Metro
NDLEA Smashes Int’l Drug Syndicate, Intercepts Loud, Cannabis, Arrests Culprits

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have smashed an international drug syndicate with networks in parts of Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand. No fewer than five members of the cartel were arrested in a two-weeks intelligence led operations in Lagos, Abia and Anambra states following the seizure of their illicit drug consignments at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, according to statement signed by the Director, Media & Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi.
The unravelling of the drug cartel started on Sunday 20th April when their cargo of four big suitcases arrived the NAHCO shed on an Airpeace airline flight from Johannesburg, South Africa. After days of close monitoring and investigation, the first suspect, Umeh Chisom Peter was arrested on Wednesday 24th April after he showed up to pick two of the suitcases
containing Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis owned by a Thailand based member of the syndicate, Obum Michael. The consignment of four parcels was concealed in false bottoms of the two suitcases, while the four suitcases contain a total of 17.6 kilograms Loud and drug candies.
Another member of the syndicate, Mrs. Chiwendu Uche Ugbe whose South Africa based husband, Aloytus Uche Ugbe sent some of the consignments, was traced to Anambra state where NDLEA officers arrested her on Saturday 27th April while attempting to collect the drug parcels sent to her by her husband.
Two other suspects: Onyejakor Francis Chimezie and Naaji Valentine Chukwukere, with links to the cartel were also arrested in parts of Lagos on Monday 29th April. Their arrest led to another operation in Abia state where Mrs. Chinazo Osigwe was arrested when she was to pick up some of the parcels containing Loud and drug candies sent by her husband, Osigwe Chidiebere Anthony who is equally operating from South Africa.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on stop and search operation along Abuja-Abaji highway on Wednesday 1st May intercepted a 40-ft gas tanker marked RBC 77XG and upon a thorough search discovered 511 jumbo sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 4,752kg concealed in the gas tank compartment of the truck. The consignment was loaded into the tanker in Ondo state and meant to be delivered in Abuja for further distribution. Four suspects: Efe Abel Mikel, 39; Ebigide Cyril, 29; Ejechi Monday, 41; and Friday Benson Chukwudi, 39, have been arrested in connection with the seizure.
While two suspects: Aminu Umar, 25, and Anas Umar, 22, were arrested with 207.1 kilograms of cannabis sativa in their house at Unguwan Rimi, Basawa, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna state on Monday 29th April, Bashir Umar, 35, was nabbed at Ladanai, Hotoro area of Kano on Friday 3rd May with 194 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Osun state, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 1st May arrested an ex-convict, 51-year-old Suleiman Usman who is currently facing trial for another drug offence at the Federal High Court Osogbo. At the time of his latest arrest at Okinni town, Suleiman was found in possession of 4.4grams of Cocaine, 28.5kg of cannabis sativa, 20 tabs of rophynol weighing 6.2grams and 812 pills of tramadol. The following day, Thursday 2nd May, NDLEA operatives at Agbara checkpoint, Seme border, Badagry Lagos intercepted a Toyota camry car marked KJA 825 FT conveying 113 jumbo parcels of cannabis with a total weight of 64kg. The driver, Charles Amoni, 45, was promptly arrested.
In Bauchi state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Bauchi-Jos road on Monday 29th April arrested Clement Chukwuka, 39, with 595 bottles of codeine; 38,260 pills of opioids such as tramadol, rohypnol and diazepam, while another suspect, Friday Ibochi was nabbed at NDLEA check point, Aloma junction, Otukpa, Benue state onTuesday 30th April with 66 blocks of cannabis weighing 33kg. In the same vein, 42-year-old Ifeanyi Stanley was arrested with 12kg of same substance at Swali Jetty, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
With the same vigour, the various commands of the Agency across the country
continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Ekimogun Community Grammar School, Bolorunduro, Ondo East LGA, Ondo state; students of Lafenwa High School (Senior), Abeokuta, Ogun state; students of Sky Brain International School, Enugu Ezike, Enugu state; intending Muslim pilgrims on dangers of illicit drug trafficking, Katsina state and WADA advocacy visit to Olobaoke of Oba Oke land, Oba Adam Iyiola Bamidele Yusuf and his chiefs, Osun state as well as WADA advocacy visit to Lagos state First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, FCT, Kano, Kaduna, Osun, Seme, Bayelsa, Bauchi, and Benue Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures.
Metro
Healthgarde Boosts Women Empowerment at Lagos Convention

Leading health and wellness company, Healthgarde International, celebrated its fifth anniversary and 2025 convention in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday, February 15 with a splash of awards – products, cash and luxury packages – given to its sales heroes, all dressed in purple.
Speaking to newsmen at the convention, Healthgarde CEO, Mrs. Nneka Nwarueze, explained how the company was able to pull through the sudden economic challenges of 2024.
“We’ve come a long way since we started five years ago,” Nwarueze said. “We’ve learned to adapt to the changing business environment, and we’re particularly proud of our team members who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment to our values. We are very happy to celebrate all of them today, especially our top achievers.”
The Healthgarde convention featured a purple affair awards ceremony to recognize outstanding performers across various categories. Mariam Oboh emerged Business Leader of the Year and Star of Africa, which came with double home use gadgets plus N500,000 cash prize, while Judith Amaogo came second, and Bolanle Aina third.
Other winners were:
– Entrepreneur of The Year 2024: Cynthia Enete
– Rising Star of the Year 2024: Maryann Obi
– Social Media Star 2024: Eniola Emmanuel
– Staff of the Year 2024: Godwin Tosu
– Depot of the Year, 2024: Enugu Depot
– Performer Per Depot 2024: Judith Amaogo, Adeniyi Jones; Cynthia Enete, Ojota; and Chinamunwa Anumba, Port Harcourt.
– Top 3 Fast Start Recruiters of 2024: Benita Okonkwo, Ifeoma Idoko, and Judith Amaogo
– Top 3 Team Builders of 2024: Bolanle Aina, Judith Amaogo, and Mariam Oboh
– Top 3 Recruiters of 2024: Ifeoma Idoko, Judith Amaogo, and Mariam Oboh
– Top 3 Group Sales Volume (GSV): Maryanne Obi, Judith Amaogo, and Ebere Obodozie
– Top 3 Personal Sales Volume (PSV): Benita Okonkwo, Bolanle Aina, and Maryanne Obi
The event also featured a motivational talk by Pastor Ambrose Okwugha, who encouraged the entire sales-force to strive for success, and never give up; no matter despite the challenges they may face.
When asked about the challenges facing the company, Mrs. Nwarueze cited the unfriendly business environment, high cost of living, inflation, reduced purchasing power, and intense competition.
“Despite these challenges, we’re committed to providing quality products and services to our customers. We’re also investing in local manufacturing to reduce our dependence on imported raw materials,” she said.
The 2025 convention marked a significant milestone for Healthgarde International, and it witnessed an outpouring of consultants’ testimonies of how the multilevel wellness marketing business changed their lives and fortunes.
Metro
FRSC Boss Hails Sokoto Govt on Support, Reiterates Staff Welfare

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has applauded the Sokoto State government for its sustained support and solidarity with the FRSC in the state, saying the goodwill will spur the staff towards greater service delivery.
He stated this, according to a statement signed by the Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), at the Sokoto State Sector Command of the FRSC on Wednesday, while addressing the combined parade of staff of the Sokoto Zonal Command, Sector Command, Special Marshals and members of the Road Safety Club as part of his familiarization tour to the state.
The Corps Marshal specially noted the cordial relationship between FRSC and the state government, describing it as examplery. He further noted that the massive road construction and rehabilitation being undertaken by the state government has reduced incidences of route violation by drivers and consequent reduction in the rates of road traffic crashes in the state. “The donation of a patrol vehicle to the Sector Command by the state government and other promises of support made by the Governor point to the commitment of a state Governor that’s committed to supporting the FRSC in its efforts to reduce the menace of road traffic crashes in the country,” he stated.
The Corps Marshal expressed appreciation to the staff for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice which manifested in the successes recorded during the 2024 end of year special patrol. He restated the commitment of his Management to addressing issues of staff welfare, capacity development and regular promotion exercise, saying Management will continue to reward excellence and punish indiscipline.
Corps Marshal Shehu who tasked the staff on hardwork and quality service delivery, recalled his early days as a young officer in the state, stressing the need for everyone to build good legacy and embrace due process through diligence. He warned against indiscipline either on the road or in the office, saying everyone must take accountability very seriously. “Every staff must realize that there’s accountability in all that they do and work hard to excel in order to justify the trust invested by government and people of Nigeria,” the Corps Marshal added.
On the Federal Government’s support for safer road environment in the country, the Corps Marshal appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing logistics support for the FRSC which he said has enhanced the success rate of the Corps and promised not to leave any stone unturned in his determination to reinvigorate the Corps for improved service delivery.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed also thanked the critical stakeholders in the state and the media for standing firm with the Corps in creating public awareness on issues of road safety. He however expressed dismay at the rate of overloading and mix loading among some drivers in the state, saying the practice has been responsible for the avoidable loss of lives in road traffic crashes in the state.
While stressing the need for members of the public to join hands with the Corps in the ongoing campaign against tanker crashes and scooping of fuel whenever a tanker crash occurred, the Corps Marshal expressed sadness over the actions of people who run to scoop fuel at crash scenes knowing that petroleum products are inflammable. He called on all the stakeholders to rise to the occasion in the efforts to create public awareness on the matter.
As part of the Corps Marshal’s activities in the state, he addressed stakeholders and members of the media where he harped on the shared nature of road traffic management and called on everyone to get involved.
The two days visit to Sokoto state continued on Thursday with the visit to the State Governor and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III
Metro
Nestlé Launches Dairy Demonstration Farm, Invests ₦1.8bn in Dairy Development

Nestlé Nigeria has launched a dairy demonstration farm in Paikon Kore, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing the local dairy industry through the Nestlé Nigeria Livestock Development Project (NLDP, inaugurated in 2021. The NLDP is structured around three pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed (fodder), and Resilient Communities. It is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and delivered in collaboration with CBI Innovations Limited (CBiIL) and 2Scale.
Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm is designed to build on the success of the NLDP by serving as a practical model for implementing best dairy practices. It will showcase how to enhance the productivity of local cattle breeds from an average yield of 1 liter per cow per day to potentially over 10 liters through effective breeding programs. The farm also aims to showcase the practical application of best dairy practices to maintain herd health, nutrition, and hydration to transform local dairy production.
At the launch event, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria said, “Since 2019, Nestlé Nigeria has invested over ₦1.8 billion in improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore and Kachia grazing reserve. We are happy to report that the milk producers participating in this program have experienced a substantial increase in their household income which rose from ₦70,000 in 2021 to ₦250,000 in 2024. This growth is attributed to increased productivity driven by improved dairy practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities.”
Daily milk collection increased from an initial 200 liters in June 2021 to an average of 6,000 liters per day at the Milk Collection and Cooling Centre, aggregating over 1 million liters of raw milk to date. This success benefits approximately 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
Also commenting on the demonstration farm, Mr. Soji Apampa, CEO of CBI Innovations said, “We are excited about the opportunities ahead. Nestlé Demonstration Dairy Farm is not merely a project, it catalyzes the positive change we are dedicated to through sustainable farming practices that protect our environment, animal welfare, and the well-being of our communities. We envision a future where this dairy farm serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration for others in the industry. We will continue to innovate, learn, and grow, always maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and community.”
In his address, the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha said, “The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates Nestlé’s unwavering commitment to contributing to the nation’s backward integration goals and aligns seamlessly with our national agenda for livestock development. By introducing modern farming practices, supporting local dairy farmers, and ensuring the production of high-quality dairy products, this project will not only boost our domestic dairy supply but also reduce reliance on imports, thereby strengthening our economy. In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments like this to thrive.”
The community members expressed their excitement with the location of the farm. Sulaiman Ahmed said on behalf of the Apex Union Leaders, “We are delighted that in addition to raising awareness about dairy farming, the demo farm will bring many benefits to our community. It presents us with the opportunity to access crossbreeds and serves as a training site for adopting modern dairy farming practices, particularly in feeding methodologies. The farm will also create more visibility for our community by attracting visitors and potential business partners.”
Nestlé Dairy Development Farm situated on 4 hectares within the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve is equipped with cattle sheds, a calf pen, maternity and sick bay. It also has a holding area and dip-tank, an automated milking system, and a hay barn. The farm has adopted sustainable practices including the use of solar power, and the establishment of a biogas system for waste management. It will serve as a training facility not just for the farmers within the NLDP project, but also for a wider range of stakeholders, including practitioners, academia and pastoralists.
This initiative is part of Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy, which works with stakeholders and partners to create value for society while growing its business.