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.”

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, says the Federal Government is implementing several initiatives toward achieving inclusive and integrated urban development.

Dangiwa stated this in his address at the 2024 Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations in Nigeria on Tuesday in Akure.

The minster said one of the foremost efforts was the comprehensive review of the 2012 National Urban Development Policy, which was ready for approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Dangiwa also said the ministry was actively involved in the implementation of transformational physical programmes targeted at promoting sustainable settlements growth and development across Nigeria.

He said the ministry had made substantial progress in increasing the stock of affordable and decent housing stock for Nigerians with the ground-breaking of 6,612 housing units across 13 locations nationwide.

According to him, the programme is under the ministry’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

”The programme includes; 3,112 housing unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana Abuja, under Public Private Partnership (PPP).

“Twelve other locations are being funded under the 2023 Supplementary Budget and they include the 500 Renewed Hope City in Kano and 250 Renewed Hope Estates in Katsina.

”Other’s are in Yobe, Gombe, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Benue, Nasarawa, Osun and Oyo,” he said.

Dangiwa said the cities would be designed and managed in a way that fosters integration, sustainability and inclusivity.

“As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation, let us commit to building cities that work for all Nigerians – cities that are resilient, productive and sustainable.

“Once more, I challenge you all to participate actively and maximise the benefits accruable from discussions at this meeting. I look forward to receiving your decisions and conclusions,” he said.

Speaking, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, urged the Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations to build a system of accountability that would seamlessly see to the running of the activities of the country.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Urban and Regional Planning, Mr Gbenga Olaniyi, said effective physical planning was a tool to control flooding.

This, he said, would enhance the projections on global warming and spatial land use management in Nigeria.

“We need to remedy many of our spatial challenges, such as land management and resource handling, without which no development can be attained.

“Integrating this for equitable sustainability calls for all hands to be on deck at the accurate application of land planning tools and spatial land use.

”This will give us the pathway to sustainable planning development in Nigeria,” he said.

The Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN) has commended President Bola Tinubu over the proposed National Youth Conference.

The Chairman of FNYLPPN, Mr Eze Chukwu, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

According to Chukwu, this is the first time in the history of Nigeria to have a National conference by the Federal Government geared towards the affairs of Nigerian youths.

“To this end, we welcome this development with joy and enthusiasm that this government doesn’t just want to hear the youths but are ready to know and respond to their needs.

“We commend the president and genuinely urge his Excellency to continue in this path.

“The majority of the problems of Nigeria will be solved if the needs of the Nigerian youths who make up to 70 per cent of our country’s population are met.

“We are optimistic that with this strategic move by the Federal Government of Nigeria to host the first ever national youth confab the ever-needed opportunity to be heard by our own government will come through,’’ he said.

He said as forum, the youths were open to partnering the Federal Government to achieve the aims behind the conference.

“We, however, warn that the modus of nomination of participants should not be left for politicians.

“Slots but should be open enough for Nigerian youths to know that they’re truly being represented by their own leaders,” Chukwu said.

He also said any plan to play politics with the selection of participants would negate the essence and suggested that it should be all inclusive and open to all regions and religions of the country.

Chukwu said an inclusive approach to the conference would give Nigerian youths a true representation at the conference.