The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has solicited for the support of Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS) to enable corps members deployed to the state to locate the orientation camp with ease.

Mrs Funmi Okundaye, NYSC’s Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations Unit in Osun, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Osogbo.

NAN reports that the 2024 Batch C, Stream II corps members deployed to the state will commence their three-week orientation between on Jan. 22.

According to her, the transportation management system plays key roles in the movement of corps members to the camp and their various places of deployment across the state after the compulsory three-week orientation.

“The OSTMS roles cannot be over-emphasised, looking at the assistance being rendered to some corps members who have never been to the state before,’’ she said.

Okundaye called for more assistance from the organisation to enable corps members locate the orientation camp with ease.

According to her, the swearing-in of the new corps members will hold on Jan. 24 at the state orientation camp ground, with notable stakeholders expected to be in attendance.

She called for the support of all stakeholders in making the exercise a successful one.

Okundaye assured that NYSC would not relent in achieving its set goals and objectives, especially for the corps members deployed in the state.

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, emphasised the critical role of skills acquisition and education in the rehabilitation of women in detention.

Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, stated this at “the Women in Detention Workshop”, organised by Prison Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised to mark PRAWA’s 30th anniversary.

Ahmad, who stressed the need for addressing the needs and rehabilitation of women in detention, said that such women must be equipped with adequate skills for self-reliance.

“This gathering reflects our shared resolve to ensure that even within the four walls of correctional facilities, women are afforded the dignity, support and opportunities necessary to rebuild their lives.

“Education, both formal and informal, is central to the transformative power of rehabilitation. It is not merely a tool for personal development but a lifeline that can open doors for reintegration and independence.

“For women in detention, education is a pathway to self-discovery, self-reliance and the restoration of hope. Beyond education, skills acquisition is a critical component of rehabilitation.

“Many women in detention face economic hardship and social exclusion which often perpetuate cycles of criminality,” she said.

Ahmad said that by equipping them with skills relevant to their communities and marketable in today’s economy, such women would be empowered to return to society as productive and self-reliant individuals.

Ahmad further said: “Rehabilitation and reintegration are not acts of charity; they are investments in humanity.

“By prioritising the education, skill acquisition and special needs of women in detention, we create a society that values second chance and upholds the dignity of every individual,’’ the minister said.

Earlier, the Executive Director of PRAWA, Dr Uju Agomoh, said the organisation, a CSO, was established in 1994 to promote security, justice and development in Africa.

She also said that the event was designed to tackle the broader issues of prison conditions as well as human rights violations and rehabilitation.

“One key initiative is training health workers and legal professionals on how to document and address torture cases, focusing on the internationally-recognised `Istanbul Protocol’.

“In addition, PRAWA is working closely with Nigerian universities, including University of Lagos, University of Abuja and several others.

“This is to introduce paralegal training programmes that will empower students to assist in legal and human rights efforts within the criminal justice system,” Agomoh said.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.