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Paris St Germain posted record revenue in the 2024-2025 season of 837 million euros ($976.11 million), the Champions League winners announced in their financial results.

PSG, third in the Deloitte Football Money League in January, beat their previous revenue high of 806 million euros.

The Ligue 1 club generated 367 million euros of commercial revenues and 175 million euros from matchday income, with the Parc des Princes sold out for 170 consecutive matches.

The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books as PSG won their first Champions League title plus the Ligue 1 crown, French Cup and Trophee des Champions before losing in the Club World Cup final.

‘This performance shows the maturity of the project since the arrival of its main shareholder QSI, and confirms the solidity of the club’s economic model, now among the most successful in the world’, PSG said in a statement.

Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.

Revenue from the Club World Cup up to the quarter-finals was included in this season’s financial report, while the latter stages will be reflected in next year’s results.

Despite record revenue, PSG registered an annual loss although the club did not disclose the deficit. Last season, PSG reported a loss of approximately 60 million euros.

The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), has sworn in its 23rd President and Chairman, Governing Board, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe.

Ezeibe was sworn in as the third female president of the council in its 63 years of existence. She takes over from Babatunde Oguntade, who served for two years.

The Chairman of the occasion and doyen of insurance, Olola Olabode Ogunlana while speaking at the ceremony, called for collaboration within the sector and beyond.

Ogunlana said that ideally, there should also be linkages across all sectors of the Nigerian financial system.

He stated that this collaboration must extend to insurers, regulators, and governments alike.

He said: ‘Up to now, we have neglected insurance education for potential insurers. We must now go out of our way to make insurance a household word. Schools, higher institutions of learning, marketplaces, work sites, and wherever potential insurers may be. We must reduce our dependence on government insurer portfolios. The current free-for-all approach neither recognises merit nor encourages innovation or skill enhancement.

‘We must stop worrying our heads and time on those with deep pockets and their collaborators. Of course, we are not giving agriculture the enthusiasm and innovation it deserves. We must prioritise settlement of claims.’

He charged the new NCRIB President to pursue her agenda with vigour, adding, ‘We shall all support you.’

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Olusegun Omosehin, said the emergence of Ezeibe was a powerful statement on inclusion.

‘The emergence of Ezeibe as the third female president in the 63-year history of this council is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusion. It is of quiet strength and strategic impact, both at the NCRlB and generally within the Nigerian insurance industry. Of note is her strategic leadership as the chairperson of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Committee on AfCFTA. Under her guidance, the committee has championed industry enlightenment, capacity building and policy advocacy to ensure the Nigerian insurance industry is well positioned to harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,’ he said.

Omosehin went on to urge the NCRIB to work with it on microinsurance and Takaful options.

‘Inclusive insurance models also become very critical, so we would like to partner with the NCRIB to develop broker-led micro insurance and takaful solutions for our public. NAICOM’s stance is simple. Deliver only what you can support and support everything you deliver. Clear promises and prompt service build trust, and trust drives penetration.

‘We invite the NCRIB, under the leadership of Mrs. Ezeibe, to actively partner with the Commission in implementing the provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025. NAICOM, therefore, remains open to dialogue and committed to harmonising the roles of all industry players.’

Meanwhile, the immediate past President of NCRIB, Prince Babatunde Oguntade while reeling out his achievements as the president of NCRIB in the last two years said brokers have strategically partnered stakeholders including regulators, industry associations, and international organisations to deepen penetration.

Oguntade said these partnerships opened up new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development.

He stressed that his regime broke several new grounds with constituent bodies where insurance had never been mentioned, particularly in the entertainment and housing environment, believing his successor would sustain the tempo.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has restated its commitment to building a transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven tax system that fosters clarity, trust, and shared prosperity among Nigerians.

Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this known in his keynote address at the Abuja Edition of the 2025 Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, held on Tuesday.

According to Adedeji, the FIRS is focused on bridging the gap between citizens and government through open communication, modernized systems, and simplified processes that make tax compliance easier for individuals and businesses.

‘This Tax Clinic is not just a program, it is a bridge between the government and the governed, policy and people,’ he said. ‘Our tax reforms are designed to simplify compliance, reduce bottlenecks, and build trust with taxpayers. A modern revenue system can only thrive on fairness, empathy, and collaboration.’

He explained that the ongoing tax reforms aim to remove complexities that often discourage compliance, while ensuring that revenue collection supports national growth and development in an equitable manner.

Speaking during a panel session at the event, Mr. Collins Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communications and Advocacy to the Executive Chairman, said the FIRS is transforming public perception of taxation.

‘What we are doing is changing the narrative-from tax being seen as a burden to being understood as a shared responsibility for national growth,’ Omokaro said. ‘This Clinic reflects the power of clarity and collaboration.’

The Abuja Tax Clinic featured multilingual community outreach programmes and media campaigns in English, Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, ensuring that the message of voluntary compliance and taxpayer support reached Nigerians across different backgrounds.

The event also provided a platform to deepen public understanding of the recently enacted four new Tax Reform Acts: Nigeria Tax Act; Nigeria Tax Administration Act; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act; and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

These laws, described by participants as a landmark in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, are designed to simplify tax administration, harmonize revenue systems, and place taxpayers at the center of policy design and implementation.

According to FIRS, the Tax Clinic continues to serve as a strategic tool to strengthen voluntary compliance, improve service delivery, and foster trust between taxpayers and government institutions.

Participants benefited from expert presentations, interactive service desks, and panel discussions that provided practical guidance on registration, filing, dispute resolution, and available incentives under the new tax administration framework.

There was strong institutional representation from key partner agencies, including the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Joint Tax Board (JTB), Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Also in attendance were major professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

These partners operated service desks at the event, providing hands-on support to taxpayers, responding to inquiries, and offering real-time guidance on various tax-related issues.

FIRS, in a statement, expressed appreciation to its institutional partners, professional bodies, and the thousands of taxpayers who participated both physically and virtually, describing the Abuja edition as ‘a resounding success.’

The Emerging Taxpayers’ Tax Clinic, which has held in several states across the country, forms part of the Service’s broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s tax administration, improve compliance rates, and promote an inclusive, technology-driven tax culture that supports national development.

Former Petroleum Minister (State), Chief Timipre Sylva, is not involved in any coup as rumoured in some quarters, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, has said.

Bokoru, in a statement on Wednesday, said desperate and narcissistic politicians plotting to actualise their ambitions in 2027 were behind the rumour because of their perception of Sylva as their obstacle.

He said such evil politicians took their desperation to a sickening level following Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility exposing their dark, self-serving ambitions.

Describing the former Governor as an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat, Bokoru said Sylva had shown unwavering support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

He recalled that Sylva recently mobilised the entire structures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa expanded stakehokders’ meeting.

Bokoru, however, admitted that Sylva’s Abuja home was subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters, saying they inflicted significant damage on the property.

He said the security operatives that raided Sylva’s house did not provide any reason for their action.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife were already out of the country at the time of the raid.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

Bokoru added: ‘In the past forty-eight hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has ‘fled’ the country in connection with certain purported matters.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

‘Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

‘It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

‘As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

‘The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence’.

He added: ‘While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever-either in planning or in logistics-with any such plot.

‘Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.

‘His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

‘These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle-a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions’.

There was a drama in the National Assembly on Wednesday when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies during an investigative hearing.

The drama unfolded when the Committee, chaired by Hon. Oboku Oforji, convened a session to examine JAMB’s 2023-2024 budget performance, implementation, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements.

The Committee had invited the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to appear in person and present the documents.

However, the Registrar sent a Director, Mr. Muftar Bello, to represent him.

The atmosphere became tense shortly after the session began. When it was time for introductions, the JAMB representative insisted that members of the press should leave the meeting, claiming that the documents he was to present contained ‘sensitive information.’

The committee, however, objected to the demand, maintaining that its proceedings were public and that it was within its constitutional powers to determine how its sittings were conducted.

The JAMB official became visibly agitated and, in an unexpected turn, stood up, directed his team to follow and walked out of the session, leaving members of the committee stunned.

Angered by the action, the committee immediately directed the Clerk to summon the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative but he had already left the premises.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, described the walkout as ‘unfortunate and unacceptable,’ stressing that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to obstruct its oversight duties.

‘We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar of JAMB requesting these documents. To our surprise, the Registrar failed to appear, and instead sent a former Director of Finance and Accounts, who claimed the committee was out to embarrass them. That is very unfortunate,’ Oforji said.

He added that the committee’s intention was not to witch-hunt any government agency but to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

‘Our responsibility is to make sure that all agencies under our watch are accountable to Nigerians. We have no intention whatsoever to witch-hunt anyone,’ he stated.

The committee has given JAMB until next Tuesday for the Registrar to appear in person with his management team to present the requested documents.

‘Failure to do so will compel the committee to take necessary actions in line with the powers vested in us under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ the chairman warned.

Other members of the committee also reacted angrily to the development, describing JAMB’s conduct as a blatant show of disrespect to the National Assembly and, by extension, to the Nigerian people.

Member representing Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante said the walkout amounted to contempt of Parliament. He described the incident as ‘most unfortunate,’ warning that it set a dangerous precedent for accountability in governance.

‘If JAMB can walk out on a committee of the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is a constitutional duty. When an agency refuses to answer questions about public funds, Nigerians have every reason to suspect something is wrong,’ Abiante said.

The lawmaker added that JAMB’s posture raised doubts about the transparency of its financial dealings, recalling previous controversies over unremitted or missing funds in public offices.

‘We have heard of instances where snake or something swallowed money. So probably a bigger swallow may have happened, and they have not prepared themselves for the autopsy. It’s unfortunate. And if this is what we call democracy, I do not understand where we are headed. We have institutions that have chosen not to be responsible to other arms of government, especially one that is constitutionally mandated to ensure public resources are not wasted,’ he added.

Member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, also faulted JAMB’s request for a closed-door session, insisting that it contradicted the principles of transparency expected of public institutions.

‘Public funds must be accounted for in the open. It is not JAMB’s right to dictate that a parliamentary session be held behind closed doors. This is how agencies get lawmakers into trouble. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent,’ he said.

The member representing Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the identity of the official who led JAMB’s delegation, expressing dismay that the Registrar failed to attend the hearing in person.

She maintained that as a major revenue-generating agency, JAMB must be held accountable for its finances and operations, noting that the committee expected the Registrar to appear personally at the next session.

‘It’s even more embarrassing that the man who walked out was not the Registrar. We don’t even know who he is. We simply asked them to introduce themselves and they refused. For all we know, he could have been impersonated. Nigerians want to know what JAMB is doing with their money. The Registrar must appear before this committee by Tuesday to explain,’ Ebikake said.

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has added an Abuja show to his 5ive Alive Tour lineup, scheduled for December 14, 2025, at Eagle Square.

The concert promises an ‘unforgettable night of music and energy’.

He wrote: ‘You asked for it. now it’s official!

ABUJA – DEC 14TH. The #5iveAliveTour finally lands in the capital’.

This addition comes after the tour’s successful kickoff in Uyo, where Davido sold out the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with 30,000 fans.

The 5ive Alive Tour celebrates Davido’s fifth studio album and will feature performances across major Nigerian cities, including Yola, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos, where the grand finale is set to take place on Christmas Day.

Oyo State governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kareem (AKK), has announced plans to present copies of his new book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, to prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State by December.

The announcement follows the hosting of his Town Hall Meeting, Book Launch, and Fundraising in Doonside, Sydney, Australia – an event that drew Yoruba leaders, professionals, and community figures from New South Wales.

Kareem lauded Nigerian Association of New South Wales, Odua Group, Newcastle Muslim Brothers, and other community bodies for support. He said the gathering is a blend of cultural pride, intellectual dialogue, and shared vision.

According to him, the book, his roadmap for sustainable development and people-centred governance, will be presented to Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and others ahead of Oyo State AKK Town Hall Meeting and Book Launch, in January.

‘Our mission is not only politics; it’s about purpose, vision, and unity,’ he said. ‘Our fathers will be first to get my book because their blessings and guidance are central to the progress of the state and realisation of our dream.’

Dr. Kareem also revealed that following the success of the Sydney event, similar engagements would be held in Western Australia, the United States, and Canada before June 2026, targeting members of the Oyo and Nigerian diaspora to further strengthen the movement.

The Doonside event, characterized by rich cultural displays and robust discourse, also served as a rallying point for supporters of the ‘Oyo 2027 Project,’ with participants pledging moral and financial commitment to the cause.

Dr. Kareem, widely respected for his humility and vision, reaffirmed that the slogan ‘Aseyori ni tiwa’ – meaning Success is Ours remains the driving spirit of his campaign for a more united, progressive, and prosperous Oyo State.

About Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)

Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem is a scholar, community leader, and development advocate with a record of excellence in both public service and the private sector. A native of Oyo State, he is deeply committed to promoting education, innovation, and inclusive governance.

His book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, presents a comprehensive blueprint for Oyo State’s socio-economic transformation. As the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Kareem’s campaign is anchored on accountability, infrastructure renewal, job creation, and human capital development – guided by his conviction that ‘good governance must be felt, not just promised.’

When President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025 into law on June 26, he ushered in one of the most ambitious fiscal reforms in Nigeria’s modern history. Alongside the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, this landmark legislation is not merely a consolidation of tax laws, it represents a structural re-engineering of how Nigeria mobilises, administers, and sustains its domestic revenue base.

At its core, the NTA 2025 seeks to modernise the tax framework, broaden the tax base, and align domestic practice with global norms, including the OECD’s minimum tax standards. It consolidates income classifications, introduces controlled-foreign-company (CFC) and top-up tax rules, reforms capital gains and corporate taxation, and streamlines administrative processes through enhanced automation and digital compliance.

Yet, even well-intentioned reforms can generate friction. Rapid transitions unsettle both administrators and taxpayers, particularly in a system already grappling with weak institutional capacity and uneven digital infrastructure. The challenge, therefore, is not whether Nigeria can reform its tax system; it’s how to transition painlessly from enactment to execution.

The case for careful transition

Fiscal transitions of this magnitude must balance ambition with realism. If rushed, reforms risk undermining business confidence, distorting cash flows, and triggering avoidable disputes. But if phased and well-communicated, they can achieve three goals simultaneously: boost revenue, build compliance culture, and foster trust between taxpayers and the state. Therefore, transition planning matters because the NTA changes are structural, not cosmetic. The Act redefines taxable income, alters reporting formats, and imposes new obligations on multinational groups. Without clear operational guidance, both small businesses and large corporates may misapply provisions – leading to revenue loss for government and compliance stress for taxpayers.

Principles for a smooth rollout

To achieve a seamless implementation, five guiding principles stand out:

Clarity First: Tax laws must be understood to be obeyed. The FIRS and State Revenue Services should publish plain-language guidance, worked examples, and industry-specific FAQs. Ambiguity fuels litigation; clarity fuels compliance.

Phased Implementation: The most disruptive provisions such as CFC computations and top-up taxation should be introduced gradually. A phased rollout allows taxpayers and administrators to align systems, test software, and adjust accounting models.

Technology-driven administration: End-to-end digital filing, e-payment systems, and automated data matching should replace paper-based and discretionary processes. These tools reduce leakages, improve audit efficiency, and minimise human interference.

Stakeholder partnership: Early collaboration with professional and industry bodies like ICAN, CITN, and chambers of commerce will make compliance pathways practical, not punitive. Consultation turns stakeholders into co-implementers rather than spectators.

Fairness and predictability: Transitional relief, clear grandfathering rules, and temporary compliance leniency should help businesses plan. Reform should encourage voluntary compliance, not breed fear.

Four-phase roadmap

Phase one – preparation and communication: From now until two months before the law’s effective date, the priority is communication. Authorities should issue explanatory notes and sectoral guides covering typical transactions from capital gains on asset disposals to cross-border profit allocation. Town halls, webinars, and consultations with key stakeholders will help surface ambiguities before enforcement begins. Draft regulations and operational rules delegated to the executive should be published early for review.

Phase two – pilot testing and capacity building: Pilot testing complex provisions will help refine compliance templates and tax forms. Volunteer firms can participate in ‘sandbox’ simulations of CFC computations and global minimum tax filings. Simultaneously, FIRS officers, helpdesk teams, and dispute resolution staff need intensive training, while SMEs should be supported through simplified filing tools and one-on-one clinics.

Phase three – soft launch and supportive enforcement: Implementation should begin with an assistance-first approach. In the initial months, taxpayers who make genuine filing errors should receive corrective notices rather than penalties. Complex provisions can be introduced in stages, giving firms time to recalibrate. Dedicated sectoral helpdesks such as for oil and gas, financial services, and digital firms should provide prompt responses to industry-specific issues.

Phase four – full enforcement and continuous improvement: After stabilisation, enforcement should become data driven. Risk-based audits and analytics can prioritise high-value or high-risk cases, while fast-track dispute resolution and expand tax tribunals can handle inevitable disagreements efficiently. The publication of monthly performance dashboards showing filings processed, refunds issued, and query turnaround times will promote transparency and trust.

Reducing the pain points

Even with the best preparation, implementation will still test institutional resilience. The government must therefore deploy targeted relief measures to ease pressure on vulnerable sectors.

Transitional pricing and grandfathering: Allow pre-effective-date contracts to retain prior tax treatment to avoid retroactive shocks.

Support for small businesses: Offer simplified regimes, temporary deferments, or tax credits to offset compliance costs.

Public education: Use radio, social media, and local-language campaigns to demystify registration, filing, and payment procedures.

Technology partnerships: Encourage fintech and accounting software providers to release NTA-compliant tools early. Private innovation can bridge administrative capacity gaps.

Cross-government coordination: Align FIRS, Customs, and state tax agencies to prevent double assessments and inconsistent interpretations.

Tracking Progress

Progress should be measured against tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

At least 80% of filings processed without manual correction within six months.

Average response time to taxpayer queries under seven business days.

90% of pilot-identified issues resolved before enforcement begins.

60-80% SME compliance uptake in the first year.

A higher ratio of corrective guidance to penalties, signalling education over punishment.

Such metrics transform implementation from aspiration to accountability.

Beyond revenue: Building trust and competence

The ultimate success of the NTA 2025 will not be judged by how much revenue is collected in its first year, but by how efficiently and fairly the system functions. Nigeria’s tax culture has long been weakened by mutual distrust; taxpayers suspect inefficiency or arbitrariness, while authorities assume evasion. The new regime offers a chance to reset this relationship. Thus, implementation should therefore be viewed as a partnership, not a confrontation. The tax authority’s role is evolving from a mere collector of revenue to a facilitator of compliance, a custodian of fairness, and a driver of national growth.

Done right, the NTA 2025 can strengthen domestic resource mobilisation without discouraging enterprise or investment. Done poorly, it risks litigation, economic distortion, and erosion of confidence. The difference lies not in the text of the law, but in the discipline of its execution. Undoubtedly, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward a modern, inclusive, and globally aligned tax system. The next test perhaps the most important is ensuring that this reform journey is guided by clarity, compassion, and competence. That is how transformation becomes progress.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned night club operators and fun seekers that organising, hosting and attending drug parties is illegal under Nigerian law.

The agency’s warning comes on the heels of a raid carried out by its operatives at a drug party, which held last Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday at Proxy Night Club on 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Over 100 attendees were arrested along with the owner of the facility, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu alias Pretty Mike and his manager Joachin Millary.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said: ‘Any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality. These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy night club, organisers went above board and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.

‘Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths. These illicit drug parties do not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security.

‘In the recent case, the NDLEA was meticulous and professional throughout the processes leading to the raid and during the operation. Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests.

‘All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counselled and released within hours in custody, in line with best global practices while the two principal suspects: Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and other substances from the club’s store.

‘While the agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government. Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found.’

It urged all patriotic Nigerians, parents, religious and community leaders, as well as concerned citizens to be vigilant, report such activities, and partner with the NDLEA in combating this threat to national well-being.

As part of his development agenda and to fulfill his campaign promises, His Execllency Governor Hyacinth Alia bring together some expert who produced a document known as ‘ Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.

This document is structured around seven priority pillars, with acronym SACHIIP .

On Page 38 of the this document ,the Governor outline 8 programs for Benue youths , to make them more self reliance and responsible to the society .

Unlike when they were used and dumped after elections,Governor Alia accomadate Benue youths into well into his development plan ,build on trust and confidence .

Among the programs are:

1. Promote youth participation in Governance, both at state and Local Government levels .

2. Promote the establishment of youths recreational centers in the three Senatorial districts in the state.

3. Establish the Benue Youths Volunteer Corps ( BYVC) to provide service, skill development, and leadership development to our teaming, youthfully population.

4. Promote Youth participation and employment in Agro,- procession industries strategically located across the three senatorial districts in the state.

5. Facilate employment, training, scholarship awards and entrepreneurship programmes for militia converts in the state.

6. Train young doctors , engineers, ICT, Lawyers and other needed professionals to enhance the human capacity of Benue state.

7. Re- orientation of the youths for effective patriotism, discipline, honestly, integrity, and selfless in youthful society.

8. Generally, improve youth employment through efficient commerce, industries and agriculture.

Armed with this ducument ,and within two years of his administration,Governor Alia has given the youths of Benue a pride of place in his entire administration.

Barrister Seember Wayo, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters , Dr. Terna Francis Director- General Benue State Bureau for Education Quality Assurance , Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, Commissioner for Youths and Creativity , before now he was in charge of ministry of work and Housing are all youths .

Other Youthful appointees holding position of responsibility and discharging their mandate isare Sir Kulas Tersoo Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Hon Solomon Iorpev Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategy communication as well as Director General ,Benue signage and Advertising Agency .

From these appointments Governor Hyacinth Alia has has demonstrated capacity to empower Benue youths who are the leaders of tomorrow in fulfilment of his campaign promises as capsulated in the Strategic Development plan for a Greater Benue.

It is heart warming and a thing of joy to note that this is the first time a Governor has given opportunities to Youths in his both cabinet and head of critical agencies of Government.

But there is icening on the cake as the Benue Youths Policy gets under soon.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has involved services of expert ,international developers and international organisation who are fine tunning the youth policy which will soon be unveil to Benue people . This is first of it’s kind in Benue too.

Then ,the Big one ‘ a peep into the Benue Youths Policy revealed that they are more 40 sports items for the youths only .

These included: Establishment of sports acedamies in the state , Develop modalities for full comercialisation of sports for revenue generation in the state, sponsoring of an Executive Bill to legalized and encourage sponsorship of sporting activities by private and public individuals .

Others are: Support the development of mini- stadiums in all the Local Government headquarters, for example the Vanideikya, Katsina Ala, Aliade, Otukpo stadiums builds years again will be upgraded for the benefits of the youths in Benue so that sports talents would be discovered and nature into international stars.

Increase funding and provide more funding facilities for sports development.

Re-introduce the all – primary and Secondary school games to harness local talents

And lastly Complete all outstanding revocation work and further expand the capacity of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi to International standard , including Macarthy Stadium.

Already, with the quality execution of infrastructure projects like roads,( both urban and rural) health , education, massive upgrading of Government offices , especially State Secretariat ,shows that the implementation of the Strategy Development Plan For a greater Benue of His Excellency,Governor Hyacinth Alia is on course and now a working ducument which has enderaed him ( Governor) to the people of Benue state who have increased the volume of Yes father chants.

In the essence,the youths ,who constitute 30 percent of Benue population must position themselves to take up leadership position of not just Governor Hyacinth Alia administration but of the state in future.

Luckily the ‘Not too Young Bill’ has given them the Constitutional power.

Hon .Gbenda Terver, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Illegal Levies ,told The Nation that ‘ Governor Alia has given Benue youths a better life to live, and they have key into the his policy to make their lives better .

For Governor Hyacinth Alia , the youths remain ‘ Leaders of Tomorrow’ and we must work toward giving them a better life..

This the Governnor said’ I’m running for governor to effect a significant transformation in the social , economic,and political landscape of our dear state .I’m committed to ensuring that a better and greater Benue emerges in my dispensation as governor .I need your collective Support to make this dream a reality.

That better tomorrow is now and it’s has started manifesting.