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• October 2, 2025
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NAFDAC destroys N15bn worth of counterfeit, expired drugs in Ibadan

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and unwholesome drugs valued at over N15 billion at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State. The destruction exercise, held on Wednesday, was aimed at preventing these hazardous products from re-entering the market and posing risks to public health. Professor
NAFDAC destroys N15bn worth of counterfeit, expired drugs in Ibadan

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and unwholesome drugs valued at over N15 billion at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The destruction exercise, held on Wednesday, was aimed at preventing these hazardous products from re-entering the market and posing risks to public health.

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General, stated the seriousness of the agency’s ongoing crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical operations.

Represented at the event by Dr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Adeyeye revealed that the destroyed products included counterfeit, banned, unregistered, controlled, and expired medicines.

Among the items were Analgin, Co-codamol, codeine-based cough syrups, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and several expired vaccines, all posing severe health hazards.

She pointed out a recent seizure in which a container falsely labeled as diclofenac was found to contain anti-malarial drugs, over 100,000 tablets in 277 cartons, smuggled into the country.

“The suspect linked to this shipment has been arrested and will face prosecution,” Adeyeye said, stressing the need to deter illegal drug importers and distributors.

The NAFDAC chief also disclosed that during a separate operation at a military barracks in Lagos, the agency seized illegally manufactured cosmetics and packaging materials.

Other confiscated items were recovered during nationwide raids targeting black-market drug sellers, counterfeiters, and unlicensed medicine outlets.

Adeyeye urged Nigerians, especially community leaders, healthcare professionals, religious figures, and journalists, to educate the public about the dangers of patronizing unlicensed drug vendors and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.

She called for citizen participation in reporting suspicious activities to strengthen regulatory oversight and protect public health.

The exercise also included more than 25 seized 40-foot containers provided by the Nigeria Customs Service, containing prohibited items such as Tramadol, Artesunate injections, and frozen poultry.

“These products form part of today’s destruction, marking another victory in our fight against harmful and illegal substances,” Adeyeye stated.

She also commended the support of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, DSS, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN, and other agencies in NAFDAC’s regulatory mission.

NAFDAC destroys N15bn worth of counterfeit, expired drugs in Ibadan

• Hot Source
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• October 2, 2025
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‘You’re not forgotten’ – Alia assures Benue IDPs as state introduces new policy

The Benue State Government has officially introduced its Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, Policy, describing it as both a historic step and a source of renewed hope for thousands forced from their homes by violence and natural disasters. Speaking at the launch held at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia recalled that upon taking
‘You’re not forgotten’ – Alia assures Benue IDPs as state introduces new policy

The Benue State Government has officially introduced its Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, Policy, describing it as both a historic step and a source of renewed hope for thousands forced from their homes by violence and natural disasters.

Speaking at the launch held at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia recalled that upon taking office two years ago, he promised to prioritize the safe return and reintegration of displaced persons.

According to him, with backing from international partners, the state has already recorded progress in areas such as shelter provision, humanitarian aid, and protection services.

Benue, widely regarded as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has grappled with waves of displacement for years, with new families continuously seeking refuge in makeshift camps, thereby dimming hopes of normal life returning soon.

That reality may begin to change, however, with the unveiling of the state’s comprehensive IDP policy, supported financially by Save the Children.

Governor Alia, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, said the initiative represents a transition from emergency relief to recovery and from temporary aid to long-term resilience.

He further emphasized that the framework is “a social contract between government, partners, and displaced communities,” aimed at ensuring that affected persons remain at the core of all interventions.

Reassuring displaced citizens, the governor declared: “You are not forgotten, you are not alone, your resilience inspires us, your future is at the heart of this policy and our durable solutions action plan.”

‘You’re not forgotten’ – Alia assures Benue IDPs as state introduces new policy

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• October 2, 2025
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NBTI to showcase 105 Nigerian innovations at 2025 NextGen Challenge Grand Finale

The National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, is to showcase 105 “groundbreaking” Nigerian innovations at the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, taking place in London on October 9, 2025. Director General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. Raji explained that the 105
NBTI to showcase 105 Nigerian innovations at 2025 NextGen Challenge Grand Finale

The National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, is to showcase 105 “groundbreaking” Nigerian innovations at the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, taking place in London on October 9, 2025.

Director General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Raji explained that the 105 innovations to be showcased at the event were selected from over 3,000 entries submitted by Nigerian innovators during the preliminary stages of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025.

Shedding light on the innovations, Raji added, “The finalists represent Nigeria’s boundless creativity and problem-solving genius. Just a glimpse of what we will be showcasing in London includes: A smart wearable Bra-X for early detection of breast cancer; a ventilator capable of supporting six patients simultaneously; AI-controlled drones for precision farming and pest control; affordable clean energy solutions for underserved communities; next-generation FinTech applications for inclusive finance and much more, touching every critical sector of our economy and human development.”

Speaking further, Raji noted that the volume and quality of innovations conceptualized by Nigerian youths shows that Nigeria has emerged as a global leader in innovation.

“Let the world take notice: Nigeria has arrived — not as a consumer of technology, but as a global leader in innovation.

“We are not exporting talents — we are amplifying solutions from Africa to the world. The NextGen Innovation Challenge is Nigeria’s innovation renaissance, and we will not stop until the youth of this nation have a seat at every global innovation table,” he said.

The NBTI boss declared that the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 is set to elevate Nigeria’s most brilliant minds and their pioneering innovations to the global arena.

“On Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the city of London, 105 of Nigeria’s most outstanding innovators, selected from over 3,000 ground-breaking entries, will converge at the Hilton London Paddington to pitch revolutionary solutions across HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and more — before an esteemed gathering of global investors, policymakers, and development partners.

“This monumental initiative, powered by NBTI in partnership with UKALD London, signals a new era for Nigeria’s innovation-driven economic transformation and places Nigeria at the forefront of global innovation diplomacy.”

The NextGen Innovation Challenge was officially launched on May 28, 2025, in Abuja by Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.

The launch was followed by the National Showcase on July 9, 2025, where the top 105 innovators, representing every state and the FCT, exhibited their projects before an audience comprising policymakers, industrialists, investors, and diplomats.

The innovations were subjected to a rigorous international vetting process led by a global technology expert, Prof. Hari Mohan of London South Bank University, LSBU.

Raji explained that the vetting process ensured transparency, global standardization and credibility.

He listed expected outcomes from the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 to include signing of MOUs for renewable energy and clean growth projects; direct connections between Nigeria innovators and international investors and launch of the NBTI Global App, which will link Nigerian innovation to the diaspora and global markets.

Raji, in the same vein, noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has revitalized innovation in Nigeria.

“We express profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has rekindled the flame of innovation and empowered young Nigerians to dream beyond borders.

“His bold economic reforms, youth-focused initiatives, and unwavering support for institutions like NBTI are transforming Nigeria from a resource-rich country into a knowledge-driven economy,” he said.

NBTI to showcase 105 Nigerian innovations at 2025 NextGen Challenge Grand Finale