The Edo State Government has urged youths in the State to shun drug abuse as the menace has a negative impact on their livelihoods.

Commissioner for Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Zubairu Abubakar, made the appeal during a rally to sensitize youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

The Commissioner who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Aiyebeni Balogun, said the menace of drug abuse is pathetic as it has affected youths negatively.

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He said the rally was held as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse by the State Government, noting that the awareness was to demonstrate the commitment of the Edo State Government in checking the menace of drug abuse and called for more concerted efforts to curb the menace.

The rally kicked off from the Edo State Secretariat along Sapele Road, Benin City.

The commissioner urged youths in the state to “Maintain their sanity. Say no to cultism. Maintain discipline. Life is good; life is short. Say no to drugs, say no to crime, say no to drug abuse.”

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According to him, “We are doing this awareness because of the Government’s concern for youths in Edo State and the nation in general. You see our youths on the street; some are running mad, some are being killed as a result of cultism and some are involved in cybercrime and some are also involved in drug abuse.

“The Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs is also concerned about the welfare and the lives of our youths and that is why we are carrying out this sensitization to mark International Day against Drug Abuse.”

The International Day Against Drug Abuse is a day set aside by the United Nations to create awareness to the teeming population on the inherent dangers of Drug Abuse.

The Bauchi state Ministry of Education has on Tuesday, organized a state level fabric competition for students of both public and private schools in the state.

Speaking during the commencement of the competition, Dr Jamila Dahiru, the state’s Commissioner for Education, said the move was imperative to the call of the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu.

According to her, the First Lady launched a project called unity in diversity which is a competition held among youth especially, school children aged 14 to 24.

She said these students were to participate in a fabric competition where they could use their talents to showcase unity in diversity in Nigeria.

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“This event is not just a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that our community embodies.

“We gather to appreciate the intricate artistry and boundless imagination of our talented students, all unified by this inspiring theme: “Unity in Diversity.

“This theme resonates deeply with our community emphasizing how our diverse backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

“Unity in Diversity reflects the very essence of our fabric competition. It symbolizes how different patterns, colors, and textures, much like our varied cultures and traditions, can blend harmoniously to produce stunning works of art.

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“This theme encourages us to celebrate our differences while recognizing the strength and beauty that come from our collective efforts,” said the Commissioner.

Also speaking, Hajiya Fatima Garba, Director, School Services, Bauchi State Ministry of Education, said that the competition would not only bring to the fore some talented students, but it would also equip them to be self-reliant in the near future.

“Why we organized this fabric competition is because we have talented students that are creative and we want these students to be self-reliant so that they can manufacture things by themselves.

“They should not depend on white collar jobs and this competition will surely help us to bring up the best, dedicated and hard working students and the best of them will be representing Bauchi state in the finals in Abuja,” she said.

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The fabric competition was categorized into four parts which included; Embroidery, Cap Design, women’s wrapper design and men’s dress design.

In the Embroidery, the Government Day Secondary School, Bauchi took the first position, Government Day Technical College took second position while Government Technical College, Tafawa Balewa took third position.

Also, in Cap Design, Government Day Technical College came first, Government Girls College, Bauchi came second and Government Science Secondary School, Misau came third.

In Men Dress Design, Hally BEES took the first position and Special Education Centre (SEC), Bauchi, took the second position while Government Day Technical College, Tafawa Balewa took first in Women Wrapper Design, Government Girls College College (GGC), Bauchi came second while Hally BEES Secondary School came third.

Finima Youths in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday shut down two major oil service companies: Saipem Construction Nigeria Limited and Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited, protesting against perceived neglect and marginalisation.

These companies are key contractors in the ongoing Train Seven Project of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). Braving heavy rain, the youths barricaded the gates, halting the entry and exit of staff.

The protesters demanded the enforcement of the Local Content Development Act of 2017 which mandates the inclusion of host communities in significant projects.

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They claim their community has been sidelined in the Train Seven Project, a major venture aimed at boosting the nation’s gas production and economic growth.

Reacting to these accusations, the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Acting General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development Charles Epelle emphasized that the matter is between the workers and the contractors and not directly with the firm.

He disclosed that engagements to resolve the issue amicably are underway. Epelle added that NLNG prioritises inclusiveness and calls for a peaceful resolution to expressed grievances.