Day: November 13, 2024

Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have forged alliance to curb substance abuse and enhance public health safeguards across the country.

The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), with the duo expressing optimism that the strengthened collaboration would enhance operational capabilities and public safety.

Marwa stated: “This MoU creates a framework for vital intelligence sharing, facility access, and expertise exchange, strengthening our fight against drug abuse and counterfeit products.”

He emphasized that NDLEA’s work against illicit drug trafficking and NAFDAC’s oversight on consumables can effectively address these issues when combined.

This partnership, rooted in decades of cooperation, aims to equip both agencies to combat threats linked to drug abuse and public health risks.

Prof. Adeyeye stressed the necessity of collaboration, cautioning that drug misuse poses direct and indirect risks to all Nigerians, contributing to societal issues like violence and banditry.

She highlighted the critical need for unity, stating, “We can no longer operate in isolation. We must address substance abuse collaboratively to safeguard national security and public well-being.

“This is the reason both agencies have committed to open communication and resource sharing to ensure a robust national response to these threats.”

Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint early on Wednesday at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

 

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

 

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

 

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

 

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

 

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

NEWS RELEASE

 

Budget Presentation: Our Government Delivers on Critical Sectors – Governor Adeleke

 

●Osun Executive Council Approves Budget 2025, Appoints Two New Kings

 

●OSOGBO- 13/11/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

 

Governor Ademola Adeleke has described his administration as an agent of development that has positively touched all sectors of Osun society within just two years in Office.

 

He made the pronouncement while presenting Budget 2025 to the State House of Assembly in the presence of lawmakers and members of the State Executive Council in an annual event hosted by the House Speaker, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun.

 

The Governor noted that “the total size of the Budget 2025 is Three Hundred and Ninety Billion, Twenty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira Only (390,028,277,740.00).

 

“The expenditure comprises Capital Expenditure of One Hundred and Forty-Four Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Million, One Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (N144,231,183,800.00), Recurrent Expenditure of Two Hundred and Forty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Million, Ninety Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Naira Only (N245,797,093,940.00).

 

“Recurrent Expenditure is divided into Personnel cost, which is made up of salaries and allowances, as well as Pensions and Gratuities and stands at One Hundred and Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Five Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Ten Naira Only( ₦102,895,821,010.00). The balance of One Hundred and Forty Two Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Naira Only( ₦142,901,272,930.00 ) is set aside.

 

“Our Revenue consists of Recurrent Revenue, where Government share of FAAC is One Hundred and Ninety Six billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand, One Hundred and Eight Naira Only (₦ 196,778,975,180.00 and Independent Revenue is One Hundred and Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Naira Only (₦109,870,932,830.00). Other receipts from development partners are Fifty Three Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy Seven Million, Two Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Naira Only (₦53,377,244,610.00)”, the Governor noted in his speech.

 

Governor Adeleke affirmed that his administration has recorded unprecedented progress across the sectors which will be unveiled in details during the midterm anniversary holding for a week later this month, submitting a synopsis to the Assembly.

 

According to the Governor, “our administration has reduced rural Health Access gap by 40% through rehabilitation of over two hundred Primary healthcare centers; We have increased health care access to all pensioners from less than 10% to 90% within 2 years;

 

“We closed road infrastructure gap and deficit by 50% from 80%; We took agric mechanization from 0% to 35%; We built digital economy policy structures from 0% to 55%; We built public service integrity from 25% to almost 70%;

 

“We expanded local content from 0% to 75%; We built climate agenda from 0% to over 70%; We raised state financial support for cooperative societies from 0% to 66%; We expanded financial support to ward cooperative societies from 0% to over 60%;

 

“We built Ilesa University from 15% to over 90%; We redeveloped Odeomu Cooperative College to HND institution; We increased Osun Google coverage from 20% to 65%; We launched phased bursary award from 0% to 40%; We liquidated 40% of inherited salary debt;

 

“We paid up over 35% of inherited pension debt; We improved School infrastructure by over 40 percent; We enhanced rural Infrastructure by over 40 percent with over 300 completed rural projects”, the Governor affirmed, adding that “Osun State has not taken any loan (External or Domestic).

 

“We rely solely on the prudent management of available resources to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of Osun State. This is our goal and with God on our side we will not derail”, the Governor told the lawmakers.

 

Osun Executive Council Approves Budget 2025, Appoints Two New Kings

 

Osun state executive council had earlier approved a total budget of Three Hundred and Ninety Billion, Twenty Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira Only (390,028,277,740.00) for onward presentation to the House of Assembly.

 

The council deliberations chaired by Governor Ademola Adeleke reviewed the performance of the 2024 budget and discussed the details of the proposed 2025 budget estimates.

 

Governor Adeleke told the Council that the increase in the size of the budget from that of last year was meant to consolidate on the gains already recorded in the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

 

According to the State Governor, the administration is determined to expand the state economy, increase the state internally gene

 

The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, an NGO, says depression, anxiety, drug abuse and mental health issues most times lead to self-isolation from social circles.

 

The Executive Director of the foundation, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, told newsmen on Wednesday in Enugu that fear of being judged or misunderstood can cause people to withdraw from social situations.

Nwachukwu noted that trauma or loss of a loved one, physical illness or disability, work or life pressures and fear of rejection can also trigger social isolation in an earlier friendly and sociable person.

 

He said that self-isolation deepens loneliness, weakens social skills, leads to loss of emotional support, relationship suffering and finally, self-esteem declines to the barest minimum.

 

Nwachukwu, who is a certified depression counsellor, said that those battling against self-isolation can cope with it and emerge socially relevant again by increasing their social and environmental interactions.

 

“One can outwit self-isolation and social loneliness through reaching out to others through community volunteerism service or work and joining a social course as well as joining a gym or other community groups.

“Find a faith-based organisation where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events.

 

“Reach out to a family member or friend. Shift focus to others. Find a way to serve others, which can boost your mood and provide a sense of purpose. Practice acts of kindness.

 

“Pursue a hobby or interest. Spend time outdoors. Talk to a professional,” he advised.

 

The executive director said that the consequences of self-isolation extend beyond social well-being; it affects the entire being.

 

According to him, when we are isolated, our mental, spiritual, social, emotional and even physical health suffers.

 

He said, “Loneliness, a by-product of isolation, is a silent killer.

 

“It slowly erodes our self-worth, making us question our place in the world. Relationships falter, and the simple act of reaching out to someone feels like an impossible task.

 

“Social isolation traps us in our own minds, feeding negative thoughts and pushing us further from the light of connection.

 

“When we isolate, we lose the very essence of life, which is the beauty of human interaction.”

 

By Biola Lawal

Oshogbo (FLOWERBUDNEWS): As some of the MEGA PROJECTS of Governor Adeleke near completion, Osun State Director of Highways, Engr. Maruf Akanni Ojebode has urged the public to ensure the projects were well preserved and managed as a gesture of appreciation to the Adeleke administration.

Speaking in an interview with FLOWERBUDNEWS, Engr. Ojebode noted that the MEGA infrastructural projects, including flyover bridges, dual carriage ways and intercity roads, were unprecedented in the history of the state, and therefore, should be judiciously used and maintained.

The Director of Highways particularly counselled the people to ”ensure that they do not engage in activities that can undermine the durability of the infrastructural projects.”

 

(Engr. Maruf Akanni Ojebode, Osun State Director of Highways)

”People should avoid dumping refuse in the drainages that could lead to their blockages, which could result in the gutter water spilling on the roads and causing damages,” Engr. Ojebode stated.

He enjoined the public to also ”avoid dumping sand and gravels on the newly constructed roads” to ensure their durability and protect them from damages.

Engr. Ojebode similarly counsels the people against spilling diesel on the surface of the roads, noting that such actions usually cause damage to the roads.

He urged the people to ”give maximum support to this (Governor Adeleke’s) administration,” stressing; ”if Osun citizens can look back and make assessment, they will agree with me that no other administration has performed so excellently like this (Gov. Adeleke) government without borrowing a penny”.

Engr. Ojebode disclosed that some of the MEGA PROJECTS, like the prestigious OKEFIA FLYOVER Bridge were already at about 80 per cent completion and would be available for public use soon.

The Director of Highways said that the people were very happy over the projects, noting that those who knew how terrible and chaotic the traffic situation at the then Okefia roundabout used to be, were very appreciative and happy with the Governor.

He said that the ongoing infrastructural projects of the government were divided into the categories of – MEGA PROJECTS, Inter-City projects, Intra-City projects and Local Government projects. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)