In a move seen as reaffirming commitment to strengthening local drug manufacturing, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, recently led a Federal Government delegation to commission a state-of-the-art Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) pharmaceutical factory built by Sam Pharmaceutical Limited in Ota.

Salako-Oyedele, who performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, described the project as a major milestone for industrial development, healthcare delivery and job creation in the state, as well as a boost to the Nigerian economy.

“This event is not just the commissioning of a pharmaceutical factory, but a celebration of innovation, industrial growth, job creation and healthcare advancement,” the deputy governor said.

She noted that the investment underscores Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub and a preferred destination for pharmaceutical and healthcare investments, adding that the government would continue to provide an enabling environment through improved infrastructure, favourable policies and strategic partnerships.

Salako-Oyedele added that the facility would boost access to quality medicines, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities within the Ota axis and beyond.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziak Adekunle Salako, said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to expand domestic pharmaceutical production under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described the factory as a critical step towards achieving medicine security, noting that global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, had exposed the risks of over-reliance on imported drugs.

“The importance of today’s event cannot be overemphasised, especially at this time of our renewed commitment to unlock the healthcare value chain and ensure medicine sovereignty,” he said.

According to him, government initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and executive orders on the pharmaceutical sector are already incentivising local manufacturing, with dozens of companies benefiting from the policy support.

“Let me once again appreciate Sam Pharmaceutical and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) for the collaboration and for rising to the challenge of Mr President to increase our local pharmaceutical production. Let us remember that the average Nigerian patient must be at the centre of all the progress we make. We must therefore ensure that government waivers and exemptions translate into pricing relief for the people,” Salako said.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of Sam Pharmaceutical, Mr Amit Bhojwani, said the new facility reflects the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and global standards. He noted that the CGMP plant has been built to the most rigorous international specifications, stressing that the company spared no expense because Nigerians deserve nothing but the best.

He disclosed that the plant has an installed capacity of over 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles and one million pouches monthly, describing it as the first phase of a broader expansion drive.

“Our new facility places us among the top tier of the pharmaceutical sector and positions us as a major manufacturer in the branded generic space. With an installed capacity of over 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles and one million pouches per month, this is only Phase 1 of our Ota project. Expansion lines are already well underway. We are not just growing; we are scaling at pace. Sam Pharmaceutical is not just a corporate body; it is truly a family,” Bhojwani said.

He added that the company, which is celebrating 55 years of operations, is poised to scale up production and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. He also commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for supporting the healthcare sector through programmes such as the Presidential Executive Order and the PVAC initiative.

In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said ongoing reforms have improved standards and boosted confidence in locally manufactured medicines.

She noted that policies such as the “5+5” directive have encouraged a shift from importation to local production, leading to increased capacity utilisation and reduced dependence on foreign drugs.

“Without medicine security, you cannot have health security,” she said, adding that Nigeria is advancing towards higher global regulatory ratings that would enable locally produced medicines to compete internationally.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Abdu Mukhtar, said the commissioning reflects growing momentum in the sector, driven by deliberate policies and private-sector investment.

He disclosed that several pharmaceutical manufacturing projects are underway nationwide, supported by funding initiatives, procurement reforms and incentives aimed at lowering costs and improving access.

Industry stakeholders who attended the event also commended Sam Pharmaceutical for the achievement. The Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, said recent policy reforms have significantly expanded the pharmaceutical sector, with local production accounting for an increasing share of national demand.

Similarly, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko, praised the company’s consistency and contributions to the industry, describing its 55-year journey as a testament to resilience and quality.

The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, confirmed that the Sam Pharmaceutical factory had been duly inspected, certified and licensed, noting that the company has maintained regulatory compliance over the years.

In his remarks, the Consul General of India in Lagos, Kannan Chokalingam, described the project as a symbol of deepening collaboration between India and Nigeria in pharmaceutical manufacturing, stating that India will continue to work with Nigeria to achieve a robust pharmaceutical industry.

Other notable personalities at the event included the Olota of Ota, His Majesty Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege; former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Commissioners for Health from Ogun and Oyo States; a member of the House of Representatives representing Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, Hon. Akinosi Olatunji Akanni; Chief Medical Directors of several hospitals; and other dignitaries.

A senior medical practitioner, Dr Leo Odudu, says the government’s sponsorship of campaigns in local languages will help to tackle the tobacco menace in society.

Odudu, the medical director, Emel Hospital, FESTAC, Lagos, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.

He spoke ahead of the “World No Tobacco Day”, observed annually on May 31.

World No Tobacco Day was established in 1987 by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to promote effective control measures.

The 2026 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”, focuses on exposing how tobacco and nicotine industries use flavoured products, digital marketing and lifestyle branding to attract young people and sustain addiction.

The campaign also highlights the need to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls and youth, from targeted marketing and misleading “harm reduction” narratives.

Odudu said that the most significant challenges in tackling the tobacco menace were the lack of proper education of the public on the dangers of tobacco use and its addictive tendency.

He stated that the poor literacy level of the general population was being exploited.

“Statistics show that tobacco use in various forms is more common among the uneducated rural populace.

“This group have other factors like malnutrition and poor access to health care that compound the harmful effects of tobacco use.

“Government is only seeing the economic side and ignoring the health consequences.

“Inscribing on packets of cigarettes that smokers are likely to die young is not enough of a deterrent, as the heavy smokers don’t buy in packets,” he said.

Odudu noted that despite health physicians’ engagement in public campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of tobacco use, more efforts are needed to tackle the scourge.

He advocated for continuous education of the populace, economic enhancement of the citizens and engagement of institutions like churches, mosques, market women and social clubs in the campaign process.

According to Odudu, the government should also implement policies against tobacco use and abuse, and sponsor anti-tobacco campaigns in local languages.

He advised that the government should make it very strict to establish tobacco industries and that good border control restrictions should also be considered to prevent restricted substances from entering the country. (NAN)

As Nigeria marks the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, some residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed diverse views on whether children should be actively involved in decision making processes affecting their lives, families and society.

The residents spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

While some residents said children deserved a voice in matters concerning their welfare and future, others insisted that major decisions should remain the responsibility of adults because of children’s limited experience and maturity.

Mr Fortune Effiong, a father, said that involving children in decision making helps them become more aware, assures them that their voices are heard and helps to prevent disputes.

According to him, children need to be carried along to avoid conflicts in the near future.

“For instance, regarding social media, especially copyright issues, parents sometimes post things about their children without their consent. When the child grows up, such actions could even lead to legal action,” he said.

“Things have changed and times have changed. We do not just want to accept it. It is no longer only parents making decisions; children can now make certain decisions as well,” he said.

Effiong noted that international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, recognise children’s rights to participate in issues affecting their lives.

Similarly, Mrs Veronica Samuel, a civil servant, said that children should be part of decision making in the home depending on their ages, to show them how thoughtful and useful their ideas can be.

According to her, today’s children are smart, but their participation should be guided by adults to ensure balanced and responsible outcomes.

“If you do not know how to regulate their smartness, they might use it negatively.

“As a parent, when you want to decide to move, for instance, you call the children and ask: ‘What do you think about us moving to another state or outside the country?’ Then hear what they have to say.

“Whether or not it makes any difference, let them be part of it,” she said.

She added that involving children helps to build their sense of responsibility for the future.

In an adverse view, Mr Pius Andrew, a businessman, said that giving children too much influence in making decisions could weaken discipline and traditional family structures.

According to him, children often lack the maturity needed to make sound judgments.

“If children are allowed to decide everything, it may lead to disrespect and indiscipline.

“There are issues within life and the family that children cannot fully comprehend,” he said.

Andrew stressed that parents possess more life experience and are better positioned to make choices in the best interest of their children.

On her part, Mrs Edith Njoku, a mother of two, said that children should be allowed to contribute opinions according to their age and level of understanding.

According to her, although parents provide for their children, the children still have a say in decisions being made about them.

She noted that children want to participate in decisions concerning their future instead of having ideas imposed on them by their parents.

Njoku added that involving children in age-appropriate discussions could help reduce feelings of neglect and improve parent-child relationships.

Some other parents supported children’s input in after-school activities, family travels and adventure, household chores and cooking, noting that it develops critical thinking and an early sense of responsibility, trust and ownership.

In an ever-changing world where children are more aware of their rights, some residents said that involving children in certain family decisions creates a sense of value, validation and respect for their views.(NAN)

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Kuro-Wari Global Foundation, has taken menstrual hygiene awareness to the Federal Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Abuja.

Its Founder, Meibaka Nyanabo, said the public awareness was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day, themed “Period Proud: Breaking Silence, Building Confidence”

Nyanabo added that the initiative aimed to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation while empowering girls with accurate reproductive health information, especially on the changes they experience during adolescence.

“Every May 28 is recognised globally as World Menstrual Hygiene Day, and we are here today to help these girls understand that periods are normal. It is a biological process, and they should confidently own it.

“We want them to understand what happens inside their bodies beyond just seeing blood and to know that every woman goes through this phase of life.

“There is no stigma, there is no shame. Menstruation is a normal phase of life,” she said.

The foundation’s founder urged girls to speak openly about reproductive health concerns and seek help whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.

“Some cultures make girls feel it is shameful to talk about menstruation, but we are encouraging them to be bold enough to seek counsel from parents, aunties or counsellors,” she said.

Nyanabo also advocated free sanitary pads for girls in schools, stressing that many young girls miss classes because they could not afford menstrual products.

“Nigeria is rich enough to make pads free. Girls do not ask to menstruate, it is a natural phase of life,” she said.

Beyond sanitary products, she called for access to clean water, soap and restroom facilities in public places.

“Public places should have water, soap and restrooms where women and girls can comfortably manage their periods,” she stated.

Nyanabo also called for greater empathy and support from men and boys, noting that hormonal and emotional changes during menstruation could affect women differently.

Nyanabo disclosed that over 40 female mentors were on the ground to engage the girls in discussions, adding that more than 550 girls would receive sanitary towels and soap to encourage proper menstrual hygiene practices.

Also speaking, Dr Ubiene Nyanabo, a facilitator, encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and embrace their uniqueness.

“My work today is to help them know who they are and then help them know that they are made and created for greatness. We are talking about the menstrual period, building confidence.

“If you know who you are and you know that you are created especially for a purpose as a woman, you embrace it gladly.”

The Project Coordinator of Kuro-Wari Global Foundation, Eno Bassey, said many young girls lacked adequate education about their bodies, making them vulnerable to fear, stigma and misinformation.

“So, we want to create a space for them to feel free to learn, to ask questions, and then to have good confidence. At the end of the day, each girl will know about her body.

“This awareness is critical because every girl needs to have an idea about how her body functions, how the hormones affect them psychologically, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

“So, creating this space and giving them this basic education helps them to build confidence and also helps them to express themselves.”

According to Bassey, addressing menstrual health requires collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, NGOs and communities to ensure girls have access to education and sanitary products.

One of the beneficiaries, Peace David, a student from Federal Government Science and Technical College Garki, Abuja, commended the foundation for organising the programme, describing it as enlightening and impactful.

“Some girls have not really been enlightened on menstrual hygiene, so this programme is helping us understand how to take care of ourselves during our menstrual cycle,” she said.

She also appealed to the Federal Government and other organisations to provide free sanitary pads for girls in both boarding and day schools, especially vulnerable students. (NAN)

Escalating violence and deep-seated community mistrust are severely disrupting containment efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where an expanding Ebola outbreak has now reached over 900 suspected cases and 101 laboratory-confirmed infections, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO and regional health partners confirmed the surge following a recent scale-up in medical surveillance. However, international health officials warn that active combat in the epicentre is allowing the virus to outrun response teams.

The crisis is centred in Ituri Province, a region of nearly five million people where ongoing conflict has left one in four residents in need of humanitarian assistance and forced one in five to become internally displaced. The relentless violence is forcing both local populations and vital health workers to flee the area, severely impeding efforts to conduct contact tracing and identify infections early enough to provide supportive care.

Beyond the physical dangers of a war zone, responders are facing widespread fear and insecurity that have fueled deep mistrust within local communities. To counter this, the WHO and its Health Cluster partners are maintaining a presence in some of the hardest-to-reach and most insecure areas, pivoting to a strategy that addresses broader health crises alongside the viral outbreak.

To build the community trust critical for an effective Ebola response, medical teams are delivering a comprehensive package of essential healthcare services.

This includes routine immunisations, maternal and newborn care, treatment for severe acute malnutrition, mental health services, wound care, and support for survivors of sexual violence, alongside providing much-needed medical supplies to a population facing a wide range of deadly diseases.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a highly sophisticated multi-million-dollar Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine production syndicate and arrested 10 suspects with N480billion worth of meth recovered.

Giving details of the major operational success at a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa described the breakthrough as another crippling blow to transnational orgainsed crime.

Marwa said that the clinical, simultaneous operation, executed by elite operatives of the agency’s Special Operations Unit (SOU), led to the shutdown of an industrial-scale clandestine laboratory.

According to him, discovered in Nigeria and hidden in a remote forest in Ijebu area of Ogun was the largest multi-billion naira meth in history.

“The cartel’s kingpin was arrested with three Mexican technical experts and six other top local collaborators.”

He said that following months of painstaking and credible intelligence gathering, operatives of the agency’s SOU launched well-coordinated strikes across Ogun and Lagos States within 48 hours last week.

“Barely two weeks ago, we had announced the successful take-down of a high-profile Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO).

“It was a complex multi-country operation involving the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Swiss, French, and the Greek law enforcement agencies.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the NDLEA has struck another crippling blow to the heart of transnational organised crime.

“Through a clinical, simultaneous operation executed by the elite operatives of our SOU, we have successfully dismantled a sophisticated, transnational methamphetamine production syndicate run jointly by a Nigerian drug cartel and their Mexican counterparts.

“This network did not just traffic drugs. They were actively manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal illicit substances right on our soil, threatening the national security and public health of Nigeria.

“After months of painstaking, credible intelligence, our operatives on May 16, launched a well-coordinated, simultaneous strikes in both Ogun and Lagos States,” he said.

Marwa said that the primary target was a remote farm located at Abidagba Forest, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun.

He said that the farm was being used as a massive, highly dangerous clandestine methamphetamine laboratory by the Anochili Innocent DTO.

“At the farm in the Ijebu forest, our operatives overran the clandestine laboratory in Ogun, securing the perimeter and catching the syndicates completely off-guard.

“At this laboratory, we apprehended seven key members of the cartel processing illicit substances. Most notably, the operation confirms our intelligence regarding the importation of foreign technical expertise by local cartels.

“Among those arrested are three Mexican nationals brought into the country specifically to cook this deadly substance, alongside four Nigerian collaborators,” he said.

Marwa also said that another tactical team closed in on the luxury residence of the cartel’s mastermind located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki area of Lagos State.

He said that the drug baron was cornered and arrested, adding that a meticulous search of his premises led to the recovery of the international passports and mobile phones of the three arrested Mexican cooks, directly linking him to the importation and management of the foreign criminals.

Marwa further said that relentless follow-up operations on Monday, led NDLEA operatives to another property owned by the baron.

He said that another key member of the syndicate was arrested at the property located at House 70, Close 3, Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.

He said this was after investigators stormed the residence of another syndicate member, whose property served as the cartel’s strategic stash house.

“The arrest brings to 10 the total number of cartel members, including the baron, the three Mexican specialists, and six Nigerian collaborators, who are currently in NDLEA custody.

“I have directed the deployment of our specialised Chemical and Forensic Team to the clandestine laboratory to test, weigh, and secure the chemical components.

“The sheer volume of dangerous precursor chemicals, industrial solvents, and finished products recovered is staggering.

“The operation yielded a massive 2,419.48 Kilo Grammes (over 2.4 tons) of chemical materials, including highly toxic, volatile, and crystallised methamphetamine worth 362.9 million dollars in the international market.

“This translates to over N480billion. Imagine this humongous amount in the control of criminal elements!

“Also recovered from the cartel include a Toyota Tacoma vehicle used for operations at the clandestine meth laboratory, and a Toyota Highlander seized from the kingpin’s residence.

“To put this in perspective, the 2,419.48 kilogrammes of finished and liquid methamphetamine seized represents millions of street doses that would have flooded our local communities and international markets, causing untold destruction, psychosis, and violence,” the NDLEA chairman said.

The NDLEA boss noted that the dismantling of the Anochili Innocent DTO, coming directly on the heels of the Simon Amadi cartel takedown, sends an unequivocal, resounding message to drug barons.

According to him, this indicates that both locally and internationally, Nigeria is a hostile territory for their business.

He warned that the agency would continue to hunt them down wherever they were located.

“We are fully aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels, including the disturbing trend of hiring South American cartel specialists to set up production factories in our rural communities.

“Let it be known that no matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down, disrupt your networks, and seize your ill-got wealth,” Marwa warned.

The NDLEA Chairman appreciated the support from international partners to keep Nigeria and the global community safe from the criminal activities of drug cartels.

He commended the extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and precision of the NDLEA SOU operatives and the Chemical and Forensic Team, saying “Nigeria owes you all a debt of gratitude”.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, adding that the forest lab in Ogun was operating under the guise of a regular farm.

“Report any suspicious activities, strange chemical odours, or unusual movements in your localities. This war is for the soul of our nation, and we will not back down until we achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” he added. (NAN)

The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that there is no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, while intensifying preparedness and surveillance measures nationwide.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.

Pate said the government had activated precautionary measures following recent Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda to strengthen national health security.

He said surveillance systems had been reinforced across the country, while relevant agencies such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Port Health Services were closely monitoring developments.

According to him, the ministry is also collaborating with the World Health Organisation and regional health authorities to ensure early detection and rapid response to any potential threat.

“While Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government is taking all necessary proactive measures to strengthen national preparedness, surveillance and coordination mechanisms,” he said.

He added that ongoing measures included enhanced surveillance, improved monitoring activities nationwide and strengthened screening protocols at all points of entry into the country.

Pate also said health declaration procedures had been reinforced in collaboration with Port Health Services to reduce the risk of importation of the disease into Nigeria.

He said that coordination with state ministries of health and other stakeholders had been intensified to ensure effective response mechanisms across all levels of government.

According to him, laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity had also been strengthened to enable prompt detection and confirmation of suspected cases.

The minister said infection prevention and control measures were being reinforced in health facilities, while public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities had also been stepped up.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid panic, and refrain from spreading misinformation that could cause unnecessary fear among the public.

“Healthcare workers across the country have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols, promptly isolate suspected cases,” he said.

He added that they should report all suspected cases through established public health channels to ensure a swift response and containment.

Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting public health through coordinated preparedness, surveillance and rapid response systems nationwide.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. (NAN)

Residents of Wasarde Birgima community, Joda ward of Gabasawa Local Government Area in Kano have recorded massive participation in the ongoing electronic birth registration exercise aimed at providing legal identity for children in hard-to-reach settlements.

The initiative, supported by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented through collaboration between the National Population Commission, National Identity Management Commission, ALGON and UNICEF, aims to improve access to electronic birth registration services in underserved communities.

Speaking during the exercise, Abba Hussaini , the focal person for Under-One Birth Registration, described the turnout as highly encouraging, noting that the programme targeted underserved and remote communities often left out of government documentation exercises.

According to him, more than 626 children were registered in the Wasarde Birgima community alone.

He appreciated UNICEF for supporting the initiative through technical assistance, training of personnel and provision of registration equipment that enhanced the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Hussaini commended residents for their participation and highlighted the crucial role of traditional leaders, who worked closely with religious and community stakeholders to mobilize families.

Also speaking, Bashir Aminu from the National Population Commission described the turnout as commendable, noting that the introduction of electronic registration has simplified the process by enabling instant issuance of birth certificates.

He explained that the digital registration system is helping to improve documentation and data management while ensuring that children receive certificates immediately after registration.

Hussaina Ahmad, who brought her eight-month-old daughter, Aisha, after missing the previous exercise in September 2025, said that she was only two weeks into motherhood then.

According to Hussaina, her husband, a commercial motorcycle operator, learned about the exercise from the village head and informed her.

“I don’t know my own birth date and I want my children to have an identity from the start.” she said.

She explained that the registration was essential for school enrollment and other future benefits.

“I didn’t attend school, and neither did my parents, but I want my child to go to school and become influential in the community. Every child deserves this,” she added.

Hussaina noted that she would return to her community to educate other parents about the importance of early registration, praising the organisations bringing the service closer to families.

Kaltume Ali of Unguwar Tsakiya who brought her four-month-old son, Musa, said community awareness campaigns helped her realise that children without birth certificates often face barriers to healthcare, education, social protection, and other opportunities.

“My husband first heard about the registration from the village head and encouraged me to enrol our child.”

Also participating was Asmau Sagir of Unguwar Yamma, who brought her seven-month-old son, Abdulrahman, said birth registration is to safeguard children’s identity and future.

She noted that digital registration helps families avoid challenges later, particularly with school enrollment and access to government services.(NAN)