WEMA BANK LAUNCHES “EVOLUTION OF LOVE” CAMPAIGN FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

WEMA BANK LAUNCHES “EVOLUTION OF LOVE” CAMPAIGN FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

…Offers celebrity performance for newly-weds and other gifts for singles, friends and couples*

Following the launch of “ALAT: The Evolution”, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has launched its 2026 Valentine’s campaign tagged “Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank”.

Inspired by the “evolution” theme of its upgraded ALAT app, Wema Bank launched the “Evolution of Love” campaign with the goal of celebrating different forms of love experienced by customers, and how they have evolved over time. From self-love to friendship, romantic love to family, this campaign introduces a fresh twist to Valentine’s, decentralising romantic love and creating a space for every Wema Bank customer this season of love.

“Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank” calls on new and existing Wema Bank customers across 4 categories: Singles [self-love], friends [friendship], married couples and those getting married this February [romantic love]. While the gifts vary across each category, the requirement is the same—create a Love Goal on the ALAT App and submit a 1-minute video on any social media platform sharing how your love journey has evolved over the years, for access to gifts ranging from cash to spa vouchers, vacations and expense-paid getaways, and for one couple getting married in February, a special performance at the wedding from a celebrity artiste, courtesy of Wema Bank.

Announcing the campaign, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, gave further insights into the Bank’s approach to celebrating Valentine’s this year. According to him, “Love is central to the delivery of true customer-centric service, and as a Bank that prides itself on being customer-centric, this is reflected in the thought, intentionality and commitment we put into all we do at Wema Bank. It has always been clear how much we care about our customers and this year, we decided to celebrate the journey of love across different categories that reflect the different experiences and realities of our customers, from friends and couples who have grown together over the years to lovers taking the bold step of marriage and even singles because self-love is crucial”.

“This Valentine’s, we chose to acknowledge the beauty of every love journey, and we are inviting all new and existing customers who have a story to share. For the friends and singles, our goal is to promote true friendship and self-love. For families and married couples, our goal is to strengthen bonds by reminding them of how far they have come. For those intending to get married, we are adding one more memorable touch to their wedding with a special artiste performance. Our ultimate goal is for every Wema Bank customer to feel loved this season and beyond,” Oseni concluded.

Anyone interested in submitting their entry is encouraged to make a 1-minute video sharing their love journey and where applicable, feature the person with whom their love has evolved. All submissions are to be posted on any social media platforms using #ALATEvolutionofLove and tagging @alat_ng and @wemabank.

To be eligible, customers are expected to activate SAW, the Voice Banking virtual assistant on the upgraded ALAT App, create a personal or group goal on the app with the name “Love Goal”, fund the goal and transact with their ALAT/Wema card between February 1st – February 10th.

More details on qualification criteria are available at wemabank.com/love

Adron Homes Hails Ondo State at 50, Celebrates Legacy of Excellence

Adron Homes Hails Ondo State at 50, Celebrates Legacy of Excellence

 

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management, and staff of Adron Group have congratulated the Government and people of Ondo State on the celebration of its 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a significant chapter in Nigeria’s federal history and a testament to visionary leadership, resilience, and purposeful development.

In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Adron Group noted that since its creation in 1976, Ondo State has consistently distinguished itself as a centre of honour, intellect, and enterprise. Fondly referred to as The Sunshine State, the state has produced generations of outstanding professionals, administrators, and national leaders whose contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.

According to the company, the strength of Ondo State lies not only in its rich cultural heritage and intellectual depth, but also in the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence that define its people. These qualities, Adron noted, have remained the bedrock of the state’s enduring relevance and national impact over the past five decades.

Adron Group further commended the state’s renewed drive in recent years towards infrastructure development, economic diversification, industrial growth, and youth empowerment, describing these initiatives as indicators of a forward-looking, inclusive development agenda anchored in sustainability and long-term prosperity.

“As a corporate organisation committed to nation-building and sustainable development, Adron Group recognises Ondo State as a strategic partner in progress,” the statement read. “We commend His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, and the leadership of the state at all levels for their dedication to public service and their commitment to the advancement of the people.”

As Ondo State marks its Golden Jubilee, Adron Group joined millions of well-wishers in celebrating a legacy of excellence, strength of character, and promise, while expressing optimism that the next fifty years will usher in greater milestones in economic vitality, social advancement, innovation, and enduring peace.

The company concluded by wishing the Government and people of Ondo State continued progress and prosperity, adding that the Sunshine State remains well-positioned to shine even brighter in the years ahead.

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.

He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.

According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.

Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.

He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.

Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.

Adron Homes Unveils “Love for Love” Valentine Promo with Exciting Discounts, Luxury Gifts, and Travel Rewards

Adron Homes Unveils “Love for Love” Valentine Promo with Exciting Discounts, Luxury Gifts, and Travel Rewards

In celebration of the season of love, Adron Homes and Properties has announced the launch of its special Valentine campaign, “Love for Love” Promo, a customer-centric initiative designed to reward Nigerians who choose to express love through smart, lasting real estate investments.

The Love for Love Promo offers clients attractive discounts, flexible payment options, and an array of exclusive gift items, reinforcing Adron Homes’ commitment to making property ownership both rewarding and accessible. The campaign runs throughout the Valentine season and applies to the company’s wide portfolio of estates and housing projects strategically located across Nigeria.

Speaking on the promo, the company’s Managing Director, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, stated that the initiative is aimed at encouraging individuals and families to move beyond conventional Valentine gifts by investing in assets that secure their future. According to the company, love is best demonstrated through stability, legacy, and long-term value—principles that real estate ownership represents.

Under the promo structure, clients who make a payment of ₦100,000 receive cake, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, while those who pay ₦200,000 are rewarded with a Love Hamper. Payments of ₦500,000 attract a Love Hamper plus cake, and clients who pay ₦1,000,000 enjoy a choice of a Samsung phone or a Love Hamper with cake.

The rewards become increasingly premium as commitment grows. Clients who pay ₦5,000,000 receive either an iPad or an all-expenses-paid romantic getaway for a couple at one of Nigeria’s finest hotels, which includes two nights’ accommodation, special treats, and a Love Hamper. A payment of ₦10,000,000 comes with a choice of a Samsung Z Fold 7, three nights at a top-tier resort in Nigeria, or a full solar power installation.

For high-value investors, the Love for Love Promo delivers exceptional lifestyle experiences. Clients who pay ₦30,000,000 on land are rewarded with a three-night couple’s trip to Doha, Qatar, or South Africa, while purchasers of any Adron Homes house valued at ₦50,000,000 receive a double-door refrigerator.

The promo covers Adron Homes’ estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States, offering clients the opportunity to invest in fast-growing, strategically positioned communities nationwide.

Adron Homes reiterated that beyond the incentives, the campaign underscores the company’s strong reputation for secure land titles, affordable pricing, strategic locations, and a proven legacy in real estate development.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Adron Homes encourages Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the Love for Love Promo to enjoy exceptional value, exclusive rewards, and the opportunity to build a future rooted in love, security, and prosperity.

COURT ORDER: Italian Football Club’s Ex-Owner Loses ₦1BN Luxury Jet to Nigerian Government

COURT ORDER: Italian Football Club’s Ex-Owner Loses ₦1BN Luxury Jet to Nigerian Government

A Nigerian court has dropped the hammer on a billionaire-linked luxury jet — and the fallout is massive.

In a landmark ruling that’s sending shockwaves through elite aviation and football circles, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of a ₦1 billion Bombardier Global 6000 private jet linked to the former owner of Italian football club Spezia.

Justice James Omotosho ruled that the aircraft, operated by Orlean Invest Africa Limited, must be handed over to the Federal Government after it was revealed that no customs duty had been paid since the jet entered Nigeria in 2015 — nearly a decade ago.

“No Excuse, No Evidence” — Judge Slams Jet Owners

Delivering judgment in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1085/2025, the court found that the jet’s operators failed to justify why the aircraft should not be seized, describing their conduct as a deliberate attempt to cheat Nigeria of lawful revenue.

The aircraft — bearing registration 9H-GVG — was imported as a private, non-commercial jet but never paid customs duty nor obtained a Temporary Import Permit, in clear violation of Nigerian law.

According to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the unpaid duty alone amounts to a staggering ₦1,044,493,295.54.

Owners Tried to Fight Back — But It Failed

In their defence, the jet’s handlers argued that the aircraft was foreign-registered in Malta, operated under international charter, and had received aviation clearances from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

But the judge wasn’t convinced.

Justice Omotosho ruled that Nigerian customs laws still applied and cited an NCAA circular that explicitly requires customs clearance and duty payment for all aircraft imported into Nigeria — rules the jet owners ignored.

“No proof of payment, no permit, no mercy,” the ruling made clear.

How the Jet Was Finally Caught

The case began after a 2024 nationwide audit by the NCS uncovered widespread violations among private aircraft operators.

Following warnings and investigations, the court ordered the jet’s interim seizure in June 2025. Now, the final verdict has sealed its fate — the aircraft now belongs to Nigeria.

‘Groundbreaking Judgment’ — Customs Lawyer Reacts

Reacting to the ruling, senior customs lawyer Okon Efut, SAN, described the decision as historic, praising the judiciary for standing firm and calling it the first judgment of its kind in Nigeria’s aviation and customs history.

AFCON Final Fallout: Bans, Big Fines and VAR Chaos After Senegal–Morocco Showdown

AFCON Final Fallout: Bans, Big Fines and VAR Chaos After Senegal–Morocco Showdown

CAF has come down hard after a stormy Africa Cup of Nations final, handing out suspensions and hefty fines following scenes of chaos in Senegal’s dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in Rabat on January 18.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five CAF matches after being found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.” Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing toward his players during a heated VAR stoppage—an act widely interpreted as encouraging them to leave the pitch.

Several Senegal players briefly walked off before Sadio Mané intervened, convincing his teammates to return so the match could continue.

Two Senegal stars based in the English Premier League, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each hit with two-match bans for unsporting behaviour toward the referee. The Senegal Football Federation was also slapped with a massive $615,000 fine for multiple disciplinary violations involving players, officials, and supporters.

Morocco were not spared. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000, including penalties for ball boys’ behaviour, players and staff invading the VAR area, and fans using lasers to distract Senegal players.

The flashpoint came late in regulation time when Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, sparking furious protests from Senegal.

The tension escalated in the stands as some supporters threw objects and briefly invaded the pitch before security restored order. After a long delay, Diaz missed the penalty, his weak effort saved by Edouard Mendy.

Extra time followed, and Pape Gueye sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title with the winning goal.

CAF confirmed all bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while the sanctioned players will sit out the first two matches.

Despite the controversy, the final will be remembered as one of AFCON’s most dramatic—and disciplinary-heavy—showdowns.

£2m Harrods Spree: UK Court Hears How Diezani Allegedly Lived Large on Oil Bribes

£2m Harrods Spree: UK Court Hears How Diezani Allegedly Lived Large on Oil Bribes

British prosecutors have told a London court that former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke spent more than £2m — over ₦4bn — at luxury department store Harrods, allegedly bankrolled by oil executives who benefited from lucrative contracts with Nigeria’s state oil company.

At Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, prosecutors said founders of energy firms awarded major Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) contracts also paid the running costs of Alison-Madueke’s UK residence and covered salaries for her domestic staff, including a housekeeper, nanny, gardener and window cleaner.

The payments were presented as part of a wider pattern of inducements allegedly offered in exchange for favourable treatment in the award and retention of oil and gas contracts.

Alison-Madueke, a former president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is facing five counts related to accepting bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties owned by oil industry figures. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery.

Jurors were told that while living in the UK, Alison-Madueke maintained a lavish lifestyle that included the use of a personal shopper at Harrods — a privilege reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 a year. Prosecutors allege that over £2m was spent on her behalf at the store, with purchases made using payment cards linked to oil magnate Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.

“She was provided with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” the prosecutor said, alleging that Alison-Madueke enjoyed multimillion-pound properties, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel and £100,000 in cash. The court also heard that about £4.6m was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire linked to her use.

Aluko, named in the Panama Papers, was previously investigated over claims that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks. Prosecutors said he held contracts with state-owned oil entities while seeking new ones.

“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC told the court, adding that there was “a strong public interest” in preventing corruption facilitated from the UK.

Jurors were shown images of a Buckinghamshire mansion known as The Falls, bought in 2010 by businessman Olajide Omokore of Atlantic Energy. Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke had exclusive use of the property from late 2011, staying there multiple times and spending weeks writing a book, with refurbishment costs of about £300,000 allegedly paid by Tenka Limited.

The court also heard that around £500,000 in rent was paid between 2011 and 2014 for two central London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother, with company records allegedly showing Tenka settled the bills.

Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who faces two bribery-related charges. Her brother, Doye Agama, a former archbishop, is also charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and is attending the trial by video link for medical reasons.

All defendants deny the charges. The trial, expected to last about 12 weeks, continues.

Five Years On, GTBank MD’s Silence Raises Questions as Bank’s Customer Complaints Mount

Five Years On, GTBank MD’s Silence Raises Questions as Bank’s Customer Complaints Mount

Nearly five years after her appointment as Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Mariam Olusanya has yet to make a public appearance, a prolonged silence that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore as customer dissatisfaction with the bank continues to grow.

 

Appointed in January 2021, Olusanya made history as GTBank’s first female managing director, a milestone widely celebrated as a significant step for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s banking sector. Expectations were high that her leadership would usher in a new era of engagement and transparency at one of the country’s most prominent financial institutions.

 

Those expectations, however, have largely gone unmet in the public sphere. Since assuming office, Olusanya has avoided media interviews, industry conferences, shareholder engagements, and other public forums where chief executives of tier-one banks are typically expected to articulate strategy, explain performance, and address customer concerns. Her absence stands in sharp contrast to her predecessors, who were highly visible and often served as the public face of the institution during both stable and challenging periods.

 

 

In practice, the public leadership role appears to have been assumed by her immediate predecessor, now the Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO). At major events and official functions, it is the holding company CEO, not the bank’s managing director—who represents GTBank, raising questions about where executive responsibility and accountability truly lie.

 

 

While GTCO continues to report strong financial performance, critics argue that profitability alone does not absolve leadership of public responsibility. In Nigeria’s banking sector, managing directors are not merely internal administrators; they are expected to engage regulators, reassure customers, and respond visibly during moments of reputational stress. Olusanya’s near-total absence from public view is therefore widely regarded as abnormal rather than strategic.

 

 

This perceived leadership gap has become more pronounced as GTBank faces a surge in customer complaints. Social media platforms are awash with reports of poor customer-service responses, unresolved disputes, alleged illegal deductions, and what many customers describe as dismissive or ineffective engagement from bank representatives. Even more troubling are growing concerns over security, with customers alleging unauthorized access to their accounts while receiving little explanation or accountability from the bank.

 

In an era where corporate transparency and customer trust are paramount, the lack of a visible and accountable leadership figure has fueled speculation that the bank’s communication failures reflect challenges at the top. Observers argue that a managing director who remains silent and unseen during such periods risks reinforcing the perception of an institution disconnected from its customers.

 

As the fifth anniversary of Olusanya’s appointment approaches, the questions continue to mount. Is her low-profile leadership style a deliberate strategy, or has it contributed to weak communication and poor customer engagement? More importantly, can a systemically important bank afford a managing director who remains largely invisible as public confidence erodes?

 

For now, Mariam Olusanya remains one of the most powerful yet least visible figures in Nigeria’s banking industry, a paradox increasingly at odds with the demands of modern corporate leadership.

Opinion: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from the Generational Prophet, Dr. Chris Okafor — His Prayer Life (Part 3)

Opinion: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from the Generational Prophet, Dr. Chris Okafor — His Prayer Life (Part 3)

By Sunday Adeyemi

There is a popular saying: if there is a man to pray on earth, there is a God in heaven who answers prayers. When prayer is offered with sincerity of heart, God perfects the request and causes all of creation to work in favour of the one who prays.

When a person understands the principles and workings of prayer, such a person becomes more than a conqueror. Prayer gives spiritual authority, enabling one to command outcomes beyond the ordinary. This understanding is one of the major tools deployed by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, in seeking divine intervention.
Today, Grace Nation has become a global convergence point for testimonies and miracles.

This did not happen by accident. Dr. Chris Okafor is a prayer warrior who prays relentlessly, as though there is no tomorrow.
It is therefore not surprising that challenges, controversies, and allegations that arise around him often dissolve unexpectedly. He understands how to approach God and how to deploy the mechanics of prayer effectively. In record time, answers come, and solutions manifest.

Dr. Chris Okafor is, without doubt, a man of prayer. He prays consistently, and God responds swiftly.
Prayer as a Tool for Transformation
In this Part 3 of the series, we examine how Dr. Chris Okafor has used prayer to rewrite negative family patterns, dismantle evil altars and barriers, and drive foundational transformation within Grace Nation.

One of the most potent tools deployed by the Generational Prophet to confront spiritual resistance at the present headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was prayer. From the onset, forces of darkness resisted the establishment of the church. During the construction of the auditorium, several challenges emerged, but through persistent and strategic prayers, every plan to obstruct the project was frustrated.

Through prayer, Dr. Chris Okafor has consistently broken barriers and limitations in the lives of Grace Nation citizens across the globe. His understanding of spiritual warfare and precision in prayer has resulted in restoration where stagnation once prevailed.

Major Impacts of Dr. Chris Okafor’s Prayer Life

Prayer and Divine Preservation:

It is now a matter of public record that Dr. Chris Okafor was kidnapped and held captive for 58 days.
Despite being under the watch of his abductors, he reportedly did not cease praying—morning, afternoon, and night. When the time for his release came, his captors reportedly returned him to his hometown and advised him to continue serving the God he had been calling upon throughout his captivity. This episode further underscores that prayer is inseparable from his life.
Prayer and

Supernatural Intervention:

In another incident, while traveling within Nigeria, the aircraft conveying Dr. Okafor developed a mechanical fault midair. Panic spread among passengers despite reassurances from the flight crew.
Eyewitness accounts state that Dr. Okafor lifted his voice in prayer, saying, “My Father and my God, I am in this plane; let this siege stop in Jesus’ name.” Shortly afterward, the faulty engine was restored, and the aircraft landed safely.

Prayer and Control Over Circumstances:

At an “Enough Is Enough” open crusade some years ago, heavy rainfall threatened to disrupt the event. As attendees began seeking shelter, Dr. Okafor instructed everyone to remain calm. He knelt down and prayed, commanding the rain to shift from the crusade ground. Remarkably, rain continued to fall heavily in surrounding areas while the venue remained dry.

A Lifestyle Rooted in Prayer

Before making any major decision, Dr. Chris Okafor seeks divine direction through prayer. This prayerful lifestyle has reportedly led to the cancellation of untimely death within his family and the breaking of negative generational patterns. Through consistent intercession, long-standing transgenerational limitations were corrected and replaced with restoration.

This is why anyone seeking to contend with a deeply prayerful man like Dr. Chris Okafor is advised to think twice. It is important to understand the foundation before judging the outcomes. What many debate today is the visible success, without acknowledging the unseen labour of prayer behind it.
Prayer and answered prayers remain the source of much of what is being discussed today. This lifestyle is worthy of emulation, as it has the power to transform any life that embraces it sincerely.

Watch out for Part 4 of this series: Dr. Chris Okafor — A Prayerful Man: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from Him.

Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist, society writer, and editor with Society Herald Magazine and Online.

NAFDAC begins clampdown on sachet alcohol, cites risks to children and youth

NAFDAC begins clampdown on sachet alcohol, cites risks to children and youth

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres, following a resolution of the Nigerian Senate.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos during a media briefing organised by the agency.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NAFDAC had on November 11, 2025, announced plans to begin enforcement of a total ban on the affected products by December 2025, in compliance with a directive issued by the Senate.

Adeyeye explained that the agency has now received a fresh formal authorisation from the upper legislative chamber to proceed, adding that enforcement actions have already commenced nationwide.

The Senate resolution of November 2025 followed a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), which was debated during plenary earlier this year. In moving the motion, Senator Nwoko raised concerns over the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles, warning that their low cost and ease of concealment posed serious public health and social risks, particularly to minors and young adults.

The motion, which enjoyed broad bipartisan support, was debated by lawmakers who expressed alarm at rising cases of alcohol abuse among school-age children and youths. The Senate subsequently adopted the motion and resolved to direct NAFDAC to enforce existing regulations prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume containers.

Speaking at the briefing, Adeyeye said the enforcement drive is aimed at safeguarding public health and protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, adolescents, and young adults, from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

“The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable,” she said.

She added: “We have already started the enforcement to ban alcohol production in sachets and bottles below 200ml after receiving the order from the Senate. NAFDAC is not against alcohol, but we are against its proliferation in high concentrations in sachets and small bottles, which makes it easy for children to access.”

Adeyeye noted that before her tenure, some sachet alcohol products contained between 50 and 90 per cent alcohol, describing the levels as dangerously high and detrimental to public health.

She said NAFDAC had previously directed manufacturers to reduce alcohol content to 30 per cent, but many resisted the directive, citing concerns over job losses and potential investment setbacks.

According to her, the matter was escalated to the Federal Ministry of Health, which subsequently granted manufacturers a five-year transition period from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, to restructure their operations and comply with regulatory standards.

Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health, stressing that NAFDAC would continue to prioritise the safety of vulnerable populations through sustained regulatory enforcement.

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