Archives 2025

RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
10 August 2025

Nigeria is in mourning following the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a seasoned politician whose career spanned more than four decades across several political parties and national roles. The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Buhari administration died on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 78, according to a statement from his family.

Born in Efugo-Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Ogbeh entered politics in the late 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Deputy Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly before being appointed Minister of Communications in the Second Republic at the age of 32 under President Shehu Shagari.

In 2001, Ogbeh took the reins as National Chairman of the PDP, leading Africa’s then-largest political party through critical moments in Nigeria’s democratic history. Though he resigned in 2005 following disagreements with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, his legacy as a principled leader remained untarnished.

Ogbeh returned to national service in 2015, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. During his tenure, he championed agricultural reforms, supported local food production, and promoted agro-entrepreneurship, policies that reshaped Nigeria’s food security landscape.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his condolence message, described Ogbeh as “a patriot whose wisdom and commitment to national development left an impact on Nigeria’s political life.” He highlighted the late politician’s contributions to policy discussions and practical approaches to governance.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, paid a condolence visit to Ogbeh’s Abuja residence, calling him “a distinguished public servant” who contributed to governance at multiple levels. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, reacting from Uganda, described him as “a committed patriot and believer in participatory democracy.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred to Ogbeh as “a dedicated Nigerian who played a role in shaping our democratic journey,” while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar noted that he was “a development-minded politician who blended intellectualism with pragmatism.”

Former Senate President David Mark called Ogbeh “a rare breed of political leader who believed in justice, fairness and equity,” and recalled their longstanding political association. Former Delta State Governor James Ibori recounted a political encounter during the 2003 elections in which Ogbeh, then PDP chairman, declined to block his candidacy despite political pressure.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed his condolences, calling Ogbeh “a guiding light for generations of Nigerian leaders. ”The Northern States Governors’ Forum described Ogbeh as “an accomplished leader and seasoned politician,” while the Arewa Consultative Forum noted his contributions to agriculture, highlighting his work in introducing agricultural reform initiatives aimed at improving transparency and mechanisation.

Beyond politics, Ogbeh was known for his interests in farming, education, and writing. A farmer by profession, he combined public service with agricultural advocacy, often championing self-sufficiency and rural development.

Chief Audu Ogbeh’s career reflected Nigeria’s political evolution over the past four decades, moving between parties, holding ministerial posts, and participating in key moments of governance. While reactions to his passing differ in emphasis, there is broad agreement that his contributions spanned politics, agriculture, and public discourse.

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
8 August 2025

Nigeria’s journalistic landscape stands still as tributes pour in for Dr Doyin Abiola, the formidable matriarch of Nigerian media and widow of the late MKO Abiola, whose death at the age of 82 marks the end of an era defined by fearless journalism, democratic advocacy, and trailblazing leadership.

Dr Abiola, celebrated as the first woman to helm a national newspaper in Nigeria, passed away on Tuesday night. Her passing has drawn an emotional cascade of tributes from leaders across the political and media spectrum, highlighting a legacy etched in courage, intellect, and patriotic resilience.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a deeply personal tribute, hailed Dr Abiola as a “towering icon of the press, a brave Amazon in the fight for democracy, and a relentless champion of women’s empowerment.” Reflecting on her pivotal role during the June 12, 1993 crisis, Tinubu recalled how she fearlessly challenged the military regime that annulled her husband’s electoral victory. “She stood not just as a wife but as a soldier of democracy in her own right,” the President declared.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lauded her as “a fiery journalist, human rights crusader, and a symbol of moral clarity,” while Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State emphasised her strength during Nigeria’s most volatile political periods. “Her legacy goes beyond journalism—she epitomised sacrifice, resilience, and moral conviction,” Abiodun said.

A journalism scholar with a PhD in Communications and Politics, Dr Abiola joined the Concord Press in its early days and swiftly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief—a historic feat for a woman in the male-dominated newsroom of the 1980s. Under her leadership, Concord became not only a household name but a voice of the people, often at great personal and institutional risk during military clampdowns.

Her colleagues remember her not only for her intellect but for her maternal leadership. Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, described her as “a boss, a mother, and a mentor rolled into one—a woman of uncommon grace, grit, and genius.”

The Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), mourning one of its own, called her “a rare breed in media history” and hailed her as the first woman to sit atop a national editorial desk.

Dr Doyin Abiola leaves behind a powerful legacy—one that shaped modern Nigerian journalism, inspired generations of women, and anchored a nation’s conscience during its darkest democratic trials.

The nation bows in respect as the media icon of Nigerian Journalism takes her final curtain.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
7 August 2025

In a dramatic and deeply troubling turn of events, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has come under intense national scrutiny following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results—the worst performance recorded in the past five years. The figures have not only stunned stakeholders but also ignited widespread protests, digital outrage, and an avalanche of unanswered questions.

Out of the 1,969,313 students who sat for the examination between April and June, only 754,545 candidates (38.32%) managed to secure credit passes in at least five subjects including Mathematics and English Language—a jaw-dropping plunge from the 72.12% pass rate recorded just a year ago in 2024. The 33.8 percentage point decline has set off alarm bells across the country.

The wave of anger and disbelief has swept through households, schools, and the education sector at large. In states such as Lagos, Rivers, and Kano, frustrated parents have taken to WAEC liaison offices in protest, demanding explanations for either partially released or completely withheld results. “This isn’t just failure—it’s sabotage,” exclaimed Mrs. Nwosu, a parent protesting in Port Harcourt. “Our children are not statistics. They deserve better.”

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Mr. Amos Dangut, acknowledged the steep drop in performance during a press conference in Lagos, attributing it to the Council’s stepped-up efforts to combat malpractice. Key among these was the serialisation of objective papers in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, and Economics, making it more difficult for candidates to copy from one another.

But many stakeholders argue that this crackdown, while necessary, has exposed deeper systemic weaknesses and collateral damage in WAEC’s approach. “We support exam integrity, but the sudden collapse in pass rates suggests poor preparedness, not just by students, but perhaps also by the examination system itself,” said a secondary school principal in Kaduna.

Fueling further tensions is the fact that 262,803 candidates (13.34%) have had their results withheld over alleged exam malpractice, while 451,796 candidates are still waiting for results in one or more subjects due to technical or procedural issues.

In some regions, like Anambra, allegations of preferential treatment have emerged. An anonymous whistleblower claimed that a private school notorious for aiding exam cheating recorded near-perfect results—raising suspicions about the consistency of WAEC’s enforcement.

Meanwhile, thousands of students complained of server failures and portal downtime, leaving many unable to access their results online. Social media erupted with hashtags like reflecting a nationwide sense of betrayal.

Amid the chaos, WAEC noted that 12,178 candidates with special needs also participated in the exam and that their results have been processed and released. Still, this silver lining does little to overshadow the storm.

Education stakeholders are now demanding a transparent audit, improved communication strategies, and urgent reform within WAEC. For a generation of students caught in the crossfire, the academic uncertainty is deeply unsettling.

As public confidence in Nigeria’s premier examination body falters, the release of the 2025 WASSCE results may go down as not just a statistical anomaly—but a national crisis that could redefine the future of standardized testing in the country.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
5 August 2025

ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a momentous celebration of excellence and national pride, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with royal rewards following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket Championship victory.

At a grand presidential reception held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima—standing in for the President—announced a generous reward of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each member of the coaching and technical crew. Every team member and staff also received a three-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope Estate, in addition to the conferral of one of Nigeria’s highest civilian honours—the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The victorious D’Tigress, who outclassed Mali 78–64 to clinch their seventh AfroBasket title, were warmly received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Second Lady Nana Shettima, along with top dignitaries including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Assembly Sports Committee leaders.

In a heartfelt speech, Shettima hailed the players as “symbols of excellence and unity”, emphasizing how their triumph exemplifies the power of teamwork and determination. “When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose. And now, you wear the crown of African basketball with unmatched grace,” he said.

Special accolades were reserved for Head Coach Rena Wakama, who led the team to glory and inspired a new generation of girls in sports. “Coach Wakama, your quiet strength has shattered ceilings. You are not just a coach—you are a movement,” Shettima declared.

Tributes also poured in for standout stars Amy Okonkwo (tournament MVP) and Ezinne Kalu, whose heroics powered Nigeria to a flawless final. “To the young people of Nigeria, D’Tigress is proof that dreams built on discipline and belief will always rise,” Shettima said .

Tinubu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to sports as a driver of national development. “We see sports not only as entertainment, but as diplomacy, employment, education, and infrastructure,” Shettima noted.

From the court to the corridor of honours, D’Tigress reign not only as African champions—but now as national treasures.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
5 August 2025

In a stunning triumph that has ignited national pride and admiration worldwide, 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, a student from Yobe State, Nigeria, has been crowned the world’s best in English language skills at the prestigious 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London.

Representing Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe, Nafisa rose above over 20,000 participants from 69 countries—including several from native English-speaking nations—to clinch the top spot. Her achievement marks a momentous milestone not only for her state but for Nigeria as a whole, proving that talent and excellence can emerge from any corner of the globe.

The TeenEagle Global Finals, renowned for its rigorous assessment of grammar, comprehension, public speaking, and critical thinking, saw fierce competition from global finalists across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Still, Nafisa stood out, earning top marks and applause from international judges who hailed her “mastery of the English language and mature command of thought.”Nafisa’s success in such a comprehensive contest is a testament to both her personal discipline and the quality of education she received in Nigeria.

“It’s not just a win for me,” Nafisa said with humility after being declared champion. “It’s a win for every girl who dares to dream, for my community, and for Nigeria.”

In a statement released by Hassan Salifu, head of the Aminu family, her triumph was attributed to “dedication, discipline, and the enabling support of the Yobe State government.” He praised Governor Mai Mala Buni for his visionary commitment to education:

“Our daughter’s global success would not have been possible without the strategic investments in education by His Excellency, Governor Buni. This victory has brought immense honour to our family, our school, Yobe State, and Nigeria at large.”

The family also expressed deep appreciation to the leadership and academic staff of Nigerian Tulip International College, thanking them for cultivating a learning environment that empowers students to compete on international platforms.

Furthermore, they called on the state and federal governments to formally recognise Nafisa’s groundbreaking achievement, noting that it underscores the fact that Nigerian students are more than capable of excelling globally when provided with the right support and academic infrastructure.

Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI) joined in celebrating Nafisa’s success, issuing a heartfelt congratulatory message:

“We at RYNI are incredibly proud of Nafisa Abdullah Aminu. Her victory is an embodiment of intellectual excellence, national pride, and the unbreakable spirit of Nigerian youth. She is an inspiration to her generation and a symbol of what is possible when talent meets opportunity.”

Social media erupted with celebration as tributes poured in from educators, global observers, and political leaders, with many hailing Nafisa as the 

From the quiet classrooms of Yobe to the global spotlight in London, Nafisa’s voice has echoed a message of hope, brilliance, and boundless potential.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
4 August 2025

History was made under the floodlights of the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Sunday night as Nigeria’s women’s basketball juggernaut, D’Tigress, roared past Mali with a commanding 78–64 victory to clinch their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title—and seventh overall, solidifying their reign as the undisputed queens of African basketball.

With this win, D’Tigress not only defended their crown, but carved their name in golden ink—becoming the first team in tournament history to win five back-to-back championships. Their dominance was further underscored by their staggering 29-game winning streak, a run that has remained unbroken since 2017.

A Battle of Fire and Focus

The final was no cakewalk. Mali arrived with vengeance in their eyes and fire in their stride, seizing an early lead to end the first quarter 26–21. Sika Koné and Amina Dembele spearheaded Mali’s offensive charge, threatening to derail Nigeria’s march to history.

But champions are never rattled—they recalibrate. D’Tigress responded with poise, anchored by Murjanatu Musa’s physical presence and Victoria Macaulay’s reliable bench performance. By halftime, the game had evened out at 41–41, setting the stage for a second-half showdown.

Then came the Nigerian surge.

The Queens Strike Back

Amy Okonkwo lit up the scoreboard with 19 points, while floor general Ezinne Kalu delivered a clinic in composure, racking up 20 points and orchestrating the offense with surgical precision. Promise Amukamara and Macaulay provided crucial support, and Musa added timely rebounds and grit in the paint.

A game-defining third quarter saw Nigeria wrestle control with a 20–15 run, capped by a clutch three-point play from Okonkwo. By the fourth, D’Tigress had not only taken the lead but seized the moment—closing out the game with a decisive 17–8 burst that left Mali chasing shadows.

Coach Wakama’s Rising Legacy

At the helm of this relentless squad is Coach Rena Wakama, the trailblazing tactician who, in 2023, became the first woman to lead D’Tigress to a title. Now with back-to-back championships, her legacy is growing just as fast as her team’s legend.

A Nation Applauds

President Bola Tinubu, in a congratulatory message, hailed the team’s discipline, unity, and excellence, stating: “Once again, our daughters have brought glory to Nigeria. They are an inspiration to the continent and a beacon of what is possible through resilience and teamwork.”

As the curtain falls on the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, one thing is undeniable: D’Tigress are not just champions—they are a dynasty in motion.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
3 August 2025

Buckingham Palace saw an explosion of rhythm and royalty this week as Nigeria’s own Burna Boy ignited the stage during the England Lionesses’ Euro 2025 championship celebration, blending football glory with Afrobeat fire in a historic cultural crescendo.

Fresh from their thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain — after a tense 1-1 draw in extra time — the Lionesses were honoured in a glittering parade held at the Palace grounds, where pomp and pageantry met the pulse of African sound.

In a moment that stunned fans and dignitaries alike, the Grammy-winning sensation emerged to perform his global hit “For My Hand”, originally featuring Ed Sheeran. As the first notes rang out, the 100,000-strong crowd erupted in cheers, with mobile phones raised and feet moving in rhythm. But it wasn’t just fans who were swept up — England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, herself couldn’t resist the magnetic pull of the music.

Wiegman, beaming from ear to ear, was spotted singing along and dancing with the players. She later joined Burna Boy on stage, wrapping the artist in a warm embrace that sent waves across social media and sealed the night as one of the most unexpected and iconic in English football celebration history.

Sources close to the team confirmed what many fans suspected — the Dutch-born coach is an avid Burna Boy fan. “She plays his music in the locker room before matches. It’s her way of bringing the team together,” one insider revealed. Former Lioness and BBC pundit Alex Scott confirmed, “Burna Boy is actually Sarina’s favourite artist — this was her dream moment.”

The celebration, though rooted in sport, quickly transformed into a multicultural showcase. Burna Boy’s powerful presence represented not only a musical performance, but a symbol of unity between cultures — and a nod to the growing global influence of African music. Social media buzzed with praise, with hashtags like #BurnaAtThePalace and #LionessesMeetAfrobeat trending across platforms.

For Burna Boy, the performance marked another crowning moment in a stellar year, as he continues to bridge continents and bring Afrobeat to iconic stages. But for the Lionesses, it was a night of gratitude, laughter, dancing — and a reminder that football, at its best, brings the world together in celebration.

With this unforgettable fusion of sport and sound, Euro 2025’s legacy won’t just be remembered for the goals scored, but for the beat that brought Buckingham Palace to life.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
3 August 2025

A thunderous celebration over Nigeria’s footballing triumph has given way to a thunderstorm of outrage, as President Bola Tinubu’s jaw-dropping gift of $100,000 (₦150 million) to each member of the victorious Super Falcons has opened old wounds among Nigeria’s forgotten heroes—retired police officers and military veterans.

On Monday, the triumphant Super Falcons, having staged a sensational comeback to clinch their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, were hosted at the Presidential Villa. But the real kicker wasn’t the photo ops or the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger—it was the President’s staggering gift: $100,000 (N150m) to each player and $50,000 to technical crew members, plus a three-bedroom flat in the FCT’s Renewed Hope Estate.

While the glittering reward drew cheers from some quarters, it ignited a storm of criticism elsewhere—most notably from retired military and police personnel who feel abandoned by the country they bled for.

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore captured the national mood with a blistering reaction:

“Life is brutally unfair to Nigerian police officers. After 35 years of service, they receive just ₦2 million as gratuity. But athletes get ₦150 million for a single tournament? That’s beyond inequality—it’s state-sanctioned insult.”

His words have found resonance across barracks and retired officers’ associations, where bitterness now simmers beneath weary uniforms and hospital bills.

“A Game of Misplaced Priorities”

Punch gathered that among the loudest critics are ex-servicemen under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), who view the President’s gesture as a glaring indictment of government priorities.

Lukmon Aderibigbe, a retired army corporal who served in active combat against insurgents, struggled to conceal his grief:

“How do you reward a 90-minute football game with N150m, yet soldiers who risk their lives daily for 35 years retire into suffering?” he asked, his voice breaking. “My friend died from injuries the army refused to treat because NHIS said gunshot wounds weren’t covered.”

The bitterness runs deep. Aderibigbe claims his own gratuity was a mere N2m after 15 years of active duty, and that attempts to have his pension recalculated following the new minimum wage fell on deaf ears.

“I Took the Bullets, Got Peanuts”

Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu, a former Lance Corporal wounded by a suicide bomber in 2017, paints an equally bleak picture.

“N150m can’t replace what I lost,” he told PUNCH. “I paid for my treatment myself. Thirteen years of service, and all I got was a little over N2m. That’s the value of my sacrifice?”

He isn’t alone. In Yobe, ex-Corporal Abdullahi Idris, now walking with a limp from a service injury, said his N72,900 monthly pension barely keeps him alive. “The government has made us third-class citizens,” he said. “We sacrificed our youth. Now we are forgotten.”

Retired Police Officers: ‘Why Not Us?’

It’s not just the military. Retired police officers under the CPS are furious too. Mannir Lawal, a leader among them, lamented:

“We were told there’s no money. Then suddenly, N150m appears for footballers. That insult cuts deep.”

Another, Buba Danjuma, accused the government of favouring spectacle over service. “The girls played for 90 minutes. We served for decades, many of us dying in the line of duty. Yet we are rewarded with suffering and silence.”

Presidency Stands Firm

However, the Presidency is unmoved. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the criticisms as unrelated:

“You cannot link their reward to other sectors. Nigerians are proud of the Falcons’ achievement. The gesture is deserved,” he stated.

But for the thousands of retired soldiers and police officers facing unpaid entitlements, neglected injuries, and rising costs of living, the message is clear: their battles are long over—and so, it seems, is the nation’s gratitude.

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RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
1 August 2025

In a bold and thunderous political maneuver, former Senator and fiery political crusader, Dino Melaye, has officially severed ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—a party that once hoisted him to national prominence. The former Kogi West lawmaker has now pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what many analysts see as a defiant protest against Nigeria’s floundering political establishment.

The dramatic declaration came via Melaye’s verified X account (formerly Twitter), where he posted a signed resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Just hours later, a video surfaced showing him jubilantly receiving his ADC membership card—a symbolic handshake into a party he now sees as more aligned with his vision for a reimagined Nigeria.

“This is not just about leaving a party,” Melaye asserted in a follow-up statement. “It’s about reclaiming integrity, principle, and purpose in Nigerian politics.”

Melaye’s parting words, laced with frustration and moral reckoning, left no ambiguity. “I can no longer operate under a structure that has lost touch with the people’s pain and Nigeria’s pulse,” he wrote, calling out the PDP’s alleged inertia in addressing the “political termites eating away at the soul of the nation.”

The resignation letter, dated July 4, 2025, did more than announce an exit—it signaled a political rebirth. Melaye, known for his flamboyant persona and firebrand oratory, lamented that after years of political labor within the PDP, the party had failed to evolve into a credible alternative capable of confronting Nigeria’s deepening crises.

Political watchers see Melaye’s move as both strategic and symbolic. Having contested the Kogi State governorship under the PDP in 2023, his departure is already sending tremors through the state’s political terrain. The ADC, a party long hovering on the fringes, may now find itself thrust into the spotlight, armed with Melaye’s name recognition and loyal base.

While he expressed gratitude for his past with the PDP, Melaye made it clear that his decision was final. “I leave with no bitterness, but with a burning passion for national transformation,” he said.

As Nigeria inches closer to another electoral cycle, Dino Melaye’s political pivot may just be the first in a series of high-stakes realignments shaking the foundations of conventional party politics. One thing is certain—the man is not done yet.

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RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
31 July 2025

In an unprecedented policy shift aimed at tackling Nigeria’s deepening substance abuse crisis among youth, the Federal Government has announced mandatory drug integrity testing for students in tertiary institutions nationwide.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this declaration on Wednesday following a strategic meeting in Abuja with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd). The move, he said, is both urgent and non-negotiable.

“We do not have a choice,” Alausa asserted. “We’re starting with drug tests for all new and returning students in our tertiary institutions—and we will follow through with random testing as well.”

The measure is part of a wider three-pronged strategy proposed by the NDLEA to combat the alarming rise in youth drug use: a complete overhaul of drug education in school curricula, the introduction of dedicated anti-drug programmes in secondary schools, and the rollout of nationwide drug testing policies for campuses.

Marwa, a relentless voice in Nigeria’s war on narcotics, warned that substance abuse has become a national emergency, directly fueling terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. “We are fighting for the souls of our children,” he said. “Without drugs, many criminal activities simply wouldn’t happen.”

Citing the NDLEA’s arrest of over 40,000 drug offenders and seizure of more than 5,500 metric tonnes of narcotics in just two years, Marwa emphasized the gravity of the threat. “This is not just about discipline—this is about national survival,” he declared.

Dr. Alausa echoed the concern, painting a bleak picture of how drug use is derailing Nigeria’s youth. “When our students are ensnared by drugs, their education suffers,” he said. “It blunts their critical thinking, erodes their judgment, and renders them unemployable. That’s the beginning of a dangerous cycle.”

In a bold structural response, the minister announced the creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education. He also committed to revising the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education content, starting immediately.

Alausa further revealed plans to partner with the Universal Basic Education Commission and TETFund to strengthen the NDLEA’s academy in Jos, Plateau State, and to cascade preventive education down to the primary level.

“This is a national duty,” he concluded. “We must protect our youth from the slow poison of drugs. Education must lead the charge.”

If implemented effectively, the initiative could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long battle against youth substance abuse, placing schools at the forefront of prevention and early intervention.

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