NAFDAC holds sensitization workshop in Awka, Warns on Dangers of Drug Hawking & Ripening of Fruits with Carbide

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Christianh Adeyeye, yesterday held the south east NAFDAC media sensitization workshop on the dangers of drug Hawking and ripening of fruits with calcium carbide in Awka Anambra state. She used the occasion to call on media practitioners in the south east and beyond to be worthy partners in creating awareness about dangers of patronizing people hawking drugs in streets and markets;as well as those selling fruits ripen with calcium carbide.

The NAFDAC DG represented by a director in the parastatal,Dr Leonard Omokpariola, noted that it is completely an arbitration and very wrong to hawk drugs in streets and market places; because, drugs are essential and life-saving commodities.

She said, "Drugs should not be sold as they sell tomatoes and vegetables. Drugs require specific storage conditions. So, if you subject drugs to heats and unhealthy conditions, the potency will be degraded, and it will no longer be effective for treatment of ailments.

"The bigger danger about drug hawking is that much of such drugs are fake, substandard and expired. That is why they are hawked I discriminately.

"The second part is the use of calcium carbide to ripen fruits. Calcium Carbide is a chemical substance, and it is toxic. When used to ripen fruits, it is capable of breaking down essential minerals and vitamins in fruits. This chemical substance contains phosphorus and accelic which are very toxic to health. Such fruits should be avoided because, they are cancerous.

"So, it is advisable that people should desist from buying and eating fruits ripen with this chemical substance because, they are chaff and poisonous."

The workshop also featured technical sessions and interaction with the media. Some of the issues discussed include,dangers of artificial ripening of fruits with calcium carbide, food safety concerns: unethical practices, the menace of drug hawking in Nigeria, good distribution practices and surveillance activities towards prevention and curbing of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria and lastly the influence of mass media campaign on health behavioural change.

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Valentine Ozigbo Resigns from Labour Party

In a shocking move, against all speculations over the last few days, Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP). Ozigbo confirmed his decision to Diaspora Digital Media on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but declined to provide further details, opting instead to share his reasons during an interactive session on X (Twitter) Space. The session, scheduled for 8 PM, will feature Ozigbo in conversation with Anambra's First Son, @uchepokoye, discussing pressing issues affecting Anambra State, including security challenges, societal fabric collapse, and the hope for a better future. Ozigbo's resignation has sparked interest, with many awaiting his detailed explanation for leaving the Labour Party. His decision comes at a critical time for the party, which has been navigating various challenges in recent months. Credit: Diaspora Digital Media

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