THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public health warning on Thursday evening regarding the circulation of a “counterfeit” malaria medication.The drug, Combiart Dispersible Tablets (20/120 mg), “is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India. The product was discovered in FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities,” NAFDAC said in a series of posts on X.Strides Arcolab Limited has not reacted to the development.The drug contains zero active ingredients, rendering it ineffective in treating malaria, NAFDAC added.Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes, according to WHO.The drug agency said the registration number on the drug packet was “incorrect” and that the drugs were manufactured between February and June 2023.“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office,” NAFDAC urged on X.The agency stressed the drug lacks proper quality control, potentially leading to serious health consequences.The drug also fails to effectively treat illnesses like malaria, allowing the disease to worsen, NAFDAC warned.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has dismissed recent claims made by Timothy Mgbere, a self-proclaimed ‘community person’, regarding the state of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery. In a video circulating online, Mgbere alleged that the refinery’s much-publicised resumption of operations and recent Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) truck-out were fabricated. In a press release issued on Friday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye labelled Mgbere’s assertions as a “crass display of ignorance,” clarifying operational facts to counter the misinformation. NNPC revealed that the Old and New Port Harcourt Refineries have been seamlessly integrated, operating with shared utilities and a single terminal for product load-outs. This integration ensures efficiency and operational cohesion, contrary to Mgbere’s claim that the refineries function separately. The company confirmed that the refinery is operating at 90% of its 60,000 barrels-per-day capacity, producing 1.4 million litres of PMS daily, alongside diesel and kerosene. READ ALSO: Obi commends NNPC revives of Port Harcourt refinery NNPC emphasised that this achievement underscores its commitment to boosting local refining capacity and reducing dependency on fuel imports. NNPC also countered claims of “old stock” being trucked out, explaining that products from the integrated refineries are loaded from a unified gantry. Furthermore, Mgbere’s assertion that the refinery produces 1.4 million barrels per day was dismissed as inaccurate, with the company clarifying the correct production figures. NNPC urged the public to disregard misinformation, stating, “The operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery represent a significant step forward for Nigeria’s energy sector. We remain committed to transparency and delivering results that benefit all Nigerians.”
The National Coordinator/CEO of SERVICOM, Nnenna Akajemeli, has called on Nigerians to provide truthful and accurate information to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enhance investigations and combat corruption. Mrs Akajemeli made this appeal during the unveiling of the ICPC’s Service Charter, held in Abuja. She stressed the importance of citizen engagement in curbing corruption, as outlined in the newly launched Service Charter. “A Service Charter is a document that reflects the commitments of MDAs to their customers, detailing service standards, access to information, grievance redress mechanisms, and more,” she explained. Mrs Akajemeli lauded the unveiling of the ICPC Service Charter as a significant milestone in improving the Commission’s services. However, she emphasised that effective implementation and wide publicity of the Charter are crucial for achieving its objectives. She highlighted the need for timely responses to complaints, enhanced feedback systems, and proactive measures to address public concerns as vital steps forward. READ ALSO: 2024 Customer Service Week: SERVICOM calls for celebration of frontline staff In his response, the Executive Chairman of ICPC, Musa Ali, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, affirmed the Charter’s role in ensuring accountability and improving the Commission’s operations. “The Charter will enable the Commission to monitor its activities, set timelines for investigations and prosecutions, and enhance planning,” Mr Oparaodu stated. He assured stakeholders of ICPC’s commitment to collaborating with its SERVICOM unit to uphold quality service delivery.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms, youth development, and promoting Plateau State as a global tourism destination. These assurances came during separate engagements with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES), and the “Enchanting Plateau” cultural exhibition. During a courtesy visit by the NBA Jos Branch at the Old Government House, Jos, Governor Mutfwang expressed concern about the state’s criminal justice system, particularly the overcrowding of correctional facilities. He announced plans to strengthen the justice system through strategic initiatives led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. The governor congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the NBA Jos Branch, Leah Hassan, on her election and pledged to partner with the NBA to promote justice and fairness in the state. Hassan commended the Governor’s dedication to the NBA and his policies aimed at mitigating the effects of subsidy removal. READ ALSO: Gov Mutfwang presents N471.13 billion 2025 budget to House of Assembly She assured the NBA’s readiness to collaborate with the government in fostering a business-friendly and fair judicial atmosphere in Plateau. Governor Mutfwang also hosted the Executive Council Members of NIFES, praising their contributions to grooming leaders and addressing youth challenges like drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. He stressed the importance of creating awareness and providing training to combat these societal issues. “We deeply value your efforts in shaping young minds and addressing youth-related vices. As a government, we are committed to finding lasting solutions,” the governor affirmed. He also revealed plans for a government-supported drug rehabilitation initiative. NIFES National Director, Rex Onuh, lauded Governor Mutfwang’s dedication to public service and aligned with the administration’s goals of promoting good governance and societal progress. At the “Enchanting Plateau” cultural exhibition, Governor Mutfwang celebrated the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. He encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to promote Plateau as a global tourism hub. READ ALSO: Gov Mutfwang visits Akwa Ibom, sympathises with Gov Eno over wife’s demise “Plateau State is a treasure that must be cherished and shared with the world. Let us work together to rise above bitterness and position our state as a beacon of peace and progress,” he urged. The event, organised by the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, showcased artworks and tourist sites, aiming to attract global attention. General Manager Chuwang Pwajok highlighted the significance of the exhibition in promoting the state’s tourism potential. The series of engagements underscored Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to judicial reform, youth empowerment, and cultural promotion, all aimed at fostering peace and progress in Plateau State.
A public analyst and media entrepreneur, Dr Joseph Effiong has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, citing the commission’s efforts in the ongoing case involving embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.Effiong said EFCC’s doggedness in pursuing justice and accountability in a high-profile case of such ignites hopes in present government and the rule of law.Bello is facing multiple corruption charges, including money laundering. He is presently being held on remand after reporting to the EFCC earlier in the week.Effiong particularly lauded the EFCC’s helmsman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede for demonstrating true leadership in the matter, adding that his approach exemplified a proactive approach to combating financial crimes.” He has indeed fostered a greater public trust in the commission’s mission. His determination relays a strong message that no one is above the law”, he stated.Effiong expressed the hope that Bello’s case will send a clear signal against corruption at all levels of government, while urging transparency and rigor in the proceedings to ensure justice.He asserted that expectations were high of EFCC to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial systems and restore faith in the country’s institutions.“This is a test of our judicial system’s commitment to fighting corruption. We hope that the courts will deliver justice and restore Nigerians’ faith in the system. I believe also that this case will set a precedent for future generations,” he stated.
The Federal Government on Thursday asked wealthy Nigerians to support it to lift the nation’s education sector.The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made the appeal at the inauguration of a Senate building donated by Chief Wole Olanipekun, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.Alausa said that the responsibility of funding education should not be left in the hands of government alone and appealed to wealthy Nigerians to emulate Olanipekun by giving back to society.He commended Olanipekun, a former National President of the Nigeran Bar Association (NBA) for the donation.The minister said that the donor had over the years shown commitment and unrelenting interest in the development of the education sector.He said that the appointment of Olanipekun, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos, was not unconnected with his love for and contributions to educational development of the country.“The Senate building, donated by Chief Wole Olanipeku, and which we commission today, will play a crucial role in making the current government’s aspirations, a reality.” It will facilitate efficient governance, support academic research, and contribute to the excellence that Bamidele Olumilua University of Education and Technology, Ikere, (BOUESTI) is known for” he said.Olanipekun, in his speech, said he derived pleasure in adding value to the lives of others, especially institutions, saddled with the responsibility of impacting knowledge.He promised to continue in that line of action, even as he pledged to continually make himself available for further philanthropic activities.Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, who performed the inauguration of the building, said the state appreciated the roles the duo of Olanipekun and elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, had been playing in positioning the state to global reckoning.The governor commended Olanipekun’s relentless acts of generosity and devotion to community development, which he said, had spanned decades.Oyebanji promised to furnish the senate building as well as construct a 5-kilometre road network within the university campus.” This latest achievement by Chief Wole Olanipekun is a major landmark, and a new height in your enviable record as a generous philanthropist and committed leader,” he said.Earlier in a welcome address, the University’s Pro -Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Patrick Aina, lauded the efforts of Olanipekun at raising the bar of the University of Lagos, where he is currently the Pro- Chancellor.Aina promised that the management of BOUESTI would put the Senate building to good use and jealously guard and protect it.
Russia is selecting targets in Ukraine that could include “decision-making centres” in Kyiv in response to Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian territory with Western weapons, Vladimir Putin has said.Attacks launched by Moscow have not so far struck government buildings in the Ukrainian capital, which is heavily protected by air defences.Putin says Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at a Ukrainian city last week, is incapable of being intercepted – although that claim has been questioned by at least one expert (see 7.55 post).“Of course, we will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory with long-range Western-made missiles, as has already been said, including by possibly continuing to test the Oreshnik in combat conditions,” Putin told a meeting of a security alliance of ex-Soviet countries in Kazakhstan.“At present, the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff are selecting targets to hit on Ukrainian territory. These could be military facilities, defence and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centres in Kyiv.”Russia says Ukraine fired ATACMS ballistic missiles supplied by the US into western Russia for the first time on 19 November, prompting it to respond two days later by firing the Oreshnik, a new intermediate-range missile, at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.Since then, Russia says Ukraine fired more ATACMS at its Kursk region on 23 and 25 November.Putin claimed Russia’s production of advanced missile systems exceeds that of the NATO military alliance by 10 times, and that Moscow plans to ramp up production further.
Udobong Ntia, the newly appointed Executive Vice President (EVP) Upstream of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has urged stakeholders in the nation’s oil and gas upstream sector to prioritise corporate governance, transparency, and operational efficiency. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC in a statement on Thursday said Ntia spoke at the “Enhancing Governance, Risk, and Compliance in Nigeria’s Upstream Sector” workshop held in Lagos. Ntia emphasised that governance, risk management, and compliance are integral to NNPC’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, and Sustainability. Ntia commended the leadership within the upstream industry and regulators for their commitment to fostering collaboration. He noted that such initiatives are pivotal to achieving Nigeria’s goal of sustainably increasing crude oil production. “I am committed to facilitating initiatives within my purview that enhance governance, risk management, and compliance in the upstream sector,” Ntia assured participants. READ ALSO: NNPC executes major leadership reshuffle The event brought together key players, including NNPC’s Chief Compliance Officer, Nasir Usman, and Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti. Also in attendance were representatives from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and over 20 upstream operators from international oil companies operating in Nigeria. The workshop underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the industry’s sustainability and highlighted the importance of transparent practices in addressing sectoral challenges.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has joined President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on a three-day state visit to France aimed at deepening bilateral relations. The visit, which commenced on Wednesday, saw President Tinubu welcomed in Paris with full military honours by the French Republican Guard. The delegation includes state governors, top government officials, and key stakeholders. The agenda focuses on fostering collaboration in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. Governor AbdulRazaq’s participation underscores his commitment to enhancing Kwara State’s ties with France, which have been growing in recent years. Under his leadership, the state has forged significant partnerships with the French government, including a May 2023 visit by the French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, to Ilorin. During that visit, the Kwara State Government signed two landmark agreements with France. READ ALSO: Tinubu nominates 3 new members to CCB The first focused on leveraging the Ilorin Innovation Hub for knowledge transfer, while the second aimed at developing the Lata Grazing Reserve for large-scale livestock production. These agreements reflect Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision for sustainable development and economic growth. In 2021, France’s Cultural Attaché in Nigeria, Emmanuelle Harang, commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership during a visit to various developmental projects in Kwara State. She praised his prudent resource management and efforts to secure a prosperous future for the state. Governor AbdulRazaq’s involvement in the France visit is expected to further solidify both national and state-level relationships with the French government, bolstering economic, cultural, and political collaborations.
THE Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and stakeholders have called for promotion of technical education to reframe public perception of Higher National Degree (HND) and bachelor’s degree disparity in civil service across the country.Mr Kehinde Oni, PCC Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State, who made the call during a town hall/public hearing organised by the commission on Thursday in Akure, also called for upgrade of polytechnic.The programme had the theme “Town Hall/Public Hearing On Systemic And Proactive Investigation Into Disparity In Placement Of HND And BSC Holders In Civil Service.”Oni said that the upgrade and promotion of polytechnics was to close the gap between HND and bachelor’s degree holders, and to solve future problems of the country.According to him, It is imperative to revise public service rules to ensure parity between HND and BSC holders in career progression and remuneration.“If HND is not recognised, then we are going to have issues providing technical skills required to build the nation.“Though, some people are calling for scrapping of HND, I think is wrong and it’s not a good advice.“Our polytechnics need to be upgraded and emphasise more on building skills like advanced vocational study.“Campaigns highlighting the value of technical and vocational education must be intensified to reframe public perceptions, he said.He, therefore, called on stakeholders for collective responsibility to ensure that the educational system did not create barriers, but build bridges.“We must work together to create a society where qualifications are assessed based on competence, skills and the value they bring to the workplace, not societal prejudice or systemic bias,” Oni said.Mr Ayo Aroge, Director, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), South-West, appreciated the commission for organising the public hearing.He said there was need to scrap the HND to Bachelor of Technology for the holders to reach the director’s cadre.“It is a national embarrassment for somebody that has five or six years training to be limited in terms of career moderation, this dichotomy should be removed.“If the dichotomy is so difficult to remove, then HND should be scrapped completely and replaced with Bachelor of Technology so that it will automatically end this barrier,” he said.He, therefore, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill passed by the ninth assembly on the HND/BSC disparity for the benefit of holders and betterment of the country’s economy.Mr Bayo Philip, Head of Service in Ondo State, said that there was the need for governments to upgrade polytechnics rather than setting up a new university of technology.“Instead of building on what we have, government is trying to put a limitation on polytechnic and chart another course entirely.“You have a polytechnic that you are supposed to upgrade, you leave that entirely and you are creating university of technology.“Meanwhile, some of these old polytechnics need to be upgraded to degree awarding so that it will have an impact on the country’s economy.Philip, therefore, reiterated his commitment to ensure that polytechnic graduates in Ondo State civil service would advance to grade 15 instead of 14, which was the level pegged by the government.
