News
Drug Abuse: KWSG to book over speeding drivers for drug test
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
As part of its efforts to stem drug abuse in the State, the Kwara State Government has warned that any driver henceforth caught over speeding would be made to undergo mandatory drug test to certify them free of drug abuse and illicit substances.
The state government also said it has extended its mandatory drug test, initially meant for those seeking teaching jobs under its employment, to students as a condition they must fulfil before writing examinations.
It would be recalled that the state government had recently made drug test mandatory for successful applicants shortlisted for teaching jobs out of which seven of them failed the test and forfeited their employment slots.
Speaking on Thursday in Ilorin, the state capital, during a Road Walk to commemorate the 2025 United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and other illicit substances, the Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Ipman, who represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the event, said the state government, aside from its sensitisation campaigns, was taking more tough measures against drug abuse and illicit substances because of their harmful effects on the society.
She said: “One of the steps we are taking is first of all, we are doing sensitisation and also making sure that at school level, the teachers are being sensitised, while also ensuring that we subject them to mandatory drug test before being employed to be part of the system.
“We are taking it down to the school level where teachers and students will be taking the drug test before taking exams to make sure that those students are fit before taking any kind of exams.
“We are also taking it down to societal level, if we see that you are over speeding, we will give you a ticket to go and do drug abuse test and make sure that the over speeding you are doing is not as a result of taking illicit substances. So we are doing a lot.”
For his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on drug abuse prevention and control, Hon. Haliru Olalekan Mikail, called for concerted efforts to curb the menace of drug abuse and illicit substances in the society.
“We can’t blame anybody, it’s our collective responsibility, we all have to go out there and fight the menace because it can hinder our state and community development. It can do a lot to our society, so we don’t apportion blame at this moment. Things have gone bad already, we are looking at how we can salvage the situation”, he said.
Also speaking, the Kwara State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ()NDLEA, Hajia Fatima Popoola, and Deputy Chief Whip, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Mariam Aladi, expressed satisfaction with the level of sensitisation and measures put in place by the state government to stem the tide.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is ‘Prevention Treatment, Recovery For All: Break the Chain’.
End
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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