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Drug Abuse Campaign: Ogbia Diocese Partners Silec Initiatives

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With our firm determination to complement the efforts of government to curb the heightened state of drug abuse in the country, which has become a source of concern to all and sundry, both corporate citizens and the general public, the Diocese of Ogbia Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has expressed readiness to join efforts with Silec Initiatives in the continuous fight against drug abuse in Nigeria particularly in Bayelsa state, where reports have it that the rate at which young people are consuming hard drugs is becoming colossal.

In a letter signed and addressed to the founder and president, Silec Initiatives, Amb. Sunny Irakpo by Mrs Marie Zakana, the Co-ordinator, Action and Outreach unit of the women ministry of the Diocese of Ogbia as directed and led by the President, Mrs. Ayebaene F. Oruwori, stating the commitment of the women ministry to join in the collaborative fight against drug abuse and addition amongst young people. Our choice of Silec Initiatives being one of Nigeria’s most active Not- for -Profit Making organizations with a rich history of partnering with different state governments, religious and corporate organizations to tame the monster of drug abuse, we are delighted to be working with this reputable international body to address this enemy of the youths.

In a swift conversation with the Women leader, she concluded that the rate at which the country is going, if this issue of drug abuse is not tackled meticulously with the key stakeholders such as Silec Initiatives to act timely, many of our youths will be totally destroyed as a result of ignorance and peer group pressure. The women leader said the high rate of drug abuse in her state prompted her office to identify and engage with SILEC after the powerful and insightful presentation that our team and I delivered to the standing committee meeting of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion upon the Episcopal Invitation of the Primary of all Nigeria Anglican Church, The Most Revd. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba on this subject some few months ago. Seeing Silec Initiatives being a critical stakeholder and a major player in the struggle to rid our streets of drugs, the Action and Outreach unit of the church requested extension of such Nation building drive of that young man to Bayelsa where many of our youths are losing their minds and senses as a result of this menace to handle the 3-days anti-drugs campaign of the Diocese Tagged: BAYELSA SAY NO TO DRUGS (Ogbia In Focus) to commence from the 13-15th May,2022 to kick start the campaign project for the state under the Episcopal Leadership of His Grace, the Rt. Revd. James A. Oruwori, the Diocesan Bishop of Ogbia as Chief Host.

Sunny Irakpo while thanking the Women leader of the ministry for this collaborative efforts to save our youths, especially in Bayelsa state, we cannot appreciate enough the Lord Bishop of Ogbia Diocese for this great move for the Diocese to join in the Fight against drug abuse In the country.

In my humblest appeal, I am calling on the government of Bayelsa State under the able administration of His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri to join the Diocese of Ogbia to rescue the lives of young people from the substance use disorder ravaging the country particularly in Bayelsa state,where the news of drugs is not pleasant to the ears. I also extended such call to all sons and daughters of Bayelsa State home and in the diaspora and Goodwill individuals to join in this fight against drug abuse currently having devastating effects on the youthful population who should be the pillars of progress for Nigeria. I enjoined all Nigerians to take this fight personally in the interest of the country, I strongly advise youths to stay out of drugs totally not partially in order for them not to destroy their dreams and Aspiration, Irakpo concluded.

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First Lady’s Cars Distribution to APC Women Amid Oyo Kidnapping Crisis, Outrage or Applause?

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By Shakirat Akintola

As the agonizing wait for dozens of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State stretches into another grueling week, a storm of public outrage has erupted over a high-profile political gesture from the nation’s capital.

The source of the friction? A fleet of newly donated vehicles.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked intense debate across Nigeria following the launch of the “Tinubu Torchbearers,” a mobilization group under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). To kick off the initiative, the First Lady donated vehicles to APC women leaders across five opposition-controlled states: Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Osun, and Oyo.
While the presentation was met with cheers inside the political halls, the feedback online and on the streets of Oyo has been starkly different, raising a fundamental, painful question: Can there be celebration without rescue?

The Political Machinery in Motion

During the presentation, Senator Tinubu was explicit about the nature and intent of the donation. She clarified that the vehicles were personal donations and instructed that they be registered directly in the names of the respective state women leaders. She didn’t stop there, urging APC governors across the country to follow suit and empower the women leaders in their own domains.

Defending the move as a core part of political engagement, the First Lady noted, “We are politicians, and people should see what the value is.”

But for many Nigerians watching the event unfold against the backdrop of a worsening security situation, the “value” being demonstrated felt incredibly detached from the immediate reality on the ground.

“A Question of Timing”

In Oyo State, where families are still frozen in trauma over the unresolved mass kidnapping of students and educators, the arrival of political campaign vehicles has rubbed salt into an open wound. Local commentators and citizens quickly took to social media and radio programs to challenge the priorities of the ruling class.

“We are talking about missing children, terrified parents, and schools that aren’t safe,” noted one Ibadan-based community advocate during an morning broadcast on Arise News. “And the immediate response we see from Abuja is the distribution of cars to mobilize voters for the next election? It feels like the campaign never stops, even when our hearts are breaking.”
The dialogue surrounding the incident highlights a deep, systemic disconnect. On one hand, the political class views internal party mobilization and the strengthening of its structures as standard, ongoing operations. On the other hand, a traumatized public views it as a tone-deaf display of luxury and politicking during a moment of profound national grief.

The Growing Divide

As the opposition-controlled states digest this move, the debate in Oyo remains the most volatile. Critics argue that the logistics, funding, and energy poured into launching the Tinubu Torchbearers could have been better utilized in supporting local security infrastructure or visible community solidarity.

For now, the vehicles are set to hit the roads, registered to partisan leaders. But as long as the classrooms in Oyo remain empty and the abducted victims remain in the bush, every political convoy that passes through these states will likely face the same haunting question from the people: Where is the rescue?

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Glo Introduces “More Data More Value” Offer to Boost Customers’ Experience

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Determine to enrich the digital experience of its subscribers, Globacom has introduced a new data offer, tagged “More Data More Value only on Glo”. The new offer gives customers as much as 10 percent more data across its bundles as the Nigerian telecom landscape shifts toward a data-led economy.

Globacom explained in a statement that “The new offer is designed to ensure that every Naira spent by a Nigerian consumer yields the highest possible digital return”, thus reinforcing the company’s long-standing reputation for affordability and empowerment.

“More Data More Value” offers a variety of weekly and monthly options planned to balance daytime and night-time usage. The weekly plan includes ₦1,000 option which provides 3.7GB of total data, consisting of 1.7GB main data and 2GB night data, while that of ₦2,000 offers 9GB in total, divided into 6.5GB main data and 2.5GB night data.

The monthly plan also comes with different options including that of ₦1,500 which delivers a total of 5.2GB (2.2GB main data paired with 3GB night data); the ₦2,000 option offering 6.25GB data, a combination of 3.25GB main data and 3GB night data and16.5GB, comprising 14.5GB main data and 2GB night data which goes for N5,000. There is also the ₦10,000 and N15,000 options, with N10,000 providing 42GB total, 38GB main data and 4GB night data, while ₦15,000 offers 64GB in total, consisting of 62GB main data and 2GB night data.

Glo’s enhanced bundles provide the necessary incentive for students, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to browse longer, whether for TikTok trends, Instagram aesthetics, YouTube streaming, or high-stakes gaming and stream without fear, ensuring their professional and social lives remain uninterrupted.

These improved bundles from Globacom give entrepreneurs, remote workers, and students the incentive they need to browse longer, whether for high-stakes gaming, YouTube streaming, Instagram aesthetics, or TikTok trends, and stream on end, while ensuring seamlessness in their social and professional lives.

Beyond individual users, the “More Data More Value” offer also extend its benefits to families and SMEs. With the reliance of small businesses and households on mobile hotspots for their daily operations, Glo has optimized its offerings to serve as the preferred network for high-volume usage.

The offer also serves as a driver of digital transformation through the Glo Café app. Customers are encouraged to utilize the app for seamless bundle subscriptions, as it allows them to manage their “more than 10% extra” data with ease, thus ensuring rewarding user experience.

“More Data More Value” offer underscores Glo’s commitment to providing the best value-for-money which gives Nigerians the benefit of not compromising on their digital lifestyle

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Otti to Build 35,000-Capacity FIFA-Standard Stadium in Aba

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Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to construct a FIFA-standard stadium in Aba with a seating capacity of approximately 35,000, in what is being described as one of the most significant sports infrastructure projects in the State’s development agenda.

The proposed stadium is designed to meet international football standards, making it suitable for hosting top-tier domestic league matches, continental competitions, and other global sporting events.

The facility is expected to feature modern pitch technology, upgraded spectator stands, advanced lighting systems for night games, VIP lounges, media centres, locker rooms, and safety and security installations that align with FIFA requirements.

The project is also expected to include auxiliary facilities such as training pitches, parking spaces, and support buildings that will enhance its overall functionality as a multi-use sports complex.

According to the governor’s vision, the stadium is not just a sports project but part of a broader economic revitalisation plan for Aba.

The city, already known as a major commercial hub in South-eastern Nigeria, is expected to benefit significantly from increased sporting activities, which will drive business for hotels, transport operators, food vendors, and local entrepreneurs.

The initiative is also positioned to strengthen grassroots football development and provide a modern home ground for local teams, especially Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.

The project is expected to be executed through a structured development approach that may involve partnerships aimed at ensuring timely delivery and high construction standards.

When completed, the stadium is projected to elevate Abia State’s profile in national and African football circles while creating new opportunities for youth engagement, talent development, and sports tourism.

Overall, the Aba stadium plan reflects a strategic push by the state government to combine sports, infrastructure, and economic development into a single long-term growth vision for Abia State.

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