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‘I Could Have Fallen into Drug Addiction’ – Obasanjo Reflects on His Past, Warns Youths

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‘I Could Have Fallen into Drug Addiction’ – Obasanjo Reflects on His Past, Warns Youths

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a strong warning to Nigerian youths about the dangers of drug use and abuse, stressing that such habits contribute nothing positive to life but instead lead to severe destruction.

He made this statement during the second edition of the “Fly Above The High” anti-drug campaign conference, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo called on young people to exercise self-control and resist the temptation of drugs, emphasizing the alarming rise of drug abuse not only in Nigeria but across West Africa. He pointed out that the region, once a mere transit point for illicit drugs, has now become a significant center of drug consumption. Reflecting on his experience as the Chairman of the West African Drug Commission under the Kofi Annan Foundation, he expressed deep concern over the growing crisis.

“Over a decade ago, when we conducted our research, we were shocked to discover that West Africa had become a major hub for drug consumption, not just trafficking. This situation has only worsened since then. The same patterns we see in West Africa are now spreading across the rest of Africa,” Obasanjo remarked, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.

The former president also shared a personal story from his youth, revealing how an early experiment with smoking could have led to addiction. He recalled how a brief attempt at smoking, which caused him to cough uncontrollably, discouraged him from continuing. “If I had persisted, I could have easily become addicted. Once you start, it’s incredibly difficult to stop,” he said, underscoring the importance of making wise choices from the beginning.

In his speech, Obasanjo reiterated that drugs offer no benefits and only bring harm to individuals and communities. “There is nothing that drugs can provide except destruction,” he warned. He also encouraged those already struggling with addiction to seek help and avoid hiding in shame, calling on society to support recovery without stigmatizing those affected.

Obasanjo’s message was directed not only to the youths present at the conference but also to students, mental health professionals, and policymakers, urging a collective effort to tackle the growing drug crisis and protect future generations from its devastating impact.

 

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Politics

APC more divided than PDP – Damagum declares as he receives defectors

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April 18, 2025

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Iliya Damagum, has said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is more divided than the PDP.

Damagum stated this while welcoming some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, who defected to the PDP in Nguru and Bade Local Government Areas of Yobe State.

According to him, the PDP is always a formidable opposition force, noting that the party knows how to address any internal issues if they arise.

“If there is a crisis, we know how to solve it. We are united, and our leadership is intact.

“We have one chairman and one secretariat, while the ruling party cannot even hold a NEC meeting for almost two years. You can’t compare the two,” he said.

He pointed out that the ruling party has not been able to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in nearly two years.

“I don’t know why the media continues to report crises within our party,” he added.

Damagum reiterated that the PDP remains a strong and united brand, adding, “We are the party to beat.”

He maintained that the party’s doors are open to those who left in the past, as it prepares to build a credible force for the 2027 elections.

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2027 GENERAL ELECTION: Peter Obi is a “Social Media Candidate” – Wike

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April 18, 2025

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‎According to Politics Nigeria Newspaper, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the chances of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general election, labelling him a “social media candidate.”
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‎Wike made the remark during a media interactive session held yesterday in Abuja, where he spoke on a range of political developments and national issues.
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‎The former Rivers State governor said Obi’s support base is largely online.
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SouthEast youths plan 5 million-man rally for Tinubu and former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu, ‎

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April 18, 2025

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‎The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has announced plans to organise a 5 million-man grand endorsement rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Abia North senator, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ahead of the 2027 general election.

‎This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the coalition’s President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru.
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‎The apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone said the decision was taken after a meeting of its leadership.
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‎“The rally is scheduled to take place in Abia State, and we will mobilise 5 million citizens from across the South East geopolitical zone.
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