Business
NAFDAC Alerts On Fake Palm Oil
The National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Enugu, has warned of adulteration of palm oil in the state.
The Unit Head of NAFDAC in Enugu, Mr. Udoekpo Ekpo, told newsmen in the Enugu State capital that palm oil in some markets in the state was mixed with chemical substances such as Anagodye and Sudan II to enhance the reddish colour.
Ekpo said the chemical substance could cause cancer and other ailments in the body. The NAFDAC official therefore urged dealers to desist from such ventures, which could result in the death of consumers.
On how the fake palm oil could be identified, Ekpo said, the “unfortunate thing is that it will be difficult to identify this product by mere looking, for us to identify the adulterated one, we took samples to the laboratories. People should have human feeling. You don’t jeopardise the life of your fellow human beings to make money”.
Ekpo accused palm oil dealers in the cities of using the dangerous substance to increase the quality of the product in order to make more money.
According to him, NAFDAC has introduced regular checks on companies that produce consumables, especially iodised salt and vegetable in Enugu. “We went to the villages to campaign against use of iodised salt to avoid diseases like goiter and use of vegetable fortified with Vitamin A. We are serious with it and we check on the companies unannounced to nip them in the bud”, he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
