By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigerian billionaire businesswoman, Folorunso Alakija has reportedly lost her sight.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the 73-year-old founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil began experiencing health complications following a near air mishap.

She was travelling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, Chairman of Famfa Oil, when the incident caused a spike in her blood pressure, which allegedly affected her vision.

Following the distressing event, Alakija reportedly ordered a new jet to avoid flying with her husband. However, her vision continued to decline until she ultimately lost her sight.

She had a near air mishap with her husband on board, and her blood pressure reportedly shot up, affecting her eyes,” a source revealed.

“She has been having eyesight issues, but instead of treating the illness, she chose to start a church to help her. Now she can’t see.”

Alakija, a businesswoman and philanthropist, started a small fellowship in her home around 2004, which later grew into the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. She was ordained as an Apostle on her 69th birthday.

As the founder of Famfa Oil, she holds a significant stake in OML 127, a highly lucrative oil block located in Nigeria’s Agbami deepwater oilfield.

According to Forbes, Alakija’s net worth was estimated at $1 billion as of 2020. In 2015, she was ranked 87th on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women and was one of only two African women on Forbes’ list of the richest people in Africa.

SAHARA REPORTERS

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have halted a planned takeover of the Nassarawa Palace, home to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

The police confirmed that 17 suspected thugs were arrested in connection with the alleged plot to storm the palace and forcefully remove the Emir.

Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said that the command acted on credible intelligence and swiftly took proactive security measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Following credible intelligence reports of a planned violent protest by some individuals, the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has deployed personnel and assets to strategic locations within Kano metropolis to prevent the protest and ensure public safety,” Kiyawa stated.

He added that 17 suspects had been arrested, and an investigation into the incident was ongoing to determine the masterminds behind the attempted siege.

The police further warned individuals and groups against engaging in any unlawful gathering, procession, or violent activities, stressing that security forces would respond decisively to any attempts to disrupt peace in the state.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security agencies. The Command appreciates the cooperation and support of the good people of Kano State in our efforts to maintain peace and order,” Kiyawa added.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised the alarm over threats to her life and the safety of agency staff, calling on authorities to protect them as they navigate hazardous conditions while discharging their duties.

She also advocated for the death penalty for those involved in the production and sale of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.

Speaking at a State House briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in an ongoing crackdown against substandard and fake pharmaceutical products.

The NAFDAC boss revealed that the agency’s intensified enforcement efforts had resulted in the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products. Among the confiscated items were USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other compromised medical supplies.

She described the large-scale operation, which targeted Nigeria’s three major open drug markets, as the biggest in NAFDAC’s history. The operation was executed in:

Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets (Aba, Abia State)

Bridge Head Market (Onitsha, Anambra State)

Idumota Drug Market (Lagos State)

Prof. Adeyeye estimated that the value of the seized items was at least N1 trillion, but noted that further assessment could reveal a higher figure.

The NAFDAC DG recounted how staff members had faced kidnapping attempts and physical threats due to their work.

“I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago. One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job. Fortunately, the child escaped,” she revealed.

“For me, I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life. I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. That’s not my way of living, but I don’t have a choice because we must save our country. Nonetheless, I also use common sense.”

Akunyili’s Legacy and the Battle Against Fake Drugs

The threats facing Prof. Adeyeye mirror those encountered by Prof. Dora Akunyili, who led NAFDAC from 2001 to 2009 and became a target of drug cartels due to her relentless fight against counterfeit drugs.

Akunyili’s motivation stemmed from the death of her sister, who died after receiving fake insulin. Her campaigns led to the closure of open-air drug markets and the confiscation of fake drugs, drawing numerous threats and even an assassination attempt in 2003.

Like Akunyili, Prof. Adeyeye remains determined to eradicate the fake drug menace despite the dangers involved.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the need for stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for those endangering lives through fake drugs.

She urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws to curb the life-threatening trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC continues to intensify its enforcement actions nationwide, with the goal of protecting public health and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.