The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has relocated its headquarters to a newly built facility in the Jahi district of Abuja, signaling a major step in the agency’s operational expansion.

The inauguration of the first phase of the headquarters project took place during a low-key interdenominational service on Wednesday.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Retd.), explained that the move was necessary to accommodate the agency’s growth and improve efficiency.

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“I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints,” Marwa said.

“Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will complete the process with next year’s budget.

This is not 100% completed, but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in because I was determined to relocate before the end of 2024.”

Marwa noted that the expansion of the agency had made the old headquarters in Gimbiya Street, Garki, inadequate. “I have had to post scores of officers due to a lack of space for them to work,” he added.

The new facility will consolidate directorates currently operating outside Abuja into one location to streamline operations.

The old office will now serve as the agency’s annex.

The NDLEA chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, which he credited for enabling the agency to make significant strides.

“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders, especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more. I believe this new work environment will motivate us to surpass past feats,” Marwa stated.

In his remarks, the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, highlighted achievements under Marwa’s leadership, including increasing the agency’s staff strength from 5,000 to 15,000, resolving long-standing allowances, amending its enabling law, and boosting professionalism.

“The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the agency by the chairman,” Haruna said.

“We have witnessed monumental achievements since 2021, including promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, and payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers.”

Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for President Tinubu and Nigeria during the event, which also featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on New Media, has clarified the origin of a viral video showing a heated exchange between the Governor and a young woman.

The video, which resurfaced on social media on Wednesday, was filmed during a public event in 2019, not a recent occurrence, as many had assumed.

In a statement posted on X.com, Gawat explained that the incident took place on January 28, 2019, at a question-and-answer session during a public event organized by Niteshift Coliseum in Opebi, Lagos.

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At the time, Sanwo-Olu was a governorship aspirant, engaging with the audience as part of his campaign.

Gawat emphasized that the young woman involved in the exchange raised her voice and became rude when asking her question, prompting a firm response from Sanwo-Olu.

He also pointed out that there were no security details, such as DSS or police officers, present during the interaction.

“The event continued peacefully afterward,” Gawat added, urging the public to view the video in its proper context as part of the 2019 election campaign.

The clarification follows widespread attention on the video, with some online users mistakenly assuming it was a recent incident.

Watch video below:

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, marked his administration’s second anniversary on Wednesday by announcing key accomplishments across various sectors, including the settlement of N12 billion in pension debts.

In a state broadcast to commemorate the milestone, Adeleke revealed that his government had paid off pension arrears totaling N12 billion in just two years, significantly surpassing the N11 billion settled by the previous administration over a 12-year period.

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“During the two years of our administration, we have successfully cleared N12 billion in pension debts, a feat that far exceeds the N11 billion settled by the previous government over 12 years,” Adeleke stated.

The governor also highlighted strides made in healthcare, with a focus on preventive care. “We pursue a preventive healthcare policy which places emphasis on access to health care,” he said, noting that his administration had upgraded 200 of the state’s nearly 400 primary healthcare centers.

These upgrades included the installation of solar power, boreholes, and the provision of medical materials.

Further strengthening the state’s healthcare system, Adeleke pointed to the success of two major Imole medical outreach programs, which have collectively served over 100,000 beneficiaries.

A third edition is already in the works, and the state has also enrolled 29,000 pensioners in a health insurance scheme to cover their medical expenses.

The governor also outlined major water supply initiatives, revealing that 332 boreholes had been drilled across Osun’s 332 political wards, with another set of boreholes currently under construction.

“332 boreholes were also delivered across the 332 political wards in the state, and another 332 borehole project is ongoing,” he said.

On the agricultural front, Adeleke spoke about his administration’s efforts to revitalize the state’s farming sector, including the revival of farm settlements and the launch of cocoa and cashew expansion projects.

To further support agriculture, the government has purchased 31 tractors to kick-start a state farm mechanization plan.

In education, Adeleke celebrated the establishment of the University of Ilesa, which has received take-off grants and accreditation for its courses.

“The University of Ilesa has also become a reality with take-off grants and accredited courses,” he said.

Additionally, the governor reported the rehabilitation of 99 secondary schools, the completion of four abandoned projects at Osun State University, and the launch of a new anatomy laboratory at the institution.

The upgrading of six technical colleges is also underway.

Looking ahead, the governor reassured citizens that his administration remains focused on completing ongoing projects and addressing the needs of the people.

“Our work is far from over,” Adeleke emphasized. “We are committed to ensuring the continued development of Osun State.”