Politics
‘I Could Have Fallen into Drug Addiction’ – Obasanjo Reflects on His Past, Warns Youths
‘I Could Have Fallen into Drug Addiction’ – Obasanjo Reflects on His Past, Warns Youths
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a strong warning to Nigerian youths about the dangers of drug use and abuse, stressing that such habits contribute nothing positive to life but instead lead to severe destruction.
He made this statement during the second edition of the “Fly Above The High” anti-drug campaign conference, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo called on young people to exercise self-control and resist the temptation of drugs, emphasizing the alarming rise of drug abuse not only in Nigeria but across West Africa. He pointed out that the region, once a mere transit point for illicit drugs, has now become a significant center of drug consumption. Reflecting on his experience as the Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation, he expressed deep concern over the growing crisis.
“Over a decade ago, when we conducted our research, we were shocked to discover that West Africa had become a major hub for drug consumption, not just trafficking. This situation has only worsened since then. The same patterns we see in West Africa are now spreading across the rest of Africa,” Obasanjo remarked, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.
The former president also shared a personal story from his youth, revealing how an early experiment with smoking could have led to addiction. He recalled how a brief attempt at smoking, which caused him to cough uncontrollably, discouraged him from continuing. “If I had persisted, I could have easily become addicted. Once you start, it’s incredibly difficult to stop,” he said, underscoring the importance of making wise choices from the beginning.
In his speech, Obasanjo reiterated that drugs offer no benefits and only bring harm to individuals and communities. “There is nothing that drugs can provide except destruction,” he warned. He also encouraged those already struggling with addiction to seek help and avoid hiding in shame, calling on society to support recovery without stigmatizing those affected.
Obasanjo’s message was directed not only to the youths present at the conference but also to students, mental health professionals, and policymakers, urging a collective effort to tackle the growing drug crisis and protect future generations from its devastating impact.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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