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NDLEA Foils Six UK-Bound Cocaine Shipments, Arrests Six suspects

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NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it it has dismantled two major drug cartels behind six cocaine consignments destined for the United Kingdom.

The operations, carried out over three weeks across Lagos, led to the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Alhaji Hammed Ode.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said the operation began on September 16, 2025, when NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms hidden in cocoa butter body cream containers.

He said the syndicates concealed the drugs in stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers.

Babafemi said a cargo agent was arrested, and further investigation linked the consignment to Ode, who was later apprehended with the cooperation of the police.

According to him, during interrogation, Ode admitted ownership of the drugs, which he claimed to have purchased for over ₦150 million.

“In series of intelligence led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos, operatives of the NDLEA have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Hammed Taofeek Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

“The beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers.”

Babafemi also said two other suspects, Ogunbiyi Taiwo and Popoola Olumuyiwa, were also arrested after NDLEA officers intercepted consignments containing crayfish and stainless cups used to conceal 2.6 kilograms of cocaine.

The NDLEA is Nigeria’s federal agency charged with combating the trafficking, distribution, and abuse of controlled substances.

Over the years, it has made several high-profile drug busts involving consignments destined for the UK and other countries, often using concealment techniques.

Credit: channelstv.com

We Must Challenge Shortage Of Teachers With Urgency —First Lady 

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First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, celebrated teachers worldwide for World Teachers’ Day 2025, urging a renewed focus on addressing the pressing global teacher shortage.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the first lady, made available to Channels Television on Sunday.

Tinubu describe teachers as “true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations.”

The First Lady acknowledged teachers’ invaluable role in nation-building and the future of humanity.

She also paid glowing tribute to educators across the country.

Tinubu stated that as a lifelong teacher herself, she holds deep respect for the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it.

According to the President’s wife, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage,” is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address the dwindling number of teachers worldwide.

Credit: channelstv.com

Military Arrests 16 Officers Over Indiscipline, Service Violations

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Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Mus

The Armed Forces of Nigeria announced on Saturday that 16 officers have been arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the officers’ actions were tied to frustrations stemming from repeated failures in promotion examinations and concerns over stalled career progression.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the conduct of the affected officers was described as falling short of the standards expected within the military.

Gusau further noted that some of the officers were already under investigation for various offences and were either facing trial or awaiting court proceedings.

The statement reads, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.

“Upon completion of investigation indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.

“The Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times.”

Credit: channelstv.com

Accra Hosts 26 Countries, 200 Delegates for AHMTEC 2025

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Dr. Skhumbuzo Ngozwana

Accra will this week welcome over 200 delegates and representatives from 26 countries for the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC 2025), taking place from October 7 to 9.

The three-day event, jointly organised by the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (FAPMA) and Vizuri Health Dynamics, is themed “Collaborate to Compete: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth.”

It will feature 46 speakers and participants from 111 organisations, bringing together African and global stakeholders to advance the continent’s healthcare manufacturing agenda.

Now in its second year, AHMTEC 2025 seeks to accelerate Africa’s journey toward pharmaceutical and health manufacturing self-reliance, amid global supply chain disruptions and dwindling donor support.

African manufacturers currently supply less than 30 percent of the medicines consumed on the continent — a gap that industry leaders describe as both a challenge and an opportunity.

“This is a life-threatening vulnerability, not just a market imbalance,” said Dr. Skhumbuzo Ngozwana, FAPMA Board Member.

“Our people’s lives depend on how quickly we move toward manufacturing self-reliance and AHMTEC is the platform to drive that transformation.”

Ghana’s hosting of AHMTEC 2025 aligns with its Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan and the government’s ambition to make the country a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa under the Agenda for Jobs strategy.

The conference will also feature trade exhibitions, investor-readiness workshops, factory visits, and business networking sessions designed to foster practical collaboration and investment.

“AHMTEC isn’t about speeches—it’s for manufacturers who are ready to grow,” said Dr. Mariatou Tala Jallow, Council Chair of Vizuri Health Dynamics.

“Africa’s healthcare manufacturing is at a crossroads. We either continue to wait for help or we actively build the systems ourselves, starting at AHMTEC.”

A key highlight will be the launch of the African Manufacturing Market Intelligence and Network Analysis (AMMINA) — a data-driven platform providing real-time insights from over 700 manufacturers and 2,500 health products across 18 countries.

The tool will enable policymakers, investors, and industry players to identify opportunities and risks, and to strengthen Africa’s health manufacturing ecosystem.

By hosting AHMTEC 2025, Ghana underscores its leadership in advancing Africa’s health sovereignty, fostering partnerships that turn shared goals into concrete progress for a sustainable and self-reliant healthcare future.

Delta reaffirms commitment to Ghana with new seasonal Atlanta Service

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Delta Airlines

Delta Air Lines has reaffirmed its commitment to Ghana with the introduction of a seasonal daily non-stop service between Accra and Atlanta, beginning December 1, 2025.

The move marks another milestone in the airline’s nearly two-decade-long presence in Ghana and coincides with its 100th anniversary celebration.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Michael Thomas, Delta’s General Manager of Communications, described Ghana as a “key gateway” in the airline’s Africa network.

“Our decision to expand service from Accra reflects our confidence in this market and our commitment to delivering world-class travel experiences.

“As we look ahead, we are not only investing in flights and aircraft, but in people, partnerships, and Ghana’s growth story.”

Since launching operations in Ghana in 2006, Delta has transported approximately 1.5 million customers on its New York–JFK route.

The new Accra–Atlanta route will operate seasonally alongside Delta’s existing year-round daily flights from New York, giving travelers two direct options to the United States.

To date, Delta remains the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service between Ghana and the U.S.

With a large Ghanaian Diaspora population in U.S. cities like New York and Atlanta, Delta continues to play a vital role in strengthening family ties, facilitating trade and boosting tourism between the two nations.

“Our Ghana operations are entirely run by Ghanaian management and staff. From interns to leaders, our local team represents Delta’s long-term investment in Ghanaian talent. That’s what our commitment truly means,” Michael Thomas added

Touching on the broader impact of Delta’s presence, Mary Abisola Gbobaniyi, Manager of Sales for West Africa, emphasised that the airline’s investment goes beyond aviation.

“It’s about creating jobs, supporting local initiatives, and partnering with communities to make a difference where it matters most.

“We reinvest one percent of our global profits into programs such as Junior Achievement Africa and Breast Care International, ensuring our impact extends far beyond travel.”

Over the past decade, Delta’s partnership with Breast Care International (BCI) has made a remarkable difference in health advocacy.

Together, they have educated over 150,000 people, screened more than 20,000 individuals, and identified 2,000 potential breast cancer cases that might have otherwise gone undetected.

Their outreach, particularly in rural communities, has benefited more than 65,000 women through targeted awareness campaigns and annual screening initiatives.

Ghana’s importance to Delta extends beyond passenger numbers—it serves as a strategic hub connecting West Africa to over 200 destinations across North America, including Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles.

With its expanding routes, community partnerships, and investment in local leadership, Delta Air Lines reinforces not only its global network, but also its enduring role in Ghana’s economic and social development.

50 Cent trolls Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs for making plans in Miami post-prison sentencing: ‘I’m available!’

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50 Cent

50 Cent continued his trolling tirade against Sean “Diddy” Combs after the disgraced music mogul was sentenced to four years in prison in his sex trafficking case.

“Hey to whoever was booking Diddy for speaking engagement. I heard he won’t be able to make it,” the “21 Questions” hitmaker, 50, wrote via X Friday, sharing a courtroom sketch of Combs crying.

“I’m available!” he added.

50’s post referenced prosecutors’ claims that Combs brazenly scheduled speaking engagements in Miami for next week in the hopes that he would be granted an early release.

Federal attorneys argued that Combs’ move signified his “hubris” during his sentencing hearing on Friday as they pushed for the judge to sentence him to 11.2 years in prison.

Prosecutor Mary Slavick told Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court that the Bad Boy Records founder “doesn’t fully grapple with how his actions got him here.”

“His respect for the law is just lip service, ” she added.

Combs, 55, was ultimately sentenced to four years and two months in prison and was ordered to pay the court a fine of $500,000 and participate in mental health and substance abuse programs.

Since Combs has served a year in prison already, this sentence means he would be a free man again in approximately three years.

In July, Diddy was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, which can carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, per the law.

Credit: pagesix.com

Meghan makes surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week

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Meghan makes surprise appearance

The Duchess of Sussex appeared at Paris Fashion Week to support a fashion designer friend on Saturday.

Meghan attended the Balenciaga show after making the solo trip across the Atlantic.

She has worn a number of designs by the fashion house’s new creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli and the visit reflected “her support for his new creative chapter”, a spokesman for the duchess said.

It was her first time at the fashion spectacle for more than a decade.

Meghan, 44, was pictured greeting Vogue’s global editorial director Anna Wintour and film director Baz Luhrmann at the star-studded event.

The duchess, who announced her arrival in Paris with an Instagram story, wore a white outfit of wide-leg trousers and a matching blazer from the collection for the show on Saturday.

She completed the look with black pointed-toe heels and a slicked-back bun.

She was later pictured in a sleek black dress.

The spokesman said: “Over the years, the duchess has worn a number of designs by Pierpaolo.

“They have worked closely together collaborating on design for key moments on the world stage.

“She has long admired his craftsmanship and modern elegance, and tonight was no different.

“This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga.”

Meghan’s Instagram video also showed her making her way to the event in a car driving through the streets of Paris.

Paris Fashion Week runs until Tuesday, featuring big-name brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Hermes.

Credit: bbc.com

Joe Mettle opens ultra-modern Reverb Studios 

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Joe Mettle

Award-winning gospel musician Joe Mettle has unveiled a new multi-purpose creative facility for his Reverb Studios at Sowutuom in Accra.

The state-of-the-art three-storey multimedia and production centre was officially launched on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at the studio premises. It is designed to meet world-class standards in audio-visual production, creative arts, and live event recording.

The main studio can accommodate between 150 and 200 guests, making it suitable for live audience recordings, talk shows, and musical performances.

It also features three professional audio recording suites and a fully equipped video post-production studio capable of both live and post-live editing. Speaking at the launch, Joe Mettle said every detail of Reverb Studios was carefully planned to provide clients with an exceptional creative experience. The facility includes furnished guest rooms, modern restrooms, and fully serviced kitchens on each floor, with contracted chefs to ensure client comfort and convenience.

According to him, the studios will not be restricted to any specific group of people, although there will be guidelines governing their use.

The studio’s creative creed, “Experience Beyond Production,” sums up its mission to offer not only top-tier technical output but also an immersive, customer-centred creative experience for artists, content creators, corporate brands, and event organisers in Ghana and beyond.

The launch brought together media representatives, partners, creative industry stakeholders, and potential collaborators. Notable attendees included Kuami Eugene, Akesse Brempong, Adjetey Anang, Nii Okai, Cwesi Oteng, Roselyn Felli, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo and Kwesi Ernest. Credit: myjoyonline.com

I got a lot of enemies when I managed Shatta Wale –BullGod

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Shatta Wale and BullGod

Ghanaian music executive Lawrence Nana Asiama Hanson, known in showbiz as BullGod, has revealed that his time managing dancehall star Shatta Wale nearly cost him valuable relationships in the entertainment industry.

Speaking on JoyPrime’s Prime Time with George Quaye, he described Shatta Wale as one of the most challenging artistes he has ever worked with, citing his unpredictable behaviour and refusal to stick to agreements as major obstacles.

“He insulted my boss at Charterhouse and I was working with them at the time. That nearly cost me a lot. I got a lot of enemies just managing Shatta Wale,” Bullgod said.

He explained that the outburst placed him in a difficult position, torn between loyalty to his artiste and respect for his professional relationships. He added that such incidents were not unusual. “Managing him felt like a test. I hope I passed,” he said.

Bullgod recalled how Shatta Wale would often agree to certain engagements only to cancel at the last minute. “You can have an agreement with him, and the next morning he will refuse to go for the engagement,” he noted.

Citing an example from the Ghana Music Awards, he said organisers agreed during a meeting that Shatta Wale would perform only one song. “There was an agreement during the meeting that he would perform only one song and he did something different,” Bullgod revealed.

He also spoke about the artiste’s controversial media appearances, explaining that Shatta Wale often escalated issues across multiple platforms.

“He went on Joy FM, had issues there, and before it could end, he continued on YFM,” he said, adding that the constant drama made his work behind the scenes even more difficult.

Despite the challenges, Bullgod insisted his time with Shatta Wale was not a failure. He highlighted their achievements, including the artiste’s return to the Ghana Music Awards after years of absence.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Al-Shabab militants dress as soldiers to storm Somali jail

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Al-Shabab militants

Seven al-Shabab militants who attacked a high-security prison in Somalia’s capital have all been killed, the country’s government has said.

A huge explosion and gunfire were heard coming from Godka Jilicow – a detention centre that holds al-Shabab militants – in Mogadishu on Saturday evening.

In a statement, al-Shabab said it released “all the Muslim prisoners” from the facility and inflicted heavy casualties on those guarding the centre.

The militants disguised themselves as soldiers in order to enter the prison, government-run news agency Sonna Live reported on Sunday.

The government did not indicate how many of its security forces were killed during the incident, but gave its condolences to the families of “the fallen heroes”.

Likewise, al-Shabab did not give a death toll for its militants.

The fighting began at around 16:40 local time (13:40 GMT).

Godka Jilicow is located near the Somali presidential palace, in the heart of Mogadishu. It is manned by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (Nisa) and holds al-Shabab militants and other high-profile detainees.

The attack is a major blow to Nisa and is likely to raise questions about how the militants were able to access one of the most heavily guarded areas in the capital.

Al-Shabab is affiliated to al-Qaeda and has waged a brutal insurgency against the government in Somalia for nearly 20 years.

Hours before Saturday’s attack took place, the government had reopened key roads in Mogadishu which were previously closed for security reasons, citing improvements in the city’s safety.

Credit: bbc.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle