Economy

NCS Oyo/Osun Command Intercepts Foreign Rice, Marcaroni Worth Over 150 Million Naira

By Web News 284

By Abisola Oluremi

As part of efforts to encourage local farmers, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Oyo/Osun Command has intercepted foreign rice and macaroni worth duty paid value of over one hundred and fifty million naira.

The Area Controller of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo stated this while briefing journalists on the achievements of the command in the outgoing year.

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Dr Oramalugo said the aim was to reduce the demand for foreign products and promote the consumption of locally produced alternatives. 

This he said was part of the federal government’s efforts to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

The interception according to him was also to prevent revenue loss through smuggling and other illicit activities.

“The customs service has been working tirelessly to enforce compliance with import regulations and prevent the influx of substandard or prohibited goods into the country.”

Speaking on the revenue generated into the federal government coffers, Comptroller Oramalugo said between January and November 2024, the Command has generated seventy-two billion, five hundred and sixty-eight million, four hundred and nine thousand, eight hundred and two naira, two kobo representing a significant increase of 13.17% compared to amount collected within the same period in 2023.

He attributed the success to the diligence and transparency of officers of the command.

Other items seized by the command, included premium motor spirit, PMS, second-hand clothing, used tyres, and banned unlicensed pharmaceuticals, among others.

A highlight of the programme was the handing over of seized pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for further action.

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Health

Having issues with your Thyroid isn’t the end of life – Medical Expert

By Web News 1296 2

The Thyroid Gland is located in the front part of the neck.

It produces hormones which controls the body metabolism.

Metabolism is a process whereby food is transformed into energy and used by all the body system.

However, thyroid disorder could occur when the gland functions below normal or higher than normal.

This condition requires the attention of specialists to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.

A Consultant Surgeon at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Adefemi Afolabi said anyone is at risk of having Thyroid problems either by birth, environment, pregnancy or hereditary but unfortunately many patients present late.

He explained that some people having swellings on their neck do not bother to check it out because it is painless, instead most ladies in this condition wear turtlenecks or shawls to cover up the disfigurement.

To this end, the surgeon stressed the need for regular medical checks for early detection of thyroid disorders or any other disease.

Furthermore, Dr Afolabi maintained that iodine intake was key to the function of the thyroid gland.

For instance, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, knowing the importance of this had enforced the consumption of iodized salt in the country to guard against iodine deficiency which causes preventable brain damage such as mental impairment, cretinism, stillbirth and infant mortality.

Secretary, Thyroid Care Association of Nigeria, Mrs Omotooke Gbenro- Adegbite gave an assurance that having Thyroid issue was not the end of life, but with good support system and a caring doctor, the problem was surmountable.

Mrs Gbenro-Adegbite recommended good diet, regular exercise, sticking to the drug regimen and keeping close contact with the doctor, as part of ways to cope with the condition.

Anthonia Akanji

Health

Ooni Unveils Indigenous Covid-19 Drug

By Web News 758

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has unveiled an indigenous drug for the cure and prevention of viral infections. 

The drug named, Verozil which is available in capsules, blisters packs, and liquid was certified by the body regulating sales and use of drugs in Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). 

Speaking during the launch at the Banquet Hall of Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi said, it was a great day and privilege to unveil indigenous medicines noting that its potency had been tested and confirmed by government regulatory bodies.  

The monarch hinted that the herbal medications had been administered on lots of COVID-19 patients to boost their immune system including political leaders, noting that as the world celebrates the COVID-19 vaccine, Nigeria people are also unveiling indigenous solutions.

Earlier, in the address of a prominent herbal medicine practitioner, Chief Akintunde Ayeni, who worked in conjunction with the palace on the medications revealed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi phoned him during the first wave of COVID-19 and inquired from him what he was doing in respect of the deadly virus.

He said Oba Adeyeye sent him some recipes that they could use in making indigenous supplement to fight COVID-19 which he studied and gave birth to what was being launched. 

Also, the Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, in his goodwill messages commended Oba Adeyeye for his commitment to local contents and passion for National development.

Adenitan Akinola

Health

NAFDAC, Delta Government Collaborate on the Fight against Fake Drugs

By Web News 795

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, says over one trillion naira worth of counterfeit products were destroyed by the agency in the past two years, including the destruction of goods worth one point two billion naira in December 2019.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, stated this at the Government House in Asaba, whilst on a courtesy visit to the state to discuss measures to strengthen collaboration between the government and the agency.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Oghenero Eghweree has the details.

Oghenero Eghweree

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state with DG NAFDAC, Professor Moji Adeyeye when she led the NAFDAC team on a courtesy call to the Governor in Ibadan
Health

Illicit Drugs: NAFDAC Boss Seeks Governors’ Support

By Web News 1035

The Director General, National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye wants state governors to partner the agency on drugs and food security and the task of curbing illicit drugs in the country.

Professor Adeyeye stated this when she paid a courtesy call on the governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

While stressing the need to ensure food security, she said NAFDAC could not do the task alone unless it partners with relevant stakeholders to put an end into the influx of substandard and illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Professor Adeyeye urged state governors to join hands with Federal Taskforce in their respective states to prevent fake and adulterated drugs in the journey towards having a healthy nation.

The NAFDAC boss however advocated inclusion of NAFDAC in the National Security Council, NSC, so as to contribute meaningfully on enhancing food security of the country.

While highlighting challenges confronting the agency to include mismanagement of funds, herbal medicine, substandard drugs and narcotics.

Professor Adeyeye maintained that the agency was strengthening its internal mechanism to end the menace.

Commenting, Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde who noted that qualitative healthcare delivery was one of the pillars his administration rested on, said the state would support NAFDAC in its mandate of getting rid of illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Governor Makinde maintained that NAFDAC if functional would make positive impact on drug and food security in the society.

Iyabo Adebisi