In a stirring call to action, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor has raised the alarm over the alarming surge of drug-related mental health cases among Nigerian youths, describing the situation as a national emergency that demands immediate attention from policymakers and youth leaders alike.
Speaking on Monday, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, a prominent youth advocate and national officer of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), warned that the country’s already overstretched psychiatric facilities are being overwhelmed by young Nigerians suffering from drug-induced mental health crises — many of them unemployed and vulnerable.
“We are forced to respond in this manner because some gullible and supposedly educated youths are still blind to the severity of this issue,” Okpuzor said. “Despite overwhelming evidence, some still treat this as trivial, while every day our poorly funded psychiatric centres admit more mentally disturbed young Nigerians.”
According to Comrade Chuba the issue is beyond isolated incidents or street-level peddlers. He stressed that drug abuse is the consequence of a deeply entrenched syndicate, which targets the most vulnerable members of society — the poor, the unemployed, and the disillusioned.
“Drug trafficking isn’t driven by the poor, the middle class, or the downtrodden — but tragically, they are its victims,” he said. “These substances reach the streets through powerful channels, and are consumed by youths in a confused, battered state of mind. That makes them dangerously susceptible.”
He further commended the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its recent busts and crackdowns, but appealed for intensified efforts and deeper investigations.
“We appreciate the resilience of the NDLEA. However, we urge them to dig deeper. As drug trafficking is a well-organized business involving highly placed individuals. The poor are the users, not the masterminds. The investigation must go beyond the foot soldiers.”
Comrade Chuba Okpuzor also called on youth organizations, religious institutions, and the media to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves. He warned that playing politics or trivializing the mental health impact of drugs is a betrayal of national conscience.
“Any attempt to make light of this issue is a disservice to our collective sensibility and national conscience,” he emphasized. “This is not the time to be passive. It is time to lead, advocate, and demand protection for our generation.”
As drug abuse continues to claim young lives and erode the mental fabric of the nation’s future, voices like Comrade Chuba’s highlight the urgency to move beyond denial and take decisive action.
Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN), Delta State Chapter, alongside Comr Chuba Okpuzor has congratulated the Nigerian team — comprised entirely of Delta State students — for emerging champions at the World Schools Debate Championship held recently in Doha, Qatar.
The youth leaders, in a press statement issued in Asaba, hailed the victory as not only a triumph for Delta State but also a bold testament to the intellectual potential of Nigerian youths when given the right platform.
“These students have done what even our most celebrated politicians and athletes sometimes struggle to do — they have put Nigeria on the global map for the right reasons,” said Fajoye. “Their discipline, intellect, and courage speak volumes about the greatness within the Nigerian youth.”
The team, made up of Wisdom Chukwuma (Government College, Ughelli), Otorvo Uyoyou (Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun), Abraham Honour (Okpaka Secondary School), Ikhamateh Splendour (Government Model Secondary School, Asaba), and Alika Daniel (Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale), secured a commanding 5–1 aggregate win against top global teams including those from the State of Chicago, USA, and Qatar.
Comrade Fajoye reserved special praise for Miss Ikhamateh Splendour, who was named Overall Best Debater at the championship. “Her recognition as the best in the world proves that with commitment and mentorship, the Nigerian girl-child can rise to heights once thought impossible.” while Comrade Chuba took time to elogise Alika Daniel, who represented Utagba-Ogbe grammar school in kwale, which happens to be his home town, where he hails from, taking the opportunity to encourage all the youths and students of Utagba-Ogbe community and Delta State by extension, to remain focused and resilient, stressing that education still remains a vital route to greatness.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier congratulated the team through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, describing their feat as “a shining testament to the Delta Can-Do Spirit” and a validation of the state’s investment in education under the MORE Agenda.
The youth leaders emphasized that this achievement must serve as a rallying point for both government and private stakeholders to invest more in youth development. “It is not enough to clap for these students — we must create thousands more like them through deliberate policy, funding, and mentorship.”
The leaders also issued a passionate appeal to the youths of Dekra community, a region grappling with rising unemployment and social instability, urging them to emulate the victorious students from Delta. “Let this achievement inspire you — not to pick up arms or fall into despair — but to pick up books, seek knowledge, and prove that Dekra too can produce world-class champions.”
He encouraged local leaders in Dekra and other underserved areas to support youth education initiatives, offer mentorship programs, and collaborate with NGOs to create opportunities. “If given the right environment, the youths of Dekra can not only lift their community but also become symbols of hope for the entire nation,” they both declared.
The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has faulted recent comments made by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the alleged role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
In a strongly worded statement released by its Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, the group described the comments from the two political figures as “misguided, misleading, and a thinly veiled attempt to blame a credible institution for their political failures.”
Suleiman said, “The remarks made by Amaechi and El-Rufai reflect a gross misunderstanding of the responsibilities of INEC and an irresponsible attempt to discredit a body that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to free and fair electoral processes.”
According to NAN, the assertion by Amaechi that INEC is deliberately obstructing the registration of new political parties is not only baseless but smacks of desperation by politicians who have lost touch with the grassroots and are struggling to maintain relevance in the country’s evolving political landscape.
The group emphasized that INEC’s role is governed by clear legal and administrative frameworks, noting that all political associations seeking registration must meet constitutional and regulatory requirements — including providing a verifiable party address and details of its national officers.
“These requirements,” Suleiman explained, “are not designed to frustrate political groups but to ensure that parties are genuinely grounded in democratic principles and not just paper coalitions created to serve personal ambitions.”
NAN added that rather than accusing INEC of bias, political leaders should focus on fulfilling these basic criteria and mobilizing grassroots support if they hope to be taken seriously.
The organization also expressed concern over a recent remark by El-Rufai, who cast doubt on INEC’s impartiality, claiming the commission was unlikely to register ADA. NAN described such statements as “reckless and damaging to the credibility of democratic institutions.”
“It is particularly worrisome that a former governor who once championed the independence of INEC would now turn around to undermine it with careless allegations,” Suleiman said.
NAN urged political stakeholders to engage INEC with decorum and maturity, stressing that public trust in electoral institutions is crucial for the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement continued: “Casting aspersions on INEC’s integrity without evidence erodes public confidence and promotes a narrative of political victimhood that is neither accurate nor helpful. Opposition groups must realize that their problems lie not with INEC, but with their inability to connect meaningfully with the electorate.”
The NAN concluded by calling on El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others in the ADA coalition to “engage in genuine political organizing, develop people-focused manifestos, and desist from scapegoating national institutions for their internal weaknesses.”
According to NAN, true political relevance is earned by engaging citizens, not by forming elite alliances or launching unfounded attacks on regulatory bodies.
“INEC is not the problem,” the group said. “If anything, the political class must rise to the challenge of building credible alternatives that resonate with the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.”
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has dismissed allegations by former governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
In a statement issued by its President General, Yerima Shettima, the AYCF described the comments from the two political heavyweights as misleading and unhelpful in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
“Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the electoral process in Nigeria is governed by established procedures designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability,” Shettima said. “The assertion made by Amaechi that INEC is intentionally obstructing the efforts of opposition parties is not only unfounded but also reflects a misunderstanding of the electoral framework that governs party registration.”
Shettima emphasized that INEC’s requirements, such as submission of valid office addresses and identification of key party officials, are standard for all political organizations. According to him, ADA’s difficulties in fulfilling these conditions should not be construed as institutional bias.
“It is disheartening that, in their frustration, Amaechi and El-Rufai have resorted to making sensational claims rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand,” Shettima stated. “INEC cannot and should not be expected to lower its standards for any group, including the ADA.”
The AYCF further noted that the urgency behind ADA’s formation appears more politically motivated than grounded in procedural diligence, adding that such haste often leads to avoidable lapses.
“We acknowledge the right of any group to seek political representation,” Shettima said, “but that right must be exercised within the bounds of legality and responsibility. The legitimacy of ADA or any other political entity hinges on its ability to meet INEC’s stipulated requirements.”
On El-Rufai’s skepticism about INEC’s impartiality, Shettima said such rhetoric undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and risks creating an atmosphere of public distrust.
“Rather than casting aspersions on INEC, political leaders should engage constructively with the system and foster trust. Undermining the electoral process through unfounded accusations does more harm than good,” the AYCF said.
The forum concluded by reiterating its support for INEC and calling on all political stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements that could destabilize the electoral landscape ahead of 2027.
“We urge the ADA and other emerging parties to approach their registration processes with seriousness and in accordance with INEC’s guidelines. The future of our democracy depends on it,” Shettima said.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has dismissed allegations by former governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of frustrating the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
In a statement issued by its President General, Yerima Shettima, the AYCF described the comments from the two political heavyweights as misleading and unhelpful in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
“Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the electoral process in Nigeria is governed by established procedures designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability,” Shettima said. “The assertion made by Amaechi that INEC is intentionally obstructing the efforts of opposition parties is not only unfounded but also reflects a misunderstanding of the electoral framework that governs party registration.”
Shettima emphasized that INEC’s requirements, such as submission of valid office addresses and identification of key party officials, are standard for all political organizations. According to him, ADA’s difficulties in fulfilling these conditions should not be construed as institutional bias.
“It is disheartening that, in their frustration, Amaechi and El-Rufai have resorted to making sensational claims rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand,” Shettima stated. “INEC cannot and should not be expected to lower its standards for any group, including the ADA.”
The AYCF further noted that the urgency behind ADA’s formation appears more politically motivated than grounded in procedural diligence, adding that such haste often leads to avoidable lapses.
“We acknowledge the right of any group to seek political representation,” Shettima said, “but that right must be exercised within the bounds of legality and responsibility. The legitimacy of ADA or any other political entity hinges on its ability to meet INEC’s stipulated requirements.”
On El-Rufai’s skepticism about INEC’s impartiality, Shettima said such rhetoric undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and risks creating an atmosphere of public distrust.
“Rather than casting aspersions on INEC, political leaders should engage constructively with the system and foster trust. Undermining the electoral process through unfounded accusations does more harm than good,” the AYCF said.
The forum concluded by reiterating its support for INEC and calling on all political stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements that could destabilize the electoral landscape ahead of 2027.
“We urge the ADA and other emerging parties to approach their registration processes with seriousness and in accordance with INEC’s guidelines. The future of our democracy depends on it,” Shettima said.
Abuja, Nigeria – A coalition of more than 300 All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups from across the country has come together to endorse Professor Kailani Muhammad as the next National Chairman of the ruling party. The unprecedented show of unity, strength, and grassroots coordination underscores the depth of support Prof. Muhammad commands within the APC’s foundational structures.
Leading the call for his appointment are major platforms such as the Confederation of APC Support Groups (CASG), APC Support Groups Stakeholders (ASGS), Tinubu-Shettima Network (TSN), and dozens of affiliated regional and thematic groups. Their joint communiqué urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party leaders to recognize Prof. Muhammad’s longstanding loyalty, integrity, and contributions by appointing him as the party’s National Chairman.
“This is a defining moment in the life of our party,” the statement read. “We believe Professor Kailani Muhammad is the most competent and grassroots-connected individual to take APC into its next phase of consolidation, unity, and electoral dominance.”
Prof. Muhammad is a veteran party mobilizer, serving as the Director General of CASG, former Director General of the Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG), and National Chairman of the Tinubu-Shettima Network. His influence and credibility across the six geopolitical zones, especially among the grassroots campaign machinery, make him a favorite among field operators and foot soldiers of the party.
Supporters emphasized that Prof. Muhammad has been instrumental in mobilizing the party’s base from the early formation of the APC to its most recent general election victories. According to the coalition, he is one of the few leaders who has consistently stood by the party’s support groups, giving them a platform, recognition, and resources even when others neglected their efforts.
“He understands our pains because he was with us in trenches during the campaigns. He knows what it means to organize, mobilize, and win at the ward level. That’s the kind of leadership APC needs now,” said Hon. Timothy Aloja, National Coordinator of the Tinubu Shettima Mandate.
The coalition also noted that the North Central geopolitical zone—where Prof. Muhammad hails from—has played a critical role in APC’s electoral success over the years and should be given a chance to produce the next National Chairman in the spirit of fairness, equity, and strategic balance.
“The North Central zone deserves this. And among the potential candidates from the region, none matches the profile, grassroots connection, and loyalty of Professor Kailani Muhammad,” declared Hajia Maimuna Aliyu Abdullahi, National Coordinator of the Tinubu Foundation.
Leaders from numerous groups added their voices to the call, including representatives from:
APC Women Wing
City Boy Ambassadors
Tinubu Shettima Mandate Group
Jagaban Grassroots Group
Tinubu Progressive Organisation
Action Aid for Tinubu
Tinubu Renaissance for Unity and Sustainable Transformation (TRUST)
Arewa Women Interactive Concept
Yoruba Butcher Association of Nigeria (YBAN)
New Nigeria Women for Positive Governance
APC Professional Women Council, and many more.
Each leader not only endorsed Prof. Muhammad but also shared testimonies of his accessibility, humility, and unwavering dedication to the party’s grassroots support structures.
“Prof. Muhammad is a bridge between the old and new generations in APC,” said Comrade Blessing Shettima of the Unity and Progress in Nigeria group. “He is experienced but still in tune with the youth. He will unify the party across ethnic, religious, and generational lines.”
The coalition said that appointing Prof. Muhammad would send a strong message to party loyalists nationwide that commitment, hard work, and consistency are recognized and rewarded.
As the APC prepares for future challenges and internal restructuring, observers believe this groundswell of support may shape the direction of the party’s leadership selection process.
“Let the party rise to the occasion and appoint a man of vision, loyalty, and deep grassroots strength,” the joint communiqué concluded. “We believe the appointment of Professor Kailani Muhammad will restore confidence, strengthen internal democracy, and energize the base for the journey ahead.”
The endorsement of Prof. Muhammad by such a vast and diverse array of support groups marks one of the largest coordinated grassroots appeals in the APC’s recent history, signaling his growing influence and strategic importance in shaping the party’s future.
Purposeful leadership has long been the missing link in Northern Nigeria’s development journey. Despite its vast human and mineral resources, the region is often seen as a drawback in the country’s quest for sustainable progress. Simply put, many perceive Northern Nigeria as a burden, a region with little to offer. This perception might have been different if the region had continued to produce visionary leaders in the mould of the Sardauna and other great northern statesmen, who not only led with purpose but also united the people across all divides.
Today, however, a new wave of leadership is beginning to challenge this narrative. Senator Uba Sani stands out among a handful of emerging leaders who are redefining what it means to govern with vision, empathy, and results. Calm, calculative, and unassuming, the former Senator representing Kaduna Central has hardly put a foot wrong since he emerged as Governor of Kaduna State. He started by putting the people first and breaking free from the human factors that so often impede growth and development. This did not come easily, but who else would take such bold steps if not Uba Sani? If he could stand up to military juntas in the past, why would he now fear diminutive men in flowing agbadas?
Governor Uba Sani’s leadership style gives life to John C. Maxwell’s saying that “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Since assuming office, he has wasted no time translating his vision into action, and he is doing so without media frenzy or fanfare. Unlike his predecessor, who employed the tactic of divide and rule, Governor Uba Sani has been able to harmonise both the northern and southern parts of Kaduna State.
Before he came on board, Kaduna was a hotbed for bandits and terrorists, a place where, to borrow the words of Thomas Hobbes, life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” But through dialogue and a non-kinetic approach, he has helped restore a measure of peace, especially in troubled axes like Birnin Gwari. While pockets of attacks still occur, the frequency has reduced significantly, showing that security is not only about force, but also about trust and community engagement.
In terms of infrastructure, Governor Uba Sani has made meaningful strides despite inheriting a huge debt running into hundreds of millions of dollars. Roads like the Kachia-Kafanchan link and rural feeder roads in Giwa and Soba have been rehabilitated, reconnecting communities and boosting local economies in ways that touch people’s daily lives.
When the time came to organise the North West Stakeholders Forum, many doubted it could hold without descending into chaos, especially considering how the North East Stakeholders Forum had gone. But Governor Uba Sani proved the doubters wrong by spearheading one of the most seamless and productive forums in recent times. His success mirrors the Igbo proverb that “When an elder is in the house, the she-goat does not suffer parturition on its tether.” Though Governor Uba Sani is still young, he has succeeded where some elders have failed.
When predictions of chaos at the North West Stakeholders Forum did not come to pass, critics shifted their doubts to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to commission landmark projects like the rebuilt Sabon Gari Market. They said the President could not visit Kaduna without crisis, especially considering this is the state where his strongest and bitterest critic governed for eight years. Yet again, Uba Sani silenced them. Talk of a leader who knows his onions.
In the area of appointments, Governor Uba Sani has shown that he understands the time-tested Nigerian cliché that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. His cabinet includes young, qualified professionals alongside experienced hands, with clear attention to gender balance.
In all this, one thing stands out: Governor Uba Sani’s quiet revolution in Kaduna is not just transforming a state, it is rewriting the story of Northern Nigeria. By proving that with vision, courage, and sincerity, purposeful governance is indeed possible, he reminds us that the North still has leaders who know the way, go the way, and show the way.
It is now up to the people to demand and support such leadership elsewhere, for only then can the North truly rediscover the greatness it once gave Nigeria and Africa.
Zaidu Zaidu is a public affairs analyst. He can be reached via: Zaiduzaidu@gmail.com
As the nation grapples with rising concerns over drug abuse, cultism, and illegal oil bunkering, two youth leaders from Delta State have made a passionate appeal to young people across the region to reject these destructive vices. The call comes on the heels of a widely publicized drug-related arrest recently confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following earlier reports by youth advocates and journalists.
Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, the National Political Adviser of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN), and Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Delta State Chairman of UYAN, are urging youths in the Niger Delta to “choose the path of dignity, purpose, and productivity” instead of being lured into criminal networks or illicit trades that not only endanger their futures but undermine the development of the entire region.
Speaking during a press briefing in Warri, the duo emphasized that recent events have shown how deep-rooted criminality and impunity can be challenged through responsible activism and fearless reporting — but more importantly, through mass reorientation of the youth population.
“We’ve just come out of a trying period where our credibility was attacked for exposing a drug-related case involving a high-profile family,” said Comrade Okpuzor. “Now that the NDLEA has confirmed that our report was true, we’re using this momentum to refocus the conversation on prevention and youth empowerment. It’s not enough to just expose wrongdoing — we must also build systems and values that steer young people away from these paths.”
Comrade Fajoye echoed this sentiment, warning that drug trafficking, cultism, and oil bunkering are not just criminal offenses but “cancers that continue to eat away at the soul of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.”
“These vices offer quick rewards but leave behind a trail of destruction,” he said. “The arrest of a prominent figure’s relative should serve as a wake-up call — that no one is untouchable and that the law will catch up with those involved in such acts. But more importantly, it should prompt our young brothers and sisters to ask: Is it worth it?”
A Call for Government Partnership
Beyond the warnings and condemnation, both leaders are calling on the Delta State Government to actively partner with youth-focused organizations such as UYAN to develop comprehensive training programs aimed at equipping young people with skills for self-employment.
They stressed that many of the youths drawn into criminal activities are not inherently bad but are victims of systemic neglect, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.
“We need to move from condemnation to creation,” said Comrade Fajoye. “Our youths are talented, energetic, and full of ideas. What they lack is the platform and support to turn those ideas into sustainable livelihoods.”
The leaders proposed collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and the private sector to fund skill acquisition centers, create entrepreneurship hubs, and support agricultural and technology-based ventures that can absorb the growing number of jobless youths in the state.
“Let’s invest in people instead of just infrastructure. Let’s build future leaders, not future convicts,” Comrade Okpuzor added.
Rehabilitating Hope, Restoring Accountability
UYAN has already started rolling out community engagement programs in parts of Delta State to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and criminal involvement. Through town hall meetings, school sensitization campaigns, and media outreach, the group is working to rewrite the narrative that the only way to success is through shortcuts and illegality.
The group is also advocating for stronger collaborations between law enforcement and community leaders to tackle cultism and organized drug rings operating in urban and riverine areas.
“We must move away from reactive policing to proactive prevention,” Fajoye emphasized. “When communities feel ownership of the anti-drug campaign, the results are far more lasting.”
Youth Inclusion, Not Youth Abandonment
The duo concluded by reminding the public that youth involvement in nation-building must go beyond rhetoric. They called on policymakers to stop using young people as “political thugs during elections and statistics afterward.”
“Delta’s youths deserve better,” said Okpuzor. “They need to be part of the planning table, not just the receiving end of empty promises. If we don’t engage them positively, someone else — usually a criminal network — will.”
In a final message to the state’s youth, both leaders encouraged their peers to resist peer pressure, stay focused, and reach out for support whenever necessary.
“There is no shame in seeking help,” said Comrade Fajoye. “But there is great danger in silence and inaction. We are here, and we will walk with any young person who wants to change.”
As the region recovers from the shock of recent arrests and looks ahead to 2027 and beyond, these voices of conscience are becoming increasingly vital in building a society where youth are not pawns in a broken system — but pioneers of a brighter future.
Contact For support or to participate in UYAN initiatives, youth and civil society stakeholders can reach out through the official channels of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) Delta State Chapter.
A prominent women’s advocacy group in Kaduna Central Senatorial District has sharply criticized Senator Lawal Adamu for what it described as two years of non-performance, lack of constituency engagement, and failure to provide empowerment programs, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
In a statement issued to journalists today, the Women Forum for Unity and Development of Kaduna Central expressed disappointment over the senator’s alleged silence on the Senate floor and his inability to attract any meaningful development to the district since assuming office in 2023.
“It is over two years now since we elected Senator Lawal Adamu, and we have never heard his voice on the floor of the Senate,” said Hajiya Amina Suleiman, the group’s leader. “We have not seen any serious empowerment programme aimed at cushioning the effect of the current economic situation.”
The group lamented that while lawmakers in other parts of Kaduna and across the country have implemented various initiatives—such as distribution of tricycles (Keke Napep), grinding machines, motorcycles, and grants for small-scale businesses—Kaduna Central has seen no such dividends of democracy under Adamu’s leadership.
“We see other senators initiating scholarship schemes, distributing farm implements, and launching skill acquisition centers. Sadly, our representative has failed to do any of this,” Suleiman added.
The forum also criticized Adamu’s frequent absence from the senatorial district and his reported prolonged stays abroad. “He is always in Saudi Arabia instead of sitting in the Senate to raise issues concerning the progress and development of our constituency,” the statement read.
Most strikingly, the group condemned the senator’s failure to visit any of the seven local government areas within the district, stating that he appears more interested in aligning himself with the Senate leadership than in addressing the pressing needs of his constituents.
“We didn’t elect him to serve as an aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the group emphasized. “Our recent review meeting at Arewa House concluded that Senator Lawal Adamu is the worst-performing representative Kaduna Central has ever had.”
Citing the ongoing economic hardship worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy, the women’s group warned that their patience is wearing out.
In a society where truth is often obscured by power and fear, genuine activism and fearless journalism remain the last strongholds of accountability. Recently, I, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, in collaboration with Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, the Delta State Chairman of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN), released a hard-hitting report that reverberated across the country — especially in the Niger Delta. Our report exposed that the brother of a high-ranking individual, Chief Ayiri Emami, had been apprehended in connection with illegal drugs.
The fallout was immediate and intense.
From accusations of political mischief to claims of defamation, our work was met with suspicion and hostility. Many dismissed the findings as fabricated or driven by ulterior motives. Personally, I endured a barrage of insults, many hurled in private messages by those unwilling to believe or too quick to attack. Nevertheless, amid the storm of criticism, we stood our ground — guided by the principle that truth, though often resisted, always comes to light.
That light has now come.
In a decisive update, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially confirmed the arrest and detailed the situation surrounding the case. This confirmation not only strengthens the credibility of our initial reporting, but it also sends a clear message: Activism and journalism, when grounded in integrity, are vital forces for justice and societal reform.
This moment is not simply a personal vindication for myself or Comrade Fajoye. It is a triumph for youth advocacy, civic accountability, and the critical role of investigative journalism in a democratic society. It is a statement that speaking uncomfortable truths — even at great personal cost — is never wasted effort.
Despite attempts to silence our voices — including social media takedowns and online harassment — we remained resolute. We knew the story was not just about narcotics or criminal allegations. It was a deeper struggle over who controls the narrative, and whether ordinary citizens still have the power to challenge the influential without being crushed.
To those who doubted our intentions: healthy skepticism is essential in a democracy. But this episode should be a reminder that facts, when supported by evidence, will eventually pierce through propaganda and denial. Truth may take time, but it is never powerless.
Let this development also serve as a rallying cry to every journalist, youth leader, activist, and civil society organization: stay the course. Ask the hard questions. Dig deeper. Stand firm even when the ground beneath you shakes — because the stories that rattle the powerful are usually the ones that matter most.
Ultimately, this case isn’t just about a confirmed arrest. It is about bravery in the face of backlash, about standing firm when your credibility is questioned, and about protecting the future of a nation whose youth are increasingly vulnerable to the failings of leadership, justice, and governance.
Let us not forget that silence benefits only the oppressor. But a collective voice — driven by truth and united by purpose — can tear down even the most fortified walls of deceit.
Dan Zaki Media 