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Tag: Cross River

  • Cross River flags off digital literacy training for civil servants

    Cross River flags off digital literacy training for civil servants

    The Cross River State Government has commenced a comprehensive digital literacy and capacity-building program designed to transform its civil service into a fully paperless, technology-driven workforce by the end of next year.

    The initiative, known as the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) programme, was officially flagged off by the Head of Service of Cross River State, Orok Okon, Esq., at Prof. Eyo Ita House in Calabar.

    According to the official schedule, the training which began with Cohort 1 comprising Directors and Deputy Directors of Administration, will run from November 4 to 6, 2025. Cohort 2, made up of Assistant Directors, Chiefs, and Principal Officers, will follow from November 11 to 13, while Cohort 3, featuring officers on Grade Levels 8–10, will hold from November 18 to 20, 2025.

    Speaking at the flag-off, the Head of Service explained that the programme was initiated in collaboration with Cross River State CR-MEDA shortly after his assumption of office, in line with the state government’s vision for a modern, efficient public service.

    “This initiative aligns with our goal of achieving a paperless civil service by the end of 2026,” Okon said. “Every cadre of staff across state and local government services will undergo ICT training to ensure full computer literacy and digital proficiency. This is timely and crucial as we transition to e-governance.”

    The Director General of CR-MEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, said the training reflects Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to civil service reform, one of the key pillars of the People’s First Blueprint.

    Read Also: Cross River PDP senator’s allies set to join APC

    “You cannot reform the civil service without technology and education,” Ogban stated. “This training translates the governor’s vision into action. Civil servants are the drivers of government policy, and this program will enhance their efficiency, speed, and output.”

    Chairman of CR-MEDA, Esessien Edet, commended the state government for promoting a paradigm shift from analog to digital operations.

    “This programme moves our workforce from non-ICT compliance to digital proficiency,” he said. “It will drastically improve turnaround time, productivity, and service delivery.”

    Also speaking, Mrs. Glory Odu Oji, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, said the state chose to start with administrators because of their pivotal role in managing data and implementing policies.

    “Once administrators are ICT compliant, the entire system will function more efficiently,” she explained. “Participation is voluntary, but over time, productivity will reflect who embraced the opportunity.”

    Participants praised the initiative as forward-thinking and transformative. Dr. Icha Mboto, Director of Administration in the Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurship Development, described it as a “timely and necessary intervention” in an increasingly digital world.

    “This training will enhance our ability to manage records and workflows digitally,” Mboto said. “It’s a major step toward modern public administration.”

    Dr. Pamela Ekuri, Deputy Director of Planning, Ministry of Industry, also lauded the effort, noting that it would benefit not only today’s civil servants but future generations.

    “The government’s decision to embrace ICT will make our service delivery faster, smarter, and more sustainable,” she remarked.

  • Mass defection looms in PDP Cross River 

    Mass defection looms in PDP Cross River 

    A wave of defection appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders of the party have indicated plans to dump it for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

    On October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents the district in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to APC. 

    He also paid a similar courtesy visit to the APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba in Calabar, where he pledged readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.

    Jarigbe, on Tuesday, in continuation of his consultations, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course.

    Special Assistant on Media to the Senator,  John Agom Agom, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed the development.

    Agom stated that the meeting which held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja — focused on aligning with what participants described as “the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The statement quoted Jarigbe while addressing the gathering to have said that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the President’s vision of national renewal.

    “My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,” he said “Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.”

    Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.

    The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally join the APC with Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a “strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.”

    Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.

  • Reps member organises free medical outreach for Cross River constituents

    Reps member organises free medical outreach for Cross River constituents

    The member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey has collaborated with the Cross River State Government to offer free medical services to thousands of his constituents across Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.

    The free medical outreach, which took place from October 8-10, 2025, at the headquarters of each council, provided essential healthcare services to the constituents.

    Speaking at the end of the outreach, Hon. Bassey emphasized that healthcare provision for his constituents is a priority of his representation.

    According to him, the free medical outreach targeted thousands of constituent members in Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South, offering services such as free surgeries, eye checkups, malaria and typhoid testing, and distribution of medication.

    Read Also: What Nigeria need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

    Hon. Bassey assured his constituents of his commitment to their healthcare and socio-economic well-being.

    Chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Patrick Archibong, commended Hon. Bassey for always reaching out to members of his constituency at the grassroots level, adding that the free medical outreach has brought succour to the people of the Federal constituency.

    Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for prioritizing their health and well-being, assuring him of their support in his future endeavours.

  • Cross River, Afreximbank host confab

    Cross River, Afreximbank host confab

    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Cross River State have signed a hosting agreement for the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference, scheduled to hold in Calabar  next year.

    The signing took place during the Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement session on the sidelines of the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria. The agreement was endorsed by Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board, Prof. Benedict Oramah, and Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.

    With this agreement, Cross River will serve as the official host of AfSNET 2026, which will gather state and city leaders, investors, development partners, and stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa.

    Launched in 2021 by Afreximbank in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, AfSNET was created to strengthen the role of sub-sovereign governments—states, provinces, counties, and municipalities—in advancing intra-African trade and regional development. The annual conference highlights investment-ready projects, facilitates investor matchmaking, and promotes integration.

    Speaking at the signing, Oramah said AfSNET was designed to “amplify the voices of Sub-Sovereign governments in shaping economic policy, unlocking investment opportunities, and accelerating trade across Africa,” adding that true development must begin at the local level before radiating to the national and continental stages.

    READ ALSO: Between X, DSS and Sowore

    AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, described AfSNET as “the bridge between local power and continental impact,” noting that Africa’s transformation would be built from municipalities and states upward, with AfCFTA providing the framework and IATF the marketplace.

    Governor Otu welcomed the opportunity for Cross River to host the 2026 edition. “We are honoured to host AfSNET 2026 and showcase Cross River as a gateway to investment in Nigeria and West Africa. This event will catalyse economic growth, foster partnerships, and elevate our state’s profile on the continental stage,” he said.

    Preparations for the Calabar gathering are already underway, with organisers promising a world-class event featuring plenary sessions, exhibitions, B2B meetings, and cultural showcases.

    Since its inception, AfSNET has helped drive major projects including industrial parks and Special Economic Zones in Nigeria, deep seaport development in Cross River, the Nyanza Light Metals project in South Africa, and feasibility studies for Africa’s first blockchain-enabled pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kenya.

    Past editions of the conference have been hosted in Durban, South Africa (2021), Abuja, Nigeria (2022), Cairo, Egypt (2023), and Kisumu, Kenya (2024). The 2025 Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement in Algiers marks the fifth edition of the platform.

  • One day, four milestones: A new Chapter for Cross River

    One day, four milestones: A new Chapter for Cross River

    Calabar, the Cross River State capital, came alive on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in a display of pageantry, promise, and progress that will be remembered for years to come. The city was abuzz with celebration as Governor Bassey Edet Otu, backed by the Federal Government, unveiled a quartet of transformational initiatives and projects, all in a single day, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in the “People’s Paradise.”

    The special guest of honour, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presided over the events in what felt less like routine governance and more like a festival of milestones. From aviation to education, from enterprise to digital innovation, the day’s activities painted a bold picture of Cross River’s determination to rise above past limitations and seize its future.

    The day began with a gathering at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, where dignitaries, business leaders, and everyday citizens converged to witness the commissioning of two state-of-the-art Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets, each with a 100-passenger capacity.

    The aircraft, newly acquired for Cally Air, are to be operated by ValueJet Airlines pending the state’s Air Operator’s Certificate. For Governor Otu, this was more than an addition to a fleet; it was a strategic leap to make Cross River a year-round tourism and investment hub.

    “Tourism is the heartbeat of our economy, but it cannot thrive without seamless connectivity,” Otu declared. “These aircraft are bridges to opportunity, prosperity, and a sweeter future for our people.”

    Vice President Shettima, delivering President Tinubu’s message, hailed the move as “an economic catalyst” and pledged the Federal Government’s support for sub-national investments that create jobs, attract visitors, and promote trade.

    With this, Cross River now boasts a fast-growing fleet: two Boeings and two Bombardiers, with plans for more acquisitions. Coupled with the ongoing construction of the Obudu International Cargo Airport and the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, the state is positioning itself as a logistics and tourism powerhouse.

    From the airport, the celebration moved to the heart of Calabar, where the remodeled and fully digitalized Cross River State Library Complex was unveiled. The transformation is striking: blending a traditional public library with a cutting-edge ICT Hub that offers free access to e-learning platforms, coding labs, and digital entrepreneurship resources.

    “This is no longer just a library,” Otu remarked. “It is a gateway to the future, especially for our young people. Here, knowledge meets innovation.”

    The facility reflects the administration’s vision to make Cross River a digital hub in Nigeria’s South-South region, empowering its youthful population to compete in the global knowledge economy.

    The day’s final stop was the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic at the Calabar International Conference Centre, a vibrant convergence of small business owners, startup founders, and federal agencies.

    Here, the Vice President announced the disbursement of ₦250,000 unconditional grants to selected outstanding entrepreneurs in Cross River. “This is part of our resolve to take the Federal Government’s support directly to the doorsteps of businesses nationwide,” Shettima said.

    Governor Otu, on his part, pledged continued support for small enterprises, stating, “Beyond agriculture, we are building an economy where MSMEs thrive and drive innovation.”

    More than the individual projects, the day carried a symbolic weight: the Federal Government’s open endorsement of Governor Otu’s development agenda. In each speech, Vice President Shettima praised the governor’s vision, describing his leadership as “what strong sub-national governance should look like.”

    For many Cross Riverians, the events represented a turning point, not just in infrastructure, but in confidence. Hoteliers see steadier guest flows on the horizon. Event planners anticipate renewed conference tourism. And young innovators now have a physical space to grow ideas into enterprises.

    Tuesday’s four milestones: two new aircraft, a digital library, an MSME boost, and federal validation are interconnected steps in a broader strategy to make Cross River a competitive player in tourism, trade, education, and technology.

    As one tourism entrepreneur, Bassey Ekefre, put it, “These planes don’t just carry passengers; they carry the promise of a new era for Cross River.”

    With each smooth take-off from Calabar, each student logging onto a digital course, and each small business receiving a lifeline, the “Season of Sweetness” extends its reach, proving that with vision, partnership, and action, a state can indeed spread its wings and soar.

    ©️ Nsa Gill is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Affairs._

  • ValueJet, Cally Air seal deal to operate two CRJ1000 Jets for Cross River

    ValueJet, Cally Air seal deal to operate two CRJ1000 Jets for Cross River

    ValueJet Airlines has entered into a sublease and operational services agreement with Cross River State’s carrier, Cally Air, to manage and operate two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on behalf of the state-owned airline.

    ValueJet’s Managing Director, Capt. Omololu Oladapo Majekodunmi said the arrangement places the day-to-day operation of the aircraft under ValueJet, which will fly them under its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

    He explained that the partnership is designed to fast-track the commercial deployment of the newly acquired jets, providing immediate passenger capacity and boosting connectivity within and outside Nigeria.

    Read Also: KWAM 1 vs ValueJet

    “We are pleased to partner with Cally Air and Cross River State to bring the two CRJ1000s into commercial service quickly and safely.

    This arrangement leverages ValueJet’s regional operations experience to expand reliable connectivity for travellers,” Majekodunmi said.

    Cally Air, wholly owned by the Cross River State Government, currently operates two Boeing 737-300s and two CRJ1000s. Its core routes include Calabar, Lagos, and Abuja, with plans to expand to other Nigerian cities and neighbouring countries.

    The deal follows Cross River State’s acquisition of two leased CRJ1000ERs in July, marking the aircraft type’s return to active service on the African continent.

  • Otu rallies Diasporan Cross Riverians at convention in Birmingham

    Otu rallies Diasporan Cross Riverians at convention in Birmingham

    Cross River indigenes in the Diaspora, last weekend, converged on Birmingham, United Kingdom, in what was clearly a new chapter of collaboration with the state government at the maiden edition of the Diaspora Convention.

    With the theme: “Diaspora contribution to the development and sustainability of Cross River State,” the convention signaled a pivotal moment for the state’s international community and its deepening relationship with the home government.

    The event, which drew participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and across Africa, was graced by the state governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, both of whom received a rousing ovation upon arrival at the convention arena.

    Addressing the large audience, Governor Otu who delivered an emotionally stirring keynote said: “My dear brothers and sisters in the diaspora, this gathering is more than symbolic; it is strategic. We are here because the bridge home has finally been built—and I, your governor, have come to walk across it with you.”

    He continued: “You have shown that though distance may stretch across oceans, your hearts have remained anchored to the banks of Calabar, Obubra, Bekwarra, Obanliku, and every inch of Cross River soil. I salute your enduring love, and I declare to you: Cross River needs you now more than ever.”

    Governor Otu emphasized that under his People First governance agenda, the state is actively creating room for diaspora involvement in policy shaping, investments, healthcare, education, and mentorship. “This government is not only about those at home—it is about all our people, everywhere. The talents, capital, and experiences you have acquired abroad must find expression back home. Come, invest in your state, build in your communities, and help us write a story of sustainable transformation.”

    In a particularly impassioned moment, the governor who was presented with an award by the Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, declared: “You are not outsiders. You are stakeholders. You are not mere observers of Cross River’s destiny—you are architects of its future. Let no one tell you that home is behind you. Indeed, home is in you.”

    Echoing like a promise sealed across oceans, Gov Otu charged the gathering: “Let this not be the last time we gather like this. Let Birmingham be the beginning, not the peak of our journey homeward. The world may have you, but Cross River still claims you. Come home—not just to visit, but to build.”

    He announced the creation of a Diaspora Engagement and Development Desk to streamline collaboration and facilitate diaspora-led projects across key sectors. “From Obudu’s rolling hills to Bakassi’s coastal hopes, from our cocoa valleys to our digital dreams—we want your hands, your hearts, and your hopes.”

    The First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, also addressed the gathering, urging women in the diaspora to champion maternal health advocacy and girl-child education. “Every Cross River girl deserves a global sister looking out for her,” she said.

    Read Also: Otu bolsters aviation, tourism with acquisition of two new aircraft

    Earlier in his address, President of the Cross River State Diaspora Forum, Mr. Christopher Lekan, hailed the event as “the rebirth of a long-silenced but powerful voice.” He praised the governor for “breaking the jinx of detachment and building a new bridge of inclusion.” According to him, “This convention is not just about handshakes and photos. It is the beginning of a robust, structured partnership for development. We have watched the renewal happening under your leadership, and we are ready to take our place.”

    Lekan further revealed plans to launch a Diaspora Investment Fund, an initiative to pool financial resources from Cross Riverians abroad for projects in health, ICT, and youth entrepreneurship back home. “We no longer want to send only remittances—we want to return with ideas, technology, and capital. We want to move from the margins of development into the mainstream.”

    Panel sessions throughout the day dissected opportunities for diaspora contributions in sectors such as education reform, digital governance, medical outreach, infrastructure development, tourism, and culture preservation. Several attendees committed to return-home projects, including rural telemedicine schemes, school library refurbishments, and agribusiness cooperatives. Among the keynote speakers was Chief Dr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Snr.

  • NiMet predicts two-day heavy downpour in Niger, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi

    NiMet predicts two-day heavy downpour in Niger, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a two-day heavy downpour in Nigern, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Kebbi States.

    Other States likely to witness heavy rainfall within the next two days, according to the agency, are Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara.

    The Agency in its Impact Based forecast bulletin released on Monday also highlighted the likelihood of displacement and other hazards over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa states due to strong winds.

    The highlight of the forecast read, “On Tuesday 22nd July, 2025 (0000-2359hrs), moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    “Light to Moderate Rainfall is expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Kano, parts of Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states.

    “23rd July, 2025 (0000 – 2359hrs), moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Kebbi, Niger, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    “Light to moderate rainfall is expected over Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Kwara states.”

    On Thursday 24th July, 2025 (0000 – 2359hrs), NiMet predicted light to moderate rainfall over Enugu, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Taraba, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara states.

    Read Also: Lagos, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, 16 others at risk of flooding, NiMet warns

    NiMet also warned that in the next three days (Tuesday 22nd July – Thursday 24th July, 2025), moderate risk of hazards due to strong winds are likely over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa states.

    The likely hazards according to the agency include; Isolated cases of displacements of people due to strong wind, isolated cases of damage to weak structures, and isolated cases of felling of trees.

  • Otu’s strategic ties with presidency attracting federal projects in Cross River -Akiba

    Otu’s strategic ties with presidency attracting federal projects in Cross River -Akiba

    Special Adviser to Cross River Governor on General Duties, Dr. Ekpenyong Akiba, has hailed the Bassey Otu’s strategic relationship with the Presidency as the engine behind the growing catalogue of federal projects in Cross River State. 

    He described the Governor’s rapport with President Bola Tinubu as deliberate, robust, and immensely rewarding for the people of the state.

    Speaking in Calabar while reacting to the Federal Government’s newly unveiled National Policy on Maritime and Blue Economy, Akiba cited several high-impact projects including the Special Agriculture Processing Zone, the long-awaited dredging and modernization of the Calabar Port, and the recently flagged-off Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road as tangible dividends of this synergy. “All these would not have been possible without Governor Otu forging a deliberate and strategic relationship with the Presidency,” he declared.

    Akiba specifically lauded the federal commitment to completing the Bakassi Deep Seaport and the modernisation of Calabar Port, noting that these initiatives will be transformative for the region. 

    “The Governor’s rapport with Mr. President has been instrumental in securing Cross River’s rightful place in the national infrastructure development plan,” he added.

    Read Also: Cross River PDP coalition urges senator to take over party

    “As we all know, in two years, Cross River has benefitted immensely from federal government projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Special Agro Processing Zone, the Students Loan scheme, and numerous women empowerment programmes initiated by the First Lady. If he can achieve these in just two years, then at the end of his second term, Nigeria is definitely going to experience unprecedented and uncommon development,” Akiba stated.

    He described President Tinubu as a promise keeper whose passion for national transformation is gradually bearing fruit. Akiba urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the current administration, stressing that the President’s economic blueprint is on course to change the nation’s story for good.

    The Special Adviser emphasized the job creation potential of the ongoing projects, noting that “these developments will not only attract investment but will also create employment opportunities for our teeming youths and significantly boost the state’s economy.”

    While applauding the government’s efforts, Akiba urged the federal authorities to expedite action on critical infrastructure such as the Calabar–Itu and Calabar–Ikom highways, which he described as vital arteries for regional connectivity and economic logistics.

    He praised the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration, saying that “economic indices already point to a steady national recovery.” According to him, the administration’s equitable spread of projects across the 36 states speaks volumes about its commitment to inclusive development.

    “The story continues to change as promised and as contained in the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. Governors, irrespective of party affiliations, now enjoy improved allocations. It is no wonder the opposition is increasingly gravitating toward the President and finding our party, the APC, more attractive—as evidenced in recent defections and endorsements for President Tinubu and our indefatigable Governor Otu ahead of 2027,” Akiba said.

  • NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm in C’River

    NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm in C’River

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed 30 hectares of cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp,  plantation in a forest in Odukpani local government area of Cross River.

    The state Commander of the NDLEA,  Mrs Rachel Umebuali, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Calabar.

    She said that some suspects were also arrested in connection with the destroyed plantation, expressing worries that the locals were protecting the drug marchants.

    Umebuali said that 163.9kg of cannabis sativa seed was recovered from the plantation.

    She added that a total of 6,716.8kg of illicit drugs were seized by the command between January and June.

    Giving the breakdown of the figures, she said the NDLEA  seized 2935kg of cannabis sativa within the six months.

    Others are,  129.6kg of methamphetamine, 82.7kg of psychotropic, 33.3 liters of cannabis mixture, 47.7kg of cocaine, 32.3kg of heroine, 69.7kg Opiod and babiturate, and 5gram Ecstasy drug.

    Umebuali said the command also arrested 191 persons within the same period.

    “15 persons were convicted for various offenses in the period under review,” she said.

    According to her, what is worrisome in the findings, is that most of these drug peddlers are not indigenes of the state.

    Read Also: NDLEA takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos streets

    “They come here and give money to the locals who protect them by not giving out information of their unholy activities.”

    Umebuali said that the command, with the active support of the state first lady, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, successfully concluded this year’s drug day, which has as it theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention.”

    “We have also continued to carry out various advocacy programmes in various institutions across the state, with the object of reducing the menace of drug abuse in the society.

    “Between January and June this year, we carried out 191 sensitisation outings to schools, market places, churches, mosques, non governmental organisations amongst others,” she said.

    Umebuali said that the challenges of the command was underfunding and logistics.

    (NAN)