News
WDD: Tinubu Seeks Global Action On Drug Abuse
President Bola Tinubu yesterday called on the international community to intensify collective action against the growing global drug crisis, warning of its devastating impact on public health, security, and development.
Speaking during the World Drug Day 2025, Tinubu described the drug epidemic as one of the most urgent challenges of the era. He stressed that no country is immune to its far-reaching consequences.
The President said the theme of this year’s observance, ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’, is both timely and urgent.”
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, warned that drug abuse destroys lives, tears families apart, and fuels insecurity.
“Violent crimes have been closely linked to substance abuse,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to global stakeholders and commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led by Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), for its expanded role in enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Emphasising a holistic and compassionate approach, Tinubu declared: “Drug dependence is not a moral failing. Recovery is a journey that requires supportive environments, mental health care, safe housing, and a society that offers second chances.”
He advocated stronger investment in school-based initiatives, grassroots mobilisation, and youth-focused campaigns to encourage informed choices and drug-free living.
The President also linked drug abuse to broader socio-economic issues such as poverty, inequality, and violence, noting that any effective strategy must be anchored in inclusive development and human rights protection.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, Tinubu pledged to deepen partnerships, strengthen enforcement, and promote sustainable solutions under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let us seize this moment not just to reflect, but to act,” he urged, adding, “Together, we can build a future where prevention is effective, treatment is accessible, and recovery is celebrated.”
At the World Drug Day event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s escalating drug crisis, linking over 90 percent of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes to drug use.
“The evidence is clear, drug abuse is driving violent crime in Nigeria,” Marwa said.
“More than 90 percent of those involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and violence are drug users,” he added.
The NDLEA boss described the threat as widespread and no longer confined to the streets, but now infiltrating schools, homes, and communities.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 230 million, Marwa urged that prevention be recognised as a national security imperative.
Citing the 2024 World Drug Report, he noted that global drug use has risen to over 290 million people, up 20 percent in the past decade, while Africa could see a 40 percent surge by 2030 unless urgent action is taken.
He also referenced the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, which showed that 14.4% of Nigerians aged 15-64 (approximately 14.3 million people) used drugs, almost triple the global average.
“We had 10.6 million cannabis users alone. That’s more than the population of some countries,” he added.
Marwa outlined NDLEA’s three-pronged strategy, prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement.
Under prevention, he said the agency had intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting over 11,000 sensitisation programs nationwide in schools, markets, places of worship, motor parks, and workplaces.
He highlighted the growing adoption of drug integrity testing in universities and institutions as a condition for admission and employment.
“We are promoting early detection in families through the Save Our Families initiative. Parents must ask questions, teachers must instil values, and the media must amplify the urgency of this fight,” he said.
On rehabilitation, Marwa said the agency operates 30 treatment centres, where over 26,000 individuals have received care in the past 18 months. Seven more centres have been approved in the 2025 budget, bringing the total to 37, with one in each state and the FCT.
He also revealed plans to launch a dedicated NDLEA radio station by year-end to enhance awareness and advocacy.
On the enforcement front, Marwa reported that in the last four and a half years, the agency has arrested over 66,000 drug offenders, including 94 drug barons.
The anti-drug czar said the agency also seized 11.1 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and secured more than 12,000 convictions, with some offenders serving life sentences.
He commended the Tinubu administration, the National Assembly, state governors, and security agencies for their support, while acknowledging key international partners including the UNODC, European Union, US DEA, UK Home Office, and the governments of France, India, Saudi Arabia, and Germany.
“We’ve made progress, but the task ahead is enormous,” Marwa said, adding that “Drug abuse is not just a health issue, it’s a governance, security, and moral issue.”
The NDLEA boss in his closing remarks, made a passionate appeal that, “Our children don’t just need money, they need presence, values, and discipline. Let us invest in prevention today so we don’t pay the price of rehabilitation tomorrow.”
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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