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SILEC Congratulates Marwa on Election As Vice Chairman, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa

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3 years ago

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One of Nigeria’s most active non-governmental organization in the fight against drug abuse, SILEC Initiatives, has congratulated the chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) on his election as Vice Chairman, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa.

SILEC conveyed its congratulations through its Founder and President, Amb. Sunny Irakpo, during a television interview, commending the NDLEA boss for his outstanding performance in office so far.

The pragmatic organization, SILEC Initiatives, has made tremendous impacts in the country over the years in the anti-drug war of NDLEA. The founder and president, Silec Initiatives Amb. Sunny Irakpo who recently returned from US-Nigeria Leadership EXCHANGE Program designed to build the leadership capacity of Nigerians, particularly the youths to get involved in governance at all levels based on the 5-year partnership with World Chicago, encourages all to build capacity for the enormous task ahead of the nation.

Irakpo said, “I want to sincerely thank the Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for defending the Nigerian Project, part of which is saving the destinies of young people from total destruction and for his commitment, pragmatic leadership and deep sense of patriotism in this turbulence period confronting the nation that’s on the verge of collapse due to the proliferation of hard drugs from the recent seizures.

“I want to on behalf of our noble endeavor, Silec Initiatives and many of the youths and millions of Nigerians that you inspire, congratulate you on your meritorious position as the Vice Chairman, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa. As an anti-drug NGO, we are celebrating you for this noble feat, which you have clearly demonstrated from your position in Nigeria. For it is true that Charity they say, begins at home.

“As a leader, you have shown capacity, provided leadership and excellence since you took over the mantle of leadership of the NDLEA.

“Having followed you over the years, your act of performance at the public space is worthy of emulation. In the space of two (2) years under your administration, the NDLEA has recorded giant stride in it’s perpetual efforts to nab drug kingpins and users of drugs all over the country. It is on record that over 28 drug barons have been arrested, drugs worth over 420 billion naira cash recovered , over 5.4 million kg of drugs seized, over 21,302 drug traffickers arrested, over, 3,111 drug traffickers convicted and serving jail terms, over 12,326 counselled and rehabilitated, and over 714 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed. These to me and all Nigerians are signs and indication of good and performing leadership resulting to your new assignment in Africa in the war against narcotics.

“Knowing that Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb due to the high rate of drug abuse and addiction, the agency has also shown tactical approach in it’s fight. While our organization remain very strong and committed to sensitization and education of Nigerians on the danger of hard drugs and abuse of substances, we have redoubled efforts in our campaign to help reduce the rate of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and consumption amongst Nigerians. The fact remains that we cannot sit down and watch the destinies of young people being sacrificed at the altar of drug abuse and addiction in our time.

“Sir, with your pedigree as a seasoned administrator, you have kept the light shining brightly and brought life to the NDLEA as an agency.

“Since your days as the military administrator of Lagos state, you have done incredibly well in every national assignments given to you.

“We join million of Nigerians, Africans and the entire globe to extend our hearty congratulations on your well deserved position. We are fully confident that this new office will herald greatness in our continuous efforts to rid our country and the entire Africa off drugs and other harmful substances.

“We wish you all the best in this new task and be rest assured that we are solidly behind you as usual in the area of public sensitization and nationwide campaign to enlighten our youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

“We pride you as our new Sheriff in Town.”

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I Won’t Be Intimidated, Seun Okinbaloye Replies Wike

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15 minutes ago

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April 6, 2026

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Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has said he is not afraid and will not be intimidated following controversy surrounding remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while also thanking Nigerians and organisations for their support.

Okinbaloye made this known during a broadcast on Sunday, where he acknowledged the outpouring of solidarity from civil society groups, viewers, and both local and international organisations.

“I sincerely want to thank civil society organisations, our viewers, for your love and your comments and your solidarity… Your support is deeply appreciated and reinforces our collective commitment to truth and accountability,” he said.

The anchor warned that democracy could be undermined if dissenting voices are silenced, stating that “our democracy is in danger if we allow one way traffic in balloting.”

He stressed that his comments were not directed at any political group but at all Nigerians, adding that “this is not a warning to the opposition or the ruling party, but to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.”

Okinbaloye disclosed that he received reassurances regarding his safety, noting “the ongoing reassurance from the Department of State Services,” and also revealed that “I also received a call from the Honourable Minister who clarified that the intention was not as conveyed.”

Despite the clarification, he cautioned against the use of inflammatory language, saying “violent rhetoric or suggestive threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society,” especially during an election period when “clear and consistent assurances of safety are critical.”

He added that such statements could create risks if misinterpreted, warning that “we must not create an environment where such statements can be exploited by those with harmful intentions.”

Reaffirming his position, Okinbaloye said, “Let me be clear, I’m not afraid, and I will never be intimidated,” adding that journalism “grounded in ethics and global best practices remains a duty to the public, not a concession to power.”
The anchor maintained that he would continue to hold public officials accountable, stating, “I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions, holding power to account… If that commitment comes at a cost, so be it.”

The controversy followed remarks by Wike during a media parley in Abuja, where he reacted to Okinbaloye’s comments on a Channels Television programme discussing the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress and its implications for opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Okinbaloye had raised concerns about the possibility of a one-party state, a position the minister criticised as inappropriate for a journalist.

Although Wike later clarified that he did not intend physical harm, his aide, Lere Olayinka, said the remark was made “in a hyperbolic context… without intent,” explaining that the minister was responding to what he perceived as the anchor’s involvement in political commentary rather than neutral moderation.

Olayinka added, “The Minister never meant that he would shoot Seun Okinbaloye. What he meant was that he was angry seeing Okinbaloye descending into the political arena by speaking as an interested party, instead of an interviewer.”

However, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the minister’s statement, describing it as “reckless and violent,” and warning that such language could incite attacks on journalists and undermine press freedom.

The organisation said the remark “carries the danger of normalising violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job,” stressing that such comments from public officials are unacceptable.

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Gov Adeleke Commends MicCom Legacy As Family Launches N150m Engineering Endowment at OAU

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3 days ago

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April 3, 2026

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The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the legacy of indigenous manufacturing firm MicCom Cables and Wires, describing it as a symbol of Nigerian innovation and industrial resilience.

Speaking at the inauguration of a ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment for Engineering Development at Obafemi Awolowo University, Adeleke said the company’s founders, the late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, demonstrated that Nigerian engineers can compete globally.

Delivering his address, Governor Adeleke described the occasion as both a moment of remembrance and a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape the future of engineering in Nigeria.

“We are remembering two exceptional lives, while celebrating a legacy that continues to build, teach, and inspire even beyond their passing,” the governor said.

He highlighted the pioneering roles of the late couple in advancing indigenous manufacturing through MicCom Cables and Wires, at a time when Nigeria heavily relied on imported engineering technologies. Their bold commitment to local innovation, Adeleke noted, demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian engineers to compete on the global stage.

The governor emphasized that the Ponnles exemplified a rare partnership built on shared vision and complementary strengths, with Engr. Michael Ponnle providing leadership in enterprise development, while Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Ponnle was known for her technical discipline and operational excellence.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of MicCom Cables & Wires Ltd, Bukola Adubi, stated that the endowment is designed to sustain their parents’ legacy while supporting the development of future generations of engineers.

“The endowment being inaugurated today is more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a purposeful commitment to the future of engineering, innovation, and technological advancement in Nigeria. Established in honour of Late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, FNSE, OON, OFR, and Late Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, FNSE, the fund seeks to immortalize their remarkable legacy while creating a lasting platform for the development of future engineers,” she said.

Adubi added that the Ponnles were pioneers in Nigeria’s industrial sector, having founded one of the country’s first indigenous cable manufacturing companies at a time when local production capacity was still evolving.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Simeon Bamire, described the MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund as a visionary initiative that will create opportunities for future engineers through scholarships, research support, and upgraded facilities.

“The ₦150 Million MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund represents a strategic investment in engineering education and innovation. This fund will foster academic excellence through cutting-edge research, provide scholarships to deserving students, upgrade facilities, and nurture the next generation of engineers equipped to tackle Nigeria and Africa’s most pressing technological and infrastructural challenges,” he said.

The inauguration ceremony brought together dignitaries from academia, government, industry, and traditional institutions, including Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Ponnles and their contribution to Nigeria’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.

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ADC: Timi Frank Warns INEC, APC Against Setting Nigeria on Fire, Seeks America’s Intervention

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4 days ago

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April 2, 2026

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A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has warned that recent actions involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system if not urgently addressed.

Frank also called on the United States government, including President Donald Trump, to intervene in safeguarding democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank reacted to a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of the leadership of the ADC, including that of David Mark, as well as a rival claim by Nafiu Bala Gombe, pending the determination of a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

He alleged that the development reflects a growing pattern of interference in opposition parties, warning that such actions could “set Nigeria on fire.”

“INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” Frank said, adding that recent developments suggest a coordinated attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank drew parallels with the regime of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, alleging that current trends mirror past efforts to suppress democratic institutions.
He also expressed concern over the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming they signal a drift towards authoritarianism.

“Recent developments raise serious concerns about the future of democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
The activist further alleged that internal crises within opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—may have been influenced by external forces, warning that the situation is now extending to the ADC.

He also accused the judiciary of being used to frustrate opposition parties through questionable rulings and called on the international community to impose sanctions, including visa restrictions, on electoral and judicial officials found culpable.

“The courts have been used to thwart democratic processes with frivolous decisions,” he alleged.

Frank further claimed that opposition figures were being targeted through arrests and legal actions, warning that the country could face instability if the situation persists.
“Nigeria is heading towards a crisis that may be difficult to contain if urgent steps are not taken,” he said.

He urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, and professional bodies—including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)—to speak out in defence of democracy.

Frank also appealed to the international community, particularly the United States, to remain vigilant in supporting democratic values in Nigeria.

He maintained that Nigerians have historically resisted anti-democratic tendencies and would continue to do so.

“Freedom of association and the right to choose must be protected. Enough is enough,” he said.

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