Benue Will Sustain Full Financial Autonomy For Councils – Adviser

The newly appointed Special Adviser on the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue State, Denen Aondoakaa, has pledged to uphold Governor Hyacinth Alia’s policy on full financial autonomy for local government councils.

Aondoakaa made this commitment on Tuesday while assuming office at the Bureau’s headquarters in Makurdi.

During the handover ceremony, he assured stakeholders of his readiness to enhance the coordination of council activities for improved efficiency and service delivery.

“As a former Principal Special Assistant to the Governor in charge of the Delivery Unit, I am well-versed in administrative procedures. I will carefully review the handover notes and implement necessary reforms to ensure optimal performance,” he said.

The new adviser lauded his predecessor, Dr. Dennis Akura, for his contributions over the past year and called for continued cooperation to drive Governor Alia’s reform agenda.

Earlier, Akura expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for the opportunity to serve, pledging his unwavering support for the administration.

He urged the Bureau’s staff to extend the same level of cooperation to Aondoakaa.

In her remarks, the Covering Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rhoda Abo Tile, reaffirmed the loyalty and commitment of the Bureau’s staff to the administration’s success.

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NAFDAC confiscates N180m worth of fake alcoholic drinks in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, had intercepted fake alcoholic drinks valued at over N180 million in Lagos.

The agency, while disclosing this in a statement via its X handle on Tuesday, said the products were confiscated following a raid on a makeshift factory in Oke Arin Market, Lagos Island.

It stated that the operation followed a complaint about the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.

The statement added that three men were arrested in the process, with several fake drinks seized also.

“The products, valued at over N180 million, included fake versions of popular brands. The main suspect, Mr. Tochukwu Henry, confessed to refilling bottles labelled as Rémy Martin with St Rémy contents and employing two others to assist in the illicit operation,” the agency said.

“NAFDAC has raided a makeshift factory in Oke Arin market, Lagos Island, following a complaint about the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.

“Three men were apprehended and various counterfeit alcoholic drinks, empty bottles, and packaging materials were seized,” it said.

According to the agency, all suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.

NAFDAC urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive season, and to report suspicious activities and products to the nearest NAFDAC office.