TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • People mocking Lord’s Chosen miracles are ignorant of God’s ability – Church

    People mocking Lord’s Chosen miracles are ignorant of God’s ability – Church

    As scepticism continues to spread like wildfire and the Lord’s Chosen Charistmatic Revival Ministry faces accusations of fabricating divine encounters, the Head of Public Relations and Media of the church, Pastor Chidi Louis tells OLUFEMI ADEDIRAN about the church’s unwavering faith in God’s power, and why some Nigerians remain unconvinced about miracles

    Nigerians have accused your church of fabricating some of the testimonies shared by members. How do you respond to these accusations?

    Everyone in the country today is seeing what is happening on social media regarding the videos being posted. The fact remains that someone doctored the videos to tarnish the image of the church. There are unabridged versions of the videos, but what these people did was circulate shortened clips on social media with the intent of damaging the church’s reputation.

    This should not be the case, but since it has been done, we don’t need to engage in arguments with anyone. We have left them to act as they wish and allow God to be the judge.

    There are unabridged versions of testimonies, such as one from a woman who dreamt of how she disarmed three robbers of their AK-47s, and another from a brother who testified that, in his dream, he was riding on the back of a lion, which directed him where to go.

    We don’t have any issue with anyone, but it’s clear they are attempting to tarnish the church’s image. However, we thank God that they are inadvertently advertising the church.

    The Lord’s Chosen is a holy church; we don’t engage in what others are trying to portray us as. What our pastor preaches is clear to the world—practical holiness and righteousness. We don’t fake anything. We stand firm, as holy brethren, with heaven consciousness. We are not like other churches.

    Are members screened before sharing their testimonies?

    We don’t conduct screening or interviews for people who come to share their testimonies because what we preach is holiness and righteousness. We believe that anybody who comes to hear the message of God and is touched, and says they are born again, should live right and maintain holiness and righteousness. So, there is no need for us to begin to doubt someone’s testimony.

    If anybody comes and decides to give a testimony, we will give such a person the opportunity. We don’t teleguide or tell people what to say or how to say it. You are free to say it as you like

    Your members have been associated with funny methods of evangelising on the streets. What is the reason for this?

    What prompted us to do everything you’ve been seeing us do on the streets is our vision and mandate. Let me briefly explain the vision, as it will help people understand our actions through that lens.

    The first vision is grassroots revival across the world, which involves going to the nooks and crannies of the globe to preach the gospel of repentance to all, regardless of status, geographical location, or gender. The Holy Bible has already commissioned us for this mission, as stated in Mark 16:15.

    Our mandate is to spread the gospel of repentance to every corner of the world, telling people that Jesus Christ came, was crucified for humanity’s sins, died, was buried, and on the third day, rose again for our justification. To fully appreciate the redemptive work He did for us on the cross at Calvary, we must repent of our sins, give our lives to Christ, and sin no more.

    We are tasked with telling the world that sin is an aberration and the root cause of the world’s problems. The challenges we face today are due to the wickedness of men, which is why the world is in crisis. So, we tell people that the key to success is holiness, for righteousness is what exalts a nation. We must carry this vision to the farthest reaches of the world.

    The second vision is the revival of apostolic Christian experiences within the body of Christ. By apostolic experiences, I mean those of holiness, righteousness, total dedication to God’s service, love, unity, and peace. The apostles embodied these experiences, and that was what sustained their joy in the Lord and enabled them to spread the gospel worldwide. The Lord’s Chosen was established to reintroduce these experiences to the body of Christ.

    In this dispensation, God’s spirit is moving among men, and the Lord’s Chosen has been emboldened and inspired to revive these experiences, especially in a world so desperately in need of unity and love. That is why you see us passionately ensuring these values are shared with the world. If there is peace and unity globally, there will be no need for the police, no crime, and all these crises will come to an end.

    Our third vision is the revival of heaven’s consciousness in the heart of every believer. Before the Lord’s Chosen Revival Charismatic Ministry, many pastors focused on deliverance, believing Christianity was only about prayer and invoking God’s presence. But that is not the core of Christianity. We made people understand that the essence of Christianity is to prepare souls for heaven.

    We attend church not for any other reason but to ensure that, at the end of this life, we gain a place in heaven. These visions are our driving force. That’s why you see our members preaching the gospel daily, evangelising the word, and sharing this vision with others. We have a mandate to bring 10 billion souls into the kingdom of God.

    Some wonder how we will reach 10 billion souls. We want them to know that generations come and go, and if Jesus tarries, we will actualise this vision.

    How has the church been coping with the trolling on social media?

    Our pastor has travelled around the world, and the church has been experiencing a tremendous impact. We now have a presence in almost 120 nations. Beyond that, people have been receiving their healing; thousands of armed robbers and prostitutes have surrendered their lives to God. Let’s set aside other supernatural encounters and focus on what is most meaningful to us—when someone gives their life to Christ. Armed robbers surrendering their lives to Jesus and kidnappers turning to Christ—that, for us, is enough. We are happy these things are happening, regardless of what others may be saying.

    How has this affected the church?

    I don’t think what is happening has any impact on the church. Our general overseer is not bothered by it. It’s normal—once you’re doing the right thing, people will criticise you. I actually pity those involved because the Bible says, “Every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit is not forgivable. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” I hope those doing this know the Bible. The issue is that some Christians involved are ignorant of God and of what Scripture says. We’re not troubled by this; we pity them. We let them say whatever they want—it’s between them and God. The church is not disturbed at all. The Bible clearly states that if you do wrong, you will face the consequences.

    What is the church’s message to the trolls on social media?

    Social media came with a big bang but later, some started using it against others. If I were to be among those mocking the church, I would have gone there to conduct an investigation.

    The church gate, the church service and everything happening there is open to everyone. People can come and investigate; they can even meet with the people who gave those testimonies and interview them.

    They can’t just go to social media because they have data and phones, and can post anything, whether good or bad.

    People can’t just go to X and begin to post whatever they like. The things of God are very mysterious. At times, human knowledge cannot comprehend what God is doing. A lot of things are being done here and I wish that people could just come to the church and investigate one or two things.

    A lot of people have doubts, but we will continue to pray that one day, they will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved.

  • Why I’m seen as anti-Igbo – Joe Igbokwe

    Why I’m seen as anti-Igbo – Joe Igbokwe

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, speaks to BIODUN BUSARI on the alleged marginalisation of the South-East region, the Peoples Democratic Party’s recent defeat in the Edo governorship election, among other issues

    Nigerians are groaning under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, facing a high cost of living that includes fuel, food items, and electricity, among others. How comfortable are you praising your party amid all these?

    Let me tell you, things are truly very tough. I’m adjusting to it as well. I was with some friends a few days ago, and we discussed that if there is a reform to make Nigeria better and everyone is feeling the heat, it’s acceptable.

    It’s only when it’s not balanced that we can complain. This situation is universal. I used to switch on the standing fan and air conditioner in my office before, but now I only open the windows. Recently, I bought an electricity tariff of N20,000, which ended in one day. When I wrote to the distribution company, they told me my house is in Band A. If we have to do this to get some common sense, then I accept it. I manage how things are used now; we only use one AC and open the windows. If you switch the light on while in the toilet, you should switch it off again after finishing. This is the price we must pay to move this country forward.

    Regarding fuel, I posted on social media for people to compare our pump price with sub-Saharan African countries and realised their prices were high.

    If we were still selling at N250 or N400 per litre, it would mean that some bad elements are still smuggling our fuel to these countries. Nigeria cannot be Father Christmas to Cameroon, Togo, and the rest.

    If I have to go out and use my car, I must ensure it’s a place that adds value to me. I want to emphasise that I know Nigerians are suffering, and President Tinubu is not stupid.

    Politicians have a tendency to shift blame rather than accept responsibility for their shortcomings. During Buhari’s administration, the APC often pointed fingers at the PDP for numerous issues. Now, President Tinubu claims he inherited a struggling economy from his predecessor, despite being from the same party. Will this pattern of deflecting blame ever end?

    I won’t say Buhari didn’t perform well; I’ve already mentioned the Second Niger Bridge, and he also initiated several rail projects. However, the current administration is dealing with the damage caused by certain politicians within Buhari’s government who wrecked the economy. Back then, governors, ministers, and other politicians didn’t operate in naira—they conducted most of their dealings in dollars. Some even had dollars stashed in their homes.

    In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, I was among the first to secure a loan from the International Merchant Bank. I received N27,500 to start a business during former military president Ibrahim Babangida’s regime when he launched the National Directorate of Employment. They brought in business and economic experts from universities to train us on running a business. Although I initially wanted to venture into air conditioning, I was advised to open a restaurant instead. Within a year, I made a good profit, repaid the loan, and bought a car.

    We had proper training on business management, but initiatives like this are no longer available because politicians and civil servants now siphon the funds meant for such programmes.

    In the just-concluded Edo State governorship election, where INEC declared the APC winner, Governor Godwin Obaseki alleged various infractions. Are you proud of a democracy where vote-buying occurred, particularly involving the two major political parties?

    I’m not aware of any vote-buying or alleged infractions. What I can say is that Obaseki is a different case altogether. Politics thrives on teamwork, and although he knew this, he dismantled his own team with his own hands. Look at how the APC won the election in Lagos; it was through a unified effort. How could Obaseki expect to win the election for the PDP after alienating everyone who once worked with him? He famously said, ‘Edo no be Lagos,’ but forgot about Asiwaju and others who helped him rise to power. He picked fights with the Oba of Benin, his deputy, Philip Shaibu, and several members of the state assembly. All these factors contributed to his downfall. His recklessness had consequences, and to top it off, he even battled Senator Adams Oshiomhole. It was clear he didn’t think things through, and the outcome was inevitable.

    I feel for my friend, the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who aligned himself with Obaseki. Asue and I were part of the Concerned Professionals after the June 12 election crisis in 1993.

    He’s an incredibly sharp and talented lawyer, and it’s painful to see Obaseki’s impunity drag Ighodalo down. Obaseki has been the architect of his own and Ighodalo’s undoing.

    As a Nigerian from the South-East, would you support any politician outside the APC from your region to become president?

    No Igbo candidate can win an election in this country without the support of the South-West, North, and South-South. Many politicians from Igboland struggle to build those necessary bridges. Do you know how many years President Tinubu has spent building his political career? He was closely aligned with the late M.K.O. Abiola during his campaign. From there, he became a senator, then the governor of Lagos State, and played a pivotal role in sponsoring many politicians into power.

    He brought me to Lagos and never cared about where I came from. He has nurtured individuals from all corners of Nigeria—North, South, East, and West. We all know how he helped former President Buhari into office, promising to deliver the South-West for the 2015 election.

    What I’m saying is this: my people in Igboland cannot insult the country and other regions and expect to win elections. This applies to both our leaders and indigenes. Whenever I speak out about this, I’m insulted, and seen as an enemy. But the truth is, as Igbo people, we need to foster relationships with other regions.

    The Igbo often claim the South-East is marginalised, which fuels their grievances. What is your view on this?

    I am from the South-East, and I’m a proud Igbo man. Yes, the South-East is indeed marginalised, especially when you compare the number of states in each region. Other regions have six or seven states, while the South-East has only five. As a result, we receive the least in resources shared across Nigeria. However, there was a potential solution to this issue that we mishandled, and it was our own people who caused it.

    During former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, there was a proposal to create an additional state in the South-East. Just as it was about to be signed, Enugu and Imo states disagreed on who would give up territory. Enugu wanted Nsukka, while Imo wanted Mbaise. Their inability to reach a consensus led to the proposal being abandoned by the president. That’s why we are where we are today. Whatever is happening to the Igbo people is, to a large extent, self-inflicted.

    Consequently, our representation in the National Assembly is minimal, despite the investments our people have made across the country. How can you harm your own people and still claim you want Biafra? I tell our people that our land is too small. While landmass may not be the sole factor, it’s important. Many states in Nigeria are larger than the entire South-East.

    What solutions do you propose to address this issue?

    This situation cannot continue. I have written to the President regarding the creation of an additional state in the South-East. However, as Igbo people, we must also do our part. There is something called cultural competence and the management of emotional intelligence that we need to master as a community. I suffered greatly for speaking this truth; my house was burnt down in my village as a consequence. That was the sacrifice I had to make, and I have been labelled as anti-Igbo.

    Another question we must ask is, if we achieve the sovereign state of Biafra, what is the likelihood that we will remain united? Our people are naturally republican. You cannot locate all your investments in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the country, abandon them, and then expect to live in a region smaller than Kogi State. We must not close our eyes to the vast opportunities in Nigeria. We just have to play by the rules.

  • Women should not let career success damage family life – Nonagenarian

    Women should not let career success damage family life – Nonagenarian

    90-year-old retired Chief Executive Protocol and Hospitality Officer, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Mrs Yetunde Sampson, shares her extraordinary career journey with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI and offers invaluable advice for young women striving for success in their professional pursuits

    What was growing up like for you?

    I was born in Enugu, where I schooled and learned Igbo as my first language. In 1941, our family relocated to Lagos. My immediate younger sister and brother were also born in Enugu, while my youngest sister was born in Lagos in 1945.

    Initially, we settled in the Oshodi area before moving to Bamgbose Street on Lagos Island. The transition from Enugu to Lagos exposed me to a blend of cultures, particularly Yoruba, enriching the diversity of my childhood experiences.

    Tell us briefly about your family background

    My mother, Iquo Inyang, hailed from Henshaw Town in Calabar, while my father, Paul Solade, had Brazilian heritage and was originally from Igbein in Abeokuta, Ogun State. We were a multilingual household, fluent in both Efik and Yoruba.

    This unique blend of cultures provided me with a rich upbringing filled with diverse experiences, traditions, and perspectives that shaped my worldview from a young age.

    Can you recall one of your fondest childhood memories?

    One of them revolves around a humorous yet telling incident. As a child, I did something that upset my mother, who was quite strict and she disciplined me sternly.

    On one occasion, her reprimands were so severe that my father felt compelled to report the matter to the police, highlighting the strict nature of my mother’s discipline.

    Despite the serious undertones, the memory reflects my mother’s tough yet loving nature in a humorous light. Another lighter memory involves my cousin, who once joked about my mother’s shorter stature compared to his tall frame, suggesting she should stand on a stool to reach him better.

    These moments, filled with family warmth and lightheartedness, are cherished parts of my childhood.

    Kindly share some memories from your stay in Enugu that shaped your upbringing

    Yes, Enugu played a pivotal role in my early years. My late father was a Methodist member, and I spent a significant part of my childhood in the church. When we later moved to Lagos, my exposure to both Enugu and Lagos cultures helped shape my adaptability and identity. I had many beautiful experiences, including studying in the UK.

    What inspired you to further your studies in the UK?

    The decision to study in the UK was driven by a deep curiosity about the world and the opportunities that existed beyond Nigeria. I heard fascinating stories from those who returned from overseas, sparking a desire in me to explore and experience life abroad.

    During my time in the UK, I met a variety of people and forged meaningful connections, including with my future in-laws. I was also an active member of the West African Students’ Union, which provided a supportive community during my academic and personal journey.

    What challenges did you face as a young woman studying abroad in those days?

    Studying abroad comes with its own set of challenges, especially for a young woman. Financial constraints were a significant hurdle. I studied Secretarial Studies at North Western Polytechnic, but my allowance from home was often delayed due to irregularities in my father’s salary payments.

    As a civil servant, his inconsistent income meant that I had to manage limited resources with great patience and perseverance.

    These experiences taught me resilience and resourcefulness—lessons that have been invaluable throughout my life. I met my husband in the UK.

    Can you walk us through your career progression, leading to your role as Chief Executive Officer of Protocol and Hospitality?

    My career began at the Institute of African Studies, where I worked as a secretary. This position provided me with essential administrative skills and laid the foundation for my future career. I later joined the University of Ife Library, where I expanded my expertise in organisational and operational tasks. From there, I transitioned into a role as a Protocol Officer at the University of Ife, managing official events and coordinating logistics for dignitaries and guests.

    Due to my dedication and effective performance, I was eventually promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Protocol and Hospitality at the university.

    In this role, I oversaw all aspects of hospitality and protocol, particularly during significant events like convocations and major ceremonies, ensuring their smooth and successful execution.

    What were some of the challenges and highlights of your time while occupying that position?

    As Chief Executive Officer of Protocol and Hospitality, one of the primary challenges was ensuring events went on seamlessly. This required meticulous planning and coordination to meet the diverse needs of university guests during high-profile occasions. The role demanded exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle pressure.

    However, the rewards were immense. Successfully managing logistics for distinguished guests and overseeing important ceremonies provided me with a profound sense of accomplishment. These experiences underscored the importance of effective protocol and hospitality in academic institutions, and I take great pride in my contributions to the university’s prestigious functions.

    In 1981, you were honoured with the title ‘Erewa Olokun of Ife’ by Oba Okunade Sijuwade. Can you share what this title meant to you and its significance in Ife’s culture?

    Being honoured with the title of ‘Erewa Olokun of Ife’ by Oba Okunade Sijuwade in 1981 was deeply meaningful to me.

    My work as a protocol officer at the university allowed me to develop a close relationship with the palace, particularly during regular visits of dignitaries.

    This title symbolised an appreciation of my efforts in bridging the gap between the traditional cultural institution of Ife and the academic institution of the university.

    It represented not only my personal contribution but also the importance of fostering relationships between these two significant pillars of the community.

    How do you feel about the contributions you’ve made to Nigerian academia, culture, and hospitality over the years?

    I feel a deep sense of pride and fulfilment when reflecting on my contributions. Working alongside esteemed figures like Professor Biobaku, Professor Michael Crowder, Professor Ulli Bier, and Mr Dipeolu, the university librarian, has been one of the highlights of my career. Collaborating with several vice-chancellors, including Professor Ajose, Professor Oluwasanmi, and Professor Onwuemechili, enriched my professional journey.

    My work in protocol and hospitality allowed me to contribute to the seamless execution of many prestigious events, and these experiences have been both rewarding and humbling. I retired as the Chief Executive Officer of Protocol and Hospitality.

    You mentioned meeting your husband in the UK. Can you share more details about what attracted you to him?

    I met my husband while studying at the North Western Polytechnic. He was a law student at a nearby university, and we were introduced by a mutual friend.

    I was drawn to his character, kindness, and the way he treated me with respect. We got married in 1958 when I was 24 years old.

    Although the marriage did not last, it was significant as it resulted in the birth of my first child.

    We had our wedding in the UK, but unfortunately, my parents could not attend, and only my cousin was present. After the wedding, I moved to Ghana to live with him, but the experience was challenging.

    The Ghanaian women were not welcoming, as they were reluctant to accept a non-Ghanaian, especially an educated one, as a spouse for their men.

    The hostility eventually became unbearable, and I returned to Nigeria. Despite these difficulties, the marriage was blessed with a son, who, by birth, holds Ghanaian citizenship.

    Did you remarry?

    Yes, although not legally. I later met another man in Nigeria, with whom I had two more children. He was already married, but he played a significant fatherly role in my life and positively influenced my children, including my first son.

    This relationship allowed me to expand my family and provided a supportive and nurturing environment for my children’s upbringing.

    What was parenting like for you?

    Raising my children while working in a university environment provided unique advantages. The proximity of the university made it easier for my children to attend school without the stress of long commuting.

    They grew up in a safe and nurturing environment, with access to recreational facilities and extracurricular activities within the university community.

    This setup significantly contributed to their overall development and allowed me to balance my career with my responsibilities as a mother.

    Having lived through Nigeria’s pre-independence and post-independence eras, what major changes have you observed in the country’s development?

    The changes in Nigeria since pre-independence are profound. One of the most noticeable differences is the sharp rise in inflation. I remember when everyday items were affordable, but now, I am shocked to hear that something as basic as three tomatoes can cost N1,000. This inflation reflects deeper economic instability and affects all aspects of life.

    Moreover, I followed the news through television and Punch Newspapers and my children ensured that I stayed updated every weekend.

    The reports highlight the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, including unemployment, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.

    The transition from the simpler times of my youth to the complex and difficult realities of today is both remarkable and concerning.

    What advice would you give to younger generations, especially women aspiring to leadership positions in education or other fields?

    For younger generations, particularly women, my advice is to embrace hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Leadership roles, whether in education or other fields, are not handed out easily. You must be willing to put in the effort and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Stay focused on your goals and consistently strive for excellence. Success in leadership requires not only talent but also an unwavering commitment to your craft and the determination to overcome obstacles along the way.

    Can you recall any specific traditions or practices from your family’s diverse heritage that were particularly meaningful to you?

    The fusion of both ethnic and Yoruba cultures instilled in me a strong sense of discipline. Growing up, I was taught to be hospitable and respectful, not only to elders but also to those younger than me.

    One tradition that stands out is the preparation of ethnic cuisine, a practice I continue to pass down to my children and grandchildren.

    How did your parents’ different cultural backgrounds affect family celebrations and traditions?

    Cultural differences were most apparent during family celebrations. For instance, the drumming styles varied; Yoruba drums, such as the gangan, were distinct from those of my ethnic group. Even the clothing differed, with Yoruba outfits being more decorative and artistic.

    These contrasts enriched our family events, creating a unique blend of traditions.

    Were there any specific cultural practices from either ethnic or Yoruba backgrounds that were significant in your upbringing?

    Yes, values such as respect were deeply ingrained in me. There were challenges, especially in raising children, but we overcame them through intellectual guidance and a well-rounded upbringing.

    What common mistakes do young women make today that you think lead to divorce?

    Many young women today focus heavily on their careers, often neglecting family life. They leave household responsibilities to maids and avoid cooking, and relying on caterers, which can create a disconnect within the home.

    My advice is to strike a balance between career and family, ensuring children receive the necessary attention and guidance.

    How did balancing your career and family work for you?

    In our time, we knew how to balance being both housewives and careerwomen. Today, many focus solely on their careers, often neglecting their homes. I believe it’s important to give equal time to both—50 per cent to career and 50 per cent to family.

    Career is essential, but it should not overshadow family responsibilities. Balancing a career with family responsibilities might not be easy, but I tried my best. I also made sure my children learned how to cook traditional foods, which they still enjoy today.

    What year did you retire?

    I joined the University of Ife in 1962 and worked there until my retirement in 1994. However, I was granted an additional year, so I officially retired in 1995.

    How has life in retirement been?

    Retirement has allowed me to focus on my family more. I’ve enjoyed more time with my children and grandchildren, and now, I’m delighted to have great-grandchildren as well. It’s been a wonderful phase, full of family moments and new experiences.

    You recently celebrated your 90th birthday. How do you feel about reaching this significant milestone?

    Reaching 90 years is both a profound and reflective milestone for me. It brings a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. I view it as a testament to a life filled with rich experiences, enduring relationships, and cherished memories.

    Reflecting on these years, I feel a blend of contentment and a renewed appreciation for the journey I’ve had.

  • Local condom production begins soon – NACA DG

    Local condom production begins soon – NACA DG

    The Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, speaks on the disturbing statistics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome among Nigerians, especially children. She also reveals plans to reduce the prevalence in this interview with BIODUN BUSARI

    The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a persistent health challenge in Nigeria. As the DG of NACA, what are the most pressing issues currently contributing to the spread, particularly among women and children?

    As DG, I would say it has been interesting, educating, and enlightening, and I have also learnt a lot. Though, I will not say I’m a stranger in the medical field. I am a medical doctor and a consultant family physician.

    Even before I came here, clinically, I was seeing patients with HIV/AIDS.

    I have served as the Commissioner for Health in Osun State and also headed the State Agency for the Control of AIDS in Osun State.

    All these experiences came to bear when I got here at the federal level. But, of course, it’s been a learning curve. The HIV space is quite vast, and huge. Not only do we have local partners, but we also have international donor agencies. These were the people and agencies that we worked together at the state level. It’s not a one-man show. We are all learning from one another, rubbing minds together, and sharpening one another all in a bid to make things better for the country.

    Based on reports, more Nigerian women are living with HIV/AIDS. What contributes to the statistics? 

    In Nigeria, our national prevalence of HIV/AIDS is 1.3 per cent. Women account for 59 per cent of this population, which is more than males.

    Young people from 15 to 49 years of age account for most of the new infections.  It’s popular among the younger generation. Of course, 15 to 49 years is the reproductive age for women especially. That’s when they start their sexual debut, relationship, and all that.

    We’ll say it is popular among women biologically because of the way the woman’s body is. In terms of sexual intercourse, their reproductive system makes them a bit vulnerable, and with this, the virus can enter their body system.

    And, of course, we have socio-economic issues too. In many societies including Nigeria, women cannot negotiate for sex even with their partners whether married or unmarried.

    In boyfriend and girlfriend relationships, the females cannot negotiate for sex to wear condoms or other protective measures. Also, the socio-economic effect is when they don’t have the income to cater for themselves, they become dependent.

    Even with commercial sex workers, women are more vulnerable. The early girl marriage is also a factor. We have so many biological and socio-economic factors that make the girl-child or woman very vulnerable to HIV infection. And that’s why there is such a high rate among women and young adults.

    Do these factors have a connection with the report that Nigerian children are among the highest with HIV infection?

    Yes, we are recording new infections. For instance, going by the 2023 data, we realised that we had about 22,000 children born with the HIV/AIDS.

    That’s for new infection among those children. And if we look at the trend, there’s not much decline from over the years.

    Among adults generally, we recorded about 75,000 new infections in 2023 alone. But when we plotted the graph coming from previous years, for both male and female adults, there has been some decline in the new infections.

    But among the children, we are not seeing that significant decline in the new infection. That’s why we are worried.  This means we have a significant proportion of children born with HIV/AIDS.

    What that is telling us is that pregnant women who have HIV/AIDS either don’t know their status, or are not getting tested.

    For those who have tested positive, it means that they are not accessing medications.

    If such people are accessing medications and using them regularly, the viral load will be low.

    And if the viral load is low, they won’t be able to transmit these infections to their children whether in pregnancy or when born alive.

    So, the most significant information we want to put out there is that everybody should get tested and know their status. When you know your HIV status, you can seek help.

    Anyone can know their status, especially pregnant women. You can go to either the primary or secondary healthcare facilities or teaching hospitals.

    HIV tests are available in government health facilities for free.

    You can get tested and then be put on medications after your status has been confirmed.

    We are also working with other non-conventional partners like trained birth attendants and mission homes.

    We have trained traditional birth attendants in different communities, who are meant to tell the people all they need to know about the disease and to let them know their status.

    The truth is that we’ve told ourselves that by creating awareness and through treatment, we will be able to reduce the number of pregnant women who are HIV-positive and who can transmit the infection to their children.

    What mechanisms and approaches have been put in place to drastically reduce the number of children born with HIV infection?

    Parts of the strategies were revealed just a few months ago when the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, launched a committee on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

    It’s like an acceleration committee that will oversee all the partners – both domestic and international, including agencies at the national and sub-national levels (states and local governments), to ensure they get feedback that everybody is doing what they need to do. Their function includes finding pregnant women both in the community and the health facility levels to ensure they are tested, and those found to be positive are put on treatment.

    They also have the responsibility to encourage them to stay on the treatment.

    We also have counsellors and mentor mothers. These mentor mothers are those who tested HIV positive and received treatment for a while. Many of them are mothers, who have been using the drugs, and their viral load is so low and they have children that are HIV-negative.

    They share their success stories and encourage new pregnant mothers to get tested for HIV infection.

    They give them hope, letting them know that the treatment is real and that the outcome can be very encouraging.

    Aside from this, we also work with civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, partners, religious bodies, and traditional rulers, and this is to ensure we are passing the right message across to as many people as possible.

    Some months ago, the agency and the National Assembly partnered to reduce the number of people living with the infection beyond 2023. What role do federal lawmakers play in this?

    There is a global target to ensure that HIV is no longer a public health threat by the year 2023. And what we mean by that is we want to reduce to the barest minimum new infections.

    Of course, people who are already positive can’t do anything to make it go away but it can be treated. It is just like having high blood pressure or hypertension, they will not go away, but we can use drugs to lower them. It is the same thing with HIV, where we use drugs to suppress the virus. So beyond 2030, people who have the virus will still be living positively with it. But we’re saying we want to reduce the transmission of new infections of the HIV.

    Where the National Assembly comes into play is that now as we speak, most of the funding that we are using to sustain the national response is coming from our international partners.

    We need to have what we call domestic funding and have the right appropriation from the National Assembly.

    We all know that it’s the National Assembly that appropriates the budgetary allocations. The executive will send the budget to the National Assembly for final approval.

    The interaction was meant to educate them and also for us to have an advocate that will help them understand what NACA is all about being a government agency saddled with the responsibility to coordinate the multi-sectorial response to HIV.

    As I said, we don’t work in isolation. Our engagement with the National Assembly is to first educate them about what we are supposed to do, and what the HIV national response is all about and make necessary advocacy for domestic funding and domestic resource mobilisation. With this, we as a nation can have what we refer to as personability.

    We can sustain the national response and we are not just relying on donor partners, rather, as a government, we have our sustainability agenda and plans.

    To make sure that we can take this further, apart from the appropriation bill aspect, part of what we are doing is working on technology where we can have our domestic local production of some HIV commodities.

    What do I mean by HIV commodities? We want to start local production of condoms because as we speak, we’re importing condoms.

    We want to start local production of test kits to determine if someone is HIV positive or negative.

    Even we want to start the local manufacturing of anti-retroviral drugs. All these as we speak are imported, and you know the issue about forex; it will make them very expensive.

    And subsequently, it makes it very expensive for the government to sustain. We are already talking to relevant government agencies, the private sector, industries, and financiers on how they can start the local production of these items.

    The cost will be cheaper for the government to procure and it will be able to sustain the national response.

    Will you say the current economic condition has contributed to the prevalence of HIV infection among women?

    Definitely. As I stated earlier, there are some things we call social determinants of health such as economy, cost of living, education, employment, trade, girl-child education, women empowerment, and other socio-economic factors that have roles to play.

    They work hand-in-hand, and we have to address some of these things to reduce new HIV infections.

    There is also the role of the key population I earlier mentioned – the commercial sex workers, use of injected drugs, and many other risky behaviours that may also contribute to the increase in new infections. That’s why we have some preventive measures. We have to continue to preach prevention, which is better than cure. This will make people have safe sex with the use of condoms.

    We also have what we call pre-exposure prophylaxis medication, particularly for the key population, who are the people more at risk of this infection.

    There is also post-exposure prophylaxis for people who have been exposed to the infection. We also let them know that abstinence is very important, especially among our youths. All these are the things we preach to reduce the infection rate.

    Is stigmatisation against people living with HIV/AIDs still high?

    Yes. It is still there. I want to use this juncture to appeal to our people to stop the stigma and discrimination. We will be doing ourselves more harm than good when we stigmatise these people.

    When we discriminate against them, they won’t be able to come out to get tested, while those who are tested will not come to the hospitals to get medications.

    With this, the viral load will be high and they will keep infecting other people.

    I think we should encourage them as much as possible. We have to emphasise that living with people with HIV, shaking their hands, hugging and being in the same office with them cannot cause HIV infection. But unfortunately, stigma is still very much with us.

    However, there are anti-discrimination laws at the federal level. Some states have also replicated these laws. There are fines attached to some of these practices. People who discriminate against people living with HIV/AIDS can be fined or jailed if they are found guilty of discrimination.

    We are encouraging the populace to stop the stigma and discrimination against people living with the virus because with that, the whole country will gain from it.

    If they are not discriminated against, they will go to hospitals to get drugs and won’t spread the virus.

    There are cases of MPox in the country, and you recently said that those living with HIV infection are more prone to the disease. What is the connection?

    Well, MPox is a virus. So far, it can be very mild. In our country, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has given some figures for the number of people tested positive to MPox.

    I know the population of HIV-positive children is high but. But over time, you will discover that the severity is higher among adults all over the world.

    The incidence of MPox is higher among immuno-suppressed people, particularly those who have HIV infection and found out that when they have the infection, the severity is worse.

    Some people may have MPox and just have fever and rashes, and they get over it without complication.

    But for some people with severe infections, the complications are worse. Those with HIV, who are immuno-suppressed might not have the necessary immunity to fight the infection.

  • NDLEA Intercepts Largest Heroin Consignment, Arrests Syndicate

    NDLEA Intercepts Largest Heroin Consignment, Arrests Syndicate

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has successfully dismantled and arrested members of an organized criminal organization which specializes in trafficking heroin across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America in a 12-day well-coordinated operation leading to the seizure of the single largest consignment of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.

    NDLEA Director for Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi said this was disclosed at a press conference by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Lagos on Tuesday 27th February ,2024.

    While explaining that the briefing is in line with the Agency’s policy of transparency in its renewed fight against drug traffickers, Marwa gave a chronological brief of how the operation leading to what is now the single largest seizure of heroin at the Lagos airport was successfully carried out.

    Marwa said “It started on February 10, 2024, when NDLEA operatives of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command intercepted a suspicious package at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s Cargo Terminal. The consignment was concealed in 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines. Each carton was stocked with three blocks of high-grade heroin. In total, we recovered 45 blocks of the illicit substance with a total weight of 49.70kg”.
    “After the discovery, we were methodical and meticulous in our investigations. We started with the arrest of the freight agent whose name is Olowolagba Wasiu Babatunde. It turned out that he was hired for clearing services by Mattpee Logistics, a company operated by one Mr. Kola resident in South Africa”.
    “Next, we conducted a follow up operation at the company’s warehouse in the Shogunle area of Oshodi, Lagos, and arrested the warehouse manager, whose name is Ajayi Imole Moses. Thereafter, we set up an ambush for the expected receiver of the consignment who was duly arrested when he showed up for collection. This receiver, whose name is Adinnu Felix Chinedu, confessed during interrogation, that he is the main distributor for a drug syndicate whose membership is spread across Nigeria”.
    “He admitted that he usually conveyed the consignment to a dedicated warehouse located in Ayobo. That place served as a workshop where he would dismantle the consignment and remove the drugs from the machines. Thereafter, he would wait for a list of various recipients to be forwarded to him from South Africa by the head of the criminal group.

    “Our operatives did due diligence by conducting a thorough search of the warehouse which led to the recovery of 56 similar cartons of the cutting machines that were used previously as modes of concealment to ferry heroin into Nigeria. At this point, it was clear that we are dealing with a syndicate that operates in other countries. By the time, we were done exploring various leads we had, we unravelled an organised criminal network that operates in South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria and parts of Europe and America”.

    “This syndicate has a wide network in Nigeria because the consignments we seized were marked with several codenames, showing that they belonged to different members of this organised criminal group. Furthermore, in our follow-up operation, we uncovered from the suspect a long list of receivers of illicit drugs. In the end, we were able to identify the kingpin of the syndicate here in Nigeria and his name is Reginald Peter Chidiebere. Our investigations showed that he owns the Golden Platinum Hotel and Suite, located at 16 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace.”

    The NDLEA boss said several days of surveillance on the hotel culminated in a raid operation on Monday, February 19 in which another drug mule, Igboanugo Chukwuebuka Thankgod, was found in possession of two parcels of 2.2kg heroin with codes similar to the ones found on the seized drug shipment, bringing the total seizure to 51.90 kilograms.

    “He readily confessed that he was invited by Mr. Reginald Peter Chidiebere to the hotel on Sunday, February 18, 2024. He was lodged in one of the rooms and was later summoned by the receptionist to meet a guest, from whom Reginald Peter Chidiebere had informed him over the phone to receive a package. This sequence of action was confirmed by a review of the CCTV at the hotel”.

    He further explained that pre-emptive actions so far taken against members of the syndicate include freezing a total of 107 bank accounts associated with 14 members of the cartel as well as N119,582,928.31 found in some of the already traced bank accounts.

    He added that the hotel and a mansion linked to the head of the syndicate in Nigeria, Reginald Peter Chidiebere and another mansion linked to the head of the syndicate in Mozambique, Festus Ibewuike located in Ago Palace area had already been marked for forfeiture to the Federal Government.

    He said the measure yielded further fruit on Thursday 22nd February when a female member of the syndicate and wife of Festus Ibewuike, Mrs. Confidence Ndidiamaka, Ibewuike who is one of those to collect part of the consignment from Adinnu Felix Chinedu, was arrested at Ago Palace area on last Thursday.

    “When they were brought face to face, he (Adinnu Felix Chinedu) immediately identified her as one of the members of the criminal syndicate who had received similar packages of heroin with the syndicate’s logo from him on two different occasions. Though she denied knowing Adinnu or receiving anything from him before, investigation later revealed how her husband identified as Festus Ibewuike who is a top kingpin and currently residing in Mozambique used to send drug consignments to her through Adinnu Felix Chinedu”.

    “With pictorial evidence of different parcels with different codes and using other methodologies, we were able to confirm several instructions from her husband to her regarding illicit drug shipments already collected before. A search was promptly conducted in their residence located at the Ago Palace area, Festac Town where a Toyota Venza car was recovered as well as several documents including, bank and property documents belonging to Festus Ibewuike.Their mansion in Ago Palace area has also been marked for forfeiture to the Federal Government”.

    As part of efforts to ensure all those involved are brought to book, Marwa assured that NDLEA has shared comprehensive intelligence with our South African counterparts for necessary action regarding the other members of the group living in that country.”

    He said “there is a parallel between this seizure and the September 18, 2022 seizure of 2,139.5kg cocaine in an Ikorodu warehouse. That was the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of NDLEA. This present bust is the largest single heroin seizure at the MMIA so far.”

    While commending the synergy and support the NDLEA enjoys from other stakeholders like Customs, the military, Immigration, Police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NAFDAC, Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the media as well as international partners, Marwa said the Agency won’t relent in its offensive action targeting drug barons and their networks.

    “In our renewed fight against drug trafficking, our offensive action is specifically targeting drug barons to disrupt distribution networks and uproot the drug pipelines in the country. To this end, we have arrested 48 barons in three years, 15 of whom are already serving jail terms while the rest are facing trials in court. This should serve as a warning to others that there is no hiding place in Nigeria for anyone involved in the illicit drug trade”

    “NDLEA is resolved to end the reign of drug barons and disconnect Nigeria from the global drug trafficking network. We have maintained a consistently strong performance, every week. With this heroin bust, we are sending a warning again to drug traffickers within and outside the county that if they fail to desist from the illicit drug trade, the long arm of the law will catch up with them.” he said.

  • Our parents died seeking solution to our condition– Siblings suffering from weak muscles

    Our parents died seeking solution to our condition– Siblings suffering from weak muscles

    Marvelous Cyril, 27, and Nnenna Cyril, 21, both grappling with the debilitating effects of muscular dystrophy, have faced unimaginable battles since childhood. For these residents of Madalla, a community on the outskirts of Abuja, their lives have been marked by loss, abandonment, and struggle.   The siblings open up to BIODUN BUSARI about the pain of losing their parents, betrayals from loved ones and daily dependence on others for mobility

    Marvelous Cyril:

    At what age did you first experience the onset of muscular dystrophy?

    I was just a child when I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, around the age of eight. It all began with subtle signs—frequent falls and struggling to stand on my toes. Soon after, walking became an uphill battle. As the days turned into years, my condition worsened. My parents did everything they could to help, but there was little that could be done. In the beginning, I believed I would outgrow it, but that hope slowly faded. Watching my friends walk, play, and run while I couldn’t join them filled me with sadness. In short, this has been my reality ever since.

    Can you describe the condition?

    Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. In my case, neither of my parents had the condition. I’m the second of five siblings and the eldest son, yet, I was the first to be affected. My youngest sister, Nnenna, also suffers from it. Our eldest sibling is a sister, followed by two younger brothers who, fortunately, haven’t shown any signs of the disease.

    How did your parents react to this physical challenge?

    My parents were deeply concerned when they noticed my condition. From that moment, they began running from pillar to post, desperately searching for a solution. My mum, in particular, was profoundly affected. She was an emotional person, and the weight of my illness took a heavy toll on her. I believe she eventually slipped into depression, which ultimately claimed her life. My dad, too, was devastated. He did everything in his power to help me—consulting specialists, exploring treatments—but nothing seemed to make a difference. The emotional strain on him was immense, and it broke him as well before he passed.

    What year did your parents pass away?

    My mother died in 2011, while my father died the following year in 2012.

    What solutions did your parents seek, and how did they support you before their demise?

    My parents, devout Christians, along with my siblings, initially turned to their faith for answers. They began taking me from one church to another, seeking spiritual healing in hopes of a miracle. Despite their fervent prayers and countless visits to various congregations, I saw no improvement in my condition. Eventually, they sought medical advice, taking me to a hospital where a doctor delivered the sobering news: while muscular dystrophy could not be cured, it could be managed with the right approach. This revelation marked a turning point in our journey, shifting our focus from spiritual intervention to medical care.

    As I mentioned, my parents did everything they could to support me. However, I can’t say for certain whether they reached out to organisations or the government for assistance. They did speak to family and friends about our situation, but unfortunately, we received little substantial help. It felt as though no one truly understood the depth of our struggle or was willing to step in when we needed it most.

    Have you visited the hospital since your parents passed away?

    Yes, I have been to the hospital. A compassionate woman, deeply moved by my condition, took the initiative to bring me to a hospital in Gwagwalada in Abuja. There, the doctor informed her that I required therapy to manage my muscular dystrophy. However, I believe the treatment was quite costly, as she hasn’t mentioned anything about it since that visit.

    What exactly did the doctor advise regarding the management of this condition?

    I believe the doctor also suggested the use of prosthetic devices as a potential solution. He explained that both my sister and I could experience significant improvements in our mobility with the right prosthetics to support our limbs. This option seemed promising, as it could enhance our quality of life and help us regain some independence.

    Did the doctors reveal the cause of this condition?

    The doctors mentioned that I have muscular dystrophy after conducting a thorough examination last year. Interestingly, I learned that my paternal grandfather had some leg defects, but I’m not sure if there’s any correlation between that and my condition.

    How do you manage daily tasks at home?

    Living with muscular dystrophy has been incredibly challenging. Daily life is filled with difficulties, and the support I receive is limited. My siblings are my main source of help; they assist me in moving around and performing even the simplest tasks. When I want to go outside, they carry me to my destination, and I have to wait there until they return to take me back home. This reliance can be quite isolating.

    How do you resolve your financial challenges?

    We are five siblings. I and my sister, Nnenna, suffer from muscular dystrophy, while our three older siblings—my sister and two brothers—are the ones working to support us. They handle the bills and other necessities for the family, which is no easy feat. Sometimes, the weight of these responsibilities overwhelms them, and they express their frustration, which is understandable. They are doing their best to provide both physical and financial support for all of us.

    How has your local community helped?

    Unfortunately, I don’t have many friends, and our family lacks a strong support network. We rarely receive assistance from anyone. However, our situation changed when a journalist Adeola Fayehun featured us in a video interview, using her platform to raise awareness of our plight. This outreach has brought some financial help, but it’s still a struggle.

    Did you receive any formal education?

    I had to stop my education in Junior Secondary School due to my condition.

    Has any extended family member offered assistance?

    Yes, they promised to help us after our parents passed away, but unfortunately, those promises never materialised. When we went back to our village in Enugu State following our parents’ death, our relatives assured us they would support our education and care.

    However, after waiting for four long years – from 2015 to 2019–without getting any form of help, we had no choice but to leave the village in search of a better life.

    What are your ambitions?

    I’m currently learning graphic design, but I haven’t had much success so far. I believe that with financial support, I could further my education and become a professional in this field.

    How do you think Nigerians can help you and your sister?

    I appeal to Nigerians for financial assistance to acquire the prosthetic devices recommended by the doctors. Additionally, we were informed that our condition could improve significantly if we were treated abroad. I also need a laptop to enhance my graphic design skills, as I want to become self-sufficient and not rely solely on others.

    How would you describe life with these challenges?

    Life has been extremely difficult, suffocating, and overwhelming. I rely on others for almost everything, even the simplest tasks. It can be isolating, and I often feel trapped, especially since I can’t freely go out and engage with the world like my peers.

     

    I stopped going to school at Primary 5 – Nnenna

    Nnenna Cyril:

    When were you diagnosed with this condition?

    It was when I was eight years old, shortly after my mother’s death. For more than a decade, I’ve been grappling with this disease. Like my brother mentioned, it’s incredibly painful to watch my peers enjoy their freedom, while I depend on others for even basic movements. If no one is around to carry me, I must use my hands to drag myself around the house, and I can’t go outside without assistance. Life has been incredibly tough.

    What symptoms did you observe?

    Initially, I struggled to stand or walk properly. As time went on, it only got worse, to the point that I could no longer stand or walk at all. It has been a challenging journey since then.

    Did you experience any pain in your bones or muscles when the symptoms started?

    No, I didn’t have any physical pain initially. The most painful aspect of my condition now is dealing with the overwhelming challenges and the lack of help to alleviate my suffering.

    Have you received any medical help for your condition?

    Yes, a relative once took me to a hospital in Nasarawa State. As Marvelous mentioned, I need therapy and prosthetics. It would be beneficial to receive advanced medical care abroad, as we discovered that wheelchairs are not suitable for us due to our lack of strength and the bumpy terrain we live in. Navigating our environment with wheelchairs has proven to be more difficult than helpful.

    Have you received any support from family or friends?

    Unfortunately, I don’t have friends or supportive family nearby. With our condition, it’s hard to find people who want to engage with us. Naturally, many people shy away from individuals with physical challenges. I’m the youngest sibling, and from what I’ve gathered, our relatives have been unwilling to help us.

    Do you have any vocational skills?

    I don’t possess any formal vocational skills, but I enjoy drawing. If I receive financial support from Nigerians, I believe I could undergo training in drawing and painting to become a professional and support myself without relying on others.

    Has your community been supportive?

    Occasionally, kind-hearted individuals may provide some small assistance, but overall, it feels like we’ve been abandoned in our dilapidated home. I often wish my siblings and I could relocate to a better environment, as I believe everyone deserves a decent quality of life. The reality is that we mostly rely on my three working siblings for support.

    What is your ambition?

    I aspire to become a nurse, as I have a passion for helping others. Unfortunately, I had to drop out of school after Primary 5. However, I believe that with sponsors, I can continue my education.

    What is your general view of life?

    Life has been incredibly challenging. It feels boring and frustrating to be dependent on others for daily activities. I sincerely wish for a positive change in our situation.

    How do you create happy moments for yourself amid these challenges?

    I find joy in the arts, which I often turn to for comfort. Drawing brings me happiness, and when I’m not drawing, I enjoy reading books, which helps me grow personally. I also love cooking and watching movies to uplift my spirits.

  • Kano Court Jails Two Bureau De Change Operators

    Kano Court Jails Two Bureau De Change Operators

    Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court Kano on Tuesday, February 27 2024, convicted and sentenced two illegal bureau de change operators to one year imprisonment each for operating BDC without an appropriate licence.

    This was contained in a press release issued by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    The convicts: Munkaila Sani and Mohammed Sani were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on engaging in financial operations of bureau de change without a requisite licence, upon their arraignment by the Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    The lone-count charge reads ‘’ That you Munkaila Sani sometime in February, 2024 in Kano within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did engage in a financial operation of bureau de change without a valid licence and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 57 (5) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under Section 57 (5) (B) of the same act.’’

    Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them. Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel, Aisha Tahar Habib prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

    Counsel to the defendants, Abdulrahman Isah pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the suspect are elderly and have become remorseful for their actions.

    Consequently, Justice Yunusa convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each.

    The convicts’ began their journey to the Correctional Centre when they were arrested by operatives of the Commission around Wapa BDC market and Grand Central Hotel, Kano, following reliable intelligence about their involvement in a syndicate operating bureau de change businesses without an appropriate licence .

  • My cocktail business helps youths fund education – Lawyer-turned-vendor

    My cocktail business helps youths fund education – Lawyer-turned-vendor

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer of On The Rock with B, Mrs Adebimpe Sanusi, shares with BIODUN BUSARI how her thriving cocktail business is not just about mixing drinks, but transforming the lives and future of young people through the provision of employment, education, and essential skills, empowering them to find fulfilment and purpose in a challenging economy

    You transitioned from overseeing customer experiences to starting On The Rock with B in 2018. How did your initial interest in mixology evolve into a successful business?

    I was between jobs when OTRwithB started. I didn’t have a typical 9-5. I made a list of things that interested me and wanted to explore, and one of those things was mixology. During my previous role, where I oversaw customer interaction, I realised I always ensured we had an interactive cocktail bar at events. Even when working with other mixologists to bring the vision to life, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do. Although I didn’t have the skills at the time, I was drawn to how cocktails were more than just liquids in a cup – they looked and tasted great but also brought people together. At any event, you’ll always see people gathered around the bar, chatting and enjoying themselves, not just grabbing a drink and moving on. Later, I took courses to learn more about mixology before venturing into it. And that’s how OTRwithB started in 2018.

    You studied Law at the University of Lagos. What link does this have with mixology?

    I’m a lawyer by profession and was called to the Nigerian Bar. I also have experience working in marketing and public relations. Most of my 9-5 experience has been in those fields, although they don’t really correlate with what I do now. The business officially started in 2018, but we didn’t fully launch immediately. We handled some events, but it didn’t become a full-time venture until two years ago.

    What additional opportunities does your business offer beyond cocktail services?

    OTRwithB is both a business and a social enterprise. While we are a profit-making venture, we are intentional about using those profits to uplift our community and create a lasting impact on the people within it. One key aspect of OTRwithB is how we support at-risk youths, particularly those aged 17 to 25 who are on the verge of dropping out of post-secondary education. When I started the business, I didn’t initially plan for the social enterprise aspect, but it naturally evolved. The first set of employees I hired were at-risk youths, and through my interactions with them, I realised I could make a difference. It wasn’t that I was unaware of the issue, but I became more conscious of the opportunity to help.

    We primarily employ staff based on referrals from within our community, many of whom are students from universities and polytechnics. These less-privileged youths often don’t prioritise post-secondary education after leaving secondary school, focusing instead on how to make money and improve their families’ lives.

    In my own small way, we help by providing financial support, sustainable income, and flexible work hours. This allows them to fund their education and reduce the financial burden on their parents.

    How do you ensure your employees gain essential soft skills alongside their work experience?

    My business gives them the necessary skills beyond providing financial support by helping them earn to continue their education. Another thing is that because we work as a team, we help build soft skills needed at the entry level of the workspace.

    This includes communication skills. There is always a massive improvement from when they join the team to when they finally graduate from the universities, and leave us to work in other organisations.

    They learn leadership skills, teamwork, work ethic, and most importantly problem-solving skills. Those are life skills that are very important and are missing within that sub-category.

    How do you address situations where their earnings may not be sufficient to fully fund their academic programmes?

    It is not a one-sided arrangement. The fundamental principle is that you work and earn money for your education. We provided loan facilities to some of our staff and stepped in to help them cover costs for various reasons.

    What is the rough estimate of the people your company has helped since inception?

    A rough estimate of over 100 people have gone through our system.

    Your business focuses on people, profit, and the planet. What is the idea behind the concept?

    Let me start with the profit. We are an enterprise, and we do not receive external funding, so everything we do comes from the profits we generate by serving cocktails at events. Our business model is structured to ensure we make a profit from our events—that’s the profit-making aspect.

    The people aspect focuses on our employees, particularly at-risk youths, which I’ve discussed in detail. We aim to support them in staying in school until they complete their education. The planet aspect addresses sustainability and how our organisation takes responsibility for conserving the environment. Ultimately, we want to leave the world a better place than we found it, both for the people we interact with and for the planet as a whole.

    You mentioned sensitising people about the conservation of the environment. How do you go about that?

    No. What we do is implement internal policies that guide our organisation. For example, we operate a no-waste bar, meaning we repurpose items to reduce waste. If we’re at an event with leftover greens or fruits, we don’t discard them; instead, we make homemade syrups or dehydrate them for use as garnishes. Additionally, we’ve eliminated the use of plastics, opting for glassware and paper cups, which are more environmentally friendly.

    We work with farmers in the North. We get a lot of our products from them and this helps with our supplies in making sure that we have consistent supplies. As we buy from the local farmers, we’re helping the economy.

    What are the challenges in this business and how do you address them?

    We’re bending over backwards to accommodate our clients and ensure that we deliver flawlessly on all fronts at events.

    I think that has helped to sustain us in terms of repeat customers and just general referrals which has kept us in business.

    Another challenge is the backend which is very tasking. Sometimes, it is a lot because, in a social enterprise that we run, we have to deal with customers and their needs.

    We also deal with the needs of staff, which in this case, is in terms of convincing them to stay in school and get an education.

    And sometimes, that in itself constitutes a lot of emotional strain. They have friends that are dropouts and into dirty money-making ventures, and riding fancy cars like Benz.

    We have to encourage them to be patient and follow the process as their own Benz will come at the right time.

    Sometimes, they have family baggage and we have to find a solution to help them because whatever affects them affects the business. We try as much as possible not to allow them to deviate from the end goal and focus.

    Do you get your customers only through referrals?

    We get referrals. We also get enquiries from social media. To be honest, social media has been very instrumental in our growth as people see events we have done well. Sometimes, we also get on-the-spot bookings. We may be at a venue, and right there some people would approach us because they like what we do, and from there, they start booking for their upcoming events.

    How does the business operate with staff that are also students?

    Most of our events are at the weekends. So, they usually don’t stay in their hostels at the weekends. And through this, their mates ask them why they are not available at the weekends and they tell them what they do to help themselves. With this, they get to introduce them to the system and convince us about why they have to do this work. The reality is that some of them have to pay bills from what they earn and support their parents, apart from the school fees.

    I can relate because while I was in school too, I did ushering jobs to get money to support my parents with whatever they gave me to make sure I could afford some of the things I needed in school.

  • I defied my dad to build successful bead-making business – Engineering graduate

    I defied my dad to build successful bead-making business – Engineering graduate

    For over two decades, Ebunoluwa Farinde-Yussuf, the founder and Creative Director of Gallereno Works, has turned her passion for beadmaking into a thriving business that goes beyond fashion. In this interview with BIODUN BUSARI, she sheds light on her journey, stressing that it is not just about creativity but a mission to empower women and girls, helping them find their voices through skill acquisition

    What is the idea behind the creativity-oriented social institution you are running?

    I developed a passion for beadmaking after earning my Nigeria Certificate in Education in 2004, thanks to my elder sister, who introduced me to the craft. She had learned beadmaking during her National Youth Service Corps scheme in Enugu State and brought home some beaded bags she had made. I was intrigued and asked her to teach me. As I began practising with her, my interest grew, and soon I started making beads on my own.

    My dad, however, wanted me to pursue further studies and secure a traditional white-collar job. He was adamant that I stop beadmaking, believing vocational skills were only for the uneducated. Those early days were challenging—I often had to sneak downstairs or into the backyard to work on my beaded creations, hiding from my dad because I knew he disapproved. My parents would call out my name, but I would hide and continue pursuing what I was passionate about.

    At the time, my dad didn’t think I could succeed in beadmaking. My parents offered no encouragement at the start of what has now become this thriving entrepreneurial venture. Despite the difficulties, I eventually funded my education with the money I earned from beadmaking. It wasn’t an easy journey, but my passion kept me going.

    After that discouraging experience with your parents, what kept you going and helped you succeed?

    In 2004, my sister’s friend bought my first beaded bag for N1,500. I was excited to make money from something I had created. It felt like a breakthrough. I immediately ran to the market on Lagos Island, despite rarely going out—whether during my time on campus or at home. The few times I had accompanied my mum to the Island gave me enough confidence to go alone after that first sale. I asked around for bead suppliers, found what I needed, and made more beaded bags. Not long after, another friend of my sister bought a second bag, which boosted my morale and motivated me to keep going.

    That same year, I registered my company as Gallereno Works, which I interpreted as a gallery of innovative works. I realised I needed a brand identity and decided Gallereno Works could serve as the parent company. That’s how I came up with Oge Ibile. By then, I had expanded my offerings to include dressmaking and Aso Oke.

    Why are girls and women the focal point of your company’s training programmes?

    When I looked at what I went through sponsoring myself through school and the challenges I faced, I realised many women are in similar situations, trying hard to fend for themselves.

    The most painful aspect is that some of these females turn to social vices to survive. They do things they shouldn’t be seen doing. That’s why I saw the need to help women do and become better versions of themselves.

    Women need to make money the right way. They need to be encouraged that they can make money without getting involved in immoral activities.

    I work with female students who are about to gain admission into universities or who are undergraduates but have financial constraints.

    I also help women who are full-time housewives. Many restrict themselves to their homes to care for their children and families. We give them orientation on how they can do all these and still earn to balance work and family.

    We go to their communities to train them. We’ve trained over 3,000 women in four local governments in Lagos. A few years ago, we trained 400 female students in two public secondary schools in Alimosho Local Government Area.

    However, what we are looking at now is having a dedicated space where they can come and learn. Currently, we train them in one or two weeks, but if we are being honest, that isn’t enough time to learn a skill professionally. When we followed up on these students and women, we realised that most of them don’t really continue practising what they learned.

    Perhaps they were unsure of themselves or felt they still had a lot to learn. Some also have financial constraints.

    We are thinking of providing a space where full-time housewives can come and learn. They can also bring their children, as some can’t leave them at home alone. The idea is to offer a crèche where professionals can look after their children so they can concentrate on learning.

    I’m passionate about the empowerment of women and girls because, as they say, if you train a woman, you train a nation. There are many women doing exploits in our society, and that’s one reason we focus on social entrepreneurship.

    For clarity, we empower men too. Boys are not left behind, but our main focus is on the girl child because we believe they need more help.

    How do you fund this project?

    We get sponsors and we hire professionals to train these women. Trainers are paid, and sometimes we also provide free materials to the trainees. They don’t have to worry about training fees. All they have to do is come to the venue and get trained.

    Additionally, we link them with mentors, and we’re now considering teaching them financial management to ensure they know how to manage their businesses successfully.

    I believe entrepreneurship is the way forward for this country. It’s the only way we can overcome this economic crisis. When we empower people with vocational skills, we reduce social vices because people can earn money legally.

    Are beadmaking and beaded materials competing in the market with jewellery and other fashion accessories?

    Yes, beaded materials are still competing well in the market. I’ve been in this business for 20 years, and I’m still here, which tells you the market is thriving.

    In our vocational school, we don’t train people only in bead-making. We’ve been offering training in other areas of specialisation such as makeup, hairdressing, cloth making, baking, and catering.

    Now, we are also looking at plumbing. Another department we aim to establish is information technology, which is essential in today’s world, covering areas like cybersecurity, data analysis, and other related skills.

    We have been trying to bring in professionals to handle this aspect. Additionally, we’re considering setting up a library where students can read and deepen their knowledge.

    You studied electrical and electronics but haven’t pursued a career in that field. Have your parents ever criticised you for not using your engineering degree?

    I don’t use it at all. They never criticised me for not working with my engineering certificate. I think that’s because they realised I’m doing well in my bead-making business. I remember when my works were published in Tell magazine in 2004, my dad got the paper and showed it to his friend. He was proud of me. I was surprised and taken aback, but then I figured there was no need to complain.

    Has your business faced any upheavals due to the current economic challenges?

    I have faced a lot of challenges. There were times when my family would tell me to take it easy with the projects. As we seek a space for the project, it’s been financially draining. Sometimes, when I reach out to people about helping to secure grants, they have the erroneous impression that I want to divert the funds.

    So, savings have been helping, but I’ve had to sacrifice a lot. Sometimes, I forgo things that would benefit me just to keep the project moving. But I’m glad my family is supportive.

    On another note, when I look around at the people who used to encourage me that Nigeria would get better, I don’t see them anymore because they’ve migrated abroad.

    The ‘Japa’ wave has happened and taken them away. It’s funny when they now ask, ‘What are you still doing in Nigeria?’ I just keep telling myself to push a little more.

    What do you think the government can do for business owners like you to thrive and also improve the economy?

    I think the government should do better in the area of taxes. If possible, the government should stop taxing small businesses that are just starting and don’t have a strong capital base. This would help such businesses survive the current economic crisis.

    Some of the people we’ve trained have given feedback that as soon as they start their small businesses, the local governments will come with taxes.

    They have to pay for radio and television licences, and if they put up signboards, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency demand fees. To think these people are just starting and are yet to start making any profits. This is very discouraging. I would like the government to intervene in this area.

    Governments could collaborate with entrepreneurship and vocational centres, support entrepreneurs with funds and help acquire the equipment needed to drive business growth, and by doing this, improve the Nigerian economy.

    I also urge the government to reduce interest rates on loans and make them more accessible to small business owners.

  • NDLEA launches massive raids in Lagos, Edo, Ondo, seizes 44,948kg drugs, 11 vehicles

    NDLEA launches massive raids in Lagos, Edo, Ondo, seizes 44,948kg drugs, 11 vehicles

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have launched massive raids across Lagos, Edo and Ondo state leading to the seizure of over 44,948.1 kilograms (44.9 tonnes) of illicit drugs and arrests of eight suspects as well as the seizure of 11 vehicles owned by the drug cartels.

    While a total of 7, 687.8kg of cannabis was destroyed in a warehouse in Ala forest, Akure, Ondo state with another 670kg evacuated, on Saturday 23rd March 2024, no less than 14,310.8625kg of same psychoactive substance was razed on 5.7 hectares of farms in Ohosu/Ugbogui forest, Ovia South West LGA, Edo State on Tuesday 19th March, where five suspects including 67-year-old Sunday Otulugbu; Agbayeogor Joshua, 39; Kelvin Ofuasia,45; Williams Peter, 37; and Kamaru Onimisi, 44, were arrested.

    This was contained in a weekly press release issued in Abuja by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA”s Director of Media and Advocacy

    The release stated that in another operation in Uzebba/Avbiosi forest on Thursday 21st March, over 6,500kg cannabis was destroyed on 2.6 hectares of farms where three suspects: Kabiru Idris, 36;
    Alaba Jimoh, 40; and Lekan Asobere, 35, were arrested. In the same vein, 5,000kg of same substance was razed in a warehouse in Okpuje forest, Owan West LGA by NDLEA operatives with support from the military on Friday 22nd March.

    In Lagos, a well-coordinated operation on Wednesday 20th March led to the seizure of 10,534 kilograms (10.534 tonnes) of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis in Ajah area of the state where 11 vehicles were seized from the drug cartel.

    The recovered vehicles include:
    Iveco truck marked KRD 522 YE; Toyota sienna marked AAA 338 GL; Toyota sienna marked AAA 308 EP; Toyota sienna marked FKJ 381 JC; Nissan bus marked EKY 846 YG; Mercedes bus marked EPE 743 XT; an unmarked Iveco J5 bus; Toyota sienna marked LSD 744 GP; Toyota highlander SUV marked KTU 280 FN; Toyota sienna marked AAA 333 GH and Toyota sienna marked FKJ 208 HV.

    In another raid at Ago Palace way area of the state on Friday 22nd March, a suspect, Miracle Obi was arrested with 1,006 ampoules of pentazocine injection; 50 tablets of tramadol 225mg; 89 bottles of codeine syrup and 2,360 ampoules of Diazepam injection. Another suspect, Kareem Mustapha was earlier on Tuesday 19th March nabbed along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 25,000 pills of tramadol and 5,900 ampoules of pentazocine injection.

    While 58kg cannabis was recovered at Jagindi village, Kafanchan LGA, Kaduna State on Friday 22nd March, Abdulqadir Muhammad, 34, was arrested with 45 kilograms of same substance by NDLEA operatives along Kaduna- Zaria expressway. In Borno state, Salisu Yusuf, 20, was nabbed with 30kg Arizona, a strain of cannabis at Njimtilo checkpoint on Saturday 23rd March, while another suspect, Rabiu Husseini, 27, was arrested with 34kg cannabis along Gwagwalada/Abuja highway on his way from Lagos to Katsina state on Wednesday 21st March. The following day, 22nd March, NDLEA officers on patrol along Gashua-Baymari road, Busari LGA, Yobe state arrested Haladu Hassan with 160 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 50kg.

    In Kano state, a syndicate dealing in cocaine and heroin was successfully dismantled with the arrest of 42-year-old Onyeka Uba at Sabon Gari area of Kano where 1.805 kilograms and 7grams of the illicit substances were recovered from him on Monday 18th March. Another suspect, Ubale Sani, 49, was also arrested with 51.5kg cannabis at the Chiromawa area of Kano.

    Operatives of a special operation unit of NDLEA also disrupted criminal activities of another cocaine syndicate in Abuja at the weekend with the arrest of three leaders of the group. While Nnajiofor Celestine Kenechukwu, 41, and Okoro Chigozie Christian, 35, were arrested

    On Friday 22nd March at Paint House Hotel, Umar Garba Benna Street, 21 Road, First Avenue, Gwarimpa Abuja with 718 grams of cocaine, a follow up operation at the residence of Okoro Chigozie at House 30, 69B Road 6th Avenue Gwarimpa, led to the recovery of 19 blocks of Arizona, a strain of cannabis weighing 9.823kg and monetary exhibits: N545,500 and $250, as well as property documents. Two vehicles: Toyota Camry 2007 marked BWR 94 BM and Toyota Camry 2012 marked RBC 154 BS were also recovered from them.

    Another follow up operation to the residence of Nnajiofor Celestine Kenechukwu at 49 Mercy Orjiakor street, Becky Estate 11, Karu, Nasarawa state on Saturday 23rd March also led to the recovery of various quantities of Arizona and methamphetamine while his girlfriend and accomplice, Ifemenam Oge was arrested.

    With the same vigour, the various commands of the Agency across the country
    continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Government Day Secondary School, Damaturu, Yobe; Government Secondary School, Afaha Ukwa, Akwa Ibom; Total Child School, Awka, Anambra and Celestial Church of Christ High School Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo state, among others.

    While commending the officers and men of the Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Kano, Borno, Kaduna, and FCT Commands as well as the Special Operations unit of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres and work places.