The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano has proposed a mandatory drug test for prospective couples as part of efforts to combat drug abuse in the state. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the NDLEA Commander in Kano, announced the initiative, known as the Drug Integrity Test Initiative, aimed at fostering an anti-drug culture across Nigeria.

According to Idris-Ahmad, the drug tests are intended to prevent drug abuse and identify early signs of drug use among individuals and couples, facilitating appropriate treatment and rehabilitation where necessary. He highlighted the necessity of such measures due to findings that drug abuse often starts within marriages, affecting family stability and hindering efforts to curb drug abuse.

The commander urged the Kano State House of Assembly to enact legislation mandating drug tests before marriage, emphasizing that this proactive approach could significantly reduce drug-related issues in marriages and in society at large. He called upon women, youths, and the public in general to reject drug abuse and collaborate towards building a healthier and more productive community.

The initiative reflects NDLEA’s commitment to addressing drug abuse comprehensively, aiming to create a society where drug abuse is less prevalent and its damaging effects are mitigated through preventive measures.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested a prankster in Abuja following the circulation of accusatory videos on social media. The suspect, known as ZFancy, was apprehended at an apartment in the Wuye area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, the videos depicted the suspect allegedly committing serious crimes, including rape, which caused significant alarm among social media users. The suspect claimed that these videos were scripted and intended to attract attention following a hiatus from public view.

Despite the suspect’s explanation, Adejobi emphasized the seriousness of such actions, stressing that they cannot be taken lightly due to their potential to incite fear and disrupt public peace.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable for activities that threaten public security. Adejobi cautioned pranksters and content creators to adhere to the law and avoid pranks that could endanger public safety or national security.

He assured the public that the police would proceed with necessary legal actions in this case while urging calm amidst ongoing investigations.

Source: Vanguard News

The Federal Government has launched a new financial inclusion policy aimed at propelling Nigeria to become a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030. Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the initiative in Abuja, emphasizing its role in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance economic and financial inclusion nationwide.

Known as the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, this policy is designed to combat poverty and stimulate sustainable economic growth from grassroots levels. Shettima highlighted its focus on providing access to capital and eradicating poverty through legislative measures and strategic policies. He noted the administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, which has already yielded positive outcomes such as Nigeria’s recent credit outlook upgrade by Fitch Ratings.

The Vice President stressed the strategic importance of economic and financial inclusion at the National Economic Council (NEC) level, urging stakeholders to collaborate effectively in implementing the policy. Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Advisor to the President on Financial Inclusion, reported significant progress in operationalizing the Aso Accord and expanding financial access across Nigeria, supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Overall, the initiative aims to empower over 30 million financially excluded Nigerians and foster sustainable economic development aligned with the nation’s long-term growth objectives.

President Bola Tinubu has recently approved the appointment of a new board for the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this development, emphasizing that the appointments aim to expedite the expansion of consumer credit access across Nigeria.

The newly appointed board members include Otunba Aderemi Abdul as Chairman (Independent Non-Executive Director), Engr Uzoma Nwagba as Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Aisha Abdullahi as Executive Director (Credit, Risk & Portfolio), and Ms Olanike Kolawole as Executive Director (Operations)/COO. Other members include Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, Dr Peter Iwegbu, Mohammed Nasiru Abbas, Marvin Nadah, and a representative from the Ministry of Finance.

Ngelale highlighted President Tinubu’s expectations for the board members to leverage their extensive experience, competence, and dedication to effectively fulfill CREDICORP’s mandate of enhancing consumer credit accessibility to millions of Nigerians.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gombe State chapter, has initiated a five-day prayer session starting Wednesday to address concerns over low rainfall affecting the state. Pastor Solomon Ayanwole, the CAN secretary, emphasized the importance of these prayers due to the potential impacts on agriculture and food security. He called upon all denominations and churches in Gombe State to convene and pray during their services until Sunday, seeking divine intervention for increased rainfall.

Additionally, Ayanwole urged local CAN leaders to mobilize Christians across the various councils to participate in these prayer sessions. The initiative comes in response to concerns raised by Mr. Banyula Hala, chairman of AFAN Gombe State, regarding the effects of climate change and the potential negative impact on this year’s wet cropping season. Hala highlighted the migration of farmers to neighbouring states like Taraba due to more favourable weather conditions, underscoring the urgency of seeking divine intervention through collective prayer.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially distanced itself from Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s directive to NNPP legislators concerning the crisis in the Kano Emirate. Here are the key points from the development:

1. **Letter Disavowed**: The NNPP leadership, through its National Chairman, Agbo Gilbert Major, and National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, issued a letter to the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly. They stated that the letter purportedly signed by Dr. Ajuji Ahmed and instructing NNPP lawmakers to criticize President Bola Tinubu and the federal government was unauthorized and without the mandate of the party’s leadership.

2. **Legal Position**: The NNPP emphasized that the issues regarding the Kano Emirate are currently before competent courts of law. They cautioned against any interference by the National Assembly, which they believe could escalate tensions in Kano State.

3. **Focus on Development**: The NNPP reiterated its commitment to focusing on national development and the welfare of Nigerians. They expressed concern over potential complications arising from political interference in the Kano crisis.

4. **Call for Disregard**: The party called on the National Assembly to disregard the directives in the purported letter from Ajuji Ahmed. They emphasized that any representation made by Ahmed should be disregarded.

5. **Public Reaction**: Prior to the NNPP’s official response, a pro-democracy group had exposed the contents of Kwankwaso’s letter, alleging directives to NNPP legislators to take action upon the resumption of plenary sessions.

This development underscores internal party dynamics and differing perspectives on how political parties should engage with national issues, particularly those involving legal and judicial processes.

It seems like you’re interested in the recent developments regarding the judiciary and legal community, particularly in Nigeria. Here’s a summary of the key points from the article:

1. **AGF Fagbemi’s Commendation**: Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his exceptional contribution to the legal community. He highlighted Wike’s leadership and support for enhancing judiciary infrastructure, especially through projects like the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex.

2. **Support for Judiciary**: Fagbemi emphasized the importance of adequate support for the judiciary, noting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to this cause. He mentioned recent salary increments for judicial officers as evidence of this commitment, aimed at strengthening the judiciary and ensuring justice for all.

3. **NBA President’s Remarks**: Yakubu Maikyau, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also praised Wike and Tinubu for their understanding of the critical role of justice in national existence. He highlighted Wike’s initiative in pushing forward the Court of Appeal Complex project, suggesting it was long overdue and emphasizing the importance of justice in governance.

4. **Role of Judiciary**: Maikyau discussed how the judiciary now serves not just the common man but also plays a crucial role for “big shots,” indicating its pivotal role in maintaining peace and order in society.

Overall, the statements underscored a recognition of the judiciary’s significance and the ongoing efforts to strengthen its capacity and infrastructure in Nigeria.

The Benue State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) due to severe security breaches. Governor Hyacinth Alia announced this decision after a State Security Council meeting, represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode. The curfew was deemed necessary following the wanton destruction of government property and threats to lives in the area, leading to a breakdown of law and order.

Initially, the curfew will be enforced for 24 hours from Wednesday 3 pm to Thursday 3 pm, and subsequently from 6 pm to 6 am until further notice. The aim is to ensure the safety and protection of residents’ lives and property. The government has called on all stakeholders and security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the curfew.

The announcement came amidst protests by youths in Ukum LGA over alleged frequent killings by local bandits, which escalated with the reported killing of 11 people. The protesters barricaded roads and stormed the council secretariat, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the security challenges in the area.

In response, the Police Command has deployed tactical teams to reinforce security, with the Commissioner of Police heading to Ukum to restore law and order. The situation in Ukum LGA has been volatile, marked by criminal activities including killings and kidnappings by local militias, prompting heightened security measures.

A group named ‘The Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance’ has filed petitions with the EFCC and ICPC in Kaduna against the former Governor of the state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and several members of his administration. Victor Duniya, the Chairman of the group, announced this during a press briefing in Kaduna, citing concerns raised by the State House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee’s report on the sourcing and utilization of domestic loans from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.

Duniya highlighted that the petitions urge immediate investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of El-Rufai and his appointees implicated in alleged mismanagement, siphoning, and other financial and administrative irregularities detailed in the committee’s findings. The group stressed that holding accountable those responsible for financial misconduct would serve as a deterrent to other public officials tempted to exploit public resources.

Emphasizing the public’s demand for accountability and justice, Duniya condemned what he described as actions that undermine public trust in democracy. He expressed confidence in the anti-graft agencies’ ability to address corruption effectively, praising the transparency and thoroughness of the ad-hoc committee’s work in facilitating their efforts.

The Cross River Government has disputed the inclusion of the state among those affected by the recent cholera outbreak, as reported by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Dr. Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, clarified in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that there have been no reported cases of cholera in the state since January 29th, when a single fatality occurred.

Dr. Ayuk expressed disbelief over the NCDC’s decision to include Cross River in the list of affected states, attributing it to outdated data. He emphasized, “I don’t know where they got their information from, but I can tell you that there is no case of cholera here since the last one we had in January when one life was lost.”

Despite the disagreement, the commissioner assured that the state has activated a response team and heightened surveillance measures in anticipation of any potential cholera outbreak. He mentioned that efforts are focused on riverine areas and identified hotspots like Etung, Abi, Obubura, Biase, and parts of Yakurr Local Government Areas.

The NCDC had earlier reported a total of 2,102 suspected cholera cases and 63 deaths across multiple states in Nigeria, including those listed alongside Cross River.

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced an increase in electricity tariffs for its Band A customers. The adjustment, effective immediately, raises the tariff from ₦206.80/kWh to ₦209.50/kWh. Francis Agoha, the acting Managing Director of IBEDC, clarified that this tariff revision has been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the multi-year Tariff supplementary order.

Agoha explained that the decision to increase tariffs was influenced by various economic factors such as fluctuations in the exchange rate, current inflation rate, available generation capacity, and the cost of gas. These factors have collectively increased operational costs for IBEDC, necessitating the adjustment to mitigate financial pressures while maintaining service quality.

He reassured customers that the tariff adjustment affects only Band A customers, with tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E remaining unchanged. Agoha acknowledged that any tariff change could concern customers but emphasized that it was essential for sustaining and enhancing the quality of electricity services provided by IBEDC.

In conclusion, Agoha reiterated IBEDC’s commitment to delivering reliable and efficient electricity services across all customer bands, ensuring that customers receive the best possible value for their money amidst the economic challenges faced by the electricity sector.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State announced that the state achieved an internally generated revenue (IGR) of ₦3.5 billion in May, marking a significant increase compared to previous periods. He highlighted that between January and May of the current year, Niger State consistently collected an average of ₦2.621 billion monthly, up from ₦1.806 billion monthly in the previous year. This growth, he emphasized, has enabled the state to expand infrastructure projects and enhance social service delivery, thereby improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Governor Bago attributed this success to strategic reforms, innovative approaches, and a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and taxpayer education. The state simplified processes and leveraged technology to facilitate tax compliance while reducing opportunities for evasion, resulting in improved compliance rates and enhanced revenue collection.

He underscored the importance of collaboration and synergy among stakeholders to achieve collective goals of improved tax administration and revenue optimization. Governor Bago expressed optimism and determination in repositioning revenue authorities for sustained prosperity and progress in Niger State.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Joint Task Board (JTB), commended the governor for professionalizing the state’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and safeguarding its autonomy. He noted significant growth in annual IGR performance, surpassing ₦20 billion for the first time in the state’s history, with expectations of reaching a monthly IGR of ₦5 billion with continued innovation and implementation.

The JTB chairman reiterated the board’s commitment to promoting uniformity, harmony, and efficiency in tax administration, ensuring optimal revenue collection for socio-economic development. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders to address contemporary tax issues and enhance IGR capacity at the sub-national level.

The Borno state government, through Lawan Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has allocated N507 million to cover the registration fees for 20,075 indigent students from the state. This funding is intended to facilitate their participation in the 2024 West Africa School Certificate Examination (WAEC). The government is subsidizing 75% of the examination fees to promote equity within the educational system, allowing both public and private school students to access their results simultaneously.

Wakilbe commended school principals for upholding examination ethics and the quota system but cautioned against fraudulent practices during the exam registration process. He emphasized the government’s stance against registering external candidates without proper records, as this can lead to verification issues, indiscipline, and malpractices. Any public school principal found guilty of malpractice risks removal from their position, and the ministry plans to provide a list of accredited private schools for consideration in future WAEC exams.

Zakari Abdullahi, the WAEC Zonal Coordinator in Borno State, assured the timely release of examination results and reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting educational efforts in the state.