News
Reps proposes mandatory drug test for secondary school students
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.
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.
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.
The absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has put a clog into the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ibadan as chairman of the confab, Governor of Adamawa state ,Ahmadu Fintri extricate self.
The National Convention Chairman, Ahmadu Fintiri had declared that “with the absence of INEC, it is not within my prerogative to continue with this exercise, I leave the delegates to decide”
This major irregularity could nullify the whole exercise.
Details shortly…
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
ECKANKAR Nigeria is delighted to announce that it will host the 2025 African ECK Soul Adventure Seminar, a landmark spiritual event, from December 12 to 14, 2025, at the Temple of ECK, Obi Wali Road, Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This highly anticipated seminar, themed “Spiritual Tools for Mastering Life’s Challenges,” marks the first major international gathering following the succession of Sri Doug Kunin as the MAHANTA, the Living ECK Master, on October 22, 2025. Over 15,000 participants from across Nigeria, Africa, and the world are expected to attend.
The Guest Speaker at the event will be Armand Mpassy-Nzoumba, the Regional ECK Spiritual Aide (RESA) for Central Africa and Mauritius.
The seminar will feature a rich lineup of inspiring talks, workshops, music, drama, laughter, and fellowship, offering attendees divine insights and practical tools for personal and spiritual growth.
ECKANKAR—The Path of Spiritual Freedom—is a worldwide spiritual teaching that helps individuals experience the Light and Sound of God, understand dreams, and find inner guidance to lead a more fulfilled life. The spiritual home of ECKANKAR is the Temple of ECK in Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA, while the magnificent Temple of ECK in Port Harcourt stands as a beacon of light for truth seekers in Nigeria.
All who seek to experience love, healing, and spiritual awakening are warmly invited to attend this life-changing event and explore the treasures of Soul.
Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Sim Fubara (Rivers) are yet to arrive the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) holding at Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Lagos.
They are among high profile members of the party not participating in the convention, which was preceded with conflicting court orders amid the crisis affecting the party.
Source: Nation
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