Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he almost became a drug addict.

He spoke in Abeokuta over the weekend at the second edition of ‘Fly Above The High’ anti-drug campaign conference organised by the Recovery Advocacy Network.

Obasanjo stated that smoking during his youthful age led to chronic coughing and almost became an addiction.

The former President, while lamenting the increase in drug abuse among Nigerians and other West Africans, urged Nigerian students and young people to refrain from abusing psychoactive drugs, saying that they ruin life rather than enhance it.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted. Once you get involved, it is difficult to get out.

“There’s nothing drug can do for you except destruction.

“We found out that West Africa has equally been a centre for drug consumption in a very bad way. That was more than 10 years ago, so the situation has since gone worse. And whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa,” Obasanjo said.

He cautioned against stigmatization and urged individuals who are already addicted to psychoactive drugs to get help.

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, abolishing the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration.

He also backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which gave the ownership of the returned artefact to the Oba’s palace, which was looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by the British colonial forces.

Also, the state government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.

These were contained in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday.

The statement further read, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

“Accordingly, Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the state Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts before the federal government intervention on the matter.

“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.”

The statement added that Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll, and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.

“Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

“The governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof, ” the statement read.

…assures of insurance cover for journalists, to establish journalists’ village 

…as over 100 journalists’ eyes checked, receive eye-glass, medications

By Gloria Ikibah 

The sole candidate for chairmanship position in the December 4, 2024, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Council election, Comrade Grace Ike, has flagged off her campaign, promising to ensure journalists are empowered and have a sense of belonging.

Comrade Ike who also flagged off the campaign with free eye checks and treatments at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Abuja, on Sunday, said it is the time for a paradigm shift from what is known over the years of the Council and called for all journalists in the FCT to join hands with her to make the long expected change a reality and ensure they are stakeholders and their voices heard in the policies, programmes and projects that her administration would be executing.

Naijablitznews.com reports that after 32 years of the commencment of the Council, Comrade Ike will be the first ever female FCT NUJ Council Chairman come December 4, 2024.

Recall that Ike was the only candidate who was cleared by the credentials committee and declared elected by the NUJ National. 

She is the immediate past Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps, and immediate past Vice Chairmen of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, which position her well to take over the leadership of the NUJ FCT Council.

Meanwhile, she has received massive endorsements from former chairmen of the NUJ FCT Council including a former national president of National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, ahead of the election.

Respected stakeholders present include former Chairmen, Comrade Amos Duniya, Comrade Abdul Jelil, Comrade Paul Ella Abechi,  Comrade Malachi Ozendu, Former National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Evelyn Onyilo, anf Comrade Moji Danisa amongst others.

Over 100 journalists had their eyes checked and given reading glasses and medications as the campaign is being flagged off.

She said in an emotion laden address: “Today, we embark on a journey filled with purpose, passion, and a vision to redefine our beloved Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council. This moment is more than a campaign—it is the birth of a movement driven by unity, innovation, and the collective dream of a stronger, more empowered union. With humility, determination, and a heart ready to serve, I stand before you to officially flag off my campaign to become the first female Chairman of our council.

“This campaign is not about mere slogans; it is about One Voice—a clarion call for a New Era. It is about standing together on the pillars of Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, Innovation, Improved Welfare, and Empowerment for All. These are the building blocks of the brighter future we all envision.

“As journalists, we are the guardians of truth, the voices of the voiceless, and the watchdogs of society. But how can we effectively carry out this noble duty if our own well-being is neglected? Today, as part of this flag-off, we have organized a One-Day Free Eye Check—a symbol of my unwavering commitment to your welfare and a reminder that the strength of our union lies in the health and happiness of its members.

“Over the past 16 years, I have walked this journey with you—on the streets, in the press-rooms, and through the corridors of power. 

“My years as a legislative reporter covering the House of Representatives, as Chairperson of the House Press Corps, and as Vice Chair of the Correspondents’ Chapel have prepared me to lead with courage, inclusivity, and innovation. I have championed fairness, ethical journalism, and gender equity, and I am ready to bring these values to the forefront of our council.

“But let me be clear—this is not just about me; it is about us. It is about the stories we tell, the challenges we face, and the victories we will achieve together. In the days ahead, you will hear from me and my team more often than you ever thought possible. We will disturb your timelines on social media with our program of action. 

“We will fill your phones with messages that outline our mission and vision. We will visit our chapels armed with messages of hope and plans for progress. And yes, we ask for your patience and your support because this is all for our collective good.

“Our mission is simple but profound: to break barriers, uplift every member, and create a council that stands as a beacon of excellence in the journalism profession. 

“Together, we will address welfare gaps, invest in modern capacity-building programs, and empower every journalist in the FCT Council to thrive in this ever-evolving media landscape. We will also ensure every journalists in FCT have insurance cover as they go about their job, and we will establish journalists’ village in the FCT for journalists, where they will have different things that has to do with their job. This village would be equipped for capacity building equipment, also for relaxation, sports, hotel accommodation, and conferences, and other facilities.”

However, Ike went philosophical quoting the words of Maya Angelou; “Nothing will work unless you do.” 

She also assured that, “My team and I are ready to work, to listen, and to lead. But we cannot do it without you.”

“This campaign is a partnership, a collective endeavor to write the next chapter of our council’s history—a chapter filled with progress, unity, and purpose.

“So today, I urge you to join hands with me as we take bold steps into this New Era. Let us build a union where no journalist is left behind, where our voices are stronger together, and where our shared legacy inspires generations to come.”

In her conclusion, she declared, “With pride, passion, and a heart full of hope, I hereby declare the campaign for the NUJ FCT Council Chairmanship officially flagged off.”