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Cocaine Merchanise: Nigeria Sitting on Keg of Gunpowder – Amb. Sunny Irakpo

Published

2 years ago

April 6, 2023

Eric

Founder/President, Silec Initiatives and Youth and Anti-drug advocate, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, has expressed worry at the top position Nigeria is occupying in cocaine merchanise, saying it is a time bomb waiting to explode.

Irakpo made his position known in a paper he delivered, and made available to The Boss as follows

“In the midst of the pre-election and post-election fever that has engulfed the country in the past 6 months, Nigeria has found herself in the news again, this time on the wrong reason. As people are trying to come to terms with the tensed political atmosphere in the land, news filtered in last week from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that our beloved country is now at the zenith of cocaine smuggling countries in Africa.

“It is so vivid that Nigerians are caught up in a wedlock of mixed emotions after the Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly polls that took place all across the nation in February and March. The impacts of the elections outcome are resonating in all parts of the country. Some are basking in the euphoria of the results, some are wailing, disappointed and frustrated, while some are indifferent.

“Almost all government’s ministries, departments and agencies went to sleep in the heat of the politicking, hence a lot were happening and governance was on stand still. All attentions were channeled towards the polls. The report by the UNODC is quite worrisome and it is a testament that we need to do more in our quest to combat drug abuse as a nation.

“SILEC Initiatives as usual, was active and highly vociferous throughout the elections period. Prior to the general elections, we carried out series of campaigns such as Vote Without Drugs to educate Nigerians via the media and event targeted especially to the youths on the need to exercise their franchise and to desist from hard drugs consumption.(Conventional and Unconventional Drugs).

“One major reasons why youths consume hard drugs is bad governance and It is a non-debatable fact. As an NGO, we understand the plights of the average Nigerian youths on the streets. We understand the economic mess and hardship that we find ourselves and the devastating effects it has on all of us. Due to these apparent challenges, some of our promising and talented youths have resorted to hard drugs and substances as a panacea to their economic conditions.

“They just want to get ‘high’ and forget about the economic hardship in the country and the troubles of life. On daily basis, Nigerian youths are experimenting different types of drugs, this is doomed to us a country.

“It is so disheartening that we are not doing enough as a nation to tame this ugly trend that is growing rapidly. It is really shameful that most of our institutions are now compromising. Some families have come to accept the culture of hard drugs consumption amongst their wards, some schools do not have tough laws to deal with the trend of hard drugs usage, probably due to the level of peer group influence and it’s toxicity that exists in our post-primary and tertiary institutions. Some innocent and vulnerable youths from good moral backgrounds have been lured into hard drugs via experimentation which has consequently led to addiction. A three generation disease., Manageable but not securable.

“Due to the advancement of science and technology in recent years, drug traffickers now find it easy to network with their counterparts all over the world, especially cult groups which has also fuelled organized crimes in Nigeria and across the continent.

“This report by the UNODC published on the cable channel is quite disturbing to SILEC Initiatives as a pragmatic organization, because as one of the leading NGOs in the war against drugs abuse in Nigeria to support the efforts of the NDLEA, we have secured partnership deals with WorldChicago and other multinational and national corporations to better the lives of Nigerian youths through education, cultural exchange, leadership, nation and capacity building endeavour.

“The fact remain that , Nigerian youths are precious to us. They are the strength of our nation, they are the energy that the nation needs, they are the pillars that will sustain this nation in the next generation, hence their growth and development is so sacrosanct to us.

“The report from the UNODC states that during 2018 – 2021, trafficking of cocaine was reported from Nigeria to 20 countries. What does this data tell us? It shows that we have to work in the psyche of our productive youths to engage in legitimate economic activities. It shows that the government has to tighten security in our airports, seaports and land borders. The government needs to tackle every form of compromise from our security agencies like Customs, Immigration, Police e.t.c
Some of the countries that Nigerians traffic cocaine to according to the UNODC report are sub-saharan African countries like; Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Ethiopia, Algeria and some countries in Asia pacific region; Saudi Arabia, India, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the United Arabs Emirates e.t.c

“Is has been proven beyond all reasonable doubts that cocaine and other hard drugs arrive into the country through a variety of ways in our airports, seaports and land borders. The report has it that Brazil is the biggest exporter of cocaine to Nigeria. This revelation is troubling and we are calling on the government and other relevant agencies like National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to sit tight and deal with this growing trend. Cocaine is injurious and dangerous to human health when taken.Its effects are both physical and psychological. Over 90% of cocaine consumers in Nigeria take the drugs based on self medication.

“Morocco comes second on the list of African countries with the biggest market for cocaine. The United Nations has warned that the potential for the cocaine market to expand in Africa is a ‘dangerous reality’ and urge governments to closely examine the report findings and determine how the threats can be met with solutions. As it is our custom, SILEC Initiatives will be at the forefront to play key roles in partnering with the NDLEA and other agencies to address this new report and to find lasting solutions to the growth of the cocaine merchandise in Nigeria.

“On a very commendable ground, We want to give kudos to the Chairman/CEO NDLEA Bridg. Gen. Buba Marwa’ (Retd) ,CON,OON and all his gallant men for the capacity demonstrated in the last 2years particularly for seizing 1.8 tonnes of cocaine which worths N194b in September 2022 in Lagos ,the largest seizure in history. We urgently call on all well meaning Nigerians, corporate organizations and philanthropists not to pay a deaf ears to this issue of drugs threatening our existence. As it is today, no one is safe.

“Silec Initiatives will continue to consolidate on our work with the Nation, narcotics agency (NDLEA) even as we anticipate a new government from May 29th, 2023 to build the NIGERIA of our dreams.”

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Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

15 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.

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Buhari Denies Ownership of Abuja Land Revoked by Wike

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Eric

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, denied ownership of a piece of land purportedly allocated to him by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) in Abuja.

Media reports indicate that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in the Maitama 1 District of Abuja, citing non-payment of statutory fees.

According to the trending reports, high-profile figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, are among those affected.

The FCTA had also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and organisations, demanding they settle outstanding Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) fees or risk losing their plots.
However, debunking the reports, the former President stated he is “not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name of a ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.’”

In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, in Abuja, the former President explained that he turned down the offer by the administration when it was presented to him.

The media aide further clarified: “When he and his cabinet members were invited to fill the forms and obtain land during his tenure in office, he returned the form without filling it, saying that he already had a plot of land in the FCT and that those who did not have should be given. He, therefore, turned down the offer.

“All those jumping up and down in the digital space talking about the rightfulness or the lack of it on the reported seizure of Buhari’s land in Abuja to get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.

“As with anything Buhari—and there is no surprise in this at all—there is a lot of buzz in the media on the reported seizure of a piece of land by the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, FCTA, allegedly belonging to the former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Former President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land, which is allocated in the name of a ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.

“The Foundation was itself floated by some utilitarian individuals around him who, it must be said, went about it in a lawful manner with the support of a number of well-meaning persons.

“But they ran into a roadblock in the land department of the FCDA, which handed them an outrageous bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, very high in cost that did not at all compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

“It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of the land no surprise to anyone.

“As a person, the former President has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he added

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Dangote Refinery, a Wonder of Modern Technology – Japan Ambassador, Business Community

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Eric

The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex has been hailed as an astonishing masterpiece, showcasing Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.

This accolade was shared by a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. The Dangote Group also reiterated that its petroleum products are in demand worldwide, as it expands its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported polypropylene, a crucial material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing industries.

The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the state-of-the-art technology on display, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa.

Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stands as a remarkable project that showcases the country’s technological progress. He added that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a point of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.

“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.

Emphasising that the refinery has bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he further noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.

Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.

“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said. Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.

Commending the ambassador-designate and his team, which described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a wonder of modern technology, Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor- Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.

He said that it is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex. Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery. In the process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards. Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.

“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said.

Edwin also stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He confirmed that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.

“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” he said.

He further added that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.