Rivers
Fake Drugs: NAFDAC, Drug Dealers Trade Blames
The National Food and Drug Administrations Control (NAFDAC), has come under serious knocks from the National Association of Patent Medicine Dealers (NAPMD) in Rivers State over rising incidence of fake drugs in the state.
The two bodies, while trading blames at a one day seminar organised by the agency for Patent and Proprietory Medicine Dealers in Port Harcourt said both were responsible for the menace.
Responding to a paper titled, “Health Implications of Adulterated Products and Substandard Regulated Products” presented by Dr. Musa Umar of the Port Inspection Unit of NAFDAC, Chairman of NAPMD in Port Harcourt Mr. Onyewoke Justin said the agency failed in sanitinising membership of the body, but rather registered all sorts of persons as far as they are able to pay the fees.
Mr. Onyewoke flaked NAFDAC in the state for poor supervision and control at the local levels, since a lot of its members st the local areas were in dire need of constant training to meet challenges.
Another member of NAPMD in Eleme Unit, Patience Eke picked holes on the agency’s lapses in registration and approval of drugs.
Eke argued that at most times most of the drugs disapproved by NAFDAC still have the agency’s numbers as she decried the contradictory adverts made by the agency on list of drugs endorsed by it.
She submitted that the posture of NAFDAC at most times betrays their position on banning harmful drugs.
Some of the drugs under controversy include Novalgin, Ibrufen and antesonates – covering some anti-malarials that have been banned for retail by drug dealers.
Similarly, Baribo Kunanwe observed that since NAFDAC has failed in checking the influx of fake drugs in the state the establishment of a Central Drug Store was necessary.
He said if a Central Drug Store was established it would ensure that patent medicine dealers buy genuine products from the authorities.
Mr. Kunanwe also knocked NAFDAC for the increasing number of quacks in the industry. He insisted that unless the federal agency was alive to its responsibilities the menace of fake drugs would persist.
Responding, Dr. Musa Umar Deputy Director of Port Inspection said the burden of checking fake drugs was not the responsibility of the agency but all, especially the drug dispensers.
He emphasised that any drug that does not have NAFDAC registration number should be discarded, while condemning the attitude of most patent medicine drugs dealers for evading registration and training.
Meanwhile the Rivers State Government has threatened to arrest any patent medicine dealer who indulges in the sale of fake and counterfeit drugs to the public.
The State Commissioner for Health Dr. Sampson Parker who said this while declaring open a sensitisation workshop for Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers organised by the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Port Harcourt yesterday also threatened to close down any patent medicine store whose licences have not been renewed.
The Commissioner who was represented by Dr. Elizabeth Didia the secretary of the Rivers State Taskforce on fake and counterfeit Drug said that the workshop is an indication of the high regard which both the federal and state Governments have for them.
Dr. Parker who chaired the occasion stressed the need for them to assist the government by exposing those who continue to deal in fake and counterfeit drugs.
Meanwhile the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has adopted the use of cutting Edge Technologies to check the incidence of fake and adulterated drugs in the country.
The Director General of the Agency Dr. Paul Orii who disclosed this in Port Harcourt that the move has not only boosted the International ratings of NAFDAC but more positive results in the fight against fake drugs are being obtained.
The Director General who was represented by the South South Zonal Director of the Agency, Mrs Lilian Duru also said that the Agency has become the first to deploy Truscan, a hand held device at borders and within the country to counterfeit medicine on the spot.
The Agency he said has also launched the world’s first mobile Authentication service which uses test messages for end-Patient regulated medication authentication while a Radio frequency identification system for verification of regulated products and documents have also been launched.
John Bibor
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.