NEWS
I’ll Increase Investment in Technology to Drive Development- Buhari

By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday, in Abuja said that channelling more investments in Nigeria’s technological sector, and opening up space for creativity and innovation with digital skills would play a significant role in providing jobs for youths and growing the economy.
President Buhari said this when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, Luis Filipe Ribeiro Da Silva Barros, at the State House.
The president noted that the wave of technological growth across the globe had provided more opportunities for development for countries, especially for the economies willing to retool and build capacities in areas of need.
“Technology has come to stay and, as a country, we are exploring opportunities for advancement, especially in providing jobs for our teeming youths,’’ he said.
The President said “many hands in the country are willing and waiting to be meaningfully engaged’’, urging the ambassador to focus on building stronger economic ties with Nigeria that will be mutually rewarding.
In his remarks, the Portuguese ambassador said he had already discovered start-up companies in many parts of the country, assuring of partnerships that will enhance the capacity of the small businesses especially in areas of agriculture, academics, vocational skills and security.
The Ambassador congratulated the President for winning a second term in office, promising to push bilateral relations with Nigeria to “new levels’’.
Receiving Letters of Credence of the High Commissioner of Jamaica to Nigeria, Esmond St Clair Reid, President Buhari said that he was pleased with the growing community of Nigerians in the country, and the harmonious ways they have been conducting themselves, and exploring opportunities in businesses.
The president assured the High Commissioner of Nigeria’s support in improving bilateral relations.
The Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria told the President that the growing community in Jamaica had been very active in academics, like the Maritime University, adding “we look forward to broad cooperation because there’s a lot we can do together in areas of tourism, craft and skills transfer under your leadership.’’
President Buhari, who received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr Usra Hendra Harahap, said trade relations between both countries should be improved, appreciating the country for always standing by Nigeria in international affairs like the recent election of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, as President of 74th General Assembly.
In his remark, the Ambassador of Indonesia said his country will be willing to have stronger relations with Nigeria on security, trade and crude oil importation.
“Nigeria’s oil is top quality, with less sulphur content, so we are deeply in need of supply,’’ he said.
NEWS
Police Fix Aug. 12 to Begin Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has approved an extension of the grace period for the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit requirement to Aug. 12.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the extension followed several concerns and feedback expressed by the public over the reactivation of the digital Tinted Glass Permit application process. “In line with our commitment to delivering transparent, inclusive, and citizen-focused policing, the force wishes to affirm that it has not ignored the voices of Nigerians.“Rather, these voices have been instrumental in guiding ongoing reviews of the process to ensure it remains user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all,” he said.Adejobi said the extension of enforcement was also intended to give room for additional enhancements and refinements to the application process to ensure that no applicant was unduly disadvantaged.According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is actively working to simplify and improve both the physical and contactless application options.He said the idea was to enhance verification mechanisms and streamline procedures to reduce delays and eliminate undue inconveniences.”Members of the public are reminded that the authorised platform for the application and renewal of the Tinted Glass Permit is accessible via http://www.possap.gov.ng.“Citizens are also encouraged to report all unauthorised or hidden charges as well as extortion in the course of application or biometric capturing to police authorities, including via the dedicated hotline: 09169967000,” he said.Adejobi pledged the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to public safety, digital innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery.He urged the public to continue to cooperate and be patient with the Nigeria Police Force as it carries the reforms. (NAN)NEWS
Gombe Governor Backs Tinubu for 2027 Re-election

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State declared his support on Saturday for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Yahaya made the announcement during the ground-breaking ceremony for a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in the state. He praised Tinubu’s administration for introducing initiatives that have brought positive change and development across the country.
The governor highlighted the livestock sector as one that has seen significant improvement since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. Yahaya said Tinubu’s investments in the livestock value chain are aimed at economic growth, job creation, and improving citizens’ welfare. He stated that the agro-livestock industrial zone in Gombe is supported by Tinubu’s administration, which approved ₦120 billion and released 50 per cent of the funds. “I assure the President that for what he has done, is doing, and will do, Gombe people will follow him to the battlefield blindfolded. “We will work for his success in 2027. By God’s grace, his re-election is assured,” Yahaya said. The governor noted Tinubu’s support for the livestock sector, a largely Northern business long overlooked, reflects his care for the people. “If not for a President who loves his people and has the capacity and will, this transformation would not have happened. “No Northern leader in 47 years of power considered investing ₦120 billion to transform the livestock sector, despite it being a predominantly Northern industry,” he said. Yahaya commended Tinubu’s commitment to fully developing the agricultural sector in Gombe and across the country. He assured Nigerians that in spite of temporary hardships from ongoing reforms, better days lie ahead under Tinubu’s leadership. (NAN)NEWS
MTN, NDLEA Join Forces to Combat Drug Abuse in Enugu

MTN Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have joined forces in a landmark collaboration to tackle illicit drug use among youths in Enugu State.The collaboration was officially inaugurated during the first-ever “Advocacy Walk Against Drug Abuse” on Saturday as part of MTN’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).
The walk, which began and ended at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Campus Three, aimed to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of substance abuse. The initiative forms part of the larger War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign spearheaded by MTN and NDLEA.At the event, Enugu State NDLEA Commander, Mr Abel Wadahi, revealed alarming statistics: stating that more than 400,000 people, mostly youths, were involved in drug abuse across the state.Represented by Deputy State Commander Mr John Oga, the agency cited recent drug integrity tests underscoring the severity of the issue.“The youth bear the brunt of this menace, which is why we are focusing our efforts on them.“We want to empower them as ambassadors to bridge generational gaps and help eradicate drug abuse,” Wadahi said.He highlighted peer pressure, curiosity, and experimentation as primary factors driving substance use, naming cannabis (igbo), marijuana, and the rapidly spreading “mkpurummiri” (methamphetamine) as the most commonly abused drugs.“Mkpurummiri is especially dangerous, causing mental health disorders and leaving many users vulnerable on our streets. Urgent intervention is critical,” Wadahi warned.“Since the inception of WADA in Enugu, NDLEA has conducted outreach activities in more than 135 locations, including schools, religious centres, and workplaces, directly educating more than 69,000 people on the risks of drug abuse.“We also promote sports and endurance treks to offer healthy alternatives and keep vulnerable youths away from drugs,” Wadahi added.Representing MTN Nigeria, Pamela Emodi, Manager of Youth Development, stressed the importance of education and partnership in the fight against substance abuse.“MTN ASAP targets youths aged 10 to 25 through a comprehensive, multi-sector approach.“Today’s walk coincides with the United Nations 2025 World Drug Day and reflects our strong collaboration with NDLEA.“Since its launch in 2019, ASAP has reached more than 91 million Nigerians.“In 2024 alone, the programme engaged 27,000 students and 450 teachers across 55 secondary schools in 12 states, providing counselling through the NDLEA 247 psychosocial health desk.“This year, we aim to train 86,000 students and 1,500 teachers in 12 additional states, organise more advocacy walks in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and hold stakeholder conferences in Abuja and Lagos,” she said.Highlighting the urgent public health challenge, Mr David Folaranmi, Enugu State Coordinator for the International Society for Substance Use Professionals, emphasised the growing threat posed by substance abuse across Nigeria..(NAN)