The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control on Wednesday in Kano State destroyed 491,000 tablets of tramadol worth N91 million.
The destruction of the drugs which was seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, was witnessed by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
Speaking at the occasion, Adeyeye thanked the NCS for successfully intercepting the consignment and handing it over to NAFDAC.
The Tramadol tablets are being destroyed in an incinerator at AKTH on Wednesday. Source: NAFDAC
“We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg.
“The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” she said.
She said it was in line with international best practices for the destruction of pharmaceutical products, the agency invited journalists to witness the destruction exercise using an incinerator.
The seized Tramadol tablets before they were destroyed on Wednesday by NAFDAC in Kano State. Source: NAFDAC
“According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC DG said the operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.
“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she said.
Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians, urging anyone with information on those perpetrating such acts to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.
The destruction that took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director.
Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday, alerted people living in flood-prone communities in the state to start preparing for heavy rain and its attendant flooding.
This was contained in a statement released by the Administrative Secretary of SEMA, Ojuolape Busari, in Ibadan, the state capital.
She explained that the reports from the state Flood Early Warning System indicated that the areas to the east and northeast of Ibadan city centre are likely to experience the heaviest rainfall.
Busari said, “This includes parts of Lagelu Local Government Area, especially areas like Iyana Offa; Moniya (eastern parts), and communities further east towards Osun State.
“According to the information made available by the state Flood Early Warning System, some parts of the north of Ibadan city, possibly parts of Egbeda LGA (eastern edges) and areas bordering Lagelu LGA, will experience heavy rainfall today.
“Communities along the Ibadan-Ife Road (A5 highway) eastward: Areas like Egbeda and further east on this major road, will also experience heavy rainfall.”
The administrative secretary further said areas with moderate to heavy rainfall, determined by the flood early warning system, and ascertained by Google Maps, will encompass most of Ibadan Metropolis (eastern and central parts).
She said, “This includes areas like IITA itself, the Ibadan Airport, University of Ibadan, Ojoo, Akobo, Basorun, Gate, Challenge, Ring Road, and many other densely populated areas within the city.
“Parts of Akinyele Local Government, especially the eastern and central parts, parts of Oluyole Local Government, especially Northeastern sections too.”
Busari assured all that the agency and other relevant agencies of government, voluntary agencies, and civil society groups are prepared to intervene and ameliorate the plight of persons and communities who might be affected.
She, therefore, urged people of the state to immediately commence preparations to avert dire consequences, saying, “discretion is the better part of valour.”
The Ondo State Government has declared that it would ensure that cultism and other social vices, particularly among the youths, are eradicated in the state.
To this end, the government has called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting against the scourge.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the government said it had reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the cherished ‘Omoluabi’ values that define the people of the state, in the areas of respect, hard work, value for life, and a strong stance against social vices such as cultism, thuggery, and civil unrest.
The commissioner also noted that the ongoing administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity that could tarnish the state’s reputation or hinder its development.
He said, ” the ‘Omoluabi’ values rooted in Yoruba tradition remain the bedrock of a peaceful and progressive society and we are calling on traditional rulers, politicians, student leaders, market women, religious leaders, and the general public to join hands with the government in rejecting cultism, political violence, kidnapping, and other destabilising behaviours.
“The rise in social vices is alarming and unacceptable. As a people known for dignity, discipline, and hard work, we must all rise to defend our values.
“Ondo State cannot afford to be dragged into the mud of lawlessness.”
Ajanaku stressed that development and investors’ confidence could thrive in a climate of insecurity, urging citizens to see the fight against crime as a collective responsibility.
“The orientation must begin now. Every citizen has a role to play in upholding the ethics of good behaviour.
“Report crimes in your communities. Be ambassadors of peace and order.
“That is the way to build a safe, attractive and economically vibrant Ondo State,” Ajanaku added.
The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed a requirement for would-be couples to present the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority enrollment card before getting married.
Ensuring this, he said, would increase enrollment into the scheme.
Abba made the proposal on Monday in Kudan LGA Secretariat at the KADCHMA’s inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign into the scheme.
The chairman said the proposal aimed to ensure that couples have access to quality healthcare services.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exercise, which would also be inaugurated at Kagarko and Chikun LGAs, is expected to be carried out across all the 23 LGAs of the state.
It was supported by EngerderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals.
Abba stated that pregnant women would particularly benefit from the scheme’s coverage of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.
The chairman also added that the health scheme provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, enabling pregnant women to access quality healthcare without financial hardship.
He added that the scheme also provides access to quality healthcare services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, with or without complications, reducing maternal mortality rates.
Abba said, “The N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases and services, including antenatal care and delivery, making it a comprehensive healthcare solution for pregnant women.”
By making KADCHMA enrollment a requirement for marriage, the chairman believed that awareness and uptake of the scheme would increase, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of citizens.
He, therefore, said that he would push an Executive Order to the LGA legislative arm for inputs to make by-laws that would require intending couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before wedding.
Abba added that the by-law would also ensure that KADCHMA enrollment cards were required for political office aspirants in the LGA in order to support the scheme’s implementation.
“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA cards before getting married, and individuals before contesting for political positions.
“We are optimistic that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks, and forward a copy to relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The chaiman pledged to enroll 1,000 people in the scheme, with plans to add another 1,000 after successful enrollment.
He, therefore, urged traditional, religious leaders and all other stakeholders to circulate information about the scheme to households and support its implementation.
Earlier, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, emphasised that the scheme’s goal was to ensure that all the residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship.
Hassan explained that the authority rolled out the campaign to educate grassroot communities on the benefits of enrolling in the health scheme, targeting local stakeholders and traditional leaders to champion the initiative.
He also explained that the meeting aimed to secure the endorsement of local government authorities, identify context-specific barriers, and foster ownership and shared responsibility for improving community health outcomes.
The director-general lamented the high rate of maternal mortality, saying that the N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases including services such as antenatal till birth, with or without complications.
He said that over 50 women enrollees in the scheme had given birth through cesarean section.
“KADCHMA’s goal is to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship, aligning with the vision of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.
According to him, the initiative promises improved access to quality health services, financial protection, and reduced maternal and child mortality.
This is with the ultimate goal of making Kaduna state a model for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
Hassan said that the initiative was part of Gov. Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, which aims to cater to the needs of underserved and unserved people, particularly in rural areas.
Hassan said that the scheme would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for its citizens.
“Health is no longer a previlege in Kaduna state, but a right,”he said.
He, therefore, urged the stakeholders to become enrollment ambassadors, with traditional rulers and council members supporting the scheme through community development plans and sensitisation efforts.
Halliru Mahmood, the District Head of Kudan, commended Sani for initiating the scheme, adding that it would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for citizens.
He emphasised that enrollment into the scheme, which required a registration fee of N10,650, was a small price to pay considering the benefits it provides.
Mahmood stated that the programme would help reduce maternal and child mortality rates, which were significant concerns in Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of the scheme in providing financial protection for families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services.
The district head believed that the programme was beneficial to the people and would make a significant impact in improving their health and wellbeing.
The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that stakeholders were community volunteers, ward development committees, traditional and religious leaders, among others.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who became a household name as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 after an accidental drowning off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, officials and multiple news sources report.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the Deadline Contenders Television event at Directors Guild Of America on April 16, 2023 in Los Angeles | Credit: PEOPLE
Warner was on a family trip when the incident occurred, AP News, Reuters among many others reported on Monday.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) said Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province on Sunday afternoon, July 20, when a strong current pulled him out to sea.
Beachgoers brought him to shore; first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted lifesaving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, CBS News also reported.
The Red Cross said it was alerted at about 2:10 p.m. local time and treated two adult men, transporting one in critical condition.
Local authorities subsequently listed the official cause of death as “asphyxia by submersion,” language echoed in statements provided to U.S. media outlets.
Police told ABC News that Warner had been caught in a rip current; Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE likewise reported that preliminary findings pointed to asphyxiation following submersion.
In a statement, the OIJ said the victim “appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current… [and] was declared lifeless at the scene” after treatment by the Costa Rican Red Cross.
Fox Entertainment, which worked with Warner during his run as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network drama The Resident, called the loss “tragic.”
“Everyone at FOX is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the company said in a statement.
Theo Huxtable OR Malcolm-Jamal Warner?
Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner pursued performance from an early age and attended the Professional Children’s School in New York.
He broke out as the witty, vulnerable Theo in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), earning an Emmy nomination in 1986.
He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie, appeared in Reed Between the Lines, and had a prominent turn in The Resident.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, AP, CBS News and Reuters all reported.
Viola Davis remembered the actor’s cultural impact, writing that “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… we are gutted by this loss.”
Actor Morris Chestnut, who appeared with Warner on The Resident, told PEOPLE, “He was just a really, really good, genuine guy,” adding that Warner welcomed him warmly and even took him to dinner early in their working relationship. Author-activist Kevin Powell told CBS News that Warner “was never someone who was into the celebrity of it… He literally was America’s son.”
A spokesperson for Bill Cosby said the comedian found the news “devastating,” likening the shock to the 1997 killing of his own son Ennis.
The NAACP also honored Warner on social media, writing “#RestinPower… Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.”
Warner’s talents extended beyond acting: he directed episodes of hit television series, recorded spoken-word and music projects, and won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America.”
He kept his personal life largely private, but is survived by his wife and daughter, whom he rarely discussed publicly.
The Nigerian Medical Association, Katsina State branch, has expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over a circular purportedly issued by the Federal Government to address salary adjustments for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.
The NMA described the circular as “grossly inadequate, misleading and a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of agreements reached during the collective bargaining process between NMA and the government of Nigeria.
This is contained in a communique arising from its SEC meeting on Saturday in Katsina.
The circular noted, “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects national salaries, incomes and wages commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the Federal public service: Demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”
The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, as well as the Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.
The association warned that it cannot guarantee non-disruption of health services if its demands are not met.
The Katsina NMA said it expects the government to address their demands as outlined by the NOC on July 2nd, 2025 just as it noted that the healthcare sector is on the brink due to unfulfilled promises and poor welfare for Doctors.
The communique read, “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Katsina State Branch expresses grave disappointment and unequivocally condemns the circular purportedly issued to address the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.
“The circular is grossly inadequate, misleading and constitutes a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of the agreements painstakingly reached during the collective bargaining (CBA) process between the NMA and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“With the immense and urgent Brain drain experience across the nation and the debilitating effect of Work burnout, our members are exposed to on a daily basis, the government ought to have improved the welfare, remuneration and social services that will boost the morale of the remaining Doctors who have sacrificed to serve our dear fatherland. Instead, the silent and unfulfilled promises made by successive governments have pushed the healthcare sector to the brink. The biting economic crisis and reduction in purchasing power have made the income nothing to show for.
“Our members are dedicated and hardworking, and it is only right for the government to leave up to their responsibilities of ensuring a healthier society. With the Expiration of the 21-day grace period and the upcoming EDM a week from now, we are solidly behind the National Official Committee (NOC) stance and decisions.
“We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands as earlier released by the NOC on the 2nd July 2025. We cannot guarantee non-disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian People at the expiration of such”, the communique concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
This was disclosed on Sunday in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for Ijebu-Ode to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,” he wrote.
The revered monarch passed away on July 13 at the age of 91 and was buried the following day in Ijebu-Ode, according to Islamic rites.
His death marked the end of a 65-year reign, one of the longest in Nigerian traditional history.
Ahead of the eighth-day prayer, security has been tightened across Ijebu-Ode, particularly along roads leading to key venues such as Dipo Dina Stadium, the Awujale’s Palace, and his Igbeba private residence.
The prayer is scheduled to hold at the Dipo Dina International Stadium and will be attended by dignitaries including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other top officials.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba… pic.twitter.com/f7ZQ89BN5D
The Medical Director and Provost of Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Dr Paul Agboola, on Saturday debunked reports of injustice over an alleged case of physical and verbal assault levelled against the Head of Clinical Services of the hospital, Dr Olayinka Majekodunmi, by a Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing student, Seyi Ogunjobi.
Agboola stated that Majekodunmi has, however, been handed a strongly worded warning letter for admitting to having used foul language such as “You’re stupid, you’re a bastard” on Ogunjobi during the altercation, which reportedly occurred on June 30, 2025.
He stated that the panel that sat over the case, which he chaired, also found the student nurse very inconsistent and evasive, as he could not prove the allegation that the senior consultant hit him with a chair and also pushed him and was therefore was suspended as a corrective measure.
Agboola said that the father of the student nurse had also reached out to him, appreciating him for his fatherly approach to the matter and pleaded that the hospital management temper justice with mercy.
The Medical Director disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists over the alleged assault case.
Recall that the hospital chapter of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, led by its chairman, Narcissus Oluwalegan, had led other nurses on a peaceful protest over the alleged assault of the student nurse.
Oluwalegan had stated that while Majekodunmi had been left to walk freely, Ogunjobi was suspended, claiming that the hospital management had decided to close their eyes to the injustice meted out to one of them.
He had threatened that the nurses would not hesitate to withdraw their services if the hospital management did not lift the suspension placed on the students within 24 hours, while also addressing other concerns of the health workers.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, Agboola said that having received the petition of the alleged verbal and physical assault, a panel which was chaired by him and also had as members Mrs Florence Oladeji, Head of Administration of the hospital, Dr Sunday Amosu, Head of Research and Training, Dr Taiwo Omirin, Principal of School of Psychiatric Nursing, her Vice, Mr Olorunisola, Dr Nurudeen Ibrahim, Head of Servicom and others looked into the allegation.
He explained that the incident reportedly occurred on June 30 during the ward round led by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Majekodunmi and his team.
Agboola said, “On getting to the ward, there was said to be challenge of lack of chairs as some nursing students had already occupied the seats. The student nurse, Seyi Ogunjobi, reportedly went to get a chair but insisted on giving the chair to another student nurse and not the Head of Clinical Services.
“In the ensuing altercation, Dr Majekodunmi allegedly engaged in physical and verbal assault against Ogunjobi, hit the student and also used some foul language on him.
“During the panel sitting, Dr Majekodunmi came with 12 witnesses and also admitted that out of annoyance, he used the words ‘you’re stupid, you’re a bastard’ but denied ever hitting the student, and his witnesses also corroborated.”
He revealed further that the student nurse who came with one staff nurse as a witness was, however, unable to substantiate the allegation that he was hit because his witness also said that she could not confirm whether the senior consultant hit the student nurse or not.
Agboola continued, “For admitting to have used such foul language on the student nurse, Dr Majekodunmi had been given a strongly worded warning letter to serve as a deterrent, while the nurse was suspended for his inconsistencies and inability to substantiate his claim against the medical doctor.”
He explained that the suspension was not a punitive but a corrective measure, which is aimed at ensuring that the student prioritises integrity, which is a hallmark of nurse training
Agboola said that the suspension is just may be for one or two days and not a kind of suspension that will ensure that the student is sent out of the school for a long time, such that will jeopardise his academic pursuit, adding that “we just wanted to mould the boy to become responsible and a nurse that prioritises integrity.”
The Medical Director also said that the management has met with other unions of the hospital over the ugly incident and will meet with the nurses’ union on Monday to further resolve the crisis.
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.
Kwankwaso also visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, where he extended his sympathies to the Daura Emirate Council over the death of the former Nigerian leader.
During the visit, Kwankwaso met with Alhaji Mamman Daura, a close confidant and nephew of the late President, to personally express his condolences.
“May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest,” Kwankwaso prayed during the visit.
The death of Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes from political figures and citizens across the country.
Kwankwaso’s visit is part of a wave of condolence visits to Buhari’s hometown of Daura, as Nigerians continue to mourn the passing of the former military and civilian leader.
The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the death of four people who drowned in a blocked waterway at Zangon Kaya in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano.
He said the incident occurred on Friday afternoon.
He said, “We received an emergency call at about 13:48 hrs from one Rabiu Yusif that four people had fallen into a waterway blocked that had accumulated due to the railway line construction.
“We immediately sent our rescue team to the scene.
“Two of the victims entered the waterway to swim when they got trapped.”
Abdullahi said that another person entered the blocked drain to rescue them, but also got stuck, while the fourth person went in to help and also got trapped.
He further explained that with the arrival of the rescue team, the residents were able to pull out two of the victims, while the team recovered the other two.
Abdullahi said that the names of the victims were: Bashir Sani, 28, Nasirudden Tasi’u, 25, Usman Ubale, 26 and Yakubu Muhammed, 22.
“All the victims were rescued unconscious and were later confirmed dead.
“Their corpses were handed over to SP Abdulkadir Albasu of Dawanau Police Division,” he said.
Abdullahi said that the cause of the incident was as a ‘result of local swimming in a blocked sewer’.
