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With 18,500 arrests, 2.6mkg drugs seized in 2024, our successes justify global support – Marwa+Photos
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. . As US Govt donates facility to Agency in Lagos, commends Marwa for outstanding performance
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said that the steady operational successes being recorded by the anti-narcotic body in its drug supply and demand reduction efforts will continue to justify the support and assistance it is getting from the United States government, other partners and stakeholders.
Marwa stated this at the commissioning of central exhibit office donated by the US government to NDLEA at the Agency’s headquarters annex in Ikoyi Lagos on Tuesday 7th January 2025. The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the US Consulate General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior US officials.
While commending the United States government as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s renewed efforts to combat drug-related crimes, Marwa said the continued collaboration with the US has been infinite, bolstered and enhanced NDLEA’s operational capabilities.
According to him, “Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians.
This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, which is essential for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases.
This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement. It is an investment in the security and the future of our nations.”
He said despite the Agency’s improved performance, “we recognise that the war against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over. As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges.”
The NDLEA said the challenges notwithstanding, tremendous successes have been recorded on all fronts against the drug menace.
His words: “So far, the results have been justifying. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs.
Across the country, we arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders. Got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed, while in the same breath we counselled and rehabilitated over 8, 200, with more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes organized across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others, thus creating an equipoise between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”
While calling for continuous support and more collaboration from the US government and other partners, Marwa said the challenges of illicit drugs are dynamic and multifaceted, and as such require continuous partnership and innovation. “That is why we are pragmatic in our unending quest for further support from our international partners, key stakeholders and public-spirited persons. We seek intervention in critical areas such as capacity building and enhanced training for our officers, provision of technology and equipment, especially for advanced surveillance and tracking, intelligence and information sharing and provision of operational logistics”, he added.
He commended the American people for their support and magnanimity over the years.
“Our shared goal remains the protection of lives and the promotion of a safer, healthier world. As Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, I pledge our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the effective utilisation of the resources entrusted to us. I assure you that every donation inspires confidence in the agency and, by extension, inspires resilience, hardwork and dedication among our workforce.”
He specifically thanked the US DEA attaché in Nigeria, Mr. Robert Bascoe, whose untiring efforts and commitment made the donation and several others a reality even as he expressed gratitude to the United States Africa Command and the US Embassy for their invaluable partnership.
In her remarks, the US acting Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg said the cornerstone of the relationship between Nigeria and US is premised on the vibrancy of democracy.
“It’s a principle deeply embraced by both of our nations. And one of our leaders who helped nurture this deep and enduring partnership between our two countries was former President Jimmy Carter, who, as noted, passed away on December 29th at age 100.
“President Carter was an extraordinary leader, and he dedicated his years in and out of office promoting peace, democracy, health, and human rights.
And today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being drawn on a horse carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state so that we can all respect the legacy that he has left for us. And President Carter was actually the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria.”
She highlighted the significance of the support the US government has been providing for the NDLEA while commending Marwa for taking advantage of such partnership to achieve tremendous results for Nigeria in the fight against illicit drugs.
According to her, “the efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across West Africa region have successes because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability.
“Today, as part of our enduring partnership, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, is honoured to hand over a dedicated office space for the NDLEA.
This dedicated facility will provide NDLEA officers with a safe and secure office space to conduct investigations, to process arrestees, and to conduct post-arrest interviews.
“Now this donation is the latest example of the robust and productive cooperation between the United States government and the NDLEA. In 2024, the U.S. government invested half a million dollars to modernize and equip the chemical forensic laboratory at the NDLEA zonal office here in Lagos. That upgraded laboratory is now equipped with cutting-edge technology, which enhances the NDLEA’s capacity to analyze suspicious substances and to process evidence from crime scenes and suspects.
“Over the years, our joint efforts have helped to build the capacity of the Nigerian authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks, to dismantle clandestine meth labs, and to conduct advanced forensic analysis of synthetic drugs.
“We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Nigerian government and its agencies as we continue to combat narcotics to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, especially synthetic drugs, and that will better both of our societies.”
News
Nigerian Tech Founder Launches AI-Powered School Management Platform To Transform Education Administration
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerian software engineer and technology founder, Ajibola Olajide Shokunbi, has launched EDUCAKESIMS V2, an upgraded school-management platform designed to help educational institutions improve administration, financial transparency, data-driven decision-making and teacher productivity.
The platform combines real-time analytics, financial dashboards, banking visibility and artificial intelligence-assisted report management to provide schools with a unified system for managing academic and operational activities.
Since its launch in 2022, EDUCAKESIMS has grown from a local school-management solution into a platform used by more than 12 schools and supporting the management of over 12,000 students.
Shokunbi said the platform was developed to address challenges faced by many Nigerian schools, including reliance on manual processes, fragmented records and spreadsheet-based reporting, which often make it difficult for administrators to access timely information about their operations.
As the founder of EDUCAKESIMS, Shokunbi has overseen the platform’s development into an integrated system supporting academic administration, financial management and institutional planning.
The latest version, EDUCAKESIMS V2, introduces several features aimed at improving how schools monitor performance and manage resources.
The School Analytics Dashboard provides real-time insights into student population, admissions, retention, attendance, gender distribution and demographic trends, enabling school leaders to make informed decisions.
The Income and Expenditure Dashboards allow proprietors and finance teams to track revenue, expenses, outstanding balances and overall financial performance, improving budgeting and accountability.
The School Banking Dashboard uses secure banking integration to give authorised finance personnel near real-time access to school banking transactions, helping to reduce reconciliation delays and improve cash-flow monitoring.
The platform also includes an AI-assisted Report-Card Management feature, designed to help teachers prepare student reports more efficiently while reducing repetitive administrative tasks.
Speaking on the upgrade, Shokunbi said EDUCAKESIMS was built around the realities of Nigerian schools and the need for practical digital solutions.
“EDUCAKESIMS was built from a deep understanding of the realities of Nigerian schools. Many institutions want to digitise, but they need solutions that are practical, affordable and designed around their own operating environment,” he said.
“With EDUCAKESIMS V2, we are bringing together data analytics, financial intelligence, banking visibility and artificial intelligence to help schools make faster, smarter and more accountable decisions.”
The founder said the platform would help schools operating across multiple campuses overcome challenges associated with managing separate administrative, billing, inventory and academic systems.
Dr Akinleye Akingbami, Proprietor of Grace Spring Schools, said EDUCAKESIMS had improved visibility and coordination across the organisation’s campuses spread across six states in Nigeria.
He said managing thousands of students across multiple locations was previously challenging due to fragmented financial reporting, payment reconciliation delays and stock-management issues.
“Since adopting EDUCAKESIMS, we now manage all our campuses through one integrated platform with real-time visibility into both our academic and financial operations,” Akingbami said.
He added that processes which previously took days could now be completed within minutes, while financial accountability and decision-making had improved through access to accurate data.
The launch of EDUCAKESIMS V2 comes amid growing interest in Nigeria’s education technology sector, as schools increasingly adopt digital tools to improve efficiency, accountability and communication.
The platform reflects efforts by local technology founders to develop solutions tailored to the operational needs of Nigerian institutions rather than relying solely on systems designed for other markets.
Shokunbi said the expansion of EDUCAKESIMS demonstrates the role locally developed software can play in strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting the modernisation of education management in Nigeria.
News
Rep OK Chinda’s political network sparks across Rivers
The battle for the political soul of Rivers State gathered fresh momentum on Monday, August 3, 2026, as supporters of the former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, activated what appears to be an early statewide mobilisation strategy, extending their campaign machinery to all 23 local government areas and ward structures ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The development signals that while the official electioneering whistle is yet to be blown, political camps are already laying claim to the grassroots in what analysts describe as a familiar contest where influence, structure and strategic alliances often determine who eventually occupies Brick House.
The pro-Chinda support group, Our Will, announced the expansion of its political network across the state, directing its state executive members to immediately establish functional local government and ward executives capable of driving voter mobilisation before formal campaigns commence.
State Chairman of the group, King Okene, said the organisation was determined to transform Chinda’s existing political popularity into what he described as an “unstoppable electoral mandate,” insisting that every ward must become a political fortress for the lawmaker’s governorship aspiration.
According to him, the publication of the electoral timetable has effectively opened a new phase of political calculations, making early grassroots organisation a strategic necessity rather than a luxury.
“We should double our efforts to ensure we meet the targets before electioneering campaigns officially begin. Every local government and ward structure must be fully operational within the first week of August,” he charged members.
In what appeared to be a calculated attempt to frame Chinda as the political heir to a tested governance model, President-General of Our Will, Glory Wobo, declared that the federal lawmaker’s years of public service and close political association with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have adequately prepared him for the state’s highest office.
Wobo argued that leadership is cultivated through mentorship rather than chance, maintaining that Chinda’s political apprenticeship under Wike – combined with his experience as commissioner and long-serving legislator – has equipped him with the administrative depth required to govern Rivers State.
He cited ongoing infrastructure renewal in the Federal Capital Territory as evidence of the leadership tradition from which Chinda emerged, suggesting that effective governance leaves measurable footprints rather than campaign slogans.
According to Wobo, Chinda enjoys goodwill that cuts across political parties, ethnic groups and religious divides, describing the lawmaker as a consensus figure whose appeal extends beyond partisan politics into credibility, accessibility and public service.
The latest mobilisation drive underscores the intensifying political chess game ahead of the 2027 governorship election, where aspirants are increasingly investing in grassroots structures long before formal campaigns begin.
With support groups already deploying ward-by-ward political architecture and competing camps quietly consolidating influence, Rivers State is once again demonstrating that, in Nigerian politics, the contest for power often begins long before the first ballot is printed.
News
NBC files fresh appeal, justifies N5m fine regime for broadcasters
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has filed an application seeking the permission of the court of appeal to file a fresh appeal against the judgement of the federal high court in Abuja barring it from imposing N5 million fines on erring broadcast stations.
In the application filed at the court of appeal in Abuja by Dapo Akinosun, counsel to the NBC, the commission argued sanity in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector is under threat and that the public interest would be better served if the court grants the application.
In the application, the NBC urged the court to grant it leave to raise and argue a fresh issue on appeal relating to the legal capacity of MRA to institute and maintain the original suit before the lower court.
The commission argued that the defect in the earlier notice of appeal, which resulted in the dismissal of its appeal, arose “solely from an inadvertent misdescription” of its name by its lawyer.
The NBC told the court that the subsisting judgement raises questions on the commission’s statutory powers to regulate broadcasting and enforce compliance with broadcasting standards in Nigeria.
The commission argued that the subsisting judgment is capable of creating uncertainty regarding its regulatory powers if it is allowed to stand.
The NBC also argued that without the pronouncement by the appellate court on the issues raised in the appeal, its regulatory framework would be weakened.
“A weakened regulatory framework may embolden non-compliance with established broadcasting standards, thereby increasing the dissemination of false, misleading and unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety, panic and social unrest,” the NBC said.
“Absence of effective regulatory oversight may further encourage irresponsible broadcasting practices and the misuse of broadcast and digital media platforms by persons who deliberately publish sensational, inaccurate or inflammatory content to intimidate, harass or unduly influence individuals, institutions and public discourse.”
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