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NAFDAC ALLEGED EXTORTION OF ₦3.5 BILLION FROM ONISHA TRADERS — IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION REACTS By Joseph Monday

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NAFDAC ALLEGED EXTORTION OF ₦3.5 BILLION FROM ONISHA TRADERS — IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION REACTS

By Joseph Monday

The Igbo Heroes Foundation, which has the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, as its founding chairman, has strongly condemned the recent closure of the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). In a statement issued by the Foundation’s National Coordinator, Prince Chinedu Nsofor (Kpakpando Ndigbo), the organization reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the values of Igbo heroes past by boldly defending Igbos from undue oppression and intimidation.

The Foundation described the closure as a deliberate economic attack disguised as regulatory enforcement. “What NAFDAC has done is not enforcement but economic warfare against innocent traders in the South East. They have acted more wickedly than the criminals they claim to be pursuing,” Nsofor declared. “Instead of singling out the bad eggs, they’ve chosen to punish the entire market, destroying livelihoods and dignity.”

In an even more alarming revelation, Nsofor disclosed that NAFDAC is demanding ₦700,000 from each trader to reopen their shop—amounting to a staggering ₦3.5 billion, calculated by multiplying ₦700,000 by the estimated 5,000 shops in the market. So far, 1,000 traders have already paid, resulting in ₦700 million being extorted under this guise. “This is not regulation. This is broad daylight extortion. If expired drugs were truly the issue, the agency should focus on legal prosecution. Why demand billions from traders? Are they suggesting expired drugs are okay for the right price?” he asked.

Nsofor further stated, “It is tragic that many traders have already paid, suggesting NAFDAC may be compromising public health standards in exchange for money. This is not just corruption—it’s a betrayal of public trust.” The Foundation therefore calls on President Bola Tinubu to urgently cleanse his administration of what it describes as deep-rooted corruption that is gradually engulfing the fabric of governance.

Decrying the double standards often applied by federal authorities, Nsofor said, “Why weren’t Fulani cattle markets shut down when killer herdsmen ravaged communities? Why is a whole drug market being destroyed because of a few bad actors? This injustice is tailored specifically for Igbos—it would not happen in the North or the West.”

He also praised popular activist Very Dark Man (VDM) for his courageous stance in defending the Onitsha traders despite being neither Igbo nor from Anambra State. “VDM has shown more courage and humanity than some of our so-called leaders. He is a beacon of truth in a time of silent oppression,” Nsofor said.

The Foundation declared its unwavering support for the affected traders, vowing to explore all legal and advocacy avenues to ensure justice is served. “We will not rest until every affected trader gets justice. Legal teams will be raised. Advocacy will be mobilized. Corruption will be exposed at all levels,” Nsofor affirmed. “No Igbo son or daughter will be sacrificed on the altar of federal injustice and impunity.”

The Foundation is now calling on Governor Charles Soludo to rise to the occasion and defend the people of Anambra State. Nsofor also appealed to all well-meaning Igbo sons and daughters, both in Nigeria and the diaspora, to lend their voices and support to the cause. “This is a time for unity. Help secure legal representation for these traders. Let us not allow NAFDAC or any federal agency to make a mockery of justice and due process in Alaigbo,” he concluded.

The Igbo Heroes Foundation, grounded in the legacy of late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is mobilizing for a legal and civic battle. The time to act is now.

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BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London Hospital

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BUHARI CONGRATULATES FBN ON 40 YEARS OF CROSS-BORDER BANKING IN UK

BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London Hospital

 

Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away. He died on Sunday afternoon in a clinic in London, where he had reportedly been receiving medical attention.

BREAKING: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies in London Hospital

The sad news was confirmed in a brief two-paragraph statement released by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu. The statement read in part: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHIRRAJIUUN. The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.”

 

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 after a previous stint as military head of state (1983–1985), was a central figure in the country’s political and military history. His death marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who saw him as a symbol of integrity and national discipline.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

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Today’s Effort, Tomorrow’s Triumph: The Undeniable Power of Doing Your Best Today

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Today’s Effort, Tomorrow’s Triumph: The Undeniable Power of Doing Your Best Today.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

D best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

In a world addicted to shortcuts and obsessed with quick wins, the timeless wisdom behind the quote above cuts through the noise like a sharpened sword. The idea that tomorrow’s success depends entirely on today’s actions is not a cliché, it is an irrefutable truth. Whether in faith, science, economics or personal development, one law stands firm: today’s SEED is tomorrow’s HARVEST.

Today’s Effort, Tomorrow’s Triumph: The Undeniable Power of Doing Your Best Today.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

We can not continue to fold our hands in laziness today and expect miracles tomorrow. A nation can not waste time, bury talent and ignore responsibility today and then complain about failure tomorrow. Life does not reward intentions; it rewards actions.

Faith Speaks: Christianity and Islam Agree on the Power of Today. This principle is not just motivational; it is deeply spiritual. Across the world’s major religions, the doctrine of intentional daily action is clear.

In the Bible
Proverbs 6:6-8 teaches:

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

The lesson here is blunt: the time to prepare is now, not later.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 further reinforces this:

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”

In the Quran
Islam emphasizes the same responsibility of living intentionally and working righteously each day. In Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8), the Holy Qur’an declares:

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”

This verse reminds believers that nothing is wasted; every small effort counts and will show its result, either today or tomorrow. It is a divine call to mindfulness and proactive living.

Also, in Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11), Allah says:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

Change does not fall from the sky. God helps those who help themselves; today, not when it is convenient.

Procrastination is the Poison of Purpose
Dr. Timothy Pychyl, a psychology professor at Carleton University, states that:

“Procrastination is not a time management problem, it is an emotion regulation problem.”

We put off effort not because we lack time, but because we avoid discomfort. Yet nothing of value has ever been built in comfort. From Moses to Muhammad (PBUH), from Mandela to Martin Luther King Jr., progress has always come from people who embraced struggle today to secure peace tomorrow.

From Nations to Individuals: A Pattern of Success. Japan, South Korea and Singapore, these countries did not wait for the future to be great. They built it. After war and poverty, they chose to invest in education, discipline, innovation and daily excellence. The results? Economic prosperity, global respect and technological advancement.

Compare that with many African nations, where politics, procrastination and misplaced priorities have crippled development. Nigeria, for instance, continues to grapple with the consequences of poor preparation. We cannot talk about transformation if we do not first talk about intentional effort; daily, consistent and focused.

The Economy of Today. Economists describe something called the Law of Diminishing Intent: the longer you delay action, the less likely you are to do it at all. In business, delaying a product launch or avoiding staff training today often leads to loss of competitive edge tomorrow.

Brian Tracy, in his bestselling book Eat That Frog, emphasizes:

“Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals and then work on them every day will do more to guarantee your success than any other single factor.”

In other words, daily action beats monthly inspiration.

Talent is Nothing Without Today’s Discipline. Too many young people have talents buried in the coffin of laziness. Dreams without daily action are hallucinations. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:23:

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

Success is not a gift; it is a product. You cannot wish your way into greatness. You must work your way into it—step by step, day by day.

The Quran also teaches in Surah An-Najm (53:39):

“And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.”

It doesn’t get clearer than that. You get only what you strive for.

Global Voices That Support the Principle. Great minds from various backgrounds have echoed this truth:

Angela Duckworth (Author of Grit): “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”
Daily effort is the dividing line between the average and the great.

Jim Rohn: “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.”

Barack Obama: “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.”

Malcolm X: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

When both Eastern and Western wisdom align, when scriptures and scholars agree, then it is no longer a theory; it is a law.

Time is the Most Precious Currency. Unlike money, time cannot be earned back. Once gone, it is gone forever. Every second wasted is a blessing buried. The Quran calls mankind to account for their time. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says:

“By Time, verily man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and enjoin each other to truth and patience.”

Even belief must be accompanied by action, otherwise it results in loss. Believing in your future without acting today is self-deception.

A Message to Nigeria’s Youth and Leaders. Let us be brutally honest. Nigeria will not change through slogans. Africa will not rise through hashtags. Real transformation begins with action; by the citizens, by the youth and most critically, by the leaders.

Our failure to plan, our tendency to delay reforms, our endless “we’ll do it later” mindset; this is what chains our future. We must kill procrastination before it kills our potential.

Instead of wishing for a better Nigeria, wake up and become the better Nigerian. Apply for the course. Register the business. Clean the streets. Learn the skill. Fight corruption. Demand accountability. Do your best today.

Final Thoughts: The Time is Now. The truth is simple: You will not rise tomorrow if you sit today.

Yes, life is unfair. Yes, circumstances can be hard; but you must never give the excuse of tomorrow for what you can perfect today. Success does not belong to the most privileged. It belongs to the most prepared.

Let us leave you with the words of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said:

“If the Hour (the end of the world) is about to be established and one of you was holding a palm shoot, let him take advantage of even one second before it happens and plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad)

That is how powerful the present moment is even if the world is ending, still do your best now.

The Closing Reflections.
Tomorrow is not a miracle waiting to happen. It is the fruit of today’s labor. If you want to succeed, begin today. If you want to change your story, act now. If you want a better nation, do not just hope; build it.

The best preparation for tomorrow is not luck. It is doing your best today without excuse, without delay and without fear.

Today’s Effort, Tomorrow’s Triumph: The Undeniable Power of Doing Your Best Today.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

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NDA Cadets to Conduct Live Firing Exercises, Residents Advised to Take Precautions

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NDA Cadets to Conduct Live Firing Exercises, Residents Advised to Take Precautions

NDA Cadets to Conduct Live Firing Exercises, Residents Advised to Take Precautions

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is set to conduct a Range Classification Exercise for Cadets of the 73 Regular Course from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the NDA Open Range.

According to Major Mohammed Maidawa, Academy Public Relations Officer, the four-day exercise is designed to enhance the Cadets’ skills in live firing scenarios and will be instrumental in their training and preparedness.

NDA Cadets to Conduct Live Firing Exercises, Residents Advised to Take Precautions

Major Maidawa urged local residents and communities to be aware of the exercise schedule and not to be alarmed by the sounds associated with live firing activities during this period.

He also advised farmers, herders, and residents to avoid entering or trespassing into the NDA Open Range and surrounding areas from July 14 to 18, 2025, citing public safety as a priority.

“Public safety is our priority, and adhering to these guidelines will help prevent any accidents,” he said.

The NDA appeals to the public to cooperate and disseminate the information to ensure awareness and safety.

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