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Gambian President, Barrow commends Nigeria’s drug war campaign

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Gambia President Adama Barrow and NDLEA Boss Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa
Gambia President Adama Barrow and NDLEA Boss Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa
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President Adama Barrow of Gambia has commended Nigeria’s commitment to the war against illicit drug trafficking and abuse, calling for more collaboration among anti-drug law enforcement agencies.

Barrow gave the commendation when he received the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, at the State House, Banjul.

According to a statement by Mr Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, on Friday, Marwa had visited the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia, (DLEAG) on August 4.

The statement said the MOU bordered on combating illicit production, manufacture, and trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Speaking during the courtesy visit on Thursday (Aug.5), President Barrow applauded the decision by the NDLEA to sign the agreement with DLEAG.

Barrow said the agreement would strengthen and integrate ECOWAS member states, especially in the area of war against drug trafficking and abuse.

According to him, drug cartels work as a network and are linked; as such, institutions fighting them must also partner and work together.

“The whole of Gambia has an important guest in Gen. Marwa who we have heard so much about his leadership traits.

“Nigeria has been helpful and supportive of Gambia in various forms and we are grateful.

“The signing of the MoU between NDLEA and DLEAG is a clear indication that Nigeria is more than willing to partner with us,” he said.

He added that the coming of Marwa to Gambia was an indication of his personal commitment to the war against drugs.

“I believe the agreement will benefit both countries because drug use is a national threat and big security issue, and without security, no nation can progress,” he said.

In his remarks, Marwa expressed happiness that Gambia was a willing partner in the fight against drug cartels in the West African sub-region.

According to him, Nigeria is seeking  support and partnerships at the national, regional and international levels as it is facing a big enemy in drugs.

Marwa said the successes recorded so far by NDLEA, since January till, date were made possible by the political will of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said President Buhari had greatly supported the agency in efforts at stamping out the twin evils of illicit drug trafficking and abuse from Nigeria.

The NDLEA Chairman was accompanied on the visit by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Gambia, Mr Muhammed Manu, and other top officials of the Agency. (NAN)

 

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EKSWAMA BOARD MEMBERS APPRECIATE OYEBANJI, THANK GOVERNOR FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

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Members of the Board of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), led by its Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi, have expressed appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the opportunity and privilege to serve the people of the state.

The Board members, in a statement following the dissolution of boards and termination of appointments of political appointees by the Governor, described their tenure as a great honour and an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ekiti State.

They thanked Governor Oyebanji for the confidence reposed in them and for the support provided to the Authority throughout their tenure.

The members said they were particularly proud of their contributions towards promoting effective waste management, environmental cleanliness and a healthier environment for residents of the state.

They also commended the Governor for his commitment to good governance and the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of the people and accelerate development across the state.

While accepting the Governor’s decision to dissolve the Board, the members said they remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to the progress of Ekiti State.

They wished Governor Oyebanji continued wisdom, strength and God’s guidance in the administration of the state, assuring him of their loyalty and continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti.

The EKSWAMA Board comprises the Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi; Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi; Otunba Olorunfemi Ayodeji; Bayode Obasonyin; Mustapha Adeniran; Mr. Omoniyi Joseph; Mrs. Mojisola Adewumi; and Mr. Bosunde Olufemi.

The Board members also expressed appreciation to the former Director-General of EKSWAMA, Hon. Olasunkanmi Onipede, for his leadership, cooperation and commitment to the success of the Authority during their tenure.

They acknowledged the valuable contributions of Hon. Onipede and the entire management team, describing their collaboration as instrumental to the implementation of various initiatives and programmes of the Authority.

The Board members said their collective efforts with the management team contributed to advancing the mandate of EKSWAMA and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

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GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES BOARDS, TERMINATES APPOINTMENTS OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate dissolution of boards, commissions and parastatals in the state, as well as the termination of the appointments of political appointees.

 

 

The affected political appointees include Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Technical Assistants.

 

 

A statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the decision was necessitated by the gradual winding down of the Governor’s first term ahead of the inauguration of his second term on October 16, 2026.

 

 

The statement, however, clarified that chairmen and members of statutory commissions are not affected by the dissolution.

 

 

Those exempted include the State Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission.

 

 

The governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions are also to remain in place, in line with the Governor’s earlier directives.

 

 

Similarly, the chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Service Commission and Teaching Service Commission will remain in office, although the respective boards have been dissolved.

 

 

Also exempted from the termination of appointments are Directors-General and Technical Advisers to the Governor.

 

 

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the affected appointees for their contributions to the success of his administration and their service to the people of Ekiti State.

 

 

He wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

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Benin-Asaba Road to Be Redesigned on Concrete Pavement

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Section of Benin-Asaba Road
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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road will be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi made this known on Thursday in Benin City during the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event.

He also clarified that the Federal Government had not awarded any company a contract for the emergency rehabilitation of the road.

According to the minister, the government is currently carrying out temporary intervention works to improve the condition of the road while arrangements for its long-term reconstruction are being developed.

Umahi said the Federal Government had presented three options to the concessionaire for the continuation of the agreement, but none was accepted.

He said the development had led to a new approach, with President Tinubu directing the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement.

The minister said the project had been defined and that immediate intervention would begin on the Benin Bypass.

Umahi further explained that the emergency rehabilitation was not awarded to Hitech or any other contractor.

He said the Ministry of Works had instead hired equipment from contractors operating along the road corridor, including Hitech, CECC and CBC, to carry out the temporary repairs.

According to him, the ministry is still sourcing additional equipment and plans to undertake intensive intervention works to improve the road within the next four weeks.

The minister said the temporary intervention is intended to make the road safer and more accessible while the Federal Government works on the permanent reconstruction of the route.l

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