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Ebonyi Bans Sale Of Tramadol, Codeine Substances
The Ebonyi State Government has totally banned the sale of tramadol and codeine-containing products in chemists, pharmacies and other health facilities in the state.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor David Umahi on Health Services, Dr Sunday Nwangele, announced this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
Nwangele, who said that the ban took immediate effect, added that restriction had also been placed on the sale of antibiotics and analgesics Over The Counter (OTC) in these health outlets.
“Henceforth, issuance of antibiotics and analgesics will be strictly on doctor’s prescription as this directive will be adequately monitored,” he said. “OTC drugs are not affected by the restriction as is obtained in the country, African continent and other parts of the world.
“The OTC drugs such as paracetamol, minimal dosage of Ibuprofen, aspirin, among others, are basic analgesics and drugs used to treat fever but we are talking of serious analgesics.
“These analgesics are orally administered, injected into the muscles or veins and can also be steroidal or non-steroidal.
“This is the area doctor’s prescription comes in because such drugs such as tramadol are greatly abused and they reflect in the brain. “The state government is aware of the devastating effects of these drugs especially on the youths which have led to increase in crime and other social vices,” he said.
He said that the government also regretted the failure of Ebonyi indigenes to pass the medical screening of various security and paramilitary outfits, during job recruitment. “We discovered that they fail because they test positive to hepatitis B surface-antigens, as the government will soon commence public screening over the issue. “The date of the screening will soon be announced but our people especially youths are advised to conduct individual screening to ascertain their hepatitis B surface-antigens status. “This will enable us effectively manage those already afflicted by the disease and properly prepare those who test negative, to undergo the outfits’ screening,” he said. Nwangele further said that the government has also declared war on adulterated kerosene and other petroleum products across the state by placing total ban on their sales. “The government, however, sympathises with the family which lost its dear ones at Ezza South Local Government Area due to kerosene explosion. “The governor further directs his special assistant on petroleum pricing and distribution to liaise with relevant security agencies and petroleum products-dealers in the state to enforce the directive. “The government will deal decisively with individuals or groups who sell tramadol and codeine-containing products, flout the restriction on sale of antibiotics and analgesics and sell adulterated petroleum products. “The committee set up to check the sale of fake drugs and other substandard products are working assiduously with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). “It is our desire that the committee and these agencies work together to achieve a total stoppage to the sale and usage of fake products in the state,’’ he said.
Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the reduction of all incidences of cancer through an effective healthcare delivery system in the State.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, stated this in a speech to mark the 2026 World Cancer Day in Port Harcourt.
Oreh said part of the strategies to reduce cases of cancer include investment in training of healthcare professionals as well as upgrading of health facilities across the state with a view to equipping them for better cancer treatment.
She added that the State government would also pay more attention to the prevention of cancer.
“As a Government, we remain committed to reducing the burden of cancer through effective policies, strengthened health care system and strategic partnership,” she said
Oreh said part of the administration’s strategies was to improve cancer prevention programme, expand screening and diagnostic services, and ensure that treatment and care are accessible and affordable by all citizens.
She said the government is also investing in the training of healthcare professionals and upgrading of health facilities to provide better cancer care.
Oreh, however, acknowledged that prevention remains the best option as far as cancer treatment is concerned, and stressed the need for citizens to adopt healthy lifestyle as well as prioritize regular medical check-up
“I urged all residents of Rivers state to adopt healthy lifestyle and to prioritize regular medical check ups.
“Early detection saves lives. Cancer such as breast, cervical, prostrate and colorectal cancer can have better outcome when diagnosed early.
“Prevention is a key pillar in fighting against cancer; avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, engagement in physical activities and seeking protection against cancer related infection can significantly lower cancer risk
“We, therefore, encourage our people to utilize available screening services and to overcome fears, stigma and misinformation surrounding cancer,” she said.
By: John Bibor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his resolve to remain steadfast in delivering development projects across the state, declaring that political distractions will not derail his administration’s commitment to the people.
The governor gave the assurance last Wednesday, while inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of major roads within the old Port Harcourt Township, including the Creek Road Market project.
Apparently reacting to the prevailing political atmosphere, Fubara insisted that his priority remains governance and service delivery, not political pressures.
“I have promised our people that no matter the situation, we will not lose focus on governance,” he said.
“They entrusted us with leadership, and the least we owe them is confidence, stability and the assurance that governance will continue strongly.” he added.
Accompanied by Engineer Michel Issa of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Fubara toured several completed and ongoing roadworks, inspecting rehabilitated streets around Moore House before concluding the exercise at the Creek Road Market.
Speaking on the market redevelopment, the governor described the project as central to the revival of the old Port Harcourt township, noting that the modernisation of the facility would restore its lost glory and improve commercial activities in the area.
He explained that the new market was designed to accommodate traders currently operating on the roads, a situation he said contributes to traffic congestion and the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure along Creek Road.
“What are we trying to do? You can see the difficulty in driving through Creek Road because we don’t have proper settlement for marketers,” Fubara said, adding, “If we fix this market, those trading on the streets will move inside.”
According to him, relocating traders into the market will make it easier to properly rehabilitate the roads and preserve their structural integrity, while also enhancing the aesthetics of the township
On the road network, the governor disclosed that the rehabilitation works span from Borokiri through all major streets in the old township, stressing that the approach is holistic and aimed at delivering lasting infrastructure upgrade.
