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Irakpo Congratulates New ‘Sheriff’ in Delta, Seeks Partnership to Combat Drug Abuse

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By Eric Elezuo

Delta State born Anti-drug Advocate and Founder, Silec Initiatives, Amb. Sunny Irakpo, has sent a hearty congratulatory message to the newly sworn in governor of Delta State, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, urging the governor to pay adequate attention to the fight against drug abuse among the youths while seeking partnership and support to continue to propagate the Delta Beyond Drugs campaign.

In the message, the US exchange alumnus, hailed the new governor for the overwhelming reception that heralded his election victory, and the swearing in ceremony that followed, describing the excitement and ovation in the air as “electrifying”. He maintained that “Deltans, home and abroad, felicitate with you as you assumed the number one position and wish you all the best in your tenure.”

Irakpo reminded that governor that his position is a call to duty as the task ahead demands assiduous efforts to fulfill the MORE Agenda of his government to the good people of Delta State while urging him to see youth welfare as the centre piece of his administration.

“As a lover of youths, we know that your administration will take the centre stage to address the social issues that affects young people which includes drug abuse, unemployment, lack of youth inclusiveness in governance, foster leadership and capacity building and opportunity for a robust engagement with the youths and critical stakeholders in order to achieve meaningful socio-economic development.

“Your Excellency, the issue of drug abuse has become so prevalent in the state that for the past decade, Delta State has been in the news, where some of her indigenes have been arrested as drug traffickers and barons inflicting lots of harm in the lives of the youths and damaging the good image of the state.

“The availability of these drugs has triggered in the youths an unlawful quest for consumption of one form of hard drugs or another thereby increasing social vices such as criminality, prostitution and cyber crime,” he said.

The anti-drug advocate also found space to commend the immediate past governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for some of his social intervention policies under his SMART Agenda and for engaging youth in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes. He urged the new governor to sustain the programmes to continue to arrest social ills.

Speaking on the Delta Beyond Drugs Campaign Project, Irakpo said it is for the wellbeing of the state and to attract foreign investment and make youths to add their quota to the development of the state.

“Over the years, Silec Initiatives as one of the leading anti-drug agencies in the country is passionately driving this message home with massive sensitization and drug prevention programs to assist the government in the fight against drug abuse. We are urging the governor to make a proclamation against drugs and substance abuse currently destroying the lives of promising youths”, adding that “as a pragmatic non-governmental organization, we shall continue to lead the campaign across the nooks and crannies of the 25 LGAs of the state for the rate at which our youths consume these drugs without medical prescription has led to behavioural, cognitive and psychological dysfunction of their brains in recent times.”

He also frowned at the rate women are also getting involved in drugs, citing the case of Bridget Emeka aka Mama, who was arrested on May 17, 2022 for the production of methamphetamine. He noted that according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as at 2018 revealed that 1 out of every 4 drug users is a woman. So where does the wellbeing and sanity of our homes lie? He queried.

“My recent tour to Delta has fueled my passion to address this challenge that is confronting the state because on a regular basis seeing youths experimenting different types of hard drugs to get ‘high’ without considering even the health implication is extremely worrisome.

“The commercialization of hard drugs like Colorado (colos), tramadol, codeine, refnol, swinol, pentatozine, Canadian loud, cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, heroin and other substances in clubs and public space, the state under your leadership should clamp down on drug merchants in order to drastically reduce these hazardous threats to our existence.

“The consumption of drugs in secondary schools is also what we are bringing to the front burner. It was identified that secondary school students in the country abuse over 15 different types of hard drugs. Our tertiary institutions have become profitable markets for the sales of drugs. Most students cannot do without drugs, and the irony is that they are replacing foods for drugs. This is most pitiable.

“Delta State remains one of the richest states in Nigeria, our strength is in our youths, it is so troubling seeing the lives of our productive work force and greatest resource being wasted. Your Excellency, as one of the United States Government Sponsored Exchange Alumni, invited and trained in this regards, we shall deploy all our technical know-how to bring the best in our youths.

“We cannot fold our arms and watch the drug market grow exponentially while other productive sectors are nosediving. As we have taken it upon ourselves to prevent our people from poor life through community education, grassroot mobilization, peer-to-peer sensitization, awareness creation through concert, seminars and town hall meetings,” he informed the governor.

Irakpo used the opportunity to inform the governor of a Silec Initiatives programme in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Oleh Church of Nigeria under the Episcopal Leadership of His Lordship The Rt Rev’d John Usiwoma Aruakpor in commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this Saturday.

He therefore called on the needed support from the government and the governor, who was a one-time parliamentarian, representing Okpe Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, known for being a listening leader.

“We believe so much in you, and that you will work with NGOs, civil society groups and other well-meaning Deltans to fight the scourge of drug abuse head long,” Irakpo concluded.

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We Killed Ogun Broadcaster Just to Teach Her a Lesson, Three Suspects Confess

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The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, announced the arrests on Thursday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Ojajuni said investigators uncovered the suspects through intelligence-driven operations, technical tracking and forensic investigations launched after the double murder.

Oyesiku and Adetayo were discovered dead at the retired broadcaster’s home in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State on June 21. Her Lexus RX 330 was also missing from the residence.

The police commissioner said officers at the Owode-Egba Police Station received a report around 4pm on June 21 over unusual developments at the deceased’s residence.

“Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention,” Ojajuni said.

He said detectives who arrived at the scene found Adetayo dead inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was discovered in the living room of the main building.

“The crime scene was scientifically processed. Preliminary investigation further revealed that a Lexus RX 330 vehicle belonging to the deceased was missing from the compound, raising suspicion of robbery and murder,” he added.

According to Ojajuni, the stolen vehicle was traced and recovered a day later through intelligence and technical tracking efforts.

He said investigators also recovered a handwritten note at the crime scene, which later became a key piece of evidence.

“Although the ignition key had been removed and the registration number plates detached from the vehicle, detectives recovered the vehicle’s registration plate concealed underneath one of the seats, which enabled investigators to positively identify and confirm the vehicle as the property of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku.

“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime,” he stated.

The CP said further intelligence gathering led operatives to arrest the prime suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he worked as a labourer.

He added that subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.

Ojajuni said Philip admitted his involvement in the crime and told investigators that he recruited the two other suspects.

He said, “Further follow-up operations by detectives of the command led to the successful arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho, thereby bringing into custody all identified suspects directly linked to the criminal conspiracy.

“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to participate in the crime.”

The commissioner said Philip told investigators he orchestrated the attack because of grievances he held from the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.

“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,” Ojajuni added.

Ojajuni said the suspects struck on June 20 and first subdued Adetayo before forcing their way into the residence.

“According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, and used him to gain access to the residence. Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard.

“After committing the crime, the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle, which was later recovered through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at the Onikolobo area of Ogun State,” the CP said.

The police commissioner also revealed that detectives recovered several items believed to be linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen.

“Following the suspects’ confessional statements, detectives conducted further searches at locations linked to them. During the operation, a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other relevant exhibits connected to the investigation were recovered,” he said.

Ojajuni noted that despite the confessional statements and evidence already obtained, detectives were still expanding the investigation.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law.

“Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime,” he added.

He assured residents that the command would pursue justice for the victims and ensure everyone connected to the killings faces the law.

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Glo Extends “Borrow Me Credit” Services for Customer Inclusion

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National telecommunications operator, Globacom has extended its “Borrow Me Credit” service in a calculated move meant to guarantee that none of its customers will ever be disconnected because of a low or zero airtime balance.

According to a statement released by Globacom in Lagos, the service’s eligibility requirements have been simplified to offer millions of active prepaid consumers nationwide quick airtime and data solutions. The company made it clear that even though there is a service fee, the main objective is still to provide instant assistance whenever the customer’s balance is low.

The enhanced “Borrow Me Credit” service also allows subscribers to “Borrow Special Data “and additionally “Borrow Airtime/Data for Others”. This allows Glo customers to act as a lifeline for friends and family members who may be out of reach or unable to recharge immediately, further strengthening the bonds of the Glo community through shared connectivity.

“Whether it is an urgent business call, a late-night research project, or staying in touch with loved ones during an emergency, Glo’s “Borrow Me Credit” ensures that a low balance never results in a zero-communication experience,” the company hinted.

The service caters to a wide range of customer needs, with airtime and data denominations available from as low as N25 up to N4,000, ensuring flexible options for different usage requirements.

Globacom added that the structure of the service is designed to ensure higher borrowing limits to customers with stronger usage profile and greater engagement on the network.

By maintaining a consistent presence on the network, prepaid customers unlock various tiers of credit and data, ranging from basic emergency airtime to substantial Data Plans “Borrow Me Credit” ensures that the service is sustainable and provides the most frequent users with higher limits to match their digital lifestyle.

All eligible Glo prepaid customers are encouraged to explore the benefits of the “Borrow Me Credit” service by simply dialing *303# and choosing from the available airtime or data options. Customers can also visit the official Globacom website for more information regarding eligibility criteria and the service charge policy.

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Bandits Invade Kwara Community, Abduct Scores, Set Emir’s Palace Ablaze

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Suspected bandits have reportedly invaded the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, early this morning, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women and children.

It was gathered that the attack occurred late at night when the heavily armed assailants stormed the community, firing sporadically.

According to sources in the area, the gunmen attacked the palace during the invasion, setting parts of the royal residence on fire before whisking away multiple victims.

Residents said the attackers operated for hours without resistance, leaving behind destruction and fear in the border community.

Another local source described the incident as terrifying, noting that villagers were caught unaware as the gunmen invaded the town under the cover of darkness.

Sources say Security forces have launched immediate rescue operations to free victims of the Yashikira abduction, which occurred on Sunday night.

Military and police operatives have established a cordon in the area as part of the efforts to rescue about 10 persons who were reportedly taken from the community in an overnight attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira.

The police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The development comes after bandits on Saturday night invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a vigil.

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