By Francesca Hangeior

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has launched innovative mobile technologies aimed at combating counterfeit drugs in Nigeria’s North-East region.

The a two-day sensitisation workshop in Gombe, stakeholders from various healthcare sectors were introduced to the “Scan 2 Verify” and “Green Book App” tools designed to authenticate medicines and ensure public safety.

Speaking on Wednesday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Bitrus Fraden, reassured participants that all drugs registered by NAFDAC are safe and available only through legitimate outlets.

Adeyeye further explained that the Green Book App serves as a digital registry listing certified medicines approved by the agency.

“Users can quickly verify a drug’s authenticity, with any product not listed being deemed counterfeit,” Adeyeye said.

The workshop, which targeted key stakeholders, including pharmaceutical vendors, medical doctors, and healthcare professionals, harped on the need to adopt the technologies to ensure only genuine medicines reach consumers.

Participants such as patent medicine dealers and shop owners praised NAFDAC for the timely initiative.

Yakubu Yusuf and Hauwa Musa, participants at the workshop, described the training as a significant step toward resolving the challenges of counterfeit drugs.

NAFDAC also emphasised its ongoing efforts to shut down counterfeit drug markets in Lagos, Onitsha, and other parts of the country, reaffirming its commitment to public health and safety.

The agency highlighted the importance of public awareness in the fight against fake drugs, urging individuals to verify medicines before use and make informed health choices.

By Francesca Hangeior

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated industrialist, Aliko Dangote, on his appointment to the World Bank’s prestigious Private Sector Investment Lab, describing it as a fitting recognition of his transformative contributions to Africa’s private sector.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the billionaire businessman and President of the Dangote Group, stating that his inclusion in the global economic initiative is well-deserved.

“The President describes the appointment as apt, given Dangote’s rich private sector experience, strategic investments, and many employment opportunities created through his Dangote Group,” the statement said.

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader effort to expand the reach and impact of its Private Sector Investment Lab.

The Lab, established to harness private capital and scale up investment in developing economies, is entering a new phase that emphasizes job creation as a key development strategy.

Dangote joins other global business leaders on the panel, including Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
The Bank said the newly expanded membership reflects its strategic focus on leveraging proven private sector leaders to drive employment growth and innovation across emerging markets.

Tinubu urged Dangote to bring his signature blend of vision and innovation to the World Bank role, expressing confidence that he would make a lasting global impact.

“President Tinubu urges Dangote to bring to bear on the World Bank appointment his transformative ideas and initiatives to impact the emerging markets across the world fully,” the statement said.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, leads one of the continent’s most diversified industrial groups. The Dangote Group spans sectors such as cement, fertilizer, salt, sugar, and oil and gas.

Its $20 billion petroleum refinery and petrochemical complex, recently inaugurated in Nigeria, is considered the continent’s most ambitious private sector investment and a game-changer for regional energy security.

With his new role at the World Bank, Dangote is expected to help guide efforts to channel private investments into sectors critical to sustainable growth and economic resilience in the developing world.

By Francesca Hangeior

Eight suspected cultists allegedly involved in several cult-related killings within Yaba College of Technology and its environs have been arrested by tactical operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

One Beretta pistol, four 9mm cartridges, one cartridge, two battle axes, and two cutlasses were recovered, according to the police.

Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the operation which took place on April 29, 2025, as intelligence-led.

He gave the identities of the arrested suspects as: Adeyemo Abdulsamad, alias Cloud, 24; Afeez Enitan, 28; Ayomide Daniel, aged 30; Olamilekan Adeagbo, alias Skinny, 26; Mayor Samson, aged 38; Basit Ishola, aged 20; Quadri Sikiru, aged 26; and Mariam Salihu, a female, 23 years old.

Hundeyin said, “Investigation is still in progress to unravel the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in cult-related activities. Members of the public are assured that the suspects will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, while commending the swift response and excellent work of the Command’s tactical teams and Eko Strike Force, who carried out the operation, urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police for appropriate action. He equally assures the public that the Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Lagos State.”