun on 13th January, 2024.

Yusuf’s mother, Mrs. Ibrahim was said to have discovered something like a love letter while cleaning up her son’s room. Contents of the letter were reportedly damaging much as the letter was incriminating. It revealed much of an existing gay relationship between Yusuf and Bright.

According to one of the sources, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim, Yusuf’s father got to know about the document found in Yusuf’s room. The wife was believed to have intimated him with the damaging contents of the letter.

Incidentally, the couple could not bear the finding that their son had engaged in gay relationship with Bright whose parents were said to have hailed from somewhere in Akwa Ibom but resident in Effurun-Warri.

On the other hand, Yusuf’s father, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim, according to a source, has been living in Delta State for over 50 years. His actual state of origin could not immediately be ascertained but a resident living close to his house said he is from either Kogi State or the northern part of Edo State.

At Effurun-Warri, he was described as a reputed Islamic and community leader who would go to any length to fight against any abominable act. His influence in the community according to sources is on the high side as his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought him much closer to some important personalities within and outside the Warri environ.

Being influential in the community, Mallam Ibrahim reportedly engaged some street urchins likely to be his political and Sharia thugs. They were accompanied by some armed police men to search for Bright whom he suspected to have converted his son into a gay relationship.

He probably wanted to get him arrested and prosecuted in line with the extant law on same-sex relationship but it became a different ball game when the thugs took laws into their hands.

It was gathered that when the thugs and police arrived Bright’s family residence, he could not be found. His father, Mr. Anie Akpan, his cousin Mercy Ukeme and his mother Mrs. Anie Esther were incidentally met at home.

Disagreement and use of harsh words was said to have ensued between the thugs and Bright’s father who initially did not understand their mission to his family.

The disagreement reportedly degenerated into physical confrontation during which Mr. Akpan was stabbed twice with object suspected to be knife on the left hand and badly injured. His cousin was severely injured also as she was hit severally with a plank on the shoulder.

The thugs went wild extending the attack on Bright’s mother and a female neighbor who had tried to intervene. Both ladies were severely injured also and could not survive the injuries inflicted on them. Five other male neighbors who had tried to intervene were severely injured.

Sources said the situation was later brought under control on the intervention of police officers from another station believed to be the Area Command. They reportedly arrested their colleagues who had accompanied the thugs as they were suspected to have aided the brutal attack that led to the death of Bright’s mother and a neighbor.

Some other thugs were said to have returned at night in search of Bright as they suspected he was hiding within the environment. Regrettably, his whereabouts could not immediately be ascertained.

His mother’s corpse was buried by the family a few days later.

Meanwhile, the police at the state headquarters of Delta Police Command in Asaba said report of the incident did not immediately get to the Headquarters.

Police spokesman, Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police however told our correspondent a few days ago that the police were collaborating with Yusuf’s family to give more information on how Bright Anie could be arrested.

NDLEA intercepts cocaine shipment from Brazil, detains ship, 20 Filipino crew members

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Nigeria is not, and will never be your foothold, Marwa warns drug cartels

Barely six months after 10 Thai sailors and their ship were convicted and fined $4.3million
for bringing 32.9kg cocaine into Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have again intercepted another commodity laden vessel- MV Nord Bosporus marked 9760110 from the port of Santos in Brazil at the Apapa seaport in Lagos with no less than 20 kilograms of the Class A drug buried under its cargo.
The illicit drug consignment was discovered on board the vessel on Sunday 16th November 2025 by NDLEA officers who thereafter took the Master of the ship, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus and 19 other crew members who are all Filipinos into custody for investigation.
Following the seizure and arrest of the crew members, the Agency filed an application for an order of court for the detention of the vessel and the 20 Filipinos on board for further investigation. The motion ex-parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25 was argued before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, who on Thursday 20th November 2025 granted the application for an initial 14 days detention of the vessel, Capt. Corpus and 19 other Filipino crew members.
Preliminary investigation revealed that this was the first time the vessel was coming to Nigeria and Africa as it’s been largely transporting coal between Colombia and Brazil while Captain Corpus has been barely three months with the ship.
The Agency had in a similar circumstance arrested 10 sailors who are nationals of Thailand on 13th October 2021 on board a vessel named MV Chayanee Naree for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport. Nine Nigerian suspects were also arrested along with the Thai crew members. The 10 Thai sailors and the vessel were eventually convicted on Thursday 15th May 2025 by a Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor who also fined them $4.3 million.

 

In his reaction to the latest significant seizure of 20kg cocaine on board MV Nord Bosporus, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency as well as the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their vigilance, diligence and professionalism.
​Marwa said the cocaine seizure is not just an operational success but “a clear demonstration of our heightened capacity and unwavering resolve”, adding that “we will continue to tighten our grip on all entry and exit points, especially our seaports, which transnational criminal organisations have historically attempted to exploit.”
According to him, “Let this be an unambiguous message to every international drug cartel and every internal collaborator: Nigeria is not, and will never be, your space or your foothold. The NDLEA is operating with zero-tolerance, and we will not permit any illicit drug to pass through our borders, whether by air, land, or sea. You may scheme, you may attempt sophisticated concealment, but you will fail. Our intelligence network, collaboration with international partners, and the dedication of our officers are steps ahead of your nefarious activities.”
For any Nigerian who chooses to collaborate with foreign syndicates in the illicit drug trade, the NDLEA boss reminded them of the consequences of such. “You are not just committing a crime; you are betraying your nation’s future. The consequences of aiding and abetting drug trafficking will be severe and unrelenting. We are committed to using the full force of the law to dismantle your structures, seize your illicit assets, and secure your long-term incarceration”, he warned.

CERTIFICATE AND SABITICATE: Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Skill, Understanding Educational and Skill Acquisition Certificates

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BY RICHARD AKPAN

 

 

 

In the growing background of education and employment, the difference between academic learning and vocational training is becoming increasingly significant. Across Nigeria and beyond, the possession of certificates-earned through formal education or through skill acquisition-is beginning to define the professional prospects and economic empowerment of individuals. Consequently, education and skills have become the twin engines driving personal and national development and as the job market evolves, two distinct but complementary forms of training are shaping the future of young people. While Certificate epitomises acquisition of theoretical educational qualification, Sabiticate on the other hand, represents Skill Acquisition obtained or acquired through hands-on-training. While both complement each other, the later seems to be gaining more traction at the workplace.

 

Educational Certificates: The Pillars of Academic Achievement

 

A certificate represents the formal recognition of academic attainment. It is awarded upon the successful completion of structured learning programmes in recognized institutions at all levels. These include the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE), National Certificate in Education (NCE), Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Bachelors Degree Certificates. These are the foundation for intellectual growth and are often prerequisites for entry into higher academic pursuits-Masters and PhDs, or entry into formal employment. They emphasize theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and discipline-specific understanding. But as global economies shift towards innovation and entrepreneurship, educational certificates alone are increasingly seen as insufficient or inadequate to address the practical realities of the modern workforce.

 

Skill Acquisition Certificates: Instruments of Practical Empowerment

 

In contrast, a skill acquisition certificate-Sabiticate-recognizes proficiency in practical and vocational skills. These types of certificates are typically obtained from technical colleges, vocational training centres, or government-supported empowerment programmes. This is where TVET-a programme currently on the radar of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) becomes very important and timely. Even though the initiative seems to have come after its time, it is better late than never as training areas of these programmes may include tailoring, catering, hairdressing, electrical installation, automobile repair, computer technology, plumbing, carpentry, fashion design, etc.

 

One may ask, of what use is skill acquisition since individuals have already spent four to five years in conventional educational institutions to acquire academic certificates? In response, skill acquisition programmes equip individuals with hands-on abilities that foster self-employment, innovation, and productivity. These are the elements lacking in the conventional academic institutions, and are particularly vital in addressing the high rate of youth unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs. Recipients of these certificates can establish thriving enterprises, thereby contributing significantly to national economic growth, and providing the much needed employment opportunities for the teaming youth population.

 

The Need for Balance and Integration

 

In handling both Certificate and Sabiticate, it is important to state that while academic certificates develop intellectual and theoretical capacities, skill acquisition certificates cultivate creativity and practical competence. Therefore, for sustainable development, both must coexist in harmony. Governments and educational policymakers should increasingly advocate for the integration of skill acquisition into formal curricula-a move designed to produce well-rounded graduates.

 

A closer look at Dewey Decimal Classification System of books in the library, Class 500 is immediately followed by Class 600, Class 500 details books in the Pure Sciences while Class 600 details books in the Applied Sciences. Class 500 represents educational pursuit in conventional academic institutions, whereas Class 600 stands for skill acquisition at vocational or skill acquisition centres. Common knowledge here shows that Certificates and Sabiticates are meant to complement each other with none of the two claiming superiority.

 

It is an indisputable fact that in the 21st-century economy, the most successful individuals are often those who possess both academic qualifications and practical skills. This enables adaptability in an ever-changing job market, and fosters innovation across industries. Imagine a driver with a drivers License without ever touching a car steering. With such a driver on the wheel, it is certain that a disaster is waiting to happen within the first five. This seems to be the situation when employing a fresh graduate leading to the employer or government agency spending scarce resources to get the fresh employee to become employable. This has nothing to do work orientation often given to a newly employed staff.

 

Conclusion

The debate between formal education and skill acquisition is not a contest of superiority but a call for complementarity-with both paths leading toward empowerment and progress. The key lies in recognizing that education without skill is incomplete, while skill without knowledge is limited. Lets pick an example. Moving round the city one can see a clear example of two sign writers-the first one is only a Sabiticate holder while the other holds both Certificate and Sabiticate. The Sabiticate holder writes, BUY YOUR SPEAR PARTS HERE, while the Certificate and Sabiticate holder writes, BUY YOUR SPARE PARTS HERE. The difference is crystal clear. Certificates, whether academic or vocational, remain vital instruments for personal advancement and national progress. True empowerment lies not merely in holding a certificate but in possessing the knowledge and ability to apply it productively.

 

As Nigeria and other developing nations strive toward economic diversification and technological advancement, the synergy between education and skill acquisition must continue to define the future of work, entrepreneurship, and human capital development.

 

RICHARD AKPAN IS THE FORMER HEAD, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR NIGERIAN LANGUAGES, ABA, ABIA STATE.

Securing Nigeria from illicit drugs, other vices a shared responsibility, says Marwa

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By Ebinum Samuel

Assures NDLEA ’ll build on past successes in his 2nd tenure as CISLAC boss Rafsanjani, Gen. Olukolade, others commend Agency’s efforts

 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that the task of securing Nigeria from the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as well as other social vices must be seen and treated as a shared responsibility by all stakeholders.
Marwa who stated this in his keynote address at the 7th Security and Emergency Management Awards and Conference (SAEMA 2025) hosted at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 19th November 2025 assured that the Agency will build on the successes of the last five years during his second tenure with aggressive interdictions and compassionate treatment, rehabilitation and prevention programmes.
“The task before us—securing our nation—is a shared responsibility. The awards presented today are a reminder that all security agencies, emergency responders, and civil society partners are working towards the same goal: a safe, stable, and prosperous Nigeria.
The NDLEA remains committed to this cause, determined to build on the successes of the past few years. We will continue to adopt a balanced approach—placing equal emphasis on Supply Reduction through aggressive interdiction and Demand Reduction through compassionate treatment and prevention.
“This menace demands a multi-sectoral response involving law enforcement agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, educators, the media, and the entire community. This is why I can’t but commend IMPR and its partners for this initiative as well as choosing “Drug Control and National Security: Innovations for a Safer Tomorrow” as the theme for SAEMA 2025”, he stated
He said as an Agency with the mandate to curb illicit drug problems, the NDLEA under his leadership has responded to the challenge and pursued a two-pronged strategy.
According to him, “the first aspect of the strategy is Supply Reduction, which entails closing down the supply pipelines of illicit drugs. We do this through intelligence-led operations, interdictions, and international collaborations. By these means, we have intercepted tons of narcotics, dismantled cartels, and prosecuted offenders. From our borders to our airports and seaports, our officers remain resolute and execute their job without fear or favour. “Gratifyingly, we are getting good results. In the first 10 months of this year alone, we have recorded over 16,304 arrests and have successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of about 3,000 drug offenders with hundreds of cases ongoing in court. In the same vein, we have seized 4.5 million kilograms of illicit substances. We go the extra mile deep into the forests to locate cannabis plantations and destroy them. In these operations, we have destroyed 612.2864 hectares of cannabis farms within the same 10-month period.

 

“The second aspect of our strategy is Demand Reduction, which entails ensuring a near-zero demand for illicit drugs by users. Our demand reduction activities are built around the recognition that enforcement alone is insufficient to effectively curb the instances of drug abuse. First, people must be made aware of the dangers of using these illicit substances, and persuaded not to experiment with them no matter the circumstance. Second, those who are already users need to be cured of their dependence and weaned off the substances. To this end, we launched a social advocacy campaign, the War Against Drug Abuse, which we often refer to acronymically as WADA. This comprehensive, grassroots-driven initiative is designed to awaken every citizen, family, and institution to their role in the collective effort to stamp out the ills of illicit drugs in our society.
“Through WADA, we have entered schools, markets, places of worship, traditional institutions and communities to spread the message that drug abuse is not a private vice but a national menace. In 2025 alone, we have criss-crossed this country and reached nooks and crannies with our public awareness campaign. We have conducted over 3,765 WADA activities comprising public lectures, sensitisation visits and other engagements. Till today, officers of our 36 state commands, 14 zonal commands and 10 strategic commands engage in weekly WADA activities.
“The other part of our demand reduction strategy is treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of drug users. These are very important activities that must balance our offensive effort. To simplify its importance, I usually reference the law of demand and supply. Where there is no demand, there will not be supply. If we wake up tomorrow and no one is demanding cocaine or cannabis, the market will dry up and the suppliers would be out of business. But that cannot happen unless you treat those who have become dependent on the substances and need their fix regularly. The NDLEA runs 30 rehabilitation centres across the country, offering medical treatment, counselling, and reintegration support for those struggling with addiction. We are expanding these facilities and partnering with state governments, NGOs, and international allies to ensure that recovery is possible and accessible”
He thanked the event organisers—Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the Centre for Crisis Communication, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and the International Emergency Management Society—for choosing NDLEA to host this year’s ceremony, and for the honour they continue to bestow on institutions and individuals working tirelessly to safeguard Nigeria.
In his remarks at the event, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani commended Marwa for providing good leadership for NDLEA “to redeem and reform our country from people that are determined to destroy our young people. His work, you can see it every day. Every day we hear drugs being intercepted and taken out from the hands of the public. The incredible amount of work that Gen. Marwa is doing to this country, I don’t think people have even sat down to reflect. Because if you see the danger that our young people have been going through as a result of taking drugs, it’s incredible. Equally important, we know that there’s no way you can also detach issues of drugs abuse with the issues of security in this country.”

 

He said the award ceremony was “a recognition to the people that have been making sacrifices in this country. A lot of security personnel are making huge sacrifices for this country, for us to live in peace. Sadly, many of them have died and not much appreciation from the public.
“So for us, as an organization, we appreciate the tremendous work that our security personnel are doing in this country. And we will continue to support every effort to boost their morale, to give them the necessary credible information so that they can continue to make this country safe and better for us. Both at the level of Amnesty International, which I chair the board, Transparency International, which I head, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, which I also head, we’re all in this solidarity and support to the tremendous effort that our security personnel are putting in this country. And we will continue to support them and we will continue to ensure that we urge other Nigerians to also do the same.”
Others who spoke in same light include the Chairman, Centre for Crisis Communication, Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd); Chairman, Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, Prof Sule Yau Sule and the MD/Editor-in-Chief, PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib. The event also witnessed the presentation of a book: Anti-Drug, Anti-Smuggling Campaigns A Corpers’ Chronicle written by two Youth Corps members: Arafat Abdulrazaq and Tahir Ahmad.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of ‘Outstanding Personality of the Year’ award to Marwa and ‘Outstanding Crisis Communicator of the Year’ award to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, while other agencies honoured include the Nigerian Army, Airforce, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, and NCoS among others.