The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has responded strongly to allegations made by Senator Oyelola Ashiru from Kwara South, labeling his recent attack on the agency’s integrity as a vendetta rather than an expression of public interest.

During a press briefing at its National Headquarters in Abuja, the NDLEA addressed Senator Ashiru’s claims that “the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is corrupt and compromised…”

In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy for the NDLEA, the agency characterised Ashiru’s remarks as “unfortunate.”

Babafemi stated, “The NDLEA is compelled to call this press briefing today because of an unfortunate development earlier last week during plenary in the Nigerian Senate when some uncomplimentary, unfounded, defamatory remarks were made against the Agency.”

While acknowledging the Senate’s contributions toward national development, the NDLEA insisted it must respond to the senator’s comments made during discussions on a new bill for establishing the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation on October 15, 2024.

The agency expressed disappointment that after waiting a week for clarification from Ashiru, it felt compelled to set the record straight for the Senate, its partners, and the public.

Babafemi noted, “There is no doubt that setting up another agency is within the power of the Senate… Yet, for a member of the upper chamber to have made such an unfounded and unwarranted categorical statement against the Agency led us to look inward.”

The NDLEA alleges that Senator Ashiru’s attack is rooted in personal grievances linked to prior raids on his residence, where drugs and illicit substances were reportedly recovered, leading to the arrest of his aides.

Babafemi detailed, “Based on credible intelligence… the house was raided by our operatives at 1:30pm on February 4, 2024… two aides were arrested, while a third suspect escaped arrest.”

Despite Ashiru’s attempts to discredit the agency, the NDLEA highlighted its numerous achievements in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse, receiving international accolades and support.

“In the past three years, NDLEA has emerged as a regional leader among national drug law enforcement agencies,” Babafemi asserted.

The agency reiterated its commitment to continue dismantling illicit drug networks across the country, including those allegedly connected to the senator.

Babafemi concluded, “If Senator Ashiru has a personal grudge against NDLEA, it shouldn’t be cloaked as a matter of public concern.”

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), through the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has awarded a N70.5 million grant to six female engineers.

This is contained in a statement issued by NASENI’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ayeoyenikan said the grants were awarded to the six winners under the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) project, with a call for proposals launched as part of NASENI’s Delta-2 programme.

He recalled that on March 8, the agency had introduced the DELT-Her project, aimed at addressing gender imbalance in the engineering and technology-based businesses in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu, represented by the Coordinating Director of the Planning and Business Development Directorate, Dr Nonyem Onyechi, noted that the DELT-Her initiative sought to empower young women in engineering and technology.

He stressed the importance of providing women with necessary tools, platforms, and support to excel in the fields that had traditionally been male-dominated.

“I encourage the awardees to see their success as a beacon for others and a commitment to fostering environments where women can thrive in engineering and technology,” Halilu said.

Chairman of PICTT, Dr Mohammed Dahiru, said that after evaluating over 120 applications, six innovative projects were selected for funding, with each receiving grants, technical support, and partner connections for commercialisation.

Dahiru added that some of the awardees had also been selected to participate in the upcoming AFRI Lab Annual Gathering in Cape Town, South Africa, based on their projects.

The grant recipients, with their projects, included: Rukkaya Abdulmutalib, ‘Artificial Intelligence Censored Machine to Monitor Soil Health for Green-Houses (N3 million) and Patience Ibrahim-Janda, ‘Automobile Brake Pads produced from Organic Waste (N10 million).

Others were: Amina Khaleel, ‘Drone for Intelligent ReaL-time Security and Target Tracking’ (N17.5 million) and Kudirat Jimoh, ‘Electronic Training Board/Device for Science and Engineering Students’ (N16.5 million).

The remaining grant recipients were: Ikechukwu Francisca, ‘Automatic Bambara Flour Processing Machine’ (N8.5 million) and Abisola Olayiwola ‘Solar-powered Snail Shelling Machine’ (N15 million).

Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi State, on Wednesday, flagged off the construction of a 20 kilometre Obajana-Uro-Aku rural road linking parts of Lokoja and Adavi local government areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was part of interventions by the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) supported by the World Bank Group and other stakeholders.

The 20km road was the first phase of an over 65km network of rural roads in the state aimed at creating access to farms, farming communities, and markets to ensure food security in the state.

Gov. Ododo, while flagging off the construction, emphasised the pivotal role of rural roads in the development agenda of his administration.

Ododo stated that rural roads would not only enhance transportation but would serve as catalysts for rural economic growth and food security in the state.

“This administration believes that rural roads will provide access and connectivity to farmers and traders as part of his administration’s broader strategy to enhance rural development and bring governance closer to the people.

“We are appealing to benefiting communities to take ownership of the project and ensure its good usage and management,” he said.

The governor, however, advised contractors handling the project not to divert project funds but should demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.

Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Mr Abdulmutalib Mohammed, said the project was meant to benefit farmers by reducing the cost of transportation.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Mr Aminu Bodinga, represented by Mrs Joy Amadi, commended Gov. Ododo for his unwavering commitment to rural development.

Bodinga noted that rural development would enhance connectivity and access to markets, social services, and opportunities that were previously out of reach by rural dwellers.

The State Coordinator of the project, Mr Sheidu Obansa, said the network of rural roads would expose the communities to opportunities and promote agricultural development in the state.

The Olu of Oworo, Muhammed Baiyerohi, commended Gov. Ododo on the road project and noted that the project would enhance agricultural development and reduce vehicular traffic along Obajana Road.

The Apata of Apata, Oba Frederick Balagun, who spoke on the development, said the initiative would help rural dwellers, who are mostly farmers and traders in the state.