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Nigeria At Risk: Pharmacists Caution Against 70% Dependency On Imported Drugs.

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Pharmacists under the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) have warned that it is highly risky for Nigeria to depend on imported drugs for about 70 per cent of its medicine needs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The association described the situation as troubling and urged the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently support local pharmaceutical production. According to them, boosting domestic drug manufacturing will reduce reliance on imports and help position Nigeria as a leading pharmaceutical hub in Africa.

The National Chairman of NAIP, Pharmacist Bankole Ezebuilo, made the remarks at the 29th Annual National Conference and Training held in Ilorin, Kwara State, with the theme “Collaboration and Innovation to Build Local Solutions for the Future of Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Industry.”

The event had in attendance key stakeholders, including Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Social Welfare, Dr Mariam Nana Fatima Imam; Commissioner for Communication, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; and the Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, Abdulraheem Abdulmalik.

Also present were past Presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), including Mohammed Yaro Budah, Azubike Okwor, Olumide Akintayo, Ahmed Iyakassai, and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, as well as the current PSN President, Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim (represented by Gafar Lanre Madehin), and the Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed.

In a statement issued after the conference, Ezebuilo stressed that Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported medicines has placed the country at a critical crossroads.

He warned that a nation unable to produce its own medicines is effectively “negotiating with its health,” adding that such a situation is dangerous for both healthcare stability and economic sustainability.

Ezebuilo called for a shift toward pharmaceutical sovereignty through aggressive local production and urged the Federal Government to declare a national emergency in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

He said: “No nation can outsource its health security. Nigeria currently imports more than 70 per cent of its medicines, a situation dangerous to national healthcare stability and economic sustainability.

“Nigeria is now at a critical crossroads where it must choose between continued dependence on imported medicines or the pursuit of pharmaceutical sovereignty through aggressive local production.

“The Federal Government should declare a national emergency on pharmaceutical manufacturing and implement policies capable of transforming Nigeria into the definitive pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.

“A nation that cannot produce its own medicines is a nation negotiating with its health, and negotiation is not where you want to be when lives are at stake.”

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WHO Speaks On Ebola Fears, Reveals Number Of People Under Close Monitoring In Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, has announced that Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the evacuation of the index patient and her husband to Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the patient was airlifted out of Nigeria aboard a medical air ambulance through the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s ongoing medical care and monitor her husband.

He disclosed that the evacuation took place earlier in the morning, adding that both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens.

According to Janabi, the patient was clinically stable following successful treatment by Nigerian medical teams, who managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition before the evacuation.

The WHO regional director commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to Nigeria’s Ebola response.

He said the successful management of the patient demonstrated Africa’s expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, particularly when countries collaborate to tackle health emergencies.

However, Janabi emphasised that the evacuation did not mean vigilance could be relaxed, stressing the importance of continued contact monitoring and other public health response measures.

He reiterated that Nigeria would maintain close surveillance of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would oversee the patient’s continued treatment and monitor the 53rd contact, her husband.

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Man United Crisis: Carrick Speaks Out After Shock Bournemouth Defeat.

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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said he does not expect to be sacked within the next 24 hours following his side’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The loss at Old Trafford has intensified scrutiny of Carrick as Manchester United continue to struggle with inconsistent performances and results this season.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the manager’s comments on X on Sunday, Carrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future but maintained that he would continue carrying out his duties as usual.

“I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place,” he said.

The former Manchester United midfielder also reaffirmed his commitment to the club, insisting that he would continue to act in what he considers the team’s best interests despite the mounting pressure.

Bournemouth’s victory further compounded United’s recent difficulties, marking their third defeat in four home matches and extending their winless run across all competitions to eight games.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior club officials are considering possible replacements as they assess Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe have reportedly emerged as leading candidates for the position.

However, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to make the final recommendation before presenting their preferred candidate to Ratcliffe.

The club has yet to announce any decision regarding Carrick’s future, leaving uncertainty over who will lead the team into their next Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

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“If You Insult Tinubu, I’ll Insult You” – Sunday Igboho Fires Warning At Makinde.

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Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his alleged mockery of President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Igboho condemned Makinde’s conduct during a public event, describing it as childish and disrespectful to the President.

Makinde had challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping off a stage during a campaign meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on October 22.

The governor made the demonstration at the APM South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

While addressing supporters, Makinde said he would focus on candidates’ energy levels and ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than making age a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the incident, Igboho accused the Oyo governor of making fun of Tinubu and warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted the President.

In a statement on Sunday, the Yoruba Nation activist said Makinde’s actions amounted to disrespect towards the President.

“He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father.

“If you insult Tinubu, I will insult you back. Anyone who wants to live long should not mock an elderly person for any reason,” Igboho said.

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