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Lagos Beyond Drugs Campaign Commends Sanwo-Olu’s US Leadership Exchange and Training Programme

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As part of the efforts to curb drug abuse in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, which has become an epicentre both for drug trafficking and abuse, the SILEC Initiatives, a brain child of Amb. Sunny Irakpo, a U.S-Government sponsored Exchange Alumni, who participated in the International Visior’s Leadership Exchange Program (IVLP) in 2019, has taken the lead to apply a 21st century approach in the fight against the scourge.

The group has also redoubled its commitment in the fight against drug abuse by partnering with the Lagos State Government to implement programmes aimed at enlightening the youths.

As a passionate agency that is after the transformation of the lives of the youthful and vibrant population, we have repeatedly emphasized the need for the different state governments in Nigeria, religious bodies, families, communities and corporate organisations to assist in creating a life transforming platforms and socio economic activities that will enable the youths exert their energies in the right direction in order to help achieve the needed change and national development that the nation craves for, shouldn’t be a duty for one arm. The youths are the strength and future of the country, so all hands must be on deck to guide, mentor and transform the lives of all Nigerian youth.

SILEC initiatives in their recent anti-drug campaign activities with the students of the Lagos state government Technical College, Ikeja, where Sunny Irakpo spoke on “Share Facts On Drug Abuse, Save Lives”, the program which was organised by the Lions Clubs International District 404B-2 in partnership with SILEC Initiatives under the distinguished leadership of the district governor, Lions Clubs International 404B2, Lion Kayode Oshinuga PMJF, NLCF and the committee chairperson, Lion (Mrs) Folashade Ashafa MJF, NLCF, which were parts of the advocacy for all and sundry to come to the aid of Nigerian youths, especially in Lagos where drug activities are very high with an average of 33% of her population engaged in drug abuse, the highest in South-West region.

While delivering on the psycho-socio model in tackling drug abuse in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State as part of the SILEC Initiatives campaign plans for 2022 tagged : “Lagos Beyond Drugs.” A media and school-based campaign project targeted towards the youths and the general public, he lamented that drugs are currently being consumed like pure water, and tasked the students to focus on their studies and avoid any form of distraction and that drug abuse being an element of destruction has led many promising youths to their early grave without fulfilling their God-given purposes on earth.

He further stated that the students should see the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu and other influential figures in the country as role models respectively, rather than take some uncultured and morally bankrupt artistes on social media with bad influence as their role models. The anti-drug abuse ambassador clearly reminded the students that it is important to also listen to their parents and their teachers to avoid life mistakes. Pointedly, he told them that avoiding peer pressure as far as drug abuse is concern is highly critical and paramount to them in fulfilling their potentials.

Reiterated that their lives are so precious to us as a nation, and to lose anyone of them to this enemy would be highly disastrous and counter productive. He specifically reminded them that Nigeria needs them to survive. While thanking the U .S Government via the U.S. Mission Nigeria for giving some of us the golden opportunity to build our leadership capacity in the U.S in order to attain the transformation agenda for Nigeria, I humbly extend my sincerest appreciation to the Lagos State Government under the current leadership of His Excellency Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the recent partnership with SILEC Initiatives and WorldChicago to implement Diplomacy Leadership Exchange Program for selected hard-working youths of the State including state officials in leadership and capacity building program in the United States of America as part of the State Government leadership development program and youth inclusiveness in Government. This is highly commended and Appreciated your Excellency serving as a good reward system for hard working youths of the State.

Calling on all well-meaning Individuals, corporate organisations, religious bodies and traditional institutions and international agencies to join effort with the SILEC initiatives to save Nigeria from this heightened state of moral decay, habitual decadence and destruction. The need to save the nation from this dangerous social vices and ill-leadership is NOW.

Very passionate about Nigeria growth and development, I wish to re-echo that “no youth will listen to me and be willing to do drugs.” Irakpo concluded.

Amb. Sunny Irakpo is certify by the United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC)on Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care Sensitization, a U.S Government Sponsored Exchange Alumni (IVLP), Youth and Anti-drug Abuse Advocate, Founder President Founder/President Silec Initiatives and Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador.

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WAEC Releases Results of CB-WASSCE 2026-First Series for Private Candidates

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By Eric Elezuo

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the release of the results of candidates, who participated in the 2026-First Series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates.

The release notice is contained in a statement signed by the Ag. Head, Public Affairs, Moyosola F. Adesina, on behalf of the Head of National Office, and made available to The Boss.

The statement, containing the details of the number of candidates, passes and failures as well as those still undergoing processing, is produced below:

RELEASE OF RESULT OF THE COMPUTER-BASED WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (CB-WASSCE) FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES, 2026-FIRST SERIES

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, wishes to announce to candidates, stakeholders and the general public that the result of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2026–First Series, has been released.

The examination took place in Nigeria between Wednesday, January 28, and Saturday, February 14, 2026. The Coordination of Examiners and Marking of Candidates’ Scripts were carried out at THREE (3) Marking Venues in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna from Thursday, February 26, to Friday, March 13, 2026. A total of SIX HUNDRED AND EIGHT (608) Examiners participated in the Coordination and Marking Exercise.

TEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE (10,523) candidates, representing an 11.49% increase, when compared with the 2025 entry figure of NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT (9,438),enrolled for the examination, while TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (10,480) candidates sat the examination at ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SIX (166) centres spread across the country.

Among the candidates that sat the examination, FORTY-THREE (43) candidates, with varying degrees of Special Needs, registered for the examination. Out of this number, ELEVEN (11) were visually impaired, FOUR (4) had impaired hearing and FOUR (4) were Albinos. All these candidates with special needs were adequately provided for in the administration of the examination.

Of the total number of TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (10,480) candidates that sat the examination, FIVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND SIX (5,106) were males while FIVE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FOUR (5,374) were females, representing 48.72% and 51.28% respectively.

Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, EIGHT THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN (8,418) candidates, representing 80.32% have their results fully processed and released while TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTY-TWO (2,062) candidates, representing 19.68 % have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.

However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently.
The analysis of the statistics of the candidates’ performance shows that out of the TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (10,480) candidates that sat the examination:
 FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT (4,598) candidates representing 43.87% obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE (5) subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics);
 THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE (3,429) candidates representing 32.72% obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics

Of this number, ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN (1,847) i.e., 53.86% were male candidates, while ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNRED AND EIGHTY-TWO (1,582), i.e., 46.14% were female candidates. The percentage of candidates in this category in the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024 and 2025 – First Series, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, were 30.95% and 26.96% respectively. Thus, there is a marginal increase of 5.76% in performance in this regard.

Furthermore, SEVENTY-FIVE (75) Candidates’ results, representing 0.72% of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, are being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice. The cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination. The Committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates, thereafter.
Candidates may check their results by visiting www.waecdirect.org to ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform (www.waec.org) to access the digital copies of their certificates, which have been released along with the results. Candidates will be required to apply for the printing of the hard copies of their certificates online, through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman). The portal address is https://certrequest.waec.ng/. All candidates who sat the diet are hereby advised to check their results carefully and take necessary actions as required.

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ADC Unveils Approved Timetable for Congresses, Convention

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The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has approved the timetable for its nationwide congresses and National Convention.

The approved timetable is as follows: Polling Unit and Ward Congresses – Tuesday, 7 April 2026; Local Government Area Congresses – Thursday, 9 April 2026; State Congresses – Saturday, 11 April 2026; National Convention – Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

The meeting also approved the presentation of two separate reports submitted by the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee and the Constitution Review Committee for ratification at the forthcoming national convention.

On the outcomes of the meeting, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the meeting also accepted the two reports earlier submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) by the committees headed by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Etigwe Uwa (SAN), respectively.

He said the NEC meeting, fully attended by members and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), approved all the memoranda presented by the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark.

Abdullahi said the guidelines for the congresses have already been published and the forms have been distributed across the country, adding that “All members will receive them. And those who are aspiring to contest for various positions of the party will have the opportunity to do so.”

He stressed that the congresses were fixed to elect new officers at the ward/polling unit level, the local government level, and at the state level, adding that “The nomination fees, the expression of interest fees have been duly stated.”

While announcing the dates, he said: “The polling unit and award congresses will come up on the 7th. The local government congresses will come up on the 9th. The state congresses will come up on the 11th. And the national convention here in Abuja on the 14th.”

The ADC spokesman said the forthcoming convention was not elective but to ratify all the decisions that had been taken by the previous NEC and the NWC.

“The National Convention is for the purpose of ratifying earlier decisions that have been taken. It is not an elective convention per se. It is not to elect new officers of the party, and it is not primaries. It is to ratify positions that have been taken by the NEC and the NWC. So, it is not to elect new officers of the party, and it is not to elect candidates for the party.

“Every decision that has been taken by the National Working Committee and the NEC of the party in between the last convention will be ratified at the next convention.”

He said the convention committee had been set up, but added that the National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, would provide detailed information.

On the committees’ reports, Abdullahi added that “one of the key conclusions of the NEC meeting is to accept the report of the Committee on Policy and Manifesto. And that relates to the policy position of the party and the report of the Constitutional Review Committee.

“The reports submitted to the National Working Committee were formally presented to the National Executive Committee of the party. And the NEC received those reports which will now go to the National Convention on the 14th,” he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the ADC National Chairman, Senator Mark, said the second NEC meeting came at a critical moment when Nigerians across all walks of life are yearning for purposeful leadership, equity, justice, and a government that truly serves the people.

He stressed that unity within the party was non-negotiable, saying “Recent developments have shown that while challenges may arise, our collective will to remain focused and united is stronger than any divisive tendencies.

“We must therefore close ranks, deepen consultation, and reinforce confidence in our leadership and processes. Let me use this opportunity to thank our state chairmen who have chosen the path of dialogue and consultation in spite of all odds. Together, we can salvage Nigeria.”

Mark said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has shown incompetence.

He said, “Unfortunately, these ills are now the new normal. They (APC) have shown that they are incapable of arresting the situation.

“Our party, the ADC, must rise up to the occasion to address these ills. We are prepared to do things differently and make Nigeria a better and safer society.

“Distinguished members, the journey ahead may be demanding, but with unity, discipline, and commitment, victory is assured. Let us remain steadfast and resolute.”

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MoneyMaster Enhances Banking App, Gifts Customers Data, Airtime

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MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank (MMPSB), Nigeria’s leading payment service bank, has announced that it has further enhanced its mobile banking application to improve the order flow for its airtime and data products to improve customer experience.

For airtime, the Moneymaster mobile banking app now has an enhanced visual appeal, thus, providing customers with a cleaner, and more modern interface that streamlines account selection, denomination selection and a dynamic input validation.  For its data products, the new interface organizes data into logical tabs of hot, daily, weekly, monthly, exclusive and special. In addition, each data now clearly displays data volume, validity period in a bold easy-to-read format. These changes will now enable customers to find airtime and data plans in a simplified and faster manner without expending more time on scrolling.

Furthermore, the mobile banking app users can now buy lower denominations of airtime such as N200, N500, N1000, N2,000, N4000. Also, the categorisation of the telco products has been re-ordered to ensure ease for customers in selecting their preferred products.

The company’s Head of Business, Tajudeen Omokhide, noted that MoneyMaster’s “mission is to transform payments into an agile experience, capable of moving with the speed and transparency of a fintech. Our customers expect simple, fast and transparent solutions at an affordable cost.

“These recent upgrades on mobile banking app is a testament to our relentless efforts to ensure that our customers experience is top notch and aligns with their needs. We encourage our customers to upgrade their mobile banking app whilst new customers can download the app from android playstore or IoS app store.”

All customers of the bank will enjoy 100% bonus on their airtime recharges on Glo airtime purchased. Data customers will similarly enjoy 10% bonus on every Glo data recharges. This is to attract new customers and reward the existing ones.

Mr Omokhide further stated that the suite of new products “marks an important step towards the bank’s vision of offering market-relevant and customer-centric products”.

Moneymaster, promoted by Globacom, is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as a payment service bank. The bank operates mobile wallet, savings account, individual current account as well as business banking accounts. It also vends airtime and data and makes it easy for customers to pay their bills to more than 4,000 billers on its banking platform.

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