Once Upon A Time – July 26 – 1803 – Surrey Iron Railway, World’s First Public Railway, Opens In South London

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 26, 2023

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657 Battle of Siffin during the first Muslim civil war between Ali ibn Abi Talib and Muawiyah I beside Euphrates River

1519 Francisco Pizarro receives royal charter for the west coast of South America

1533 Francisco Pizarro orders the death of the last Sapa Inca Emperor, Atahualpa

1803 The Surrey Iron Railway, arguably the world’s first public railway, opens in south London

1908 United States Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issues an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner (later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation)

1945 Declaration of Potsdam: US, Britain and China demand the unconditional surrender of Japan during WWII

1953 Fidel Castro leads a failed attack on the Moncada Barracks, intended to spark a revolution in Cuba

Historical Events Today Events in 2023

Today in Film & TV

1896 Vitascope Hall, 1st permanent for-profit movie theatre, opens in New Orleans

Today in Music

1882 Richard Wagner’s opera “Parsifal” premieres in Bayreuth, Germany

Today in Sport

1984 Expos Pete Rose ties Ty Cobb with his 3,502nd single

1903 – Horatio Nelson Jackson, Sewall K. Crocker, and a bulldog named Bud complete 1st automobile trip across the United States; San Francisco to New York in a 2-cylinder Winton (63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes)

2017 – 3 live king cobras reported found inside potato chip cans by customs officials in Los Angeles

Famous Weddings

1797 US President John Quincy Adams (29) weds Louisa Johnson (22) at All Hallows Barking parish in London

1849 Prime Minister of Canada John Abbott (28) weds Mary Bethune at bride’s parents home

1895 Physicist and chemist Maria Skłodowska (27) weds physicist Pierre Curie (36) in Sceaux, France

Transfer: PSG To Offer Osimhen N43bn

By

Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is expected to earn €50m (N43bn) if he makes the move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in this transfer window

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis expects to receive a million-dollar offer for the player and has credited PSG as the only club that can afford the Nigeria international.

Other top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have pulled out of negotiations for Osimhen due to De Laurentiis’ high asking price. PSG has already made an offer of €120m for Osimhen which the Serie A champions have already rejected.

Napoli values Osimhen at €150m and no club is currently willing to meet that asking price.

“The only club that could afford Victor Osimhen is Paris Saint-Germain,” De Laurentiis told Mediaset.

“If (PSG president) Nasser Al Khelaifi wants to send in a bid around €200m we wait and see what happens. I personally think that Victor will stay here.”

PSG have reached a €300M deal with Al-Hilal for Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, although the player has not yet agreed to play in Saudi Arabia.

If the World Cup winner leaves the team, Osimhen would be the striker’s ideal replacement.

According to elfutbolero.us, if Napoli buy the 24-year-old, the player could receive a salary of €50m to be the star of the team but Osimhen is not keen on a move to the Ligue 1.

Osimhen scored 26 goals and made five assists in 32 league appearances last season, which was crucial to the Partenopei winning the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades.

He also became the first African to claim the prestigious Capocannoniere award, given to the top scorer in Serie A.

Tender For Tv Rights Of World Cup 2026 Qualifying Series Now Open

By

Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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With the African teams’ race to the FIFA World Cup finals starting in November, FIFA has opened an invitation to tender for the centralised media rights to all of the matches.

The draw for the qualifying competition was recently conducted in Abidjan.

According to a press statement by FIFA, an agreement was reached with all 54 member associations of CAF in August 2019. In the agreement, the media rights to all African qualifiers for the 2022 and 2026 instalments of the FIFA World Cup would be managed by FIFA under a centralised sales model.

The agreement also specifies that all profits generated will be distributed among the 54 member associations of CAF.

For the first time ever, up to 10 African teams will have the opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 – a notable increase from the five qualifying berths that were available for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

This therefore represents a momentous opportunity for a number of emerging footballing nations from across Africa to create history, while also giving more African fans a chance to follow their teams as they compete for a place on football’s biggest stage.

The format of the African qualifiers has been extended for this edition, and it will be the first time that all 54 CAF affiliated national teams will compete together from the outset of the tournament.

This means that there will be a record of 273 qualifying matches, which will be played across the continent between November 2023 and November 2025.

A group phase featuring nine groups of six teams, each playing home and away in a roundrobin format, will see the nine group winners qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The four best group runners-up will then compete in a play-off round to determine the CAF representative at the FIFA intercontinental play-off tournament, through which another spot at the FIFA World Cup 26 is available.

The newly opened tender process will allow FIFA to select the media companies that are best placed to meet the required transmission and production commitments that will enable it to achieve its objectives of reaching the widest-possible audience and providing a high-quality viewing experience for fans.

FIFA calls on media companies or organisations wishing to participate in the tender process can request the invitation to tender by contacting AfricaQualifiersFWC2026@fifa.org.

The bid submission deadline is 11:00 CEST on Tuesday, 29 August 2023.

CBN Raises Interest Rate To 18.75%

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 26, 2023

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which measures interest rate, from 18.5% percent to 18.75%.

The acting CBN Governor, Folashodun Shonubi, made this known to Journalists after the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja.

This is the first decision of the monetary committee since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumption of office on May 29, 2023.

What CBN Should Do On Devious Charges – Expert

He said that the Committee took decision to sustain efforts at anchoring inflation expectation, narrow the negative real interest rate gap, and improve investor confidence.

“Following the outlook for the domestic economy, members were of the view that the Committee was confronted with only two policy options, to hold or marginally hike the policy rate to offset the moderate increase in headline inflation. Considering the option to a hold, the Committee reviewed the impact of the continued rise in inflation on various macroeconomic variables, noting the potential dampening effect on output growth. Members agreed unanimously that the previouS series of rate hikes had indeed greatly moderated the pace of price development and was gradually but steadily yielding the expected outcome. The option to continue to hike the policy rate, albeit moderately, also presents a strong alternative. This is premised on the expected liquidiiy injections into the economy, from the recent policy developments and the likely impact on inflation.

The Committee remained cautious in arriving at a policy decision as Members noted the need to continue to support investment which will ultimately lead to the recovery of output growth. The balance of these arguments thus, leaned in favour of a moderate rate hike, to sustain efforts at anchoring inflation expectation, narrow the negative real interest rate gap, and improve investor confidence.”

According to him, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to raise the MPR by 25 basis points, from 18.50 to 18.75 per cent; adjust the asymmetric corridor to +100/-300 basis points around the MPR from the previous corridor of +100/-700 basis points around the MPR; retain the CRR at 32.5 per cent; and Retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.

It would be recalled that last week, Nigeria’s inflation rose to 22.79% in June from the 22.41% recorded in May 2023

This was amid the increase in food prices and the rising cost of transportation due to the removal of fuel subsidy

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) the CPI measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services.

Amazing Statistics Ahead Of Super Falcons Crunchy Match Against Co-Hosts, Australia’s Matildas

By

Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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oint-hosts Australia got their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign off to a promising start with an opening victory against the Republic of Ireland, and they will be looking to build on that against Nigeria as they bid to take a big step towards qualification for the knockout stage.

Nigeria claimed an excellent goalless draw against Olympic champions Canada in their tournament curtainraiser, a result that will give them plenty of confidence coming into this encounter.

That was the Super Falcons’ first scoreless stalemate in 27 FIFA Women’s World Cup outings, and they will be eager to produce another solid defensive display against the Matildas in Brisbane/Meaanjin.

The two teams have met once before – back in the group stage of the 2015 edition – and it was Australia who emerged victorious on that occasion thanks to two unanswered goals from Kyah Simon.

Head-to-Head:12/06/2015, Australia 2-0 Nigeria, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 group stage, Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg (Canada)

KEY FACTS

Australia have won their last three FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against African opposition.
Australia have won ten of their last 11 international matches (Win:10, Lost 1).
The Matildashave kept seven clean sheets in their last nine international fixtures.
Australia have only failed to score in one of their last 21 FIFA Women’s World Cup group matches.
Nigeria have won only two of their last 18 FIFA Women’s World Cup encounters (Draw 3,Lost 13).
At the age of 40 years and 80 days, Onome Ebi could become the second-oldest player to feature in a Women’s World Cup match, and the oldest African player. The oldest player to make an appearance in FIFA Women’s World Cup history is Brazil’s Formiga, who lined up against France in 2019 aged 41 years and 112 days.

AUSTRALIA TEAM FACTS

Overall record: Play: 27, Win: 8, Draw: 6, Lost: 13, Goals For: 39, Goals Against: 50, Goal Difference: -11
Biggest win: Australia 4-1Ghana (12/09/2007), Australia 4-1 Jamaica (18/06/2019)
Biggest defeat: Australia 0-5Denmark (06/06/1995)
Highest scoring match: 6 goals – Australia 2-4 China PR (08/06/1995)
Most goals scored in a match: 4 – Australia 4-1 Ghana (12/09/2007)and Australia 4-1 Jamaica (18/06/2019)
Most goals conceded in a match: 5 – Australia 0-5 Denmark (06/06/1995)
Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 9 – 2007 and 2019 (4 matches)
Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 3 – 1995, 1999 and 2003 (3 matches)
Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 13 – 1995 (3 matches)
Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 5 – 2015 (5 matches)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS

Successive wins: 2 (2011 and 2019)
Successive defeats: 3 (1995 and 1999-2003)
Successive draws: 2 (2007)
Successive matches without a defeat: 4 (2007, 2015 and 2019-present)
Successive matches without a win: 9 (1995-2003)
Successive matches with a goal scored: 12 (1995-2007)
Successive matches without scoring: 1 (1995, 2011, 2015)
Successive clean sheets: 1 (2015, 2015 and 2023-present)

NIGERIA TEAM FACTS

Overall record: Play: 27, Win: 4, Draw: 4, Lost: 19, Goals For: 20, Goals Against: 63, Goal Difference: -43.
Biggest win: Nigeria 2-0 Denmark (27/06/1999), Nigeria 2-0 Korea Republic (12/06/2019)
Biggest defeat: 0-8Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)
Highest scoring match: 8 goals – Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)and Nigeria 1-7 USA (24/06/1999)
Most goals scored in a match: 3 – Nigeria 3-3 Canada (08/06/1995), Nigeria 3-4 Brazil (01/07/1999)and Nigeria 3-3 Sweden (08/06/2015)
Most goals conceded in a match: 8 – Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)
Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 8 – 1999 (4 matches)
Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 0 – 1991 and 2003 (3 matches)
Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 14 – 1995 (3 matches)
Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2 – 2011 (3 matches)

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS

Successive wins: 1 (four times)
Successive defeats: 4 (three times)
Successive draws: 1 (four times, the last of which was 2023-present)
Successive matches without a defeat: 2 (2011-2015)
Successive matches without a win: 9 (1999-2011)
Successive matches with a goal scored: 6 (1995-1999)
Successive matches without scoring: 4 (1991-1995 and 2007-2011)
Successive clean sheets: 1 (four times, the last of which was 2023-present)

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Oparanozie Set For Crucial Return Against Australia

By

Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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The China-based star is looking good to play some part in Thursday’s game as Nigeria will need goals to secure the win they are hoping for against the Australians.

Fresh updates from the Super Falcons camp suggest Desire Oparanozie could play some part in Thursday’s crunch clash between Nigeria and tournament co-hosts Australia at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The power forward who was conspicuously missing during the opening Group B clash against Canada is now nearing full fitness ahead of the tricky game billed for Lang Park.

A statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday revealed Oparanozie copped an injury on the last day of the final training camp in Gold Coast, days before the FIFA World Cup but she is now on the road to full recovery.

“She (Oparanozie) trained on her own, kicking the ball on the side of the pitch as the other 21 players were drilled by Waldrum and his assistants,” Monday’s statement by the NFF indicated.

The China-based star is looking good to play some part in Thursday’s game as Nigeria will need goals to secure the win they are hoping for against the Australians.

The knock to Asisat Oshoala also makes Oparanozie almost a sure bet for some game time on Thursday.

The technical crew also have the versatile Jennifer Echegini on the roster, as well as Uchenna Kanu.

Meanwhile, Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who saved a penalty taken by non-pareil Christine Sinclair and won the MVP award on the day, was allowed off perhaps to relax her nerves.

It was also gathered Australia captain Sam Kerr is still doubtful about the Nigeria clash as she continues to nurse the injury that ruled her out of the first game against the Irish.

Australia are dictating the pace in Group B with three points and could seal their place in the Round of 16 once they get past the Super Falcons.

Electricity: Senate Seeks Suspension of Proposed Hike

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 26, 2023

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Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, called on the federal government to intervene and halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the distribution companies, DISCOs.

It also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC) to decentralize the proposed engagement with stakeholders scheduled for Abuja, to the six geo-political zones of the federation for effective participation by all.

The Senate’s resolutions were sequel to a motion, titled: “Need to halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by eleven successor electricity distribution companies, DISCOs” sponsored by Senator Yunus Akintunde and two others.

Leading debate on the motion, Senator Akintunde, noted that the 11 successor DISCOs have applied for rate review with the NERC, saying that “the request for rate review is premised on the need to incorporate in macro-economic parameters and other factors affecting the quality of service, operations and sustainability of the companies.”

Senator Akintunde informed that the commission, in line with its mandate, requested the general public for comments on the rate review applications by the distribution licenses, while advising interested stakeholders to review and consider the excerpts of the applications filed with the commission by the respective licenses.

The lawmaker further observed that NERC, according to the powers conferred by Electricity Act 2023, is empowered to conduct a rate case hearing on the applications before making a ruling, adding that the commission had through its official website published and set July 20, 2023 deadline for comments by stakeholders.

Senator Akintunde expressed concern that “the proposed increase will significantly impact the affordability of electricity for the average Nigerian, further exacerbating the financial burdens faced by households and businesses.”

He added that it would impede industrial growth, job creation and economic development while it would also “have adverse effects on the nation’s drive towards sustainable development and poverty reduction.”

According to him, the time frame of less than one week provided by the NERC for comments from all relevant stakeholders was too small for any meaningful engagement.

The lawmaker said: “It is essential to address the issues of inadequate power supply, metering and quality of service provided by the DISCOs,” pointing out that “customers should not bear the brunt of inefficiencies in the power sector.”

The Senate, in its further resolutions, urged NERC to explore alternative measures to address the financial challenges faced by DISCOs such as improving operational efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms.

It also asked DISCOs to henceforth discontinue estimated billing and make available to all electricity consumers prepaid meters at affordable prices.

Thereafter, the Senate mandated its Committee on Power, when constituted, to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, the NERC and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the electricity sector, including the need for comprehensive reforms.

It added that DISCOs should henceforth liquidate the cost of electricity transformers purchased by communities or individuals before they are added to the billing system.

2023 Women Afrobasket: NBBF Releases Final List As D’Tigress Head For Title Defence In Rwanda

By

Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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The federation initially invited 18 players to camp on Monday, 17 July, with five players from the local league making the cut.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has released the names of 13 players who made the trip to Kigali for the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket.

The federation initially invited 18 players to camp on Monday, 17 July, with five players from the local league making the cut.

However, according to the trimmed list released on Tuesday, just one player from the local league, Murjanatu Musa Linan from First Bank, made the trip to Kigali.

The quartet of Theresa Auta Joy (First Bank), Hembam Wandoo M (MFM), Akaraiwe Nkem Uwa (Customs), and Mac-Dangosu A. Theresa (First Bank) were all deemed surplus to requirement.

The final team, which is primarily dominated by players based in the United States led by Toyosi Abiola, saw some regulars missing out after failing to take part in controversial tryouts organised by the NBBF.

Ify Ibekwe, Anthony Nyingifa, Adora Elonu, Oderah Chidom, and Victoria Macaulay won’t be part of the D’Tigress team to Kigali.

These players were influential in D’Tigress’ good run, which culminated in the qualification for the world cup last year.

Stalwart Nicole Enabosi Ehizele, meanwhile, has been placed on standby.

Implications

The travelling party to the Women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, no doubt, is a strong statement, signifying a change in the guard for the Rena Wakama-led team.

The newly appointed coach leads the team to Rwanda with the help of three assistant coaches and a player development coach.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress are the competition’s defending champions after winning the title back to back in 2019 in Dakar, Senegal, and in 2021 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Nigeria will kickstart the defence of their title against DR Congo in the opening game of the championship on Friday.

US Re-commit to Nigeria’s Gender Equality Initiatives

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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July 26, 2023

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The American government has restated its commitment to initiatives that will drive gender equality in Nigeria.

This was made known by the Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Joseph Kruzich, during the graduation ceremony of 50 beneficiaries of the ‘Break the Bias, She Can’ initiative on Tuesday in Lagos.

The event was organised by Additional Plus Sports and Education Initiative in partnership with Lagos State Sports Commission.

NAN reports that ‘Break the Bias, She Can’, is an initiative of the Management of APSE in partnership with LSSC, to provide a one-tear sports and political empowerment programme for some outstanding girls.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos.

The programme was designed as a sport and political education with a major focus on taekwondo, table tennis and sensitisation.

It also involves a mentorship programme on political participation and how votes can count and be used as a tool in combating the disturbing phenomenon.

At the graduation ceremony of the 50 beneficiaries, the U.S. envoy in Nigeria, Kruzich noted that the drive toward gender equality was one of America’s dreams.

He said, “Gender equality is one of the core values of the Americans and I believe it is one of the core values of the Nigerian government as well.

“As both countries now have strong democracies, we are committed to working together with Nigeria to do more in the area of gender equality, economic development and good governance.

“We are not also forgetting the boys as well, because they are also important. We need both sides, but in traditional settings, we sometimes forget our women, their voices and needs are neglected.

“We want to focus on these, so that everyone in the society has a role to play in the rebirth of Nigeria, in her development and Africa as well.”

Kruzich also stated that the American government was excited to partner with the ‘Break the Barrier’ Initiative, adding that it is the right change that Nigeria needed.

“The U.S. government is excited to be part of this programme, especially because of the ambition of the initiator of this programme, Dr. Oluwaseun Nariwoh.

“This is a strong initiative that gives training in sports and educational development, which in turn gives confidence and political training.

“This programme would have afforded participants a good outlook on their roles in society and what they should do to make Nigerian society a better place. The initiative is great and the organisation is good; putting smiles on the faces of the children.

“It is now time for the children to show the world what stuff they are now made of, while we appreciate other organisations to come on board,” he said.

The President of the International Visitors Leadership Programme, Mrs. Adetoun Tade, U.S. Consulate, told Newsmen that the programme had been able to fulfil its mandate.

According to her, this is evident with the successful completion of the one-year intensive programme for the beneficiaries.

“This is a good way of giving back to society which we are all proud of and we will always like to support.

“This is the way to raise the next generation of talents that will positively impact our society and youths with responsible values.

“I am sure that this programme will be more encouraged to ensure its sustainability,” she said.

Also, the Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission Moses Kolawole, noted that the commission was proud to be part of the initiative.

He said that it was because the initiative was part of the core values being upheld by the state government.

“This is a programme that Lagos State is known for. We can’t have it better than this in raising responsible children to adulthood,” he added.

The initiator of APSE, Dr. Oluwaseun Nariwoh, said that the programme was designed to identify some gaps in the development of athletes, which included combining sports with education.

She said, “We need to prepare these young ones well ahead of the future challenges, and this is what we have been able to achieve.

“The young participants now know the values of education and not sports alone, which has a lifespan.”

Drug Control: NDLEA Cautions Medicine Sellers

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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July 26, 2023

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The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Rivers, Ahmed Mamuda, has advised the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers to be law-abiding.

He gave the advice during a one-day workshop organised by the NDLEA in collaboration with NAPPMED in Port Harcourt.

The workshop was themed, ‘The Role of NAPPMED in Curbing the Menace of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’.

Mamuda said that the theme was in line with the directives given by the Director General of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd) to collaborate with all critical stakeholders in the communities through the concept called ”War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA).

He said that the aim of the workshop was to educate NAPPMED members, who are very close to society on their responsibilities and limitations on dispensing drugs to the public.

“The aim is also to educate them on the need to collaborate with NDLEA to fight against drug abuse by educating the youths who indulge in illicit drug use on the dangers,” he added.

Mamuda decried the alarming rate of drug abuse in the state, noting that it was disturbing.

He, however, said the recent reduction of drug use activities recorded was due to some steps and measures put in place by the agency to curtail the abuse.

Mamuda advised NAPPMED members and all patent medicine vendors to abide by the law and desist from unethical dispensing of controlled drugs to members of the public.

Mamuda said the NDLEA was committed to achieving a drug abuse-free state and to ensuring that those caught dispensing drugs are arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

He called on the state government to include the Agency in the State Security Council.

According to him, the inclusion will enable it to bring its activities, achievements and challenges before the state government.

Also speaking, the NDLEA Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Mrs. Stella-Maris Amede, described illicit drug use as a global plague affecting both developed and developing nations.

While presenting a paper on “Consequences of Substance Abuse”, she mentioned three categories of Psychoactive drugs that affect the brain to include depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens, noting that they slow down brain activities.

Amede said NDLEA was addressing the problem through supply control measures and demand reduction activities aimed at reducing the menace to the barest minimum nationwide.

She also listed some of the drugs not to be sold by NAPPMED as Rohypnol, Amphetamines, Lexotan, Ephedrine tabs, cough and cold medications that have codeine.

Others are librium cap, tramadol, dextrose injection, phenobal injection, diazepam tablets and tramadol royal shrubbery flavour.

She urged NAPPMED and the public to desist from the sale and use of these medicines.

Desk Officer, Drug and Substance Abuse Control Unit, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Quanta Dappa, said the state government would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse were reduced to the barest minimum.

She noted that the state Ministry of Health constituted a Drug and Substance Reduction and Control committee of 11 members, comprising the NDLEA, Nigerian Police State Command, the Prison Correctional Centre, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Civil Defense Corps to curb the menace of drug abuse in the state.

She mentioned Tramadol as one of the drugs that pose a lot of problems in society and called on the public, especially young Nigerians, to desist from the use, except on the prescription of medical experts.

With promises to address most of the issues, the Acting President Rivers, NAPPMED, Mr. Charles Opara, commended the NDLEA for its efforts in sensitizing its members.

He said NAPPMED has a task force team that goes around all patent medicine stores to ensure that no member indulges in dispensing controlled drugs and trafficking of illicit drugs in the state.

He noted that NDLEA also carried out investigations and arrests, and has prosecuted persons indulging in the act.