Category: South East

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has restated its commitment to stamping out drug hawking, ripening of fruit with calcium carbide and other unwholesome activities.

It described drug hawkers as merchants of death and national security threats, with insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers and armed robbers as major buyers of narcotics medicines.

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Speaking at a sensitisation workshop on the danger of drug hawking and ripening fruits with calcium carbide in Awka, Anambra State, NAFDAC Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, warned drug hawkers to stop forthwith, as those arrested would be prosecuted.

Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Evaluation and Research, Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, said the agency’s enforcement officers were carrying out synchronised nationwide operation.

She appealed to Nigerians to stop buying milk, tea, corn flakes and other beverages being measured with cups or plates and sold in open markets; stressing that such life- saving commodities should not be sold or bought at open markets.

She said: “Drug hawkers are also the major distributors and suppliers of narcotic medicines to criminal networks such as armed bandits, insurgents, kidnappers and armed robbers. Drug hawkers constitute threat to our national security.”

“Many drug hawkers are knowingly or unknowingly merchants of death, who expose essential and life-saving medicines to inclement weather, which degrades the active ingredients of the medicine and turns them to poison, thus endangering human lives.

“Most of the drugs sold by illiterate and semi-literate drug hawkers are counterfeit, substandard or expired, and therefore do not meet the quality, safety and efficacy requirement of regulated medicines.

“Prescription drugs are also sold by the itinerant drug hawkers, who also hold consultation, recommend and prescribe medicines to their gullible ‘patients’”.

The Acting Director, Southeast Zone of the agency, Mr. Collins Ogedengbe, restated NAFDAC’s roles of regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, among others, as well as ensuring availability of quality and safe food and drugs.

The Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, described the media as critical stakeholders in its quest to rid the country of drug hawking and ripening of fruits with calcium carbides.

He said NAFDAC had trained over 800 journalists in the danger of bleaching cream this year.

He solicited their assistance in sensitising the public, to save lives.

Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Mr. Obum Madike, hailed NAFDAC’s commitment in fighting fake drugs, assuring the state government of continued partnership.

Papers delivered at the workshop included: “Influence of Mass Media Campaign on Health Behavioural Change”, “Danger of Artificial Ripening Fruits with Calcium Carbide”, as well as “Good Distribution Practices and Surveillance Activities Towards Prevention and Curbing of Substandard and Falsified Medicines in Nigeria.” 

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has submitted additional list of five commissioners-nominee to the House of Assembly.

This is contained in a letter sent to the house and read at yesterday’s plenary by the Speaker, Mr. Uche Ugwu.

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The nominees included -Martin Chinweike, Obi Ozor, Ajogwu Emeka, Chris Ozongwu and Felix Nnamani.

“I’m optimistic that this request will receive your usual expeditious consideration,” Mbah said.

The speaker thereafter directed the nominees to make available, 25 copies of their CVs and appear before the house tomorrow for screening by 10a.m.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbah had on July 28, sent a list of 15 commissioners- nominee to the house for consideration.

A group, Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum (DITRF), has urged Delta State Government to release as at when due, 50 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation fund accruing to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

It said this is necessary to fast track development across communities.

The group gave the advice during a visit by the DESOPADEC Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izuokumor and the Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the agency’s board, Mr. Spencer Okpoye, at Ugborikoko in Uvwie Council Area.

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Speaking at the ceremony attended by 10 monarchs, the Chairman of the forum, who is the Ebananaowei of Ogulagha kingdom, HRM Elder (Capt.) Joseph Timiyan, said in the past, there were lots of abandoned projects due to failure of the commission to fund some of the projects or inability to pay contractors.

He said the board was not to blame “because the funds do not come to them directly.”

Expressing confidence that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration “will do well with his M.O.R.E. agenda,” the monarch said “I will appeal to the state government to release the 50 per cent that accrue to DESOPADEC to them and for DESOPADEC to use it for the communities”.

The Pere of Akugbene-Mein kingdom and 1st vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII, appealed for prompt payment to contractors, whose jobs have attained the point to be paid.

He noted that some contractors owe banks and have to sell off their properties to clear loans obtained in order to execute DESOPADEC projects, which ought not to be.

He said with unity among the board members and having served in the interventionist agency in the past, there was no doubt that Chief Izuokumor “already knows the nooks and crannies of the workings of DESOPADEC,” that will ensure each ethnic nationality gets its due.

HRM Charles Ayemi-Botu, paramount ruler and Pere of Seimbiri kingdom, recounted that the traditional rulers were instrumental to the establishment of DESOPADEC, hence they could interface with the state government when there are challenges in the commission.

Speaking with reporters, the ED Social Services, Chief Izuokumor, said with the hope that Delta continues to receive “more 13 per cent derivation,” DESOPADEC “will try to see that contractors’ payment are prioritised”.

The ED added that this means that there must be conducive environment for oil and gas companies to carry out their activities.

He said the cases of abandoned projects and failure to pay contractors were as a result of paucity of funds.

Addressing the monarchs and describing the gathering as “a symbol of unity,” Izuokumor said the aim of visiting was to “acknowledge the fact that without the traditional rulers, there wouldn’t have been DESOPADEC. Today, we are beneficiaries of your agitations. It behooves on us to serve the Ijaw nation”.

The member representing Ijaw Ethnic nation, Hon Okpoye, thanked the traditional rulers for their “support”.

Appealing for more support, he said “we are very much ready to do things differently to make sure dividends of democracy get to every area. We will key into the M.O.R.E agenda of the state governors to ensure that the Ijaw get all they deserve.”

Okpoye disclosed that DESOPADEC budget was being deliberated on, hence the royal fathers should “give directive to your administrative subjects to come out with projects” that the agency will take on and see their completion before the end of their tenure.

He also revealed that DESOPADEC will be going round soon to “verify and inspect” past projects.

Among other royal fathers present were HRM Couple Oromoni Mobene II, Pere Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom and HRM P. S. Erebulu Aduo III, Pere of Kabowei kingdom and Secretary, DITRF.

• Governor solicits Fed Govt’s support

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said coastal communities in the state are in danger of being submerged by the Atlantic Ocean.

Sen. Diri raised the alarm when he visited Odioama community in Brass Local Government to assess the devastation from ocean encroachment.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said the governor lamented the effects of coastal erosion on the community and others on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean while addressing Odioama council of chiefs, elders, youths and women at the community town hall.

He said he decided to visit the community after sending a team to have first-hand knowledge of the plight of the people.

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Diri, accompanied by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, commissioners and other government officials, said the state government would embark on a 1.5km shore protection project, to check the ocean surge that had submerged about 250 buildings in the last 10 years.

He said the government would begin the shoreline project while awaiting Federal Government’s collaboration, noting, however, that it was beyond its scope to address such challenges in Odioama, Koluama, Sangana, Agge and other communities facing similar threats.

According to him, engineers in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will brief the state executive council on the cost of the project.

He called for the intervention and support of the Federal Government on the shore protection project, stating that the Federal Government needed to reciprocate Bayelsa State’s immense contribution to the economic wellbeing of the country.

He said: “l did not come here for political campaign, but rather to see the plight of the Odioama people and have first-hand knowledge of what is happening to the community.

“I cannot sit in my office to hear that houses are giving way. I have been taken round and seen houses that are giving way to the ocean surge. The community’s cemetery has been threatened.

“We call on the Federal Government that while we use our meagre resources to start something, we want them to also collaborate with us in stopping the sea encroachment in Odioama and other communities. Bayelsa State has given so much to Nigeria and so, let the Federal Government also reciprocate.

“While we use our meagre resources to construct shoreline protection, I like to call on the Federal Government to be part of the story in checking the perennial environmental problems of erosion and flooding ravaging our communities.

“Whatever we are doing here will be like a drop in the ocean. But together with the Federal Government, there is so much we can achieve.”

Responding to the community’s requests, Diri directed the Commissioner for Water Resources to undertake water project in the community as well as direct his Lands and Housing counterpart to take over the building of a pavilion.

On the request for a 500 KVA electricity generator, he said solar lights would be provided instead, just as he also approved the construction of a National Youth Service Corps members lodge.

The governor further approved the immediate renovation of the community’s primary health centre, clearing of 200 hectares and purchase of fishing nets.

The Chairman of Odioama Council of Chiefs, Chief Marlin Omiemunafa, expressed delight over the visit of the governor, saying it had given the community hope.

He said the people were facing an existential threat occasioned by the sea encroachment, as about 200 metres of the community had been eroded by the surge.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Esau Andrew, appreciated the governor.

He assured him of their support for his re-election bid.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Col. David Imuse (rtd.), have disagreed over poor performance of Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Imuse, yesterday in an online statement, wondered if Obaseki was still actively campaigning for office, in view of his “reckless” utterances and “ridiculous” statements.

He said: “My attention has been drawn to the submission by Obaseki that it will take 20 or 30 years for his fictional health care reforms in our state to materialise.

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“It is on record that Obaseki has lost focus, as he frequently engages in campaign-like activities, especially when addressing large crowd. He seems to overlook the fact that he holds the position of governor and, instead of making promises, the people want to hear about the actions he has taken to improve their lives.

“Obaseki, during his speeches, often discusses a long-term developmental plan spanning 50 to 100 years, for a state where he has already been governor for almost seven years, and is due to leave office on November 12, 2024. He proudly highlights his fictional reforms in sectors of the state’s struggling economy.

“Edo State governor claimed that his reforms in the health care sector would bring the state to where it should be and desired to be in the next 20 to 30 years. His assertion that the government’s role is solely to regulate the health care industry, rather than being the largest provider, contradicts his previous statement about revamping and strengthening the state’s health care system, through infrastructure development and capacity building.”

Obaseki, who spoke through the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, insisted that he remained focused, while his administration would not be distracted by destructive criticisms.

Edo governor said: “Imuse just wants to be heard. Technically, APC does not exist in Edo State. I am urging residents to ignore the lies of the chairman of APC in Edo.

“APC and its members are completely confused. Edo State government, from next month, will be giving N20,000 to each of the poorest of the poor residents in the 18 local governments from our Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).”

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has demanded probe of the abandoned Nsit Atai-Oron road project awarded 17 years ago by the ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio administration.

The road, which links five local governments, namely Oron, Udung Uko, Okobo, Mbo and Orueoffong Oruko, was re-awarded by the Udom Emmanuel administration, yet it remains uncompleted to date despite budgetary allocations to it.

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The assembly’s resolution to probe the project is sequel to a motion brought before it yesterday by the Chief Whip and member representing Mbo State Constituency, Effiong Johnson, at plenary.

The house has also directed its Committee on Works and Transport to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the road project and interface with the Ministry of Works and Fire Service on the matter.

Speaking during plenary, Johnson said: “The decision to construct Nsit-Atai-Oron road was taken following the closing of the traditional route to Oron through Ituk Mbang, Ekpene Ukim and Ndon Ebom road, which became inevitable as a result of the construction of an airport on the outlay of farm land belonging to Nsit-Atai, Uruan and Okobo local governments, as was conceptualised during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah.

“The initial contract for the road project was awarded by the Akpabio administration in 2006.

 It was later re-awarded by the Udom Emmanuel administration.”

The lawmaker told the house that former Governor Emmanuel had revoked the contract for the construction of the 29km road awarded to Renaissance Construction Company.

 following its failure to begin work 10 months after the contract had been awarded, and re-awarded same to another construction firm in 2021, “with the resolve of the government to complete the road before the end of the administration in 2023.”

The lawmaker, however, regretted that the good plans of the Emmanuel administration in ensuring the completion of work on the said road could not be achieved.

He lamented that the road has currently been rendered almost impassable due to excavation by the construction firm, and has turned to a death trap, even as he stated that vehicles plying the road on a daily basis have been badly affected.

“If urgent steps are not taken to complete the road howbeit late, it can  lead to more disastrous consequences,” he said.

Speaking in favour of the motion, the member representing Nsit-Atai, Aniefiok Attah, who seconded the motion, expressed displeasure at the present condition of the road, and urged the legislature to take urgent steps to address the matter.

His Okobo counterpart, Bassey Pius Bassey, described the motion as timely, and called on the government to address the situation, to ensure a better future.

Reacting, the Speaker, Udeme Otong, directed the House Committee on Works and Fire Service to undertake a fact finding visit to the road project site and as well interface with the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service.

Two bills sponsored by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, scaled first reading on the floor of the house.

The bills titled “HAB 302 ” was for a law to provide for the development and regulation of fisheries in Akwa Ibom State and for other purposes connected thereto”, sponsored by Prince Ukpong Akpabio and 10 other lawmakers and “HAB 303″, which has to do with a law to establish Akwa Ibom State Oil Palm Development Agency for the state and for other purposes connected thereto”, sponsored by Prince Akpbio and nine others.

The assembly adjourned plenary to reconvene tomorrow.