Anambra Takes Anti-drug Campaign to Cattle Market

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka 

The Anambra State government has taken the fight against drug addiction to the cattle market in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.

The cattle market is predominantly dominated by young Hausa youths, some of whom are suspected to be addicted to illicit substances.

The campaign, which was spearheaded by the Anambra State Ministry of Information, in partnership with the Amansea Cattle Market, cautioned the youths against the use of illicit drugs.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, who spoke at the event, on the theme, ‘Operation Stop Drug Abuse and Addiction’, highlighted the dangers of substance abuse, while encouraging the youths to pursue productive endeavours.

Mefor said: “The Ministry of Information decided to do this programme with the Amansea Cattle Market because we know that the government is interested in the youths here and everywhere in Anambra State. 

“The way we came here is how we will go to other places – markets, churches, mosques and all. We need to talk to our young people so that nobody will say they didn’t know. Drug abuse leads to financial loss, poor decision-making, and potentially, mental degeneration up to the point of schizophrenia (madness).

“We assure the youths of this market of the government’s interest in their welfare and we will offer support for those suffering from drug dependency and addiction, who are seeking rehabilitation. The cattle market community is a strategic partner to the Solution Government in the development of the state and I urge you, particularly youths, to avoid drugs to succeed in life and not live a wasted life.

“The decision is yours. If you are wise and willing to change your life, Soludo’s government will help you,” the commissioner concluded.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra Cattle Market, Amansea, Alhaji Bello Magari, observed that drug abuse and addiction are serious problems in the country today, which is why they deemed it important to hold the campaign in order to sanitise the cattle market.

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    The Akwa Ibom Unity Forum (AUF), a bipartisan coalition of prominent sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State, has issued a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for federal government’s  intervention in critical developmental projects within the state.

    The AUF, in a statement released in Uyo emphasised the significance of Governor Umo Eno’s recent endorsement of President Tinubu’s re-election bid, highlighting it as a bold and constitutionally grounded decision.

    They noted that this endorsement has garnered substantial support from the people of Akwa Ibom, positioning the state as a strong ally in the president’s future political endeavors.

    The AUF recalled that in a historic meeting on February 28, 2025, Governor Eno  and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio led a 104-member to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the visit, the governor presented three pivotal requests to President Tinubu: urgent federal intervention in addressing ecological disasters affecting the state, support for the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, and an invitation for the President to undertake a state visit to commission key projects.

    The AUF underscored the transformative potential of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a strategic asset that would not only bolster the state’s economy but also serve as a vital maritime hub for the nation and the Central African region. 

    They stressed that federal backing is crucial to actualise this project, which promises to create numerous job opportunities and enhance Nigeria’s non-oil revenue streams.

    Furthermore, the forum highlighted the pressing need for federal assistance in mitigating ecological challenges that have plagued various parts of Akwa Ibom, including severe erosion threatening infrastructure and livelihoods. They appealed for reimbursement of substantial funds the state has already expended on disaster management efforts.

    The forum also reiterated the importance of President Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom, suggesting that such an engagement would not only strengthen federal-state relations but also provide an opportunity for the President to witness firsthand the developmental strides made under Governor Eno’s administration.

    The  bipartisan appeal was endorsed by a distinguished array of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, including: Rt Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District; H.E. Moses Ekpo, MFR, former Deputy Governor; Obong Umana Okon Umana, former Minister; Atuekong Don Etiebet, former Minister; Rt. Hon. Chief Ndueso Essien, former Minister; Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien; Senator Effiong Bob; Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; H.E. Chief Assam Assam, SAN; Rt. Hon. Francis Uduyok; Hon. Blessing Umoh (IPAC); Aparawa James Edet, International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio /Akwa Ibom Union; Aniekpeno Mkpanang, International President of Ati Annang; Sir Esang Nsa Bassey, President General of Oron Union; Rt Hon. Prof. Ini Udoka; Senator Aloysius Etok; and Arc Otu Ita Toyo.

    The Akwa Ibom Unity Forum expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s favorable response to these requests would not only validate Governor Eno’s support but also exemplify a commitment to equitable development and national unity.

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    Osun Urged to Return Mission Schools to Original Owners

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    Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Reverend Olubunmi Akinlade, has asked the Osun State Government to release mission schools to their original owners.

    Akinlade spoke during a press conference at Ile-Ife, Osun State, to herald the second session of the twelfth synod of the diocese.

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    The cleric lamented the decay in school infrastructure owing to years of abandonment.

    He urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to emulate President Bola Tinubu who, as governor of Lagos State, approved the return of mission schools to their original owners.

    “Honestly, I am appealing to the Osun State Government because it is in their hands to please release this school back to us so that we can develop the place and put in a very conducive learning environment in place, in that space. In any case, it belongs to us.”

    “If you took it away from us and you can’t do anything with it, can you please give it back to us? That’s all I’m going to say on that.”

    “It’s an eyesore. I have been speaking about this right from the time of the administration of Rauf Aregbesola as governor. I have been asking them to release this school back to us, but this has been done.

    “The roof of this school has caved in yet there are still students there. I pray that Governor Adeleke will hear us this time around.”

    “There are other schools that we should ask for, for instance, Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Ife. Why is the government holding on to it? It’s our property. They should also give us that school and some other schools we founded.”

    He recalled that the immediate past Diocesan Bishop, Oluranti Odubogun, made similar calls without any positive response from the government.

    The two-day synod, with the theme, “The essential secrets in a noisy world: Lessons in Matthew 6:1-18,” will be held on 26 and 27 April at St Philip Anglican Church, Aiyetoro, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    Giving account of his stewardship, Akinlade said the diocese established a secondary school, named Divine Royal College, to enable young people to have access to education, paying subsidised, affordable school fees.

    “Divine Royal College is a secondary school established by this diocese 10 years ago. It started just before I came to the Diocese of Ife. And it has been my job to try and make sure the school survives. It is a conventional secondary school. And everybody is welcome there. We are building it up on scholarship. The diocese has provided 50 scholarships for students who may want to go to college. Right now, we’re charging about N25,000 to N30,000 per term.

    “We have two buses that we use to convey students. And they are supposed to pay. But because of the current fuel prices and everything, it’s going to be almost impossible for them to pay. The prices will be too much, so the diocese is subsidising the transportation heavily.

    “More than 75 per cent of the transportation cost is being subsidised by the diocese. So, we are trying to grow this school gradually.”

     He disclosed that the church was working hard to meet the WAEC and NECO requirements to be able to have external exams in the school.

    ​  

    Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Reverend Olubunmi Akinlade, has asked the Osun State Government to release mission schools to their original

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