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Health Under Siege! Pharmacists Ring Alarm Bells Over Rampant Unlicensed Drug Markets
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has sounded the alarm over the presence of nearly five million unregistered drug outlets nationwide, warning that the unchecked spread of these illegal vendors presents a grave danger to public health.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), has raised a red flag over the alarming resurgence of fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria, attributing the trend to the unchecked operations of nearly five million unregistered drug outlets across the country.
In a press statement ahead of the ACPN’s 44th Annual International Conference, set to hold in Awka, Anambra State, from July 22 to 27, Igwekamma warned that these unregulated vendors—thriving in both urban centers and remote villages—pose a grave threat to public health by facilitating the spread of counterfeit medicines.
Themed “Technology Integration, Personalised Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” the conference is expected to draw over 3,000 delegates from within and outside Nigeria to chart a path for pharmacy practice in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.
Igwekamma disclosed that Nigeria is sliding back to a dangerous era when more than 50% of medicines in circulation were fake or substandard—contradicting official figures of 13–15%. “Our usually reliable and dependable research-based efforts indicate that we are back to the days of over 50% of drugs in circulation being fake and substandard,” he stated.
He cited landmark studies by the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) dating back to 1988, which found that one-third of drugs in circulation were fake, with 7% proving fatal. A 1998 follow-up revealed that nearly half of fake medicines originated from open markets, while over 30% were linked to Patent Medicine Vendors. Alarmingly, 13% of fake drugs caused fatalities, and another 10.8% led to failed treatments.
While regulatory progress was made in the early 2000s—particularly under the late Dora Akunyili’s tenure as NAFDAC Director-General—Igwekamma lamented that Nigeria has seen a reversal in recent years. He blamed the resurgence on the inactivity of Federal and State Task Forces meant to police the drug distribution network and the poor enforcement of existing pharmaceutical laws.
“Despite some modest strides by NAFDAC, the past five years have witnessed a troubling surge in the circulation of fake drugs and contaminated food and beverages,” said Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN). “This surge has coincided with the near-total collapse of the Federal and State Task Forces, which have become largely inactive and ineffective in regulating the pharmaceutical space.”
Igwekamma stressed the urgent need for legislative action, urging the National Assembly to strengthen existing laws. “The National Assembly must, as a matter of urgency, amend the current Fake Drug and Unwholesome Food Act to transform it into a more robust and effective legal instrument,” he declared.
He also raised the alarm over a growing influx of counterfeit beverages, calling it “a monstrous, tens-of-billions-naira enterprise driven by modern-day merchants of death.”
The upcoming 44th Annual International Conference of the ACPN in Awka, Anambra State, scheduled for July 22 to 27, will serve as a major platform to push for reforms and rally support for a better-regulated pharmaceutical sector.
Among the key features of the conference is a high-profile “Walk Against Fake Medicines,” aimed at sensitising the public and demanding stricter enforcement of drug safety regulations. Other highlights will include keynote speeches by global health leaders, expert panels on digital transformation in healthcare—covering telepharmacy, artificial intelligence in patient care, and electronic health records—as well as exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge health tech innovations.
“In conclusion,” Igwekamma urged, “I call on community pharmacists, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and development partners to join us at this pivotal event. Together, we can chart a more resilient, innovative, and patient-focused future for pharmacy practice in Nigeria.”
In the ongoing ₦7.8 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness has provided testimony regarding massive cash deposits made on his behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Key points from the testimony of the third prosecution witness, Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, include:
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Cash Deposits: Agulu testified that he deposited billions of naira in cash on behalf of the former CBN chief, with the funds delivered to him by Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.
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Account Handling: According to the witness, the money was either deposited into accounts for Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifeabigo Integrated Services or placed in the bank’s vault, following instructions allegedly relayed through Ocheme.
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Banking Procedures: Despite the large sums, Agulu maintained that he followed standard banking procedures, noting that some clients were granted verbal waivers by senior officials to deposit large amounts of cash.
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Refusal to Name Officials: When asked to identify the senior bank officials who provided these verbal waivers, Agulu declined to provide names to avoid getting anyone in trouble.
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Additional Transactions: Agulu also testified that he supervised a transfer of ₦1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on eight counts, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of properties allegedly linked to proceeds of crime; Emefiele has entered a plea of not guilty. Eric Ocheme, who was named in the charges, is reported to be at large. Justice Yusuf Halilu has adjourned the trial for continuation on November 3, 4, and 5, 2026.
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“From Political Firebrand To Top Diplomat: Fani-Kayode’s Strategic Southern African Move!”
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence for his role as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Fani-Kayode announced the news on Tuesday, noting that the appointment followed the approval of the required agrément.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Letters of Credence were presented to him on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. Fani-Kayode stated that he is preparing to report to Pretoria to present his letters to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and begin his diplomatic duties. Reflecting on his appointment, the former minister—who served in the aviation sector two decades ago—expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and requested prayers for his success in this new role.
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“I’ll Kill For Her!” Kunle Fawole Drops Shocking Bombshell About Ex-Flame Yvonne Jegede!.
Nollywood actor Kunle Abounce Fawole recently opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Yvonne Jegede, in an interview with Chude Jideonwu. While confirming that he no longer holds romantic feelings for her, Fawole emphasized that he maintains a deep sense of responsibility and respect for her as the mother of his son. He expressed a desire to avoid enmity, noting that he would never turn his back on someone he once cared for, and firmly declared his willingness to protect her from harm at all costs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwu, Kunle Abounce Fawole reflected on his past marriage to Yvonne Jegede. When asked about his current feelings, the actor clarified that while the romantic spark is gone, his protective instincts remain strong. Fawole shared that he prefers to take the blame for past relationship struggles to avoid bitterness, stating that he refuses to harbor grudges. Ultimately, he underscored his commitment to her safety, asserting that he would go to extreme lengths—even potentially resorting to violence—to defend the mother of his child.
Option 3: Short & Punchy
Kunle Abounce Fawole has made it clear that while his romantic chapter with ex-wife Yvonne Jegede is closed, his dedication to her protection is unwavering. During a recent interview, the actor revealed he has no room for bitterness toward past partners. Though he no longer loves her romantically, he stressed that his status as the father of her son drives him to act as her fiercest defender, even going so far as to say he would “kill” for her if she were ever threatened.
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