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.

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.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday traveled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to represent Nigeria at the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE 2024).

The six-day conference, taking place at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre from November 27 to December 2, 2024, focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries.”

Shettima’s visit follows an invitation from Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, according to a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha.

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The Vice President is expected to use the platform to highlight Nigeria’s advancements in hydrocarbon exploration and production while engaging with global leaders and industry stakeholders.

“This is an opportunity to share Nigeria’s experiences and successes in the oil and gas sectors,” Nkwocha stated.

Organized by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, SIREXE 2024 serves as a global meeting point for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss sustainable practices in extractive and energy development.

Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Abuja later on Wednesday after attending the conference’s opening events.