In a significant move to promote economic inclusion and support local enterprise, the Oyo State Government has officially handed over land allocation letters to cashew merchants operating at the Ultra-Modern Business Complex in Ogbomoso.

The development was announced during a formal presentation held at the state secretariat in Ibadan. Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, led the ceremony and described the moment as “the resolution of a prolonged land regularization process between the merchants and the government.”

Speaking to the traders, Adebisi emphasized the state’s commitment to sustainable economic development through peaceful negotiations and responsive governance.

“For the government, economic expansion is paramount. A thriving economy can only flourish in a peaceful environment,” the Commissioner declared.

He disclosed that following numerous consultative meetings with the traders, the state government had agreed to slash the cost of land from ₦500 to ₦250 per square metre. In addition, beneficiaries will enjoy a two-year moratorium, with payment to commence in May 2025 and continue in installments until April 2035.

Adebisi further assured the merchants that the land allocation process had been conducted transparently and without the involvement of middlemen.

“We commend the merchants for their patience and cooperation throughout the dialogue process. This gesture is a testament to the state government’s inclusive governance strategy,” he said.

Representing the cashew merchants, Mr. Jide Akalaifa and Mr. Jubril Arulogun expressed appreciation for the government’s proactive and transparent handling of the issue.

 “We thank the Ministry for addressing our long-standing concerns and offering favourable terms. This allocation strengthens the government’s commitment to inclusive economic development,” said Mr. Akalaifa.

 “These lands provide a structured opportunity for our businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the internally generated revenue of Oyo State,” added Mr. Arulogun.

This initiative is expected to boost local entrepreneurship, support agricultural trade, and foster job creation within the state’s commercial hubs.

In a sweeping nationwide crackdown, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple illicit drug consignments, including cocaine stashed in lipsticks and fake property documents headed to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. The busts, which also involved major arrests and the dismantling of drug rings, are part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and related crimes.

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) recovered 420 grams of cocaine hidden in 84 female lipsticks bound for the UK and 280 grams packed within a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) being sent to Saudi Arabia. The seizures occurred at a courier company in Lagos.

Notorious Drug Lord ‘Warri Kinsman’ Arrested

A major highlight of the week-long operation was the arrest of Ajetsibo Emami, popularly known as ‘Warri Kinsman’, on Saturday, June 28 in Ikeja, Lagos. Emami’s arrest followed a three-day sting operation that uncovered 681 pouches of Canadian Loud (a potent strain of cannabis) weighing 414.2kg, packed in 24 jumbo bags.

NDLEA disclosed that “the bust followed credible intelligence on his attempt to move the consignment to Lekki for statewide and nationwide distribution.”

Family-Run Drug Syndicate Busted

A Lagos-based family-run drug syndicate led by businessman Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife Rosemary Uchenna was dismantled after NDLEA operatives, following a DSS tip-off, arrested the couple on June 13 with 277.5kg of skunk in Ojo.

Further raids revealed an additional 231kg of skunk at a warehouse operated by their daughters Ngozi and Blessing Uchenna, along with their associate Okoro Elijah.

International Smuggling Attempts Foiled

At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA intercepted Aburemi Hysent, a frequent international traveler, attempting to smuggle 7,660 pills of tramadol (225mg and 200mg) disguised in food items to Italy. Hysent admitted he was promised €800 for delivering the drugs.

Also at MMIA, on Friday, July 4, 52 pieces of counterfeit travellers’ cheques worth AUD 17.7 million, hidden inside children’s books, were seized en route to Malaysia via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. A freight agent, Bolarinwa Saheed, was arrested and the case has been handed over to the EFCC.

Drug Seizures at Borders and Highways

At Seme border, 718 balls of skunk weighing 359kg were discovered on Saturday, July 5 in Baba-Pupa. On the Okene-Lokoja highway, NDLEA operatives seized 10,000 pills of tramadol, co-codamol, and 1.05kg of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis. Follow-up raids led to the arrest of Chinedu Odo, Samuel Ogbonna, and Kingsley Ugaji in Abuja.

In Osun State, NDLEA raided multiple locations including a vulcanizer’s workshop and a patent medicine store, arresting several suspects and confiscating over 63,000 pills and ampoules of opioids. Additionally, 9.67 hectares of cannabis farmland in Ikaka, Oke-Ila forest, was destroyed and 24,175kg of skunk burnt.

Arrests in Borno, Kano, Taraba, and More

In Borno, NDLEA recovered 167kg of skunk in Gamboru-Ngala. Along Zaria-Kano road, 452kg of skunk were seized with two men, Nasuru Saleh and Mustapha Muhammad, arrested.

From Abuja-Kaduna expressway to Sokoto, Kebbi, and Taraba, arrests and seizures continued. NDLEA apprehended traffickers with thousands of pills of tramadol, diazepam, and skunk, including 62-year-old Joseph Onungene and a pair, Chigbo Okolo (52) and Ishaku Musa (28), who were caught with 49,930 tramadol capsules in Taraba.

Cannabis Farms Dismantled in Edo and Cross River

In Edo State, a wanted suspect, Alaba Monday, was arrested with 115kg of processed skunk, while three others were nabbed at a 2-hectare cannabis farm. In Cross River, 78-year-old Mike Abeng was arrested during a raid with 14.49kg of skunk and tramadol. Additional arrests were made in Ovonum, Obubra LGA.

Nationwide Drug Awareness Efforts Continue

NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy also continued in schools and communities across the country. Campaigns were held in Enugu, Lagos, Katsina, and Borno, targeting students and local residents to discourage substance abuse.

Marwa Commends Operatives

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the efforts of his officers across multiple commands for their unwavering dedication.

“I commend the officers and men of DOGI, MMIA, Lagos, Seme, Kogi, Osun, Borno, Kano, Edo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kebbi, and Taraba Commands for the arrests and seizures recorded in the past week,” said Marwa.

“Your commitment to ensuring a balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction is commendable.”

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its lasting contributions to the growth of the Niger Delta over the last 25 years, calling the agency a symbol of hope for oil-producing communities in Nigeria.

The Governor gave the commendation during a Thanksgiving Service held on Sunday at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Akure, as part of NDDC’s Silver Jubilee celebration.

“We the good people of Ondo State, particularly those in the oil-producing areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, acknowledge the Commission’s works, achievements and contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region in the last 25 years,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The event was attended by top NDDC officials, including the Managing Director/CEO, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, who led the agency’s delegation to the thanksgiving.

Aiyedatiwa described the NDDC as “a key institution that has lived up to its mandate” and praised its current leadership for delivering “purposeful and impactful” projects across the region.

Reflecting on his brief tenure as an NDDC board member between 2018 and 2019, the Governor said he was proud to have played a part in advancing the Commission’s mission.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Ondo State’s representatives on the NDDC Board, describing them as “yielding remarkable benefits for the State.”

OSOPADEC Reforms, Tinubu’s Support Highlighted

The Governor used the platform to highlight the reform of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) under his administration, aimed at responding to the ecological and infrastructural needs of the Ilaje and Ese-Odo communities.

“Through OSOPADEC, we have implemented projects that have improved the lives of our people, enhanced our environment, and promoted economic growth,” he said.

He continued: “Our interventions have led to significant improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure in Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs. Our people are beginning to reap the benefits of oil exploration, and we are committed to ensuring that our environment is protected for future generations.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “strong support” of Niger Delta development, noting his role in fostering accountability and repositioning the NDDC to meet its obligations.

He urged the Commission to continue refining its development strategy and remain responsive to community-specific needs.

“Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth, and enhance the lives of our people,” the Governor charged.

In his remarks, Chief Ogbuku affirmed the Commission’s transparency and renewed focus under its current leadership. “We remain accountable and committed to purposeful development,” he said.

Earlier in the church service, Rt. Revd. Dr. Simon Oluwole Borokini, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Akure, issued a moral reminder to all public officeholders.

“Every man, regardless of title, will one day bow before God, the perfect judge who knows all. Positions of privilege are from God. The real question is: how are you using the position He has given you?” he asked.

A celebratory reception followed the service at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure.

Ondo State to Deepen Eco-Tourism Partnership With Tour Operators

In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa also welcomed the leadership of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) during their courtesy visit on Saturday, July 5, pledging deeper partnerships to promote tourism and attract investors.

The Governor, speaking at the Government House Banquet Hall in Akure, described Ondo as an emerging hub for cultural and eco-tourism in Nigeria, thanks to new investments in road networks, airport upgrades, and hospitality infrastructure.

“For people to come to our state, we need to ensure safety, functional infrastructure, and a welcoming atmosphere. This, we have been working on since we came on board,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The NATOP team, led by Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, visited Araromi Beach in Ilaje LGA and described it as one of the finest coastal tourism sites in Nigeria.

Mustapha praised the peaceful, secure atmosphere in the state and lauded the Governor for creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.

“Your passion for the welfare of the people and your visionary steps towards promoting tourism are highly commendable,” she said.

Also present at the event were key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN.