RAMADAN: Egunjobi urges Muslims to promote peace in Agege

AgegePulse Magazine

Executive Chairman of Agege, Alh. Ganiyu KolaEgunjobi, has urged Muslims faithful in the area to promote peace and unity as they begin this year’s Ramadan fasting.

Egunjobi in his goodwill message to Muslims in the local government on Ramadan, said fasting in the holy month teaches Muslims to practice piety, self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, tolerance, justice, fairness and empathy for the less fortunate in society.

He called on all adherents of the Islamic faith to reflect on these edifying lessons as they fast and make them a greater part of their daily lives.

The Chairman while speaking against the background of the recent political crisis in Agege in which 40-year-old Nurudeen Olonose was killed after the LG Congress at Central Primary School, Oniwaya, pleaded with Muslims to pray for peaceful co-existence of the residents of the area, saying "There is no gain in fighting and killing ourselves over mere political issues. We are all brothers and sisters with common backgrounds. We have no other place to call our own than this Agege.

"In our own little corner, we must promote peace and eschew violence, hate speech and divisive issues of any kind. It is my prayer that Allah Subhana Watala will accept our Ibadah in this holy month and after it."

Agege APC Leaders To Party Leaders, Police: Investigate Killing At LG Congress, Culprits Must Be Punished

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) in Agege Federal Constituency were unanimous yesterday in their call for investigations into the circumstances that led to the death of a party member at the party's local government congress in Agege LG last Saturday.

They equally called on relevant security agencies to ensure that culprits indicted in the incident be brought to book.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Sunday, the party leaders led by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, decried the violence that erupted after the congress had been successfully concluded leading to the death of of a party member, Nurudeen Olanose.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, stated that the congress had been concluded successfully before supporters and thugs loyal to an House of Assembly aspirant in the local government unleashed terror on the people. "I was even back in my office after the successful completion of the congress when I was informed the violence being unleashed on the people," he said.

Rt. Hon. Obasa stated that the leadership of the party should investigate the killing of Olanose. "The police should also do the needful by not only investigating the death of Olanose but also ensuring that those found culpable be brought to book," the Lagos Assembly Speaker said.

According to him, the APC is a united party in Agege. "You can see that all the party leaders are here, so we have no crisis. It's the inordinate ambition of one man that's causing this violence," he said.

Others who spoke at the event: Honourable Taofeek Abiodun Adaranijo, member representing Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon Oluyinka Ogundimu, member representing Agege State Constituency 2 in the state House of Assembly; Dr Samuel Babatunde Adejare, state Commissioner for Waterfront  Infrastructure; pioneer Chairman of the local government, Chief Owolabi Dada; and the party leader in Agege, Chief Safari Adaranijo; all condemned the violence that led to the killing and were unanimous in their call for investigation into the matter and culprits being brought to book.

Sylvester Igboun Scores as FC Ufa Picks Europa League Ticket

AgegePulse Magazine

Agege born and Nigerian forward Sylvester Igboun scored on 50 minutes to make it 3-0 in a 5-0 FC Ufa's home win against Tosno.

FC Ufa of Russia finished sixth this season and picked a Europa League qualification slot.

The Nigerian goal poacher has been one of the inspirational strikers that earned UFA the Europa League slot with seven goals in 26 league appearances

Congratulations Sly Tata

MILE 12 TRADERS'LL RELOCATE SOON- Ambode

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the popular Mile 12 Market traders will soon relocate to a new market at Imota, which, he said, will be ready before the end of December.

The current location of the market at Ketu area, aside from being described as one of the filthiest markets in the state, has also been linked to the regular gridlock in the area.

The governor spoke through the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Adebowale Akinsanya, during a tour of projects by members of the state executive council to Imota, Agbowa Ikosi axis of the state, where the regional food stuff markets, Imota Housing Scheme, Imota Rice Mill and Agbowa Sawmills are located.

He said the first phase of the project, designed to accommodate about 1,500 shops, is already at 75 percent completion stage and would be delivered before the end of the year.

Adequate provisions, he said, have been made in the new market, to avoid the challenges which the present Mile 12 Market and other markets in the area constitute to the environment.



“We have seen what is going on as to our commitment to make this place a regional market. The first phase is 75 percent completed. The major challenge has been accomplished, though we still have some things to sort out, but, we are over the hurdle.

“What remains is to keep going, speed up and with the commitment of this government, we should be able to complete this project by September and, hopefully, by the end of the year, all the different markets in Mile 12 will be able to move here, and it will be a one-shop-centre for everybody,” he said.

The market, which is in two phases, will, among others, have facilities such as 1,000 capacity car park, over 100 capacity trailer park, power stations, sewage system and treatment,  bus lay-by, fire stations, concretised roads and drainages.

Also, the governor promised that a  32 tonnes rice mill, which he described as the largest in Africa, currently under construction in Imota, will be ready for commission in the first quarter of 2019

The project, he said, when completed, will provide over 200,000 jobs across the agricultural value chain, while it will also bring about the cultivation of 32,000 hectares of farmland, to produce rice paddy, which he equated to an estimated 130 million Kilogrammes (kg) of processed rice, per year (an equivalent of 2.6 milion 50kg bags of rice

Elephant Club of Ogba Ashade gives Account of Stewardship

...As Club Receives Certificate of Incorporation

Agegepulse Magazine

Executives of the prestigious Elephant Club of Ogba has given account of stewardship after the successful hosting of the club's 20th anniversary.

As part of its 20th anniversary achievements, the club also presented Certificate of Incorporation obtained from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

In a statement read by Chairman of the club, Prince Moroofdeen Ashade to members during the meeting, it was revealed that the club made lot of tremendous improvement during the 20th anniversary adding that it is ready to deliver more charity services to the people of its community.

It stressed that having registered with CAC, the club can now perform optimally both locally and Intentionally.

The Chairman reiterated that the club will continue to embark on more capital projects that would positively impact the community.

In the same vein, the club used the medium to congratulate its club ambassadors; Small Doctor and Monsuru Karounwi for winning Headies Awards and Medview Airline 2018 Hajj respectively.

Obasa, The Making of Agege's Political Leader

AgegePulse Magazine

It is no gainsaying the fact that Lagos State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa is the dominant name in the sphere of politics in Agege. In banners, posters and signposts, different faces of the Speaker straddle the township. His acceptance as the leader of all political groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege Federal Constituency is unassailable. And many still strive to team up with him, even from outside the APC enclave. Daily, the quintessential politician receives droves of decampees from other parties across the political divides in Agege.

That the Speaker will be returned by the people of his constituency for another term as their representative is no longer the issue, as both his party and the entire populace are resolute on that, what with many benefits that have accrued to the community upon his ascending the speakership seat.


The issue is maintaining our current status as a stakeholder in the affairs of our exemplary state, Lagos. This is because, for a long time Agege has lagged firmly behind in terms of physical and human development until the current ascendancy of Mr Speaker.


That his speakership position has benefited us immensely is an understatement. Hardly has any other community benefitted so much from the speakership position at any time in the history of Lagos State than our own humble Agege. The cornucopia of this position is felt by almost all inhabitants of the entire Agege kingdom. And to add to all these is the enigmatic personality of the Speaker himself. Affable, humble, attentive, focused, hardworking, intelligent, experienced, dynamic and above all, pious,  Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa is a shining example to many aspiring youths in whatever vocation they find themselves.


Many are born into leadership, many work their ways to leadership while many grow up to attain leadership, in the case of Obasa, for those of us who have been with him right from the beginning of his legislative career, the man had been dogged in his pursuit of the apex of his career. And it has not been easy, what with weathering many political storms that fill the paths of Nigerian politicians who manage to clinch their choice positions.


As an astute politician, Obasa's mind is recondite and impenetrable. Not given to too many words, the prayerful legislator operates with a fiery tenacity in the pursuit of his goals which he has achieved for himself and many of his followers who have benefited immensely from his political endeavors.


Initially wrongly perceived by many as arrogant, inattentive and unresponsive, many have now learned that he is actually humble, simple and easy to work with if only you recognize his forthright, truthful and upright dispositions. He has been benevolent to many who needed assistance not only within Agege but all over the state, but he won't make noise about it. These assertions are verifiable by anyone in doubt as the Speaker operates an open door policy both at his constituency office and his office at LAHA complex.


Another important aspect of the Mudasiru Obasa narrative is the glamour, charm, candor and prestige that his personality has attracted to the seat. By operating with panache, grace and amity among his colleagues at the house, the state governor Mr. Akinwumi Ambode and our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has been able to gain their confidence and friendship much to the chagrin of his detractors. Without mincing words, it would be difficult for his successors to fill his shoes upon leaving office. His popularity across the entire nation is unprecedented and this should be a source of glory and pride to us back home in Agege, a town relegated and unrecognized, perceived by many as lowdown township of peasants and riffraffs now respected by many as Lagos State's speaker's home base. If we could produce a speaker why not a governor in the nearest future?


As a versatile, ebullient and proficient Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa has led the Lagos House of Assembly to be the most productive assembly in Africa. One of the major impact this proficiency has on the assembly is the adoption, by the house, of the native language of Lagos State, Yoruba, as a language of proceedings. This bold step aimed at resuscitating our dying language further bore upon the Lagos State Government into making Yoruba a compulsory subject in all basic and secondary schools in the state.


Indeed, by the landmark achievements that the Speaker has recorded in his first term, we are rest assured that his second term would be more eventful and equally scandal free. This is because Obasa has learnt the ropes and garnered requisite experiences over the years at the Assembly.


It gladdens my heart that we're speaking with one voice again after so much rancor, resentments and bitterness elicited by last year's contests. All along, the Speaker, as I was aware then, was all for peaceful resolution of the issues that generated back then but some misconstrued his intentions for attempt at domination and all hell broke loose. Now, almost everyone is coming back to their senses: the hen is coming home to roost.


And having rallied all political gladiators and political office holders in Agege together, from my humble self, to the two council chairmen: in the persons of Hon. J.S. Babatunde and Hon. Ganiyu Egunlobi; member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing constituency 02, Hon. Olayinka Ogundimu; state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Hon. S.B. Adejare;  member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency, Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo; former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Amunikoro; former member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu; among many others, Obasa successfully united all political forces in the community and this impacted heavily on the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses that took place in all political wards in both Orile Agege and Agege on Saturday, 5 May, 2018.


The APC being almost about the only party in Agege, people from all walks of life trooped out to participate in the congresses. And, speaking with one voice in the presentation of party excos, the congresses held all over in the thirteen wards in peaceful atmosphere, without any incidence whatsoever.


I must at this juncture commend the Rt. Hon. for taking it upon himself to settle all scores and balancing the political equations in Agege, so that together, we may move forward. We must realize the need to speak with one voice, spoken through the Speaker, whom the Almighty has ordained to lead us to the promised land. We thank all those who understood our plight and listened to our wisdom and followed the moving train. We urge the fractional minority still nursing one animosity or the other to come with us under the umbrella of Mudasiru Obasa leadership. As he himself has said, there's enough to go round.



Afolabi Ayantayo, former Secretary to the Local Government  (SLG), Orile Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), writes from Agege.

Headies Award: Small Doctor Beats Olamide, CDQ, Skuki To Win Best Street-Hop Award

Agege born Hip Hop star, Temitope Adekunle a.k.a Small Doctor yesterday, proved to be bigger than his name when he emerged winner of the Best Street-Hop category beating industry big names like Olamide, Skuki, and CDQ to the award.

Recall Agege Pulse reported last week that Small Doctor's popular song titled Penalty was nominated for the 2018 Headies Awards in the best street song of year.

Despite not being the favourite in the category, the award is no doubt, well-deserved going by the street acceptability of the hit song - penalty, for the year under review.

Other songs and artistes in the category include: PENALTY by Small Doctor, WO by Olamide, SAI BABA by CDQ, SHEPETERI by Idowest FT. Dammy Krane and Slim Case, PASS THE AGBARA by Skuki, and LEGBEGBE by Mr Real FT. Idowest, Kelvin Chucks, Obadice.

Agege Pulse congratulate Small Doctor for  reaching another milestone in his career and for putting our dear community into limelight once again.

Exclusive: Small Doctor's Penalty Nominated For Headies Awards

Agege born Hip Hop star, (put his full name) a.k.a Small Doctor has been nominated for awards in two different categories at the forthcoming 2018 Headies Awards.

The information was contained in the list of nominees released by organisers of the popular Headies Awards.

According to the organisers, the year in review for the award is July 2016 to December 2017.

Small Doctor's popular song titled Penalty, is nominated among Nigeria's popular street songs within the period under review for Best Street-Hop Artiste. The nominees include: PENALTY by Small Doctor, WO by Olamide, SAI BABA by CDQ, SHEPETERI by Idowest FT. Dammy Krane and Slim Case, PASS THE AGBARA by Skuki, LEGBEGBE by Mr Real FT. Idowest, Kelvin Chucks, Obadice.

Also,  the Akeweje Oganla crooner is nominated among Nigeria's finest artistes for the Song of the Year award. The nominees include: PENALTY – Small Doctor, WO – Olamide, IF - Davido, YEBA – Kiss Daniel, MAD OVER YOU – Runtown, and FIA – Davido.

Fans of Small Doctor should visit http://theheadies.com/nominees-list/ to vote for the penalty crooner in the aforementioned categories.

Corporate Affairs Commission Recruitment 2018

How to Apply for CAC Recruitment – www.new.cac.gov.ng


The Corporate Affairs Commission is a regulatory body, established to regulate the incorporation, running and winding up of companies, business names and incorporated trustees, in accordance with CAMA.

Corporate Affairs Commission Recruitment 2018 – On this article you will get latest updates on Corporate Affairs Commission 2018 recruitment requirements, qualifications, guidelines and other important updates for free.

See Corporate Affairs Commission 2018 – CAC Recruitment Requirements

Minimum of B.Sc Degree or H.N.D from a reputable institution.
Minimum of Second Class Lower Division from any discipline.
Must not be more than 30 years old – i.e. 27 years Less than 30 years.
Applicant must have Excellent Communication skills.

POLICE ARRAIGN SENATOR MELAYE, GRANTED BAIL

...Lawmaker Ordered to Deposit International Passport Before Bail

The Police today arraigned Senator Dino Melaye before an Abuja Magistrate court sitting at Wuse Zone 2 for breaking the windscreen of police vehicle conveying him to Lokoja, and threatening to kill himself. He arrived in a stretcher.

The arraignment by the police was based on a first information report, accusing him of breaking the windscreen of the police vehicle conveying him to Lokoja and also threatening to kill himself and intentionally implicating the police officer over his death.

In a ruling presiding magistrate, Magistrate Mabel Bello granted him bail and ordered that one of the sureties must be a civil servant on grade level 14, and must show evidence of his residence in FCT.

The court ordered also Senator Melaye to deposit his international passport with the FCT Commissioner of Police and that he shall also report himself at Wuse Zone 2 police station every first working day of the week.

The court later adjourned the case to June 6 for proper trial.

EDUCATION DISTRICT 1 TEACHER WINS INSPIRATIONAL EDUCATION AWARD AGAIN

...Thanks To LASG, Winning Is Natural To Us - TG/PS District I Agege, Dr. Ayandele

In a fell swoop Education District 1  Agege has again produced winner of the prestigious National MeadowHall Foundation 'Inspirational Educator Award (INSEA)' for Y2018 held recently.

The final selection that saw Mrs. Usillo Oluwawemimo Kikelomo of Ifesowapo Aboru Senior Secondary School in District 1, emerging first in a tie with her Ogun State counterpart took place in a keen contest at the corporate headquarters of the Non Governmental Organization's office in Lekki, Lagos on Saturday 21st April, 2018.

The expanded National Inspirational Educator Award's stringent criteria reportedly pruned the over 400 entrants down to 10 qualifiers, six finalists and eventually the two winners that emerged in a tie after a very serious contest, sequel to the maiden edition of Y2017 which was confined to Lagos State alone.

Commenting on outcome of the contest while celebrating winner of the Y2018 edition of the prestigious INSEA second time in a row, (as winner and first runner up of the maiden edition in Y2017 emerged District 1), the Tutor General /Permanent Secretary, Education District I, Dr. (Mrs) Olufolayimika Abiose Ayandele, (a multiple Award winner herself), was full of praises for  Usillo.

Said she on describing the second Winner of INSEA produced by the District; "Mrs. Usillo is a multi-talented hard worker" known for working smart as well, proudly claiming that Usillo was fast towing her path, just as she gave kudos to the organisers for the stringent, transparent process of selection and the Lagos State Government for providing the needed platform for hard working staff, especially, teachers to excel.

Going further,  the TG/PS stated that "it is heart warming to see Teachers that stand out with outstanding performance" while recalling that in the 99 schools under her charge within Agege, Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye with a staff population of approximately 4250, this same Usillo emerged Best Teacher in District 1, for Y2017, saying of the INSEA, that she was highly elated because this time, the contest was not just within Lagos as obtained in the maiden edition, but held at the national level and judged by people of high intellect and integrity.

Dr.  Ayandele, still commending Mrs Usillo, stated that it was imperative that leaders groom young replacements. Saying that while these replacements are best selected naturally from those thrown up through merit due to extra personal efforts, she said it was comforting to see that Education District 1 was consistent in producing tomorrow's work force through diligence, hard work and working smart for the knowledge based workforce of tomorrow.

The TG/PS recalled that Usillo, just like her predecessors (Winner and first runner up) of the prestigious Y2017 INSEA, we're both teachers from Education District 1 Agege, thus saying,  "Usillo's win this year is a continuation. Only that this time, the award is at the  National level. Proof that "winning is natural to us in District I. Further proof that all previous laurels won by it's Teachers were not by accident nor a fluke" that it was by dint of focused hard work.

Speaking, the several times award winning Usillo who beat over 400 other contestants to clinch THE Y2018 INSEA stated that though she put in her best as usual, that she was pleasantly surprised when she was named in the tie with her Ogun State counterpart as winner of the prestigious national MeadowHall Foundation award for Y2018.

However, after thanking the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led administration and the Lagos State Government for providing the platform which she leveraged on,  Usillo revealed that though she had always been hard working,  diligent and focused, she said  that having to contend with some teachers that just returned from international contests gave her the shivers and cold feet that almost led to her surrender during the final selection process, that she was truly amazed when she was announced the winner of the coveted Y2018 INSEA.

An elated Usillo, a multi-talented Physics teacher, narrating her experience on how it all happened, stated that for several moments after her name was announced as Inspirational teacher award winner for Y2018 amongst the over 400 contending teachers from various schools domiciled all over the federation of Nigeria, she went into a state of shock in utter disbelief for several moments before being galvanized into motion by the applause and shouts of encouragement from other  contenders.

According to her, "My winning can only be God at work because when I arrived at venue of the final interview and met so many other exposed competitors, most of whom had very impressive Corricullae Vitae; even two teachers from this very same District 1, I felt dejected and lost all hopes of winning because, this year's edition of the program was special. It was an expanded version of the maiden edition that held last year, the scope was widened to accommodate more teachers from all over the federation which made the competition even stiffer."

Speaking on secrets of her incessant award winnings, the Award Winner Teacher of District I, said "Am an inspirational teacher an a passionate person who focuses on the mission of winning with zeal as I did and won the Best Teacher Award of District I in Y2017, the same way I did when I entered for the Lagos State Best Teachers Award whose results will soon be released.

In thanking MeadowHall Foundation for inaugurating the 'Inspirational Education Award (INSEA)' which she said scrupulously assesses teachers abilities, encouraging them to aspire to even greater heights in delivery, just as she said she likes the notion of accommodating a self improvement and motivational course at the Lagos Business School as a part of the award prize reward instead of only cash.

While thanking MeadowHall for their efforts and gesture which she said was specifically targeted at teachers to encourage them in going the extra mile in order to achieve more in imparting the much needed knowledge in their students with updated skills, Usillo seized the opportunity to thank the Lagos State Government whom she said was responsible for providing the  platform, gave kudos to the Governor Ambode led administration saying she was particularly motivated by efforts of her Tutor General, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufolayimika Abiose Ayandele whom she stated was her "Mentor and a Trail Blazer".

On the other hand, her school principal, Mr. Alli Babatunde who was equally proud of  Usillo, was full of praises for the physics Teacher whom he described as "a bundle of talent, energy and a hard worker", claiming that her attitude to work set her apart while her monumental achievements were a source of inspiration to her students and even other teachers.

Speaking further on INSEA, her school principal, who is also a Physics Teacher of long standing, stated that the organiser's (MeadowHall Foundation) assessment were so stringent that he was not contacted during the process. He stated that "the verification call only came after the whole exercise had been concluded".

Babatunde further stated that "this most recent Award is our success and we are even anticipating another from the contest for Best Teacher Award Y2018 organised by Lagos State Ministry of Education, for all Teachers in state government employ" to which Usillo has equally applied.

NOSA OKUNBOR

WHY TRUMP SURPRISINGLY BECAME HUMBLE TO BUHARI

...The Power of Integrity

Agege Pulse Magzine

It is no more news that American President, Donald Trump has been at loggerheads with one world leader or the other since his arrival at the White House.

Many were however, taken by surprise when he invited and gave full presidential hospitality to Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari at the White House to the extent of promising to visit Nigeria for Buhari's sake.

No doubt, Trump might be a torn in the flesh and controversial element, his sudden humility towards PMB deserves some thoughts. These are put into perspective below:

He snubbed Angela Markel in White House; refusing to shake her hands in oval office.He shocked President Al Sisi of Egypt.  Told him point blank in WH that he will cut aid to Egypt.He called North Korean leader Kim Jung Un , the 'Rocket Man'.He has chastised President Putin. Heaping sanctions on his close associates.He called out Theresa May of Britain.He criticised China and her leaders. He took a risk of  trade war with China.He called Mexicans rapist , drug peddlers and unsavoury names. Even plans to build a wall.He fought American footballers who refused to honour their anthem.

He is fighting the largest media platform, CNN.He is fighting establishments in US; FBI, CIA, JUDICIARY etc. He knocked NATO allies. Threatened Iran. Shot into Syria.He fights with his appointees if needs be.He called black Americans 'LAZY' before his elections.He  called African nations 'shithole'. He is not afraid to tell it to you , no matter who you are because he is the POTUS. He says it exactly the way it is, snubs, Bullshits even world leaders.He rarely gives compliments.

BUTwhen he met President Buhari, everything changed. He was so excited that he could not control it. To d extent that he was even longing for a 'selfie'/ close shot, smiling to the camera. Meaning it was deliberate. Gave PMB the full presidential compliments he has hardly given any other leader since assuming office.He didn't stop there, he went on and on with eternal compliments. Buhari became a  Rock star to him.

WHY????The honour and unusual integrity , dedication and commitment of a black man. Finally he said, " I have tremendous respect for President Buhari.....Buhari is a honest & great leader Africa has produced ....For your sake, I will like to visit Nigeria pretty soon."He also called him the No. 1 President of Africa. Keep your honour. It will speak for u someday.If the Hater's hero can say this about President Buhari, why should one attempt to support or vote another.

It took a 75 year old President to attract such an honour to Nigeria. What far younger ones couldn't do for years. It is an honour for us all; all Nigerians not for PMB alone. Integrity pays.

Proudly Nigerian.

FG bans importation of codeine-based syrup

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

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said this in a statement on Tuesday.

The directive came less than 48 hours after a documentary titled, ‘Sweet, Sweet Codeine,’ was aired on BBC.

The documentary which has gone viral showed some Nigerian youths who were addicted to codeine displaying symptoms of mental illness and confined to an ill-equipped rehabilitation centre.

The minister said the decision to ban codeine became necessary due to the gross abuse of its use.

Adewole said cough syrups containing codeine should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all cough syrups that contain codeine in the country.

The minister noted that NAFDAC had an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group to inform them that there was an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine-containing cough syrups as well as applications for renewal had been abolished.

The statement read in part, “The PCN has been directed to continue enforcement activities on pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendor shops and outlets throughout the country.”

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.

Adewole said the ministry would ensure collaboration among regulatory agencies namely, NAFDAC, PCN, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, for effective implementation of extant Acts, regulations, policies and guidelines on codeine control and usage.

Source: Punch