Author: scriptech

Drug war: UNODC assures NDLEA of further support, partnership
. Marwa lists fresh drug use survey, NDCMP, test kits, training, others as areas of needs

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, of further support and renewed partnership in its ongoing effort to rid the country of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The assurance was given on Wednesday 5th February 2025 when the new Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure led a team of his top officials on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
While acknowledging the leadership role NDLEA plays in drug law enforcement in Africa and particularly the West African sub-region, the UNODC chief said his visit was to re-engage with the Agency on how to cascade the successes recorded at the national level to the states. He said this is because the drug scourge is at the basis of most of the security challenges at the subnational level.
According to him, “It is very important for us to re-engage and re-energize the relationship between UNODC and NDLEA and I think that me coming here today is to tell you I want to re-engage and reinvigorate our relationship so that it serves Nigeria as a whole and also the rest of this sub-region by following your lead.
“NDLEA has been our partner and even facilitated our implementation in Nigeria. So, I want a re-engagement of UNODC with NDLEA to see how together we can develop a greater plan to support the remaining implementation of the master plan and going forward, the new stages of engagement with Nigeria. And one thing that we want to look at is how NDLEA can provide increased capacity building to West African member countries so that together we fight this menace and share best practices”
In his remarks, Marwa appreciated the global body for its support to the agency over the years while expressing confidence that the new Country Representative will take the existing relationship to a new height. While listing some of the numerous achievements the agency has attained in the areas of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in the past four years with support of local and international partners including the UNODC, the NDLEA boss said the visit by the team provided the opportunity to present before them some of the areas they should consider in their support for the agency.
He asked the UNODC to support the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, which is the first in Africa, aimed at providing alternative means of livelihood for cannabis growers. “And so, if we are able to provide an alternative, that would be good for them and for society. And so that’s one of the areas that I would like greater collaboration. We need some support on this.
“The drug use survey is another project that we need support. The one published in 2018 is quite stale and we need a re-assessment, and I remember two or three years ago in Vienna, I spoke to the Director of UNODC directly on the need. Happily, now it’s in your sights I understand. So, that’s a most welcome development for us to reassess, to see what is the prevalence now, and what are the new trends and so on and so forth.
“The National Drug Control Master Plan is another area of need. The current master plan is 2021-2025. Another one is due. So, that’s certainly one more area that we would work together towards. Then capacity building and training. This is key to our work, because every organization, the bottom-line is the personnel. So, this capacity building has helped us and we need more master trainers. Let me conclude with the tools; we need handy field test kits. You can check and see what’s going to be possible now, what will be possible next year, and so on. Just to help us continue to do the work that we’re doing.”

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Wednesday 5th February 2025

MINISTRY OF POLICE AFFAIRS
INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

I WILL ENSURE PRESIDENT’S 8-POINT AGENDA IS IMPLEMENTED – DR. ANUMA
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nila has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the full implementation of Mr. President’s 8-Point Agenda as it affects the Police Ecosystem.
He stated this during a meeting with the Management and staff of the Ministry on his assumption of duty at the Ministry of Police Affairs Headquarters in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary expressed his willingness to facilitate and fastrack the needs of the Rank and files in the police that would enable them to provide effective and efficient service delivery to the citizens and maximum security in the country.
In his words, “We can change the narratives and bring smiles to the faces of the wives, children, and police officers across the country. When you joke about the welfare of the police, you have insecurity. We have to join hands to ensure we address the challenges they have”.
I am aware of the main mandate of this Ministry, which is to ensure internal security through the support of the Police Ecosystem and to ensure effective security policy implementation by providing sufficient administrative support to the Nigeria Police and Police Academy as well as promoting community policing through engagement with the citizens and leadership in the community across the country. Dr. Anuma stressed.
He charged the directorate cadre, staff, and stakeholders to support him in discharging his duty in the Ministry, adding that he runs an inclusive and open-door policy for effective and efficient service delivery to Nigerians.
According to him, “I will run an open-door policy, well inclusive administration where everybody would be carried along. I am a true Nigerian, a detribalized person who works with all ages, and my loyalty is 100 percent to the Honourable Minister, the CEO and Head of the Police Ecosystem”.
Earlier, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Okehie Isaac Tochukwu, in his welcome remarks, said that the management and staff of the Ministry are ready to cooperate and support Dr. Anuma to achieve the mandate of the Ministry.

Bolaji Oladimeji Kazeem
Deputy Director (Information & Public Relations)
February 5, 2025

38th African Union Summit to Focus on Reparatory Justice and Racial Healing Under the Theme: “Building a united front to advance the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans”
Senior leadership elections will be a key summit highlight
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 28, 2025/ — The African Union (AU) theme of the Year for 2025: “Building a united front to advance the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans”, will officially be launched by Heads of State and Government during the 38th AU Summit in February 2025.

This theme was decided on by the Heads of State and Government at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union held in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In the continuing pursuit of justice and equity, the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent. The scope of this conversation goes beyond historical injustices and into the current fabric of societies around the world.

To ensure that the theme and proposed actions are well understood ahead of the discussions, the AU has prepared a concept note. It notes that the complexities of addressing past wrongs, whether they stem from colonialism, trans-Atlantic enslavement, apartheid or systemic discrimination, necessitate a thorough examination and strategic approach. Having reparations for Africans and the people of African descent offers the AU the opportunity to take leadership on the Africa Reparations Agenda. It will also help to bring together the African citizenry and the African diaspora to build a common and united front, for the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans for historical crimes, and mass atrocities committed against Africans and people of African descent, including colonization, apartheid, and genocide.

Additionally, reparations as the theme of the year will further drive momentum generated over the years, for the AU Commission to promote an active AU-wide engagement on the subject of reparations, in close coordination with the AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU organs such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, the African Union Commission on International Law, the Pan African Parliament, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, as well as the United Nations system and other relevant partners.

What Does Reparatory Justice for Africa Entail?

Reparatory justice for Africa can promote healing, equity, and recognition of the rights and contributions of African peoples when defied. It encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices stemming from colonization, slavery, and systemic discrimination, including the following:

Historical Acknowledgment: Recognizing and documenting the impacts of colonialism and slavery on African societies is crucial. This includes research and public acknowledgment of the injustices faced by African people over centuries.
Financial Reparations: Proposals often include compensatory payments to African nations and communities affected by colonial exploitation. This could also involve investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to support economic development.
Land Restitution: Addressing issues of land ownership and restitution is essential, especially in countries where land was taken from indigenous populations. This can involve returning land or compensating communities for lost territories.
Cultural Preservation: Efforts should be made to restore and promote African cultural heritage that was suppressed or destroyed during colonial times. This includes funding for cultural institutions, education programs, and the return of cultural artifacts.
Policy Reforms: Advocating for changes in policies that perpetuate inequality and discrimination is vital. This can include reforms in education, health care, and economic policies that disproportionately affect African communities.
International Accountability: Engaging international bodies to hold former colonial powers accountable for their actions can foster a sense of global responsibility. This might involve diplomatic pressure or legal actions at international courts.
Community Empowerment: Supporting grassroots movements and empowering local communities to lead their own reparative justice initiatives ensures that solutions are culturally relevant and community driven.
Continued Advocacy: Ongoing advocacy and education are essential to maintain momentum and keep the conversation about reparative justice alive. This can involve coalitions, campaigns, and public forums to raise awareness and support for the cause.
The election of the senior leadership of the AU Commission will be a key highlight. Details are available here

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
SOURCE
African Union (AU)