BREAKING NEWS

DRUG ABUSE: FG Bans Production Of Codeine Based Syrups In Nigeria

Published

7 years ago

May 1, 2018

DRUG ABUSE: FG Bans Production Of Codeine Based Syrups

The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban with immediate effect further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole made this known in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

ALSO READ:Secrets Of Nigeria’s Illicit Codeine Trade Revealed – BBC Investigation

He said that the directive became necessary due to the gross abuse Codeine usage has been subjected to in the country.

In its stead, the Minister said Codeine containing cough syrups should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, (PCN) and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the country, while he has also banned sales of Codeine containing cough syrup without prescription across the country.

He noted that the National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control had an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN) to inform them that there is an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine- containing cough syrups as well as applications for renewal has been abolished.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has been directed to continue enforcement activities on Pharmacies, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor’s Shops and outlets throughout the country.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] was also directed to fully carry out its functions among others: to regulate and control the manufacturing, distribution and sale of drugs, including inspection at points of entry of drugs, drug products and food for compliance with the new directive.

The Minister stated that the FMOH shall ensure collaboration among regulatory agencies namely, NAFDAC, PCN, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), for effective implementation of extant Acts, regulations, policies and guidelines on codeine control and usage.

‘Furthermore, these agencies shall work together to increase pharmacovigilance around codeine, tramadol and other related substances of abuse,’ Adewole stated.

Already, NAFDAC has developed IEC materials that will be used in an already planned national campaign against drug abuse, an awareness programme thatincludes Young Pharmacists Group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. This will soon be flagged off in Kano and Lagos.

As a way of discouraging youths to shun the drugs, the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Health shall partner with National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Football celebrities, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Performing Musicians of Nigeria and other celebrities to drive national campaign against drug abuse.

‘The FMOH shall ensure that Drug treatment intervention for victims of substances abuse shall be undertaken across the spectrum of health care delivery system in the country,’ Adewole stated.

He stated that Civil Society Organizations shall be strengthened to deliver effective sensitization, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.

Recalled that in view of the serious public health concerns drugs abuse poses to Nigerians , a working group which comprised of experts from various Ministries, Agencies of Government (including regulatory agencies), Development Partners and Associations was constituted in January and tagged Codeine Control and other Related Matters Working Group (CCRWG).

The CCRWG was formally inaugurated on January 23, 2018 with clear Terms of Reference of developing key recommendations and strategies to address the menace of codeine, tramadol and other related substances in Nigeria.

The CCRWG submitted its interim report on April 12, 2018 and recommended short-, medium- and long-term measures for implementation in a memorandum submitted to the Minister, today, 1st of May 2018.

Finally, Professor Adewole restated the commitment of FGN to ensure the full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG) by January 01, 2019 and closure of all open drug markets penultimate the implementation date of the NDDG that is, December 31, 2018. It is a public knowledge that easy access to codeine, tramadol and other substances of abuse is promoted by the chaotic drug distribution system.

https://politicsngr.com/breaking-fg-bans-production-codeine-based-syrups-nigeria/

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Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson’s Producer, Dies At 91

Published

2 months ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson's producer, dies at 91 | fab.ng

Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer renowned for his collaborations with iconic artists, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 91.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news. Jones’ family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and celebrating his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

They said,

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

They added, “We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”

Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Jones’s lineage was a complex tapestry of history. His mother descended from slave owners, while his father, half-white, was the son of a Welsh slave master and one of his enslaved women.

Jones’s early exposure to music began at home, where his mother’s singing and a neighbour’s piano ignited his passion. At the tender age of seven, he started learning to play the piano.

Following his parents’ divorce, Jones and his father moved to Washington State. There, he joined his high school band, mastering the drums and various brass instruments.

His musical journey took a significant turn at the age of 14 when he began performing in Seattle bars. A remarkable moment arrived in 1948 when he backed Billie Holiday, sharing the stage with a young Ray Charles.

After a brief stint at Seattle University studying music, Jones ventured to Boston to complete his education. His illustrious career, spanning over seven decades, was marked by groundbreaking collaborations with legendary artists.

He worked alongside Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and many others. Indeed, one of his most iconic achievements was producing Michael Jackson’s historic album, “Thriller.”

Check out more news updates here.

BREAKING NEWS

Patoranking Reportedly Loses Sister & Husband Die In Gas Explosion

Published

3 months ago

September 13, 2024

Reporter

Patoranking reportedly loses his sister & husband | fab.ng

The tragic death of his younger sister, Chioma, and her husband, George, in a gas explosion at their home devastated Nigerian Afrobeats artist Patoranking.

The Ebonyi Police Command has confirmed that a gas cylinder explosion, not an inverter battery, caused the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. George Onuabuchi. This happened in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State. According to DSP Joshua Ukandu, the state Command’s spokesperson, the tragic incident took place on August 25.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Ukandu explained the preliminary investigations. He revealed a gas leak triggered the explosion, leading to the couple’s deaths. Also, he emphasized that early reports suggesting an inverter battery malfunction were incorrect. Further, the gas cylinder was identified as the actual cause of the fatal blast.

“It happened on the waterworks axis in Abakaliki on August 25. The residents living around the scene called the attention of our personnel who visited the place but the couple has already been taken to hospital.

“It’s very unfortunate that both finally died. The wife, Chioma died sometime in August while the husband died this month, September.

“We gathered that the wife was a younger sister to the popular Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Patoranking.

“There are no much details because the victims could not survive to tell the story. So, what killed them was gas and not inverter explosion,” the police spokesman explained.

A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the incident to NAN. However, he described it as a distressing event that has had a negative impact on the family.

“They were young couple. They had only a child, a three-year-old son.

“Please I have more to say. I cannot say more than this. They have gone,” the relative said.

Check here for more news updates.

BREAKING NEWS

Mohbad: Naira Marley & Sam Larry Face Potential Subpoena For Ignoring Coroner’s Invitation

Published

3 months ago

September 12, 2024

Reporter

Mohbad: Naira Marley & Sam Larry to face subpoena | fab.ng

A Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has issued a stern warning to key witnesses. These key witnesses have repeatedly failed to attend the ongoing inquest into the tragic death of popular singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known by his stage name, Mohbad.

Magistrate T. A. Sotobi made a decision. He granted permission to Joseph Aloba, Mohbad’s father. Aloba can now serve a witness summons through the use of a national newspaper and social media platforms.

Several individuals have been summoned to testify. These include Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley. Samson Eletu, also called Sam Larry, is on the list. Karimot Ogunbayo, Mohbad’s sister-in-law, must appear. Oluwasanmi Falade, the late singer’s lawyer, is also summoned.

The court also wants to hear from Feyisayo Ogedengbe. She’s the nurse who treated Mohbad on his final day. Fidelis Esanbor, Mohbad’s driver, rounds out the list of summoned witnesses.

On Wednesday, Taiwo Odumosu, the legal representative of the Aloba family, informed reporters that only Mohbad’s associate, Boluwatife Adeyemo (aka Darosha), was present among the key witnesses. Odumosu expressed disappointment at the absence of the other individuals. He revealed that the magistrate is considering issuing subpoenas if they continue to evade the next hearing, set for September 30.

The family of Mohbad has voiced their deep frustration with the police investigation into his death.

In a statement signed by Emmanuel Oroko of Hilceetee Partner, Odumosu criticized the police for relying solely on witness accounts instead of conducting a thorough investigation.

Odumosu addressed Darosha’s involvement. He clarified the situation regarding Mohbad’s embalmment. The lawyer stated that no charges have been filed against Darosha. The family’s legal team remains vigilant in monitoring the case closely. The lawyers have set a clear goal. They aim to secure justice for Mohbad.

“We petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to remove the officers handling the case due to their mishandling of the investigation,” he said.

Odumosu took action and called on the Police Service Commission (PSC). He targeted specific officers who had initially handled Mohbad’s death investigation. Odumosu demanded scrutiny of their work. He accused these officers of gross negligence, claiming that they failed to carry out their duties diligently and thoroughly.

Mohbad tragically passed away at the young age of 27 on September 12, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked widespread speculation and intense debate on social media platforms.

Get more updates here.