By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has appointed the National Chairman of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle, Repairer, and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Adebayo Apelogun and thirteen others as welfare board ad-hoc committee members, to facilitate this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Adebayo Apelogun is the Amirul Hajj, while Ishaq Olorungbebe will serve as the chairman.

Members of the committee are Lawal Iskeel, Shile Rufai, Sabeeq Aladi-Ibrahim, Wasiu Raheem, Abdul-Lateef Afolabi, Ogunfowora Kamoru, Hassan Tijani, Hussein Mustapha and Uthman Akewukanwo

Others are; Alatise Fausat, Egunjobi Kafilat and Jinadu Zainab.

The board urged them to discharge their duties diligently with high level of commitment, so as to ensure comfort and safety of pilgrims from Ogun State.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency has described report that armed military units denied the Vice-President Kashim Shettima access to the Presidential Villa as mischievous and totally false.

The spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, said this while debunking the reports in a statement he released on Saturday.

Nwokocha said the reports are were parts of recent attempts to cause confusion and insinuate total clash in the Presidency.

” These reports seek to mislead the public into believing there’s discord at the highest levels of government.

” The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice-President has been refused entry to the Villa.

” This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.

The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking.

“(It’s) a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.”

Nkwocha added that the publication was so far removed from reality.

According to him, such misinformation can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.

Nkwocha, therefore, urged the public to disregard such malicious publications and advised the media to continue to seek information from credible sources and approach sensational claims with the caution it deserves.

” This we owe ourselves collectively as a nation.”

Nkwocha said earlier this week, the Presidency dismissed similar fake news regarding responsibility for the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu.

These stories reflect a desperate attempt to undermine the President and his Deputy’s fidelity to the rule of law and our constitution.

” Let it be known that those pushing these falsehoods do so in vain.

”It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President.

” However, their questionable sources or habitual reliance on misinformation have once again led them astray.

” These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”

He said that Shettima remains focused on his duties and on supporting the President in achieving the aspirations of Nigerians.

” He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire.

He’s not and will never partake in their media circus. It is a futile pursuit, even by the standards of the morally indifferent.”

Nkwocha commended Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards the Tinubu’s administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news.

” Your trust and support are deeply appreciated. The covenant between this government and the citizens of Nigeria was made possible through a legitimate and constitutional process. Sports equipment

” No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of that democratic mandate. Not under the watch of President Tinubu.”

. Commissions accommodation blocks for personnel in Kano, rehab facility

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged officers and men of the Agency to remain resolute and steadfast in the ongoing onslaught against illicit drug trafficking and dealers.

Marwa gave the charge on Saturday 19th April 2025 while commissioning blocks of terrace flats accommodation newly constructed for personnel of the Zonal Command, Kano Command, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Command, and officers of the Strike Force Team of the Agency deployed to Kano as well as a rehabilitation facility.
He said the commissioning stands as yet another testimony to President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of security personnel including NDLEA.

“We are acutely aware that the effectiveness of our officers hinges not merely upon their training and tools, but also upon the quality of their living conditions. A secure and decent home front empowers the spirit, sharpens the mind, and steels the resolve of those tasked with the solemn duty of safeguarding our society from the scourge of illicit drugs”, he noted.
While recalling that the first ever NDLEA barrack in its 35-year history was commissioned in Yola, Adamawa state in February, Marwa disclosed that the Agency has just completed another barrack in Abuja, which is due for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that similar projects are at various stages of completion in Enugu and Lagos.

He justified the provision of decent accommodation for the Agency’s workforce. “These structures we commission today are not mere edifices of brick and mortar; they are symbols of peace, assurance, and respect. They reflect the value we place on our officers and an affirmation of our enduring pledge to uplift their standard of living. The challenges we face in this noble task are immense.

The war against drug abuse and trafficking is not for the faint-hearted—it demands unyielding courage, iron discipline, and a resolute sense of purpose. With improved living conditions, our officers are fortified—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to bear the burden of this vital mission.”
He acknowledged the sacrifices being made daily by NDLEA officers to rid the country of illicit drugs and urged them to continue to stand up to the challenge of the drug menace. “I wish to sincerely acknowledge and commend the dedication and hard work of all NDLEA officers serving in Kano. The records of arrests, seizures, and convictions over the past twelve months—both in quantity and quality—have been impressive. As a state with an international border and an international airport, the importance of securing Kano against drug trafficking cannot be overstated. Therefore, NDLEA officers in this territory must continue to rise to the challenge. While we applaud the performance so far, we also look forward to even greater results in the future.”

He urged personnel who will inhabit the buildings to treat the facilities with care and discipline, adding that the commissioning is a notable milestone in the determined march toward a more resilient, people-focused, and mission-driven NDLEA. “Let us, together, continue to build an institution that stands for excellence, inspires loyalty, and never ceases to support its personnel.”

The NDLEA boss thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support for the Agency. “Our gratitude equally extends to the many stakeholders who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in the pursuit of our constitutional mandate”, he added.
He seized the opportunity to decorate the Zonal Commander, Zone 5 Command of the Agency, Maryam Gambo Sani with her new rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN.