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Stop calling cannabis Indian Hemp – India authorities tell Nigerians, NDLEA
Many authorities in India have told the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Nigeria that they are no longer comfortable with the term “Indian Hemp,” a name that Nigerians nickname Cannabis Certi, a banned drug.
Cross River State Commander of NDLEA, Rachel Umebuali, disclosed this in an interview in Calabar when she reeled out names of local government areas in the state which have become notorious for illegal drug consumption and cultivation.
Although she did not disclose the name of the particular Indian authorities that cautioned them, she added that the Indian authorities felt the term connotes negativity, and they do not want to be seen as associated with it.
“This is the reason we prefer and encourage all Nigerians to call it Cannabis Certi—what, in street language, is called Kanja, we-we, Igbo, marijuana, etc.”
Umebuali listed Akamkpa, Ikom, Odukpani, Yakurr, and Calabar South LGAs as notorious for high consumption of assorted lethal and illegal drugs.
“There are several new substances that have been discovered. And Calabar South LGA is actually the hub where hard drugs and other substances are distributed and consumed in large quantities.
“In Akamkpa, Ikom, and Odukpani LGA, we discovered massive Cannabis farms. There are more than 100 hectares of these farms that we have so far destroyed.
“We noted that many of those cultivating these farms are not even from Cross River but connived with unscrupulous landowners to give out these vast lands at agreed fees, and employed locals to work there.”
She disclosed that the cultivation of Cannabis Certi has been shifted from states like Edo and Ondo to Cross River and other hinterlands.
The drug enforcement boss disclosed that in six months, they have arrested 208 drug peddlers and consumers.
“We arrested 208 drug users. Out of this number, 181 are male while 27 are female. We seized 3,475.65 kg, translating to 3.5 tons of hard drugs. Top of these is Cannabis Certi.”
She vowed that nobody, including traditional, religious, or political chieftains or drug farms, would be spared in their ongoing clampdown despite the humongous challenges confronting them.
“As you know, when you fight such criminal elements and destroy their source of livelihoods, they will fight back. But my mandate is to curb all drugs-related activities in the state.”
She explained that everyone has the right to arrest offenders but must hand such over immediately to appropriate enforcement agencies.
She commended traditional dignitaries and the state government who have been very supportive in the fight against drug activities.
She mentioned that there are two-pronged sensitization programmes, including drug demand reduction and drug demand consumption.
She said they seriously need rehabilitation centres to keep those affected so that they can be detached and reunited with families, adding that the high number of users is frightening.
“We appeal for public support to be able to penetrate hard-to-reach communities where drug abuse is prevalent to save innocent locals,” Umebuali pleaded.
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Beautiful and Well Equipped Medical Health Centre Built by Atanda Lawal in Obalende/Ikoyi Local Government Area
This is what another local government chairman has done in Obalende with his own increased allocations paid directly to him.
This is the result of the new social reorder; place the money for development in the hands of the authorities closer to the everyday people.
Tinubu has done his own, and if you cannot ask your individual local authorities what they have done with their allocations, that is your own irresponsibility as a citizen.
Remember, the amount each of the 774 authorities receive is published every month for all eyes to see.
Grassroot developments have begun, and it will only get better with time.
No more na governor chop money.
Hold your governors and LG chairmen by the neck.
They must deliver EVERYTHING IS NOT TINUBU !!!
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and welfare of National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state, assuring them of a peaceful and enabling environment throughout their service year.
Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 940 corps members took the oath of allegiance marking their formal admission into the mandatory three-week orientation course.
The governor made the pledge on Friday, during the formal swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members held at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Government Science Technical College, Amada, in Akko Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development / Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Inuwa Ibrahim welcomed the corps members to the “Jewel in the Savannah.
Governor Yahaya described Gombe as a “safe haven,” stressing that his administration places high priority on youth development, peace, and security.
“We guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” he said. “Let me assure you of our unwavering commitment to your welfare, security, and general well-being.”
The governor, who congratulated the new corps members on their successful academic journey and induction into national service, advised them to take the orientation course seriously, as it lays the foundation for a purposeful service year.
“The orientation course is designed to introduce you to the objectives of the NYSC. I urge you to participate actively and take advantage of the teachings and training to develop your potential,” he stated.
Yahaya encouraged the corps members to integrate into their host communities and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
“As you serve in Gombe, I encourage you to be part of our developmental efforts and help in empowering the youth. Your predecessors left positive footprints, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue building on that legacy,” he added.
The governor also commended the NYSC scheme for promoting national unity over the past 50 years and appreciated partner agencies and stakeholders for their continued support of the scheme in the state.
He concluded by declaring the orientation course officially open and wished the corps members a fruitful, impactful, and incident-free service year.
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The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has called off its warning strike, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, announced on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting in Abuja, Pate said the decision followed agreements reached between the government and the association’s leadership.
However, union leaders declined to speak to the press after the meeting.
Nurses and midwives under the association had begun a nationwide warning strike on July 29 over unmet demands, including improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions in federal health institutions.
The strike, which affected public health institutions across the country, was scheduled to last until August 5.
The union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had previously accused the Federal Government of failing to engage with the association during the 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan had said.
The association is demanding an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan had also said the decision to embark on the strike was driven by widespread frustration among members over years of neglect.
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