News
We’ll Not Allow Environmental Degradation Of Ijaw To Continue – IDA
As environmental pollution continues to devastate oil and gas bearing communities in the Niger Delta region, the Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC), weekend, resolved not to allow environmental degradation in Ijawland to continue.
This was stated by the President, IDC, MondySelle Gold, during IDC’s ‘First Annual General Meeting’ held virtually, ahead of its Ijaw Diaspora Convention, which will take place in Newark, New Jersey, NY, United States of America, USA, from July 1- 3, 2022.
Gold said the Ijaw people have suffered untold hardship over the years and subjected to contamination on water, land and air, while they have been far away from the wealth around them.
According to him, the story of environmental degradation has not witnessed any significant change, but has continued to be politicized and toyed with following the predicament the people find themselves and environmental challenges awaiting generations unborn.
The IDC is one of most diverse and prestigious group of like-minded men and women who are dedicated to the Ijawnation’s economic freedom, unity, peace, and development.
He said: “Through high-impact initiatives in education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development, the Ijaw Diaspora Council is devoted to catalysing social and economic change in Ijawnation and forging a permanent bridge between the Diaspora and our country Nigeria.
“Ijaw people are subjected to contaminated groundwater and air pollution, especially those who by no fault of theirs, the oil and gas facilities have come to reside with them.
“Oil and gas production, as well as its catastrophic effects, have obvious economic ramifications, particularly in the agricultural and fishery industries, as well as the rapid deterioration of human health.
“These are some of the most challenging problems to overcome, and that is why members of the Ijaw Diaspora will gather to learn, communicate, and discuss.
“The economy of Ijawnation must grow, which requires members to pay attention to the foundations of strategic generosity and reputational liberality.”
The IDC boss, however, caution that, “Posterity will have the final say, but this period should not be remembered for irreparable rifts, consummate cheapness, or unending conflict, rather it should be remembered with our achievements and ability to harness our differences as strength to succeed.
“Environmental restoration, educational opportunities, medical issues, cultural heritage integration initiative, and economic development measures, all will be considered at the Ijaw Diaspora Convention, which will take place in Newark, NJ from July 1 to 3, 2022.”
He also pointed that at the highest social levels the organisation contributes to the safety and security of the people and communities including development of the Ijaw people, which is an essential and significant responsibility they have as an organisation at that level.
However, he spoke extensively on the unity of the Ijaws in Diaspora to make meaningful impact on the lives of the impoverished Ijaw people, and charged them to work in unity and focus on the things that would change the narrative, and it does not matter how long it might take them.
“Good things aren’t easy to get by! You can work for ten years without getting anywhere, yet only one event or year will pay off. But the truth is that nice things aren’t easy to come by! It necessitates some effort, as well as patience and perseverance. Furthermore, it will take some time and will require perseverance.
“Our members, partners, and supporters are critical to our success, but we must continue to learn, grow, and build Ijawland without causing chaos or playing power games. We won’t be able to meet our goals or fulfil the purpose of the 2022 Newark convention if we don’t work together.
“Please, don’t let the effect of money and its challenges poison many a relationship or blind individual mind to the wider vision of how we must handle stubborn issues that are impeding Ijawnation’s progress.
“I implore you to make a life-altering decision to serve our people better and foremost. Let there be more love and unity and collaboration. Let there be more strategic generosity and reputational liberality”, he added.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 1.63 million pills of tramadol concealed in two long trailers heading for Kano as it intensified efforts to dismantle a transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating along the Togo-Benin Republic-Nigeria corridor.
The agency also arrested an 80-year-old suspected drug dealer in Rivers State, a businesswoman linked to cannabis shipments from Canada, a Chadian woman, a couple and other suspects in coordinated operations across Lagos, Edo, Kogi and Rivers states.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement, yesterday.
According to the statement, the latest intelligence-led operation came barely one week after NDLEA operatives recovered 558,900 pills of tramadol concealed in the false-bottom compartment of a truck that entered Lagos through the Togo-Benin Republic route.
Babafemi said, “Ongoing efforts to dismantle a transnational drug trafficking syndicate smuggling tramadol from Togo, through Benin Republic into Nigeria have yielded another success with the interception of two long trailers used to move One Million Six Hundred and Thirty (1,630,000) pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in fabricated compartments of the trucks across multiple borders into Lagos.”
He added that one of the two trailers was intercepted on July 2 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where operatives recovered 853,000 pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in a fabricated compartment beneath the cargo floor.
Babafemi said, “One of the two trucks already heading to Kano was tracked and located on 2nd July 2026 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway where NDLEA officers recovered 853,000 pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in a fabricated compartment beneath the cargo floor of the trailer and arrested the 22-year-old driver Jabir Kabiru.”
He further disclosed that another trailer was intercepted two days later on the same route.
“Two days later, 4th July, NDLEA operatives acting on processed intelligence successfully tracked and recovered the second trailer from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while heading to Kano. A total of 777,000 pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in a fabricated compartment beneath the cargo floor of the truck were evacuated and the 22-year-old driver Muhammed Nuhu arrested,” the statement read.
According to Babafemi, investigations established a link between the three intercepted consignments.
He said, “Investigations revealed that all three trucks and consignments intercepted on 21st June, 2nd July and 4th July belong to the same transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating along the Togo-Benin Republic-Nigeria axis.”
The agency also intercepted 4.70 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
Babafemi said, “Two consignments of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, with a combined weight of 4.70 kilograms have been intercepted at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The cargoes, which arrived the Lagos airport from Canada in cartons with ‘Odugwu’ boldly written on them, came aboard British Airways and Ethiopian Airlines flights on 24th June and 3rd July respectively.”
He said two cargo agents, Ali Rotimi Samson and Orimolade Oluwagbenga, were initially arrested in connection with the shipments, while another suspect, Edeh Onyeamachi Stanislus, was apprehended after arriving at a logistics company to take delivery of the consignments.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has denied claims that it has commenced registration for a purported ?50,000 National Support Allowance.
The ministry, in a public notice posted on its official X handle, yesterday, described messages, links and websites advertising the alleged programme as fraudulent.
It urged Nigerians to disregard such claims and verify information only through official government channels.
“The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has NOT commenced registration for any ?50,000 National Support Allowance,” the ministry said.
It added, “Disregard fraudulent messages, links and websites claiming otherwise. Verify any info only through official govt channels.”
The alert is in response to a circulating scam flyer that falsely claims the program is ongoing under President Bola Tinubu’s directives.
The fake advertisement, which includes text in Hausa and English, directs victims to a suspicious website (kluspz.com) for applications.
The ministry’s warning comes amid heightened concerns over digital fraud targeting vulnerable populations seeking social support.
Similar scams have previously surfaced around programs like N-Power, prompting questions from citizens in replies to the official post.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its preparedness for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, hinted at this while making his remarks at the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.
Ajaero said it is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service.
He advised workers and pensioners to get prepared for the ideological and economic battles that lie ahead.
According to the NLC president, “The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) is one of the proud affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Therefore, your struggle is our struggle, and your welfare remains a priority for the organised labour movement.
“We are currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.
“However, let me state unequivocally that it is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service.
“Accordingly, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not only push for a new national minimum wage but will also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension. It is a historical injustice that men and women who devoted their youth, strength and productive years to the service of this nation should be condemned to live below the poverty line after retirement.”
Ajaero noted that the cost of living has risen astronomically as food, healthcare and transportation have become increasingly unaffordable.
“We cannot continue to allow our senior citizens to survive on pensions that have become poverty wages. Every retiree deserves to live with dignity after decades of faithful service to the nation,” he said.
He urged pensioners across the country to remain united and prepared as the process begins, adding: “This Legacy House should not merely be seen as a physical structure; it should become a centre for mobilisation, strategic engagement and solidarity as we prepare for the struggles ahead.”
The NLC president pointed out that the working class has always understood that “those who exploit workers are united in advancing their interests. We too must remain united in defending our collective interests and ensuring that government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees.”
He urged pensioners across the country to remain united and prepared as the process begins, adding: “This Legacy House should not merely be seen as a physical structure; it should become a centre for mobilisation, strategic engagement and solidarity as we prepare for the struggles ahead.”
The NLC president pointed out that the working class has always understood that “those who exploit workers are united in advancing their interests. We too must remain united in defending our collective interests and ensuring that government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees.”
He said the completion of the project should serve as a clarion call to all workers and lovers of the masses.
“We must not only build physical structures but also build a strong movement capable of compelling government to honour its commitments,” he said.
Ajaero further stated: “We will continue to demand the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension regime that guarantees every retiree a life of dignity and security.
“Together, we shall continue to fight until every Nigerian worker and pensioner receives the justice, respect and welfare they deserve.”
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