The House of Representatives has invited critical stakeholders including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Federal Ministries of Health and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to submit memoranda ahead of its probe into the prevalence in the use, trafficking and regulation of illicit drugs across the country.

Also invited for the submission of input are “Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of MAN, PMG-MAN, Major pharmaceutical companies (Emzor, Fidson, May and Baker, Juhel, Dana), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, International Distillers Limited and Tobacco industry representatives.”

Others include law enforcement agencies including “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Medical Association.

The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Network on Substance Abuse and the National Youth Council of Nigeria are also expected to make input.

The Committee also invited development partners comprising the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Health Organisation, United Nations Development Programme, US Agency for International Development and the United Nations Children’s Fund, to submit memoranda.

Recall that the House had earlier constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to probe the prevalence, regulation and impact of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, illicit trafficking and related crimes across the country.

The panel chaired by the member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State, OluwatimehinAdelegbe, was constituted following the adoption of a motion to probe the prevalence of drug abuse by Nigerians nationwide.

In a statement issued yesterday, Adelegbe said the Committee is charged with the mandate of examining the root causes, identifying institutional weaknesses, regulatory and enforcement gaps and developing practical solutions to combat drug use and trafficking.

The Committee is also expected to come up with recommendations aimed at strengthening national drug control mechanisms, promoting public health and protecting citizens from substance-related harms.

“In view of the mandate and the urgency attached to it, the committee has resolved to interface with relevant stakeholders and other Nigerians with a view to identifying the causes and proffering a solution,” the statement read in part.

He urged Nigerians to submit memoranda to the committee “Addressing concerns, recommendations and proposed interventions on the subject matter,” to guide the panel draft its report for submission to the House for further legislative action.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) said it has established a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion drive to provide credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Unveiling the centre during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the initiative was developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd.

“The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi said in a statement issued yesterday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, AzeezSani.

He described the new Senior School Certificate Examination centre as a strategic step toward extending NECO’s global footprint, adding that the Council now administers examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

According to Wushishi, the London centre would empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and strengthen the global recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several UK universities, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In his goodwill message, the statement noted that the Minister of Education, DrTunjiAlausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.”

He said the move aligns with the Ministry’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a vital educational resource.

The statement added that the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education.

“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression.

“This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he explained.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, the statement noted that the Registrar briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, stressing that the UK remains a strategic hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, praised NECO’s move as a “timely and commendable effort” consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.

“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe affirmed.

Rivers State Governor, Sir SiminalayiFubara, says ongoing peace efforts in the State are gradually yielding the desired results, insisting that genuine development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.

Governor Fubara made the remarks on Saturday at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. NgoziOdu, held at Government Secondary School by Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

The Governor said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the State, and urged citizens to embrace peace fully so that development projects can flourish.

“We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem. Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward,” Governor Fubara said.

Reflecting on the political turbulence of the past two years, the Governor said the return of normalcy has opened a new chapter for progress. He noted that political actors who once refused to share the same space are now attending events together, describing the development as “evidence that peace has truly returned to Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara announced immediate plans to begin rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.

“As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he assured.

Governor Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Chief NyesomWike, for the role he played in his emergence, saying that he does not take it for granted. He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women and political stakeholders for their peaceful disposition, unity of purpose, and for standing by his Deputy.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Prof. NgoziOdu, said the reception left her overwhelmed and grateful, describing the turnout as a testament to the peace, unity and love in her community.

She thanked Governor Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Chief NyesomWike, and former Governor, Dr Peter Odili, for the roles they have played in her public service journey.

Prof Odu highlighted cultural symbols at the event, such as a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of Ebukele, a traditional performance said to appear only once in a decade, as “proof of Akabuka’s deep appreciation and respect for the Governor.” She praised Governor Fubara as “a man of peace who talks less and acts more.”

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, described Odu as “a delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while ONELGA Chairman, ShedrackOgbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of wider recognition for the Deputy Governor in the LGA.