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Reps proposes mandatory drug test for secondary school students

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By Francesca Hangeior

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme for secondary school students in Nigeria.
The House also urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to increase awareness about substance abuse among secondary school students nationwide.

The Committees on Basic Education and Services and Healthcare Services were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing for Secondary School Students in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun during plenary on Thursday, February 29.

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The House noted that adolescence is a critical period for drug abuse, influenced by factors such as experimental curiosity, peer pressure, poor socio-economic conditions at home and the need for extra energy for daily activities.

It also noted that the youth are critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country and their vulnerability to societal vices necessitates strategic government intervention to secure their wellbeing and enhance their contributions to national development.

The House worried that substance abuse among young people is fast becoming a global public health concern, gradually leading to complications like personality disorders, drug dependence, and death.

It also worried that according to studies that showed a notable prevalence of drug and substance abuse across secondary schools in Nigeria, one in every four students aged between 15-19 years abused substances, and codeine-containing syrup and tramadol topped the list of drugs, ranking higher than cannabis.

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The House said it was aware that Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT) is a drug prevention programme whereby students are tested for recent use of illegal substances and is aimed at deterring drug use and identifying students who need help with staying drug-free.

The House said it was cognizant that a mandatory routine and random drug testing for students is for preventive, not punitive purposes and early intervention is crucial for achieving success in tackling the menace of substance abuse.

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Just in: Lagos LG chairman slumps during APC meeting

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The Chairman of Bariga Local Government Area of Lagos State, Kolade Alabi, on Wednesday, suddenly slumped at the All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s Secretariat in Ikeja, the state capital.

According to The PUNCH, Alabi, who is the state chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, was addressing party members when the sad incident occured.

Fortunately, he was immediately revived and rushed away to the hospital in an ambulance for further treatment.

Details shortly…

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Multiple video evidence against Nnamdi Kanu

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, admitted a video recording allegedly showing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu issuing inflammatory directives which the prosecution claims incited acts of terrorism across the South – East region of the country.

The Wednesday proceedings resumed with the continuation of the testimony of the second Prosecution witness, an operative of Department of State Services (DSS) codenamed PWBBB.

In the video played in open court, Kanu was seen addressing his followers in what he called, “the blessed land of Biafra”, wherein he announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging followers to defend their land against what he referred to as “Fulani domination.”

He warned political leaders in the region against compromises and issued a directive forbidding the presence of fulani herdsmen, saying, “No Fulani parading as herdsman shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”

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The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the defence.

They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.

The court also admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence.

The letter, addressed to the DSS, was tendered without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.

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Reading from the document, the witness, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in loss of lives and property.

He quoted the petition as saying Kanu had instructed that security operatives be “brought down” and their weapons seized.

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Just in: Security and Exchange Commission declares PWAN as PONZI scheme, cautions Nigerians

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Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has alerted the public on the activities of Property World Africa Network (PWAN), which holds itself out as a real estate investment company and solicits funds from the public for investment purposes through PWAN MAX.

In a statement on Tuesday, the SEC said PWAN/PWAN MAX are not registered either to solicit investments from the public or operate in any other capacity within the Nigerian capital market.

The SEC said investigations revealed that PWAN’s operations exhibit the typical indicators of a fraudulent Ponzi scheme, including the promise of unusually high returns and failure to honour withdrawal requests from subscribers.

“Accordingly, the public is strongly advised to be wary about investing with PWAN/PWAN MAX, as any person who places such investment with these entities, does so at his/her own risk.

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“The commission similarly reminds potential investors of the need to verify the registration status of investment platforms via the commission’s dedicated portal: www.sec.gov.ng/cmos before transacting with them,” the SEC said.

(The Guardian)

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