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NDLEA foils attempt to smuggle opioids into Nigeria –Official

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NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled the attempt by an alleged trans-border trafficker to smuggle 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg from Ghana into Lagos.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said that the interception came in another intelligence-led operation where officers of an NDLEA task force carried out the operation on Saturday.

He said that the pills were concealed in the body compartments of a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, driven by the suspect.

He also said that the vehicle was intercepted at the Ijanikin area of the Lagos-Badagry expressway while coming from Ghana.

In another development, not less than 997kg of cannabis was recovered during raids in parts of Edo state in the past week.

Mr Babafemi said that 680kg of cannabis and a Sienna bus marked FST-320 AE were seized at a bush path to Oghada forest in Oghada, Orhionmwan LGA of the state.

He said that 180.5kg of the same substance was recovered from a suspect, Cecilia Ibe, 31, at Ofosu forest, Ovia South West LGA area of the state .

He added that 136.5kg of the same substance was evacuated from a building in the Otuo community, Owan East LGA in Edo on Thursday.

Credit: premiumtimesng.com

Some individuals are frustrating Govt’s efforts to end insurgency –CDS Musa

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Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, has accused some individuals of frustrating the Nigerian government’s efforts to end insurgency in the country.

Musa, who spoke in Abuja on Saturday, after receiving 58 rescued kidnapped victims from the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, assured that the individuals who are frustrating the campaign against terror would not be allowed to have their way.

He said, “You can see from the people, the women, the children, both girls and boys, and the little one.

“The question you want to ask is why would somebody kidnap these kinds of people? If you see them, they are barely just surviving.”

The defence chief stated that contrary to the belief of many Nigerians, not all who are involved in banditry joined willingly. According to him, some of them were conscripted.

He assured that the troops would ensure that the perpetrators face the wrath of the law.

The CDS said that they military is going after the perpetrators.

“For the innocent blood they have spilled, for those they have restricted their freedom, the security personnel will get back at them, and they will face the law,” he added.

Musa further explained that no ransom was paid to free the victims, and appealed to citizens to give the security agencies the needed support in the ongoing fight against insecurity.

“It’s a joint effort. We’re able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals.”

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, while speaking, stated that preliminary investigation had revealed that the victims were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious terrorist, Janbros.

Laka explained that during the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of kilometres to the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.

He pointed out that the government provided them with all the necessary assistance required to stabilise them, for subsequent handing over to the NSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Tinubu confers GCON on Indian PM, Modi

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Tinubu confers GCON on Indian PM

President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on visiting Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Tinubu honoured the Indian Prime Minister on Sunday, November 17, during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The meeting is part of the activities marking the state visit of the Indian Prime Minister.

inubu said that the invitation extended to the Indian PM was to rekindle existing relationship between Nigeria and India.

“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.

“You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms, you have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much.

“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger.

“This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner”, he said.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Ghana to Host Africa Oil Week Conference in 2025

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dignatries present at the launch in a group photo

Together with the Government of Ghana, Africa Oil Week (“AOW”) and the Africa Prosperity Network has announced that the 2025 AOW event will be held in Accra from September 15th to 18th at the prestigious Kempinski Hotel.

This relocation from South Africa to Ghana highlights Ghana’s central role in the global energy arena as it prepares to host one of the largest platforms for advancing energy development and investment across Africa.

His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, expressed his pride in welcoming AOW to Accra, calling it a defining moment for both Ghana and the continent.

“I am, therefore, personally delighted to endorse Africa Oil Week and to welcome its move from Cape Town to Accra. My gratitude extends to Sankofa Events for entrusting Ghana as the new host of such a significant gathering, led by Mr. Paul Sinclair, a fellow Ghanaian whose dedication to advancing Africa’s energy sector is truly inspiring,” he said.

AOW’s move to Ghana is a new era in which Africa can champion its own energy narrative and pursue a unified strategy for oil, gas, and broader energy development.

With a focus on driving investment, M&A, and deal flow in the regional energy sector, Paul Sinclair, CEO of Sankofa Events and owner of AOW, emphasised Africa’s unique opportunity to shape its future.

“Africa Oil Week is about Africa charting its own course for natural resource development and finding the right partners who share a vision of equitable growth in the sector.

“Our goal is to secure energy access for our people and to establish a prominent role for Africa in the global energy landscape.”

At a press conference held at the Kempinski Hotel in Wednesday, November 13, 2024 the Organisers conveyed a strong and unified message that now is the time to develop a cohesive and progressive strategy for the continent’s oil and gas potential, ensuring Africa plays a central role in the global energy mix.

Mr. Paul Sinclair stated, “It is not simply a choice between fossil fuels and renewables; oil and gas will play a vital role in meeting energy demand for years to come, and we must embrace sustainable, low-carbon strategies that prioritize regional and international needs.

“Hosting this event in Accra moves us forward in ensuring Africa’s full potential drives economic development and contributes to our future success.”

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, who addressed the media said “We are fully committed to ensuring that all Ministries, National Oil Companies and Regulators across Africa are represented at the 2025 Africa Oil Week Summit in Accra.

“Our goal is to make it the premier energy dialogue on the continent, setting the stage for transformative discussions and partnerships that will propel Africa’s energy future.”

Mr. Egbert Faibille Junior, CEO of the  Petroleum Commission also contributed by stating “The arrival of Africa Oil Week in Ghana is a landmark occasion for the continent, aligning perfectly with our vision at the Petroleum Commission to strengthen Ghana’s upstream potential and develop new frameworks that will make the national upstream more competitive. We will also be working with our counterparts to ensure all regional regulators are present to ensure AOW maintains a Pan African focus. We thank Sankofa Events and Paul Sinclair for partnering with the Government of Ghana to make this possible.”

With a steadfast commitment to Africa’s prosperity, AOW is also dedicated to supporting African service providers in international projects, empowering them to access tenders and secure their place in Africa’s energy sector.

This vision is shared by Africa Prosperity Network, AOW’s strategic partner, as both organizations work tirelessly to establish African companies as leading suppliers in the region’s energy industry.

A spokesperson for Africa Prosperity Network underscored the significance of this partnership: “Hosting a world-class event like AOW in Accra is a proud moment for Ghana and Africa’s oil and gas sector. Over five days, the global energy community will focus on Accra, exploring new projects, frontier markets, and deal-making opportunities within the African upstream. This is Ghana’s opportunity to shine and showcase Africa’s vast energy potential.”

Both AOW and Africa Prosperity Network remain deeply committed to Africa’s sustainable oil and gas development. Together, they believe that Africa must lead its own energy journey, using its natural resources to drive socio-economic growth and secure a vital position in the global energy market.

AOW, along with its partners, eagerly anticipates hosting a gold-standard, world-class event in Accra from September 15th to 18th, 2025 with leading international energy companies, setting the stage for Ghana to become a pivotal hub for energy dialogue, investment and innovation across Africa.

1.6m households to benefit from tree crop diversification -Bryan  

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Dr Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture

Dr Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has officially launched the Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project (GTCDP), with a focus on revitalising the nation’s agricultural sector through diversification and sustainability.

Themed “Sowing the Seeds of the Future: Unlocking Ghana’s Tree Crop Potential for Inclusive and Sustainable Transformation,” the project aims to expand high-value tree crops – such as cashew, cocoa, coconut and rubber – while creating sustainable livelihoods for over 1.6 million households.

Funded through a $200 million International Development Association (IDA) credit from the World Bank, the GTCDP will be managed by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) under the oversight of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).

Addressing players in the agro-chain industry in Accra recently, Dr Acheampong emphasised the project’s focus on environmental sustainability, job creation and inclusivity, particularly for women and youth.

“We are committed to building a resilient tree crop sector that supports our farmers, protects the environment and fosters sustainable growth for future generations,” said Dr. Acheampong, underscoring the government’s strategic push to modernise Ghana’s cocoa sector while developing six additional crops: cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber and oil palm.

The Minister for Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, on his part, noted that the project would address Ghana’s over-reliance on cocoa, a vital export crop that faces risks from deforestation, climate change and price volatility.

“The GTCDP supports Ghana’s broader development goals, promoting economic diversification and reducing market vulnerabilities,” he said, calling for effective coordination among TCDA, COCOBOD and development partners.

William Agyapong Quaittoo, CEO of TCDA, outlined the project’s five-year strategy to improve productivity, value addition, and market access.

Established under Act 1010 in 2019, the TCDA regulates and promotes sustainable development of key tree crops.

Mr Quaittoo underscored the economic potential of diversifying beyond cocoa, emphasising public-private partnerships as crucial to the project’s success.

“The GTCDP seeks to foster an investment-friendly regulatory environment and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in global markets,” Mr. Quaittoo explained, expressing gratitude to the World Bank for its support.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), led by Chief Executive Joseph Boahen Aidoo, said the initiative seeks to increase productivity, enhance climate resilience and boost domestic processing, creating jobs and economic growth.

Originally discussed with the World Bank in 2018, the project addresses challenges like Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), which has affected 317,000 hectares of cocoa farms.

COCOBOD has already implemented new technologies since 2018, raising productivity and generating over 130,000 jobs.

The project will further strengthen COCOBOD’s digital capabilities, support cooperatives and protect vulnerable groups.

COCOBOD has committed an additional US$27.5 million to the initiative, aligning with Ghana’s broader cocoa sector modernization strategy.

Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the World Bank’s Country Director for Ghana, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He detailed how GTCDP will drive climate resilience; enhance productivity and open market opportunities for certified cocoa and other crops.

“This project represents a collaborative effort to bolster rural resilience, create jobs and reduce poverty,” said O’Brien.

Key objectives include increasing productivity, improving market responsiveness and supporting value chains that prioritise social inclusion, especially for vulnerable communities.

The project will promote traceable, certified value chains and explore carbon crediting opportunities to offer additional income streams to farmers.

With an ambitious target of creating 20,000 jobs and restoring degraded lands, the GTCDP aims to make a lasting impact on Ghana’s tree crop sector and foster sustainable development.

Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig wins Miss Universe 2024

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, is crowned Miss Universe

Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe 2024, becoming the first Dane to ever win the competition.

The 21-year-old, a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, beat more than 120 other contestants to win the annual beauty pageant in Mexico City on Saturday night.

She was applauded by other contestants on stage as she accepted the tiara from reigning titleholder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

This year’s finale featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by “Saved by the Bell” star Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.

The glitzy pageant began with contestants being narrowed down to a shortlist of 30, based on the results of Thursday’s preliminary event, which included a flamboyant national costume contest. The semi-finalists then paraded in swimwear, before 12 of them advanced to an evening gown contest.

The final five contestants later faced questions on a range of topics, including leadership and resilience. When asked how she would live differently if nobody would judge her, Theilvig told the judges she wouldn’t change anything, saying, “I live by each day.”

When later asked what she would say to those watching, Theilvig urged viewers to “keep fighting … no matter where you come from.”

“I stand here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight,” she said.

Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria finished as first runner-up and Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico was named second runner-up. Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela followed – with Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, making history in the top five after the competition removed several restrictions in recent years.

This year marked the first time in Miss Universe’s 72-year history that women aged over 28 were permitted to enter. More than two dozen of the finalists were older than would have been allowed in previous years, with Malta’s Beatrice Njoya becoming the first and only woman in her 40s to reach the grand finale.

The age limit’s removal came amid growing calls for the pageant to modernize. Ahead of 2023’s contest, the Miss Universe Organization also lifted a longstanding ban on pregnant women or mothers, and women who are — or ever have been — married.

Delegates for each country were selected via local pageants that license local rights from the Miss Universe Organization. This year’s contest saw Cuba, represented by Marianela Ancheta, take part in Miss Universe for the first time since 1967.

Several countries, including Belarus, Eritrea and the United Arab Emirates, sent contestants for the first time, though in April the Miss Universe Organization moved to dispel a flurry of what it called “false and misleading” reports that Saudi Arabia was due to make its debut in the 2024 pageant.

Some national-level contests were marred by controversies in the build-up to this year’s final — including Miss Universe South Africa, which saw Adetshina quit the competition (and later be selected to represent Nigeria) after questions around her nationality sparked a wave of xenophobic hostility.

Credit: cnn.com

Kuami Eugene mobilises fellow artistes for peace song

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kwane Eugene

Kuami Eugene, known for his remarkable influence in the entertainment industry, has brought together a diverse group of musicians to create a heartfelt and peaceful song.

This initiative, aimed at promoting peace awareness ahead of the upcoming elections, has resonated deeply with the public. By uniting artists from various backgrounds, Kuami Eugene has sent a powerful message about the importance of harmony and understanding in society.

The song, produced and mastered at Rockstar Studios, features an impressive lineup of talented artistes, including Jupiter, Sista Afia, Lyrical Joe, Sefa, Strongman, Lasmid, Fameye, Wendy Shay, Afua Asantewaa, (Singathon), RapFada, St Lennon, MayaBlu, Kasar, DSL, Mo Jigger, Yaw Darling, Raingad.

Each artiste contributed their unique style and perspective to the project, creating a rich tapestry of sound that beautifully embodies the spirit of peace.

The song is rendition of the popular Ghanaian patriotic song ‘Yen Ara Asaase Ni’, composed by Ephraim Amu.

This collaborative effort not only showcases the talents of these musicians but also highlights the potential for art to foster unity and promote positive change in the community.

Kuami Eugene’s dedication to this project shows his commitment to using his platform for social good. By bringing his peers together and creating a powerful message through music, to promote peace and understanding as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

‘I refused to be Alan Kyeremanten’s running mate to protect my family’ -Okyeame Kwame

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Okyeame Kwame

Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has revealed that he was offered the chance to become Alan Kyerematen’s running mate ahead of the 2024 general elections.

According to Okyeame Kwame, Alan, the founder of the ‘Movement for Change’, laid out ten criteria for the role, which he found quite attractive.

Despite the allure of the offer, Okyeame Kwame explained that he ultimately turned it down, citing the numerous challenges that come with a political career. He expressed concerns about security risks, the potential for propaganda, and the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies political life.

Speaking in an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM, the musician emphasised that his decision was driven by a desire to protect the well-being of his family.

“So he [Alan] reached out, and I was in Kumasi for an event. I went to see him, and he outlined certain criteria for the person he wanted as his running mate. It was very flattering. They wanted someone who had accomplished something significant, and I’ve been in the music industry for 26 years. They also considered personal factors, like marriage and family.”

“I couldn’t do it because my children are teenagers.

If I [were to go] into partisan politics, I would need to prepare them for at least a year. I also had to think about security: what if people spread false propaganda about you? What if they dug up your skeletons? Had I prepared my family to deal with that kind of pressure? No. And because of that, I didn’t want to put my family in jeopardy,” he indicated.

Following Okyeame Kwame’s decision, Alan Kyerematen chose 40-year-old Elijah Kwame Owusu Danso as his running mate. A qualified lawyer, Elijah is also an experienced broadcaster, having previously worked with Pan African TV.

Credit: pulse.com

Bullet strikes Southwest Airlines plane as it prepares to depart from Dallas airport

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Southwest Airlines plane

Dallas police are investigating after a Southwest Airlines flight was struck by a bullet as it was preparing to depart from Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas Friday evening, authorities said.

The bullet apparently struck the right side of the plane just under the flight deck as the plane was taxiing for takeoff from Dallas to Indianapolis just before 10 p.m., according to Southwest Airlines.

No injuries were reported and the flight safely returned to the gate, where passengers deplaned, according to authorities.

“Southwest will accommodate our customers on another flight,” the airline said. “Law enforcement authorities have been notified and the plane has been removed from service.”

It’s unclear where the gunfire originated from or if the plane was the intended target. No arrests had been announced as of early Saturday.

The Dallas Police Department told CNN responding officers arrived to find the aircraft had been hit by gunfire, and an investigation is now underway.

The Boeing 737-800 plane sustained damage after the bullet struck “near the cockpit,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Meanwhile, the runway it was taking off from reopened after it temporarily closed Friday night while police carried out their investigation.

“There was minimal impact on airport operations,” the airport said in a statement posted on X.

Also on Friday, travelers on another Southwest Airlines flight in Denver had to evacuate after a passenger’s cell phone battery caught on fire and caused an airplane seat to catch fire.

Credit: cnn.com

US Senators call for probe into Musk’s alleged contact with Russia

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Elon Musk

Two top Senate Democrats have called for an investigation into Elon Musk’s reported contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his top aides.

The lawmakers have urged the Pentagon and Justice Department to determine whether Musk’s alleged relations with a US adversary while holding major government contracts puts national security at risk.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the world’s richest person has had “multiple, high level conversations” with Putin since 2022, which the Kremlin has denied.

Musk wrote on his X platform on Friday that he’s “going to find out who’s making these accusations and nuke them”.

The two Democrats – Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior Democrat on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees sent a letter on Friday to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Defence Department Inspector General Robert Storch raising “serious questions regarding Mr Musk’s reliability as a government contractor and a [security] clearance holder”.

The multi-billionaire claims to hold a top-secret level clearance and his SpaceX company – one of the main contractors to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) – is deeply embedded in the federal government’s defence and intelligence infrastructure.

“Russia’s ambitions in the space domain pose a direct threat to US national security,” the senators wrote.

Reed and Shaheen noted that, unlike others with high-level security clearance, Musk does not appear to report his contacts with foreign government officials.

They pointed to Musk’s alleged communications with Putin’s deputy chief of staff, Sergei Kiriyenko.

The Justice Department has said that Kiriyenko and other top officials were involved in an effort to seed Kremlin propaganda on social media, including on the Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) platform to reducing international support for Ukraine and influence voters in the US presidential election.

Credit: bbc.com

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