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Rise In Number Of Drug Addicts In Nigeria Worries NAFDAC

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By Steve Oni, Ilorin

The National Agency for Food and Drug Adminitration and Control (NAFDAC) has again raised the alarm that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gun powder due to the high rate and prevalence of drug addicts across the country.

According to the Agency, it is shocking that Nigeria is leading even beyond the international coverage of drug abuse globally which is put at five percent, lamenting that Nigeria currently has 15 percent drug abuse rate.

The Director, Public Affairs of the National Agency for Food And Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr. Abubakar Ateiza Jimoh, disclosed this in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, while fielding questions on a Radio Kwara personality interview programme “Playing Host”.

Dr. Jimoh said the agency has an average conservative estimate of 15 million people who are on drugs, while three million of them can be conveniently called drug adicts.

According to him, this development had made the Agency to conclude that the level of drug abuse had led to the high level of violence, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery and even dangerous driving by some Nigeria drivers.

He said most youths under the age bracket of 19 and 22 and even parents both male and female have seriously engaged in taking hard concoctions different from the common cocaine and heroin which names could not be ascertained but imported into the country from other African countries.

The Director of Public Affairs of the Agency who is also a member of the 28-member Presidential Advisory Committee on Elimination of Drug Abuse which is multisectoral headed by Retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa said the committee had series of dialogue sessions with various stakeholders on how to reduce, if not totally eliminate, the abuse of drugs in the country.

According to him, the committee would submit its findings and recommendations to the Federal Government in May this year for implementation.

Similarly, he disclosed that the committee was working and engaging various embassies of countries where these hard drugs are being imported to Nigeria by tackling the menace from the source and as well deploy multinational approaches ranging from regulatory, enforcement to sensitisation.

Dr. Jimoh recalled that NAFDAC had recently destroyed billions of Naira worth of containers loaded with tramadol and other related hard drugs which, if it had ordinarily gone into circulation, would have destroyed several lives.

He also disclosed that NAFDAC had shifted away from being just a mere regulatory agency of public health institutions, but now a key driver in the present transformation agenda in changing the economy from its monolistic dependence on oil.

Dr. Jimoh who is a political Scientist added that NAFDAC is also controlling the chemicals imported by the petrolchemical industries into the country while the agency is now laying emphasis on the promotion and development of the Small and Medium -sized Enterprise (SME’s) as a way of jump starting the economy and announced that Nigerians consume either bottled or sachets water worth over ten billion Naira on daily basis which is being superintendent by NAFDAC.

He urged Nigerians to watch the type of food and creams they apply on their bodies as some of such items are causes of kidney failure, diabetics, cancer and hypertension stressing that most people perish because of lack of knowledge and appealed to parents to stand up to their responsibilities and not leave their parental rights to teachers in schools or guardians.

The Political Scientist described the level of political development of any nation to its economic development and said Nigeria can not avoid to leave the governance of the country to anybody.

Dr. Jimoh advocated three political parties in future elections in the country and said with the outcome of the recent elections, Nigerians are now more concience of their political rights as any non performing political office holder would be voted out of office through the ballot in the next election.
END

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Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu

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Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.

The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.

Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.

Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.

The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.

Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.

As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.

With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “

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Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”

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CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda

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The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.

The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.

Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.

Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.

He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.

The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.

The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.

Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.

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