By David Owei,Bayelsa

Members of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) also known as Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck at the weekend commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a educative campaign to secondary schools in Bayelsà State.

The NAS, led by the Steerer of Oxbow Marino Deck, Chief Douglas Etulankimor Sampson, marked the 2026 edition of the “World Drug Day” with the theme “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Response.” with a lecture at Community Secrondary School, Agudama-Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Speaking at the event, the Steerer of Oxbow Marino Deck, Chief Douglas Etulankimor Sampson highlighted the motivation of NAS PC in organising the event, which is central on the Association’s Creed, specifically “For Humanistic Ideals”.

He stated that the dangers of illicit drug abuse can not be overemphasised, adding that NAS PC is ready to partner with relevant agencies in ensuring that a better society for the younger generation is achieved.

The programme also featured lectures from two distinguished Resource Persons, Dr. Emmanuel Adu of the Department of Mental Health, Federal Medical Centre(FMC), Yenagoa and the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Godwin Erepa.

They shared expert insights on the dangers of illicit drug abuse including the increase cases of Mental Health Disorders among teenage students.

They attributed the increases cases of drug abuse to the issues of Peer Preasure, lack of Proper Parenting/Discipline and academic deficiency.

The programme engaged an audience of over fifty students ranging from between JSS1 – SS3.

The Principal of the Community Secrondary School, Agudama-Epie, Mrs. Hilda Osunu, on behalf of the students expressed appreciation to NAS-PC and the resource persons for the insightful discussion and practical knowledge provided.

Some of the Teachers and observers at the event describes the programme as an impactful way to celebrate the International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking in Bayelsa State.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria, COSFAN, has pledged to institute endowment funds in perpetuity across Nigerian universities to support research in tertiary institutions.

The first endowment, worth N10 million, was unveiled at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, in honour of former UN Under-Secretary-General, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, for his contributions to national development.

COSFAN leaders noted at the event that in a world defined by complex conflicts and competing interests, the link between peace and development has never been more critical.

“Peace provides the essential foundation upon which all meaningful development must be built. Without security and stability, nations cannot attract investment, build infrastructure, educate their children, or provide healthcare for their citizens,” the association stated.

In his remarks, Professor Gambari said the gesture came at a critical time when the study and practice of peace and development is increasingly important.

“It’s a big honour for me and I’m truly delighted. For me, this is very timely. It’s a commitment to mentoring, to excellence and to encouraging particularly the youths to do their best in whatever it is and in their chosen profession.

“There’s no higher commitment than a profession that combines the study and the practice of peace and development in the country,” he said.

Professor Gambari also disclosed that the Angolan government had earlier honoured him for his role in restoring peace during the country’s civil war.

He thanked past and present presidents of COSFAN, as well as all contributors who made the occasion memorable.l

COSFAN President, Dr Ekundayo Samuel, and immediate past President, Dr Abiola Adimula, said the endowment was instituted to sustain Professor Gambari’s legacy in peace and development studies.

Chairman of COSFAN Board of Trustees, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, said the association would sustain the initiative to promote research, peace and development across the country.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovation, University of Ilorin, Professor Mukhtar Etudaye, described the endowment as “a move in the right direction”.

Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin, Professor Gbemisola Animashaun, called on Nigerians and philanthropists to support research work in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

COSFAN said it will replicate the endowment model in other universities to strengthen research capacity and advance scholarship in peace, security and development.

By Our Correspondent

Nigeria is well positioned to lead Africa’s digital and creative transformation, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said at the third edition of the Omniverse Africa Summit in Lagos.Speaking at the opening of the summit, Ambassador Mignot said Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial energy and growing innovation ecosystem provide a strong foundation for digital transformation, innovation and economic growth.“The new economy, digital and creative, offers a fantastic opportunity,” he said, noting that young Nigerians are uniquely positioned to drive innovation because they are part of a generation that has grown up with digital tools and technologies.The summit brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers,

researchers, investors, creatives and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore how technology, innovation and collaboration can accelerate economic growth and create opportunities for young people.Ambassador Mignot said the European Union and Nigeria have identified the digital and creative sectors as a strategic priority within their partnership and highlighted ongoing investments aimed at supporting the country’s digital transformation.“In Nigeria, the EU supports the entire digital value chain, from governance to infrastructure, from skills to entrepreneurship,” he said.He highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including a recently signed €45 million agreement between the European Union and Nigeria on digital development, support for the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across the country, the European Union’s contribution to Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure agenda, and support for the Three Million Technical Talent initiative.The Ambassador also pointed to programmes that support entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, including the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ. The programme supports digital innovation, entrepreneurship and technology adoption among young Nigerians and businesses.He also highlighted the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, which helps connect young graduates with workplace opportunities and practical experience.German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, said:

“The future will not be built in silos. It will be built through cooperation across sectors, institutions and borders. The future will be connected.”She described Nigeria as home to one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems and said Nigerian entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping global trends in areas ranging from financial technology and artificial intelligence to agribusiness, health innovation, manufacturing and the creative industries.“Nigerian innovators are not simply adapting to global trends. They are shaping them,” she said.Ambassador Mignot said one of the strengths of Omniverse Africa is its ability to bring together the full innovation ecosystem in a single space.“Policymakers, founders, investors, creatives, researchers, development partners and business leaders are all here, all together,” he said.“Because Nigeria’s digital future will not be built in silos. Technology, creative industries, finance,

education, manufacturing, agriculture and public services are no longer separate worlds. They are converging.”He said the summit provides an opportunity to transform conversations into partnerships and ideas into practical solutions that can support inclusive and sustainable growth.“The future is connected, but connection must be turned into impact,” Ambassador Mignot said.“Let us connect innovators with investors, policy with practice, creativity with technology, and Nigerian talent with global opportunities.”The summit featured discussions on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, green technology, future skills, research collaboration and innovation financing, highlighting the growing role of partnerships in shaping Africa’s economic future.The European Union partnered with Omniverse Africa as part of its broader commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and youth opportunities in Nigeria and across the continent.