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Adebayo celebrates Pope Leo XIV at 71, hails commitment to peace, human dignity

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has felicitated with the Catholic Pontiff, Pobpe Leo XIV, on his 71st birthday, describing the Pope’s commitment to peace, human dignity and the welfare of vulnerable people as a moral inspiration to the world.

Adebayo, in a birthday message to the Holy Father, said he had the privilege of being received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican within the past year, adding that the encounter deepened his appreciation of the Pontiff’s humility, warmth and commitment to humanity.

According to the SDP presidential candidate, the Pope’s voice has become particularly significant at a time when the world is confronted with wars, terrorism, poverty, displacement, inequality and the challenges arising from rapid technological advancement.

He said the Pope’s persistent advocacy for peace, dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity offered an important reminder that the dignity of the human person must remain at the centre of global affairs.

Adebayo particularly highlighted the relevance of the Pope’s message to Africa, saying the continent’s youthful population carried enormous hopes but continued to face serious security and developmental challenges.

‘His persistent call for peace, dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity is particularly significant for Africa, a continent whose young population carries enormous hopes but also faces serious security and developmental challenges,’ Adebayo said.

He said Nigeria and other African countries needed a global environment where peace would create the necessary space for economic development, technology would be deployed in the service of humanity, and international cooperation would focus on lifting people out of poverty rather than deepening divisions.

Adebayo also prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Catholic Church and contributes to the search for a more peaceful, just and compassionate world.

‘I therefore join millions of people around the world in wishing His Holiness a very happy 71st birthday. May God continue to grant Pope Leo XIV the wisdom and courage to guide the Church and to contribute to the building of a more peaceful, just and compassionate world,’ he said.

The SDP presidential candidate, who described his Vatican encounter with the Pontiff as a singular privilege, ended his message with the traditional Latin expression, ‘Ad multos annos, Your Holiness!’, wishing Pope Leo XIV many more years of life and service to the Church and humanity.

Police uncover ex-abbot’s millions

The police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has uncovered more than 300 million baht in bank accounts linked to former Wat Phutthaisawan abbot Atichot Tanprasert and his close female associate as it widens its probe into suspected financial misconduct.

CIB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai said police are investigating suspected financial irregularities involving Mr Atichot, 66, and Punyavee Rungrueang, 47. Authorities have already filed money-laundering charges and sent information to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), which has broader powers to examine financial transactions.

Additional funds found in the former abbot’s accounts have also been referred to the Amlo in addition to the 300 million baht reported earlier.

Pol Lt Gen Natthasak said inves- tigators are awaiting more financial information before considering action against others who may be involved, adding that the investigation will proceed into its second and third phases.

He also addressed rumours about similar activities at Wat Chulamanee in Samut Songkhram, saying the CIB had found no evidence of wrongdoing and urged the public and media not to damage confidence in Buddhism based on unverified claims.

Pol Lt Gen Natthasak also denied reports the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has opened an investigation into a new temple.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, who oversees the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), said authorities had coordinated with the CIB to check reports concerning other temples and found no new cases so far. He said initial checks of Wat Chulamanee had found nothing irregular.

He warned that accusing individuals without sufficient evidence could violate their rights and harm Buddhism. He urged journalists and the public not to believe or share claims simply because they were circulated through messaging apps.

“If you don’t have enough evidence, don’t accuse someone. It’s bad for the religion. Don’t believe everything that has been shared online,” he said.

Mr Pakorn previously revealed that the government was accelerating measures to prevent misconduct by monks through stronger systems, including a central electronic database of monks to help the Supreme Sangha Council (SSC) check their backgrounds.

He said 180,000 of the country’s 200,000 monks have been registered.

100 interior designers trained on financial literacy, other skills

Jenniez School of African Interior Design (JSAID) and FCMB SheVentures have trained 100 interior designers to strengthen their financial literacy, business management skills, and ability to build sustainable enterprises.

Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segment, FCMB, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, said: ‘At FCMB SheVentures, we recognise that entrepreneurs need more than access to finance to thrive. They also need knowledge, networks, and confidence to build businesses that can scale and create lasting value.

‘Our partnership with JSAID reflects our commitment to supporting women across sectors of the economy, including the creative industry. By equipping interior designers with financial and business management skills, we are helping them turn their talent into sustainable enterprises.’

Founder, Jenniez School of African Interior Design, Dr Jennifer Chukwujekwe, said: ‘This collaboration addresses one of the critical gaps in the interior design industry: helping talented designers understand and navigate the business and financial aspects of their profession.

‘Creative ability may open the door, but sound business management is what enables a designer to build an enduring enterprise.Through this programme, participants gained practical knowledge they can apply to structure, manage, and grow their businesses.’

The initiative supports JSAID’s mission to develop African interior designers who can compete globally, grow sustainable businesses, and contribute to the creative economy.

The collaboration between JSAID and FCMB SheVentures also reflects the growing recognition of interior design as an economic activity that supports enterprise development and job wealth creation.

US-Iran peace pact seen easing logistics, transport costs – FPI

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said a US-Iran peace deal could ease pressure on Philippine businesses after months of conflict drove up transport and logistics costs.

‘This is good news – cautiously good news,’ FPI chairperson Elizabeth Lee said in a statement on Tuesday.

‘The US-Iran peace deal gives the Philippines breathing room – but it also exposed how vulnerable we remain compared with our ASEAN neighbors,’ she added.

The group said the Middle East conflict has raised energy costs and disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the Philippines.

In March, President Marcos declared a national energy emergency to shield fuel and energy supplies from the US-Iran war’s impact.

‘Other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies absorbed the shock better because they have deeper industrial bases,’ Lee said.

According to Lee, the geopolitical development will lower oil and energy costs, strengthen the Philippine peso, and improve investor confidence.

The group said that while the relief is not immediate, the direction is ‘clear and constructive.’

‘With global oil prices now falling after the peace deal, the pressure that cascaded through logistics, cold chain, and transport will start to unwind,’ she said.

‘Relief is coming – as long as the peace holds and supply routes stay open. This stability gives businesses the space we need to rebuild margins, restore predictability, and strengthen our footing,’ she added.

Likewise, Lee said a stronger peso could lower costs for import-dependent manufacturers and raw material importers.

At the same time, the group added that investor confidence and foreign direct investment are likely to recover, albeit from a weakened base.

‘But for the Philippines to fully capture the FDI upside, we need internal reform momentum,’ FPI said.

The group said the government needs to accelerate the ease of doing business, tighten anti-smuggling operations, strangle corruption, and fully implement various policies, including the Tatak Pinoy Act and the CREATE MORE Act.

Revived Mice sector valued at B200bn

Thailand’s Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) sector is steadily transitioning into recovery mode and is expected to be worth 200 billion baht this year.

The revival is projected to generate a total economic impact of 330 billion baht, signalling a robust rebound for hospitality and tourism supply chains.

However, full normalisation remains out of reach as digital business matching platforms continue to cement the popularity of hybrid events. Industry insiders maintain that despite the digital shift, physical gatherings remain indispensable for high-value national, regional and global trade shows.

Underscoring the high yield of business travel, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) highlighted its role in driving national revenue.

“For every one baht TCEB spent, it produced 225 baht in revenue for the country,” said Supawan Teerarat, president of TCEB.

BEYOND INFRASTRUCTURE

Mice attendees are becoming more selective, increasing the challenge for hosts and organisers to meet expectations that go “beyond the ordinary”, she noted. The deciding factor is no longer about infrastructure such as airports or hotels, which every country now possesses.

Participants today seek business outcomes — connections, investments and networking — rather than just knowledge, said Ms Supawan.

Organisers must be smart enough to create innovation-led showcases and prioritise sustainability as the new generation of attendees and organisers is concerned about environmental and social impacts. This is why Thailand must strengthen its sustainability policies to remain competitive against rivals such as Singapore, she said.

“Our recent ‘Meet Thai Plus 2026’ event in Shenzhen marks a significant milestone as our first full-scale exhibition. Previously, we focused on roadshows or tabletop business networking in hotels. Following a board policy to enhance ‘Thailand Branding’, we are now acting as the lead agency for managing World Expos on behalf of the country,” she said.

“We chose Shenzhen because it is China’s hub for innovation and high technology, strategically located near Guangzhou’s manufacturing base, Hong Kong’s trade hub and the Hainan Free Trade Zone,” she added.

The success in Shenzhen was beyond expectations. While TCEB targeted 800 business appointments over two days, the first day alone saw over 1,000. The bureau expected 3,000 business travellers but already had 2,500 registrants on its first day afternoon. This event utilised a B2B2C approach, using cultural performances and Muay Thai from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium to attract interest.

Despite these successes, Ms Supawan said TCEB faces a major challenge: a nearly 40% budget cut for the 2027 fiscal year, marking a significant drop from the 1.2 billion baht allocated last year — the highest among public organisations. “If we can secure central funding, we aim to expand these exhibitions to other major Chinese cities, as China remains a key investor in clean tech and energy.”

TCEB is urging the government to move beyond viewing the agency as a ‘Tourism Booster’ — a metric based simply on headcount and hotel spending.

Instead, TCEB should be recognised as an ‘Industry Catalyst’ or ‘Economic Connectivity’ provider. “We need tax incentives for organisers similar to those in Singapore, tax breaks for corporate meetings in secondary cities, and stricter labour standards to prevent illegal foreign capital from undermining local operators,” she said.

INDUSTRY CATALYST

The bureau is aggressively repositioning itself from a tourism booster to a critical industry catalyst, aiming to drive Thailand’s macroeconomic growth through high-value business events, despite facing the staggering budget cut for fiscal 2027.

“We are focusing on Thailand branding and high-tech sectors,” Ms Supawan said.

The new Mice landscape demands experiences centred on business connectivity, innovation and sustainability, she noted.

Thailand holds the top position in Southeast Asia for international meetings and boasts the largest exhibition space in the region, exceeding Singapore. However, maintaining this lead requires a shift in how the government perceives the industry’s value, said Ms Supawan.

TCEB wants to reposition its role.

“Evaluating our value based on headcount and hotel nights is an undervaluation,” she said.

Instead, the bureau wants to be seen as an industry catalyst or provider of economic connectivity, highlighting its ability to facilitate technology transfers and business partnerships in key sectors like electric vehicles, clean tech and medical wellness.

To support this transition, she said TCEB is urging the government to implement tax incentives for international organisers — similar to those offered by Singapore — and tax breaks for domestic corporate meetings held in secondary cities.

BIDS AND CHALLENGES

Ms Supawan said Thailand’s Mice pipeline remains robust.

On a regional level, she said Thailand is ranked No.1 in Southeast Asia for meetings and 24th globally. While Singapore leads as a city, Thailand holds the top spot as a country for conventions.

“Thailand also leads the region in exhibition space, surpassing Singapore with nearly 700,000 square metres. To maintain this, we are shifting our focus to ‘Government-Priority’ industries such as wellness, medical, food, and EVs,” she said.

“Looking now, TCEB is bringing major events to Thailand, including the current ‘Gastech’ [over 50,000 attendees], the ‘Global Wellness Summit’ in Phuket, and ‘IBTM Asia Pacific’ next year. We are also bidding for ‘South by Southwest’, ‘COP 33’ and a global robotics engineering event in 2030.”

However, Ms Supawan noted that the industry faces internal hurdles, including the rise of illegal foreign capital in the exhibition sector and a lack of standardised labour regulations.

TCEB is collaborating with the Labour Ministry and the Revenue Department to establish a certified list of service providers to ensure professional standards and protect local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“Mice is a platform for opportunity,” she emphasised. “It creates a global conversation in Thailand and connects our local SMEs to the world”.

UK in talks about joining global defence bank to fund NATO projects

The United Kingdom is actively exploring the possibility of joining the Defense, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB), which is being established to finance defense projects in NATO countries.

According to Financial Times, the participation in the DSRB could help London achieve its goal of increasing defense spending to 3 percent of GDP.

The bank is reportedly planned to be headquartered in Montreal and could raise up to $134 billion to finance military projects.

The DSRB is a multilateral bank aimed at providing cheaper loans to fund defence projects. Albania, Belgium, Greece, Canada, Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, Trkiye and Ukraine have also expressed their intention to participate in the initiative.

Membership of the bank for the UK and other G7 countries would come with an upfront investment cost of around £870m spread over three years.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also travelling to the UK for his first meeting with the prime minister.

The government has so far avoided committing to raising defence spending to 3% of national income by 2030, only repeating the longer term goal of 3.5% by 2035.

Dafinone urges Delta APC members to back Tinubu’s reforms ahead of 2027

Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, has urged APC leaders, stakeholders and members in Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta State to remain committed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying its difficult economic reforms are necessary to rebuild the country and lay the foundation for sustainable development.

Dafinone spoke during his consultation visits to the two local government areas, where he met party leaders and members as part of efforts to strengthen mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the Tinubu administration inherited a country facing serious economic challenges and deliberately embarked on reforms that could be painful in the short term but would strengthen the economy in the long run.

According to him, Nigerians should assess the President not by his popularity but by the quality and sustainability of the decisions being taken to reposition the country.

‘Being President of Nigeria no be beauty contest. The work of your President is not to shine teeth, wear fine clothes, travel round. The work of your President is to make your country better, make your own life better. That’s what the President is doing,’ he said.

The senator said some of the reforms introduced by the administration, including changes to fuel subsidy, electricity subsidy, foreign exchange policy and taxation, could have been avoided if Tinubu’s priority were simply to remain popular.

He argued that the President instead chose to confront structural problems that had accumulated over the years despite the political risks associated with such decisions.

Dafinone appealed to Nigerians to maintain faith in Tinubu’s long-term vision, saying global developments, including the war in Iran, had affected the reform agenda.

He said the President remained focused on the legacy he wanted to leave behind.

‘Our President has his eye on the legacy he wants to leave. He wants to be able to tell Nigerians that he fixed the country; he made the country better for Nigerians,’ he stated.

The senator also linked Tinubu’s economic vision to Nigeria’s lost position among countries that were at comparable levels of development in the 1960s, citing Malaysia and Indonesia as examples.

He said Nigeria had the human resources and entrepreneurial capacity to regain lost ground, stressing that the country’s greatest resource was its people.

‘The truth, the secret of Nigeria is Nigerians. Nigerians are the most intelligent people in Africa by far,’ Dafinone said.

On religious considerations in the 2023 presidential election, Dafinone said some Christian voters in Delta State had been influenced by fears that a Muslim presidency would lead to the Islamisation of Nigeria.

He, however, argued that developments under Tinubu had not supported such fears, urging Delta voters to reassess the administration based on its policies and performance rather than religious sentiments.

On the relationship between the Federal Government and Delta State, Dafinone said the emergence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC at both state and federal levels had created an opportunity for closer collaboration and greater access to federal support.

He pointed to the relationship between Tinubu and Oborevwori, saying their interactions demonstrated a level of understanding capable of producing greater dividends for Delta.

According to Dafinone, ‘Our Governor has a direct line to the President. We senators get direct line to the President. It will allow us to bring back many, many dividends.’ He urged APC members in Udu and Ughelli South to translate the alignment between the state and federal governments into electoral strength by delivering strong results for Tinubu, Oborevwori and other APC candidates.

The Senator consequently charged party members to take ownership of the party at the grassroots, stressing that electoral victory begins at the polling unit. He commended the restructuring of the APC following the recent congresses, which he said had given ward and local government leaders greater responsibility for organising and delivering their respective units. ‘All politics is local,’ Dafinone declared, urging party leaders to return to their wards, mobilise their members and ensure that every unit contributes to the party’s victory in 2027.

Dafinone said the objective should be a comprehensive victory for the APC, rather than the practice of individual party members pursuing separate interests during elections. He warned that internal division could undermine the party’s chances and urged leaders to work collectively to deliver maximum votes. ‘We must deliver all candidates, every candidate of the party, five over five,’ he said, while calling on APC members in Udu and Ughelli South to unite behind Tinubu, Oborevwori and the party’s candidates as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, the member representing the Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, called on the people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas to come out en masse and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all APC candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Waive cited the siting of the Federal Medical Centre in the constituency, which he said had created more than 800 jobs for indigenous residents of the area. He noted that the best way for the people to reward those who had provided employment opportunities for their children was to support the APC at the polls and deliver a ‘five-over-five’ victory for the party.

In particular, he noted that President Tinubu had demonstrated that he was a friend of the Urhobo people and maintained a very cordial working relationship with Governor Oborevwori. According to him, the partnership between the Federal Government and the Delta State Government would position the Urhobo Nation, particularly Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu, to benefit significantly from the emerging development opportunities.

Other leaders who spoke at the consultation included the Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Chief John Oguma; Chief S. K. Panse; Chief Odebo; and other prominent APC leaders from the two local government areas.

The two local government chairmen and other party leaders also expressed their readiness to mobilise their respective wards and communities for the total victory of the APC in the 2027 general elections.

PPI launches ‘Press Forward’ in CDO, eyes media-citizen council

To protect journalists from costly criminal lawsuits while maintaining public accountability, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) convened media practitioners from across Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions here on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for a regional media-citizen council.

Titled ‘Press Forward: Elevating Accountability, Dispute Resolution, and Navigating the Future of Media,’ the seminar-workshop focused on integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) frameworks directly into the news sector to resolve conflicts outside of a full-blown court battle.

Relevance of community journalism

Speaking at the event, Joenald Medina Rayos, PPI trustee and treasurer, reminded participants that trust is journalism’s most valuable asset.

‘It arrives on foot and leaves on horseback. Trust requires consistency. It’s easily lost and difficult to repair,’ Rayos, who also serves as the chairman of the Batangas Media-Citizen Council, said.

He said the importance of community journalism lies in its proximity to its news sources, saying: ‘It is where the big news outlets get the story from the ground.’

Navigating a disrupted narrative

Francis Allan Angelo, PPI Trustee and secretary, highlighted the growing alienation between traditional newsrooms and their audiences amid digital upheavals, stressing that structured community engagement is more critical than ever.

‘Going around the country under the PPI project of establishing Media-Citizen Councils, I can see that we are in a very interesting, but at the same time, confusing times,’ Angelo told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the seminar.

He pointed out that while social media has made the media landscape ‘topsy-turvy,’ the fundamental essence of journalism remains anchored in providing the ‘bigger picture’ and deep context during national crises and controversies.

‘Now, we feel we (might be) useless and untrusted, but in fact, if you look at it, at moments of great controversies and quandaries, the public always turns to journalists,’ Angelo, who also chairs the Iloilo City Media-Citizen Council, added.

Mediation mechanisms

A central pillar of the ‘Press Forward’ campaign is equipping local press communities with mediation mechanisms to protect small newsrooms and freelancers from the chilling effects of litigation.

In the Philippines, a single story can trigger criminal libel or cyberlibel, which carry penalties such as imprisonment of four to eight years and fines of up to P1.2 million under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Compounding this is the practice of ‘venue shopping,’ allowing cyberlibel complaints to be filed anywhere the digital post was accessed.

‘The process itself is the punishment,’ Angelo noted regarding prolonged court battles that drain resources and scorch professional relationships.

The strategy introduced by the PPI relies on a tiered ADR framework meant to catch and resolve disputes at the lowest possible level before they escalate to criminal trials:

Tier 0: Immediate in-house editorial remedies such as corrections, clarifications, or a right of reply.

Tier 1: Media-Citizen Council mediation overseen by self-regulatory bodies.

Tier 2: Barangay conciliation via the Katarungang Pambarangay system if parties reside locally.

Tier 3: Prosecutor-level mediation.

Tier 4: Court-annexed mediation once a civil case has already been formally filed.

A breakthrough for this framework is the Department of Justice (DOJ) Department Circular No. 31, Series of 2023 (NPS Rules on Mediation), which took effect on January 31, 2024. The circular formally allows libel and cyberlibel cases to be mediated at the prosecutor’s desk during the preliminary investigation phase. It is currently being piloted in Manila.

Safeguarding press freedom

Under interest-based mediation models developed from the Harvard Negotiation Project, resolving a media dispute shifts the focus from rigid legal demands (‘take it down or I sue’) to underlying interests (‘protect my reputation, correct the record’).

According to Angelo, typical settlement ‘currency’ includes non-monetary remedies that cost newsrooms nothing but satisfy an aggrieved party’s core complaints, such as measured apologies, right-of-reply space, targeted text edits, or nominal damages paired with a reciprocal waiver of suit.

However, organizers emphasized that strict legal guardrails must be maintained.

‘Under no circumstances can a media-citizen council bargain away a newsroom’s editorial independence, truthful public-interest reporting, the confidentiality of journalistic sources protected under the Sotto/Shield Law, or consent to any form of prior restraint or pre-publication veto,’ Angelo told participants.

By institutionalizing standing Press Mediation Desks within local media-citizen councils, the PPI aims to turn temporary legal reliefs into permanent local infrastructure, striking a balance between swift justice for the public and a protected environment for independent journalism.

NDLEA records 248 convictions, seizes N2bn illicit drugs in Delta

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State Command, has seized illicit drugs worth more than N2 billion, secured 248 convictions and destroyed 36.2 hectares of cannabis farms in the state between July 2025 and September 2026.

The state Commander, NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu, PhD, disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing in Asaba to mark his first year in office.

Hamidu said the command’s operations focused on disrupting illicit drug supply networks while intensifying preventive measures against drug abuse, particularly among youths.

He said operatives seized 2.446 tonnes of solid drug exhibits, including 1.38 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, 666.295kg of Tramadol and 81.023kg of cannabis seeds.

Other substances recovered, according to him, included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Molly, Diazepam/Bromazepam, Exol, Cocodamol and Nitrous Oxide.

Hamidu said the command also seized 1,304.63 litres of liquid drug exhibits, including 819.327 litres of Codeine, Pentazocine, Tramadol injection and other substances.

He said a raid on a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, led to the recovery of illicit substances valued at more than N150 million.

He added that operatives intercepted two trucks conveying illicit drugs along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

He said a truck was intercepted at Issele-Uku loaded with Codeine valued at about N150 million, while another intercepted at Agbor contained psychotropic substances worth about N100 million.

He stated: ‘Two commercial buses intercepted along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway were also found to be carrying psychotropic substances estimated at more than N300 million.

‘On cannabis cultivation, the command destroyed 10.2 hectares of cannabis farmland at Emu-Obiogo in Ndokwa West Local Government Area in August 2025.’

He said another 11 hectares were destroyed at Obiaruku in Ukwani LGA in May 2026, while 15 hectares were destroyed at Orogun in Ughelli North LGA.

According to him, the operations were designed to prevent Delta from becoming a route, storage point or cultivation centre for illicit drugs.

On prosecution, Hamidu said 248 drug-related convictions were secured during the period under review, while 223 cases remained pending before various courts.

He assured that the command would continue to work with the judiciary and other relevant authorities to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of drug-related offences.

Hamidu, however, stressed that enforcement alone could not solve the drug problem, noting that the command had intensified sensitisation, counselling and preventive programmes.

He said 693 persons, comprising 463 males and 230 females, were counselled during the period, while the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign recorded activities in 181 locations across the state.

He said the command, in collaboration with the State Drug Control Committee and the Delta State Communication and Orientation Bureau, had also expanded drug-prevention education through WADA Clubs in secondary schools.

The programmes, he said, had been extended to NYSC orientation camps, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, workplaces and communities.

Hamidu commended the Delta State Government for its support in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as well as the Armed Forces and sister security agencies, particularly Operation Delta Sweep, for strengthening intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, youth organisations, NGOs, community leaders and media partners.

The commander singled out the Asagba of Asaba, the Oreje of Okpe Kingdom and the Dein of Agbor for their support, saying the Asagba of Asaba had played a significant role in facilitating a rehabilitation facility in Asaba, which would soon become operational.

Hamidu said the command would sustain its dual approach of disrupting drug supply networks and reducing demand through counselling, rehabilitation and public education.

He said the strategy aligned with the Delta State Government’s M.O.R.E Agenda, particularly its focus on development, peace, security and prosperity.

He also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for providing strategic leadership to the agency’s nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.

Hamidu called for sustained support from government, security agencies, the media and the public, saying the fight against illicit drugs required collective action.

‘Every life saved from drug abuse is a family kept together, a future protected and a community made stronger,’ he said.

He urged Deltans to support the NDLEA through education, enforcement, collaboration and compassion in building a safer and healthier state.

Atiku, Keyamo mourn Olu Jacobs

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, paid tribute to veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs, MFR, who died on Wednesday at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ death was announced on Instagram by his son, Olusoji, who described him as ‘The Lion of Lufodo’.

In a statement posted on X, Atiku described the late actor as ‘an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit’.

Atiku said, ‘I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor; we have lost an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.

‘For generations of Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in our homes. That unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought to every role and the sheer force of his talent made him one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory.

‘Long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, Olu Jacobs was already carrying the Nigerian name with distinction. Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise. He gave life to our stories, dignity to our culture and inspiration to countless younger actors who followed the path he helped to clear.’

Atiku also condoled with Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, and their children.

‘My heart goes especially to his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family. I pray that the memories of the beautiful life they shared with him will bring them strength through this painful season,’ he said.

He added, ‘Olu Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence. Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude. May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family in this hour of grief.’

Minister Festus Keyamo, in his own tribute on X, hailed Jacobs as a consummate professional.

‘Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace,’ Keyamo wrote.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in British television and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country’s film industry.

Alongside his wife, Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

He was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011, an AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2013, and an AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Jacobs is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.