By Kennedy Atevure

Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.

Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.

Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.

The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.

The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.

Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.

In a deliberate bid to build capacity for the Senate Clerk and other officials of clerks-at-the-table, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has encouraged refresher courses for such officials to bolster their performance levels for efficiency and effectiveness.

The first to benefit from the initiative was the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Andrew Nwoba, who just rounded off his one-month refresher course on Thursday, April 10, 2025 and is due to resume at his desk in plenary when they reconvene, 29th April, 2025.

This positive development is contrary to media reports on Thursday, April 10, 2025, insinuating that the Senate President passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Nwoba’s capacity to properly guide the upper legislative chamber during the sittings.

An official of the National Assembly said that the President of the Senate, in his leadership consideration, magnanimity and support for top officials of the Senate and other staff members, approved a refresher course for the Clerk Senate, Andrew Nwoba.

The approval was to free him from his responsibilities in the chamber for a month. The Deputy Clerk (legislative) acted in his absence.

Reports said that having served creditably as Clerk of National Population and Gas committees, Secretary, Legislative Budget and currently, Clerk Senate, Mr Nwoba has garnered requisite experience to proactively guide and advise on adherence and compliance with the Standing Rules of the Senate.

Besides, staff members agree that Nwoba has efficiently and responsibly discharged his role as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Senate.

As Senate Clerk, Nwoba ensures smooth proceedings in line with procedural orders that are circumscribed in the Standing Rules of the Senate.

In addition to ensuring legislative due process through the eyes of the rules, he also discharges other administrative duties.

The Clerk Senate performs these overarching assignments with the assistance of two Deputy Senate Clerks, one in charge of legislative duties and the other in charge of administration.

An official explained that the refresher course could hold any time and would not disrupt the workings of the clerks-at-the-table since there are enough hands, particularly, Deputy Clerk (Legislative), to deploy in plenary to guide, direct and advise the presiding officer in his absence.

As learnt, Nwoba, has been doing this by allowing the Deputy Clerk (Legislative) to help guide, direct and advise the presiding officer, and the synergy has been adjudged to be “progressive and productive.”

Another official said in a chat that “It is most unfortunate, that some naysayers want to create bad blood between the President of the Senate and the Clerk of the Senate by making tenuous utterances and unfounded insinuations.

“The Clerk of Senate has been enjoying the support of the Senate President. He particularly received his unequivocal support during his elevation to the position by the National Assembly service Commission. The Clerk, in turn, has tremendous respect and regards for the President of the Senate, his leadership style, his listening ears, his simple nature, which are qualities that are rare in today’s political space.

“Out of his concern for the Senate Clerk, considering his zeal, determination, dedication and passion for the job, the Senate President respectfully asked him to go for a month refresher course to enhance top-notch performance and greater efficiency. This, for me, is the real vote of confidence in the Clerk Senate.”

. Times have changed, we’re fully prepared to hold those who defy the law accountable, Marwa warns barons, traffickers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state, in what is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the Agency.

The public destruction of the illicit substances witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others, was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state on Saturday 12th April 2025. Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilograms of cocaine; 46.8 kilograms of heroin; 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis; 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol; 1,544 kilograms of skuchies; and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country. “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence”, he stated.
He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria. In his words, “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.
The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.

“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution”, he stated.

He said the event represents a significant milestone in the history of the Agency because “It is the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command”, adding that “while this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”
While commending the unwavering dedication of our officers, “who are working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking”, Marwa thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success of the work of the Agency.

“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others—who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts. I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society”, he added.

In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets.

“Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated”, he stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.

While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said “We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”