The Edo State Government has raised serious concerns regarding the rising tide of drug and substance abuse across the region, noting that the crisis is devastating lives and cutting across all demographics. Speaking on Saturday at the maiden edition of the Governor Monday Okpebholo/Buba Marwa ‘Mini-Marathon Race Against Drug Abuse’ for secondary school students, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa—represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Pius Alile—warned that substance abuse is no longer confined to the youth but extends into the middle class and older populations. Organized by the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the theme “Run for Health, Run for Life, Run Against Drug Abuse,” the event aimed to promote healthy lifestyles and grassroot talent hunting.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Edo State NDLEA Commander Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju emphasized that the campaign relies on more than just enforcement, utilizing sports and youth engagement to foster drug-free communities. More than 100 students from four public schools participated, with Ojie Victor of Edokpolor Grammar School capturing first place, while Bright Osemwingie and Chamberlain Miracle finished as runners-up. The governor rewarded the top finishers with one-year full academic scholarships and inducted them as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Ambassadors to champion the anti-drug message in their schools and communities.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State aboard a private jet at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, providing a strategic boost to the state government’s ongoing campaign for heightened airline and private aircraft patronage. Welcomed by Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila and a delegation of top government officials—alongside his entourage including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpeh—Jonathan used the facility en route to an event in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, released a statement highlighting that the former leader’s visit underscores the airport’s viability as a premier regional gateway. The state government reiterated that continuous usage is vital for maximizing economic growth, boosting trade, and accelerating tourism. This development aligns with Ebonyi’s ongoing efforts to finalize regulatory requirements and operational upgrades for full-scale commercial flights. Following his engagements in Cross River, Jonathan is scheduled to return to Abakaliki for a dinner at the Presidential Lodge before departing from the airport back to Bayelsa.

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigerians will experience a measurable decrease in transportation costs beginning October 2026. The initiative was revealed in a Saturday statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, marking a major update on the National Affordable Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Transit Programme.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the President, the decision follows a consensus reached with state governors on August 27 to ease commuting burdens. An implementation committee operating under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum—chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq—has been tasked with driving the project alongside critical stakeholders and the PI-CNG & EV initiative to target high-priority transport corridors. Highlighting the urgency of the intervention amid ongoing global energy pressures, the administration aims to deploy these infrastructural and financial adjustments to bring immediate financial relief to everyday commuters nationwide.