Health
Kano food poisoning: NAFDAC apprehends merchants of dangerous chemicals
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has apprehended the merchants of dangerous chemicals used in food and drinks supposedly to enhance taste that killed three people in Kano.
The three died after consuming adulterated flavoured drinks. The agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement issued by Mr Olusayo Akintola, the NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant on Sunday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three people died in Kano in March after consuming flavored drink, allegedly containing the chemical additives.
The NAFDAC chief, therefore, warned against adding chemicals or additives to food and drinks to enhance taste, stressing that such practice could result to severe illness and even death. Adeyeye said the agency would stop at nothing to ensure that only safe food and other regulated products were available in the market for consumption and use. She said that preliminary result of the agency’s investigation of the victims had been submitted to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State during her two-day visit to the state to assess the incident.
She noted that “it was heart warming that merchants of the deadly chemicals and additives had been apprehended while further investigation continued.” According to her, the importance of food cannot be over emphasised and that when dangerous foreign elements find their way into foods and water, it becomes poisonous rather than being nutritious. She pointed out that food contamination and poisoning could occur through consuming expired food or preparing food with poorly sourced water and putting cooked food on the shelf for several days or months. She said “we are very particular about food additives, about the temperature at which food can be kept, or about the expiration date of food. If all of these are violated, then there can be food poisoning.“ Whether it is food or water, adding chemicals and other substances either to enhance the food or change its form can be dangerous, especially when we can’t verify the source and content of such additives. “NAFDAC is now working assiduously in partnership with the Kano State Government with a view to preventing reoccurrence of the March 11 incident.”
Adeyeye added that the agency would be working with the Kano State Task force under the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, as well as the Consumers Protection Agency in Kano to check the menace. She recalled that shortly after the news of the deaths was received, six directorates of the agency swung into action to unravel the mystery behind the sad event and found that only two of the five flavoured drinks identified in the incidence were registered by NAFDAC. She said that the three others were not in the agency’s data base.
She said that samples of the chemicals and additives that were added while preparing the flavoured drinks were then collected and taken to NAFDAC’s laboratory in Kaduna for testing and further testing was conducted at the agency’s central laboratory in Lagos for confirmation. According to her, any food that is unregistered is not guaranteed by NAFDAC and that it can be unwholesome or fake food or that such food is smuggled into the country. “We tested all the food samples and there was E-Coli bacteria in some; one would wonder how E-Coli bacteria would get into powder. It depends on the storage.“If it is stored in a very humid condition, and expired, the packaging probably was getting compromised, you can get bacteria into dry powdered medium, but ordinarily it shouldn’t happen,” she said.
Adeyeye said the Pharmacovigilance Directorate of the agency had sent an alert to all the 36 state offices of NAFDAC and the FCT to mount surveillance on unregistered products and mop them up. According to her, before any chemical can be legally imported into Nigeria, full authorisation and permit must be obtained from NAFDAC to ensure that no dangerous chemicals are imported. She noted that “NAFDAC does end-to-end monitoring for all chemicals and requests for distribution and utilisation patterns before giving importers permits to import chemicals.” She said the agency also monitored the person such chemicals were being sold to in the sellers report, adding that “all these must be clarified to NAFDAC before approval is given.” She emphasied that the public had critical roles to play in informing the agency on suspicious products to avoid falling victims of food poisoning.
Adeyeye said that in spite of all the measures put in place by NAFDAC to ensure safe foods, chemicals and other regulated products, there were those who still found ways to smuggle these chemicals into the country. She, therefore, cautioned that “the public should know that they don’t have to add chemicals to food, except table salt. Chemicals kill very fast because there is no prescribed amount to use.“ To use chemical to make food or drink sour, you may never know what you are adding. “The only regulated additives are Sugar, Saccharin and sweetening; and there are prescribed amount to put in food.“ These regulated products are inside the food and not something you sprinkle on the food like what happened in Kano,” she added.
….Partners with Anambra State Health Insurance Agency
….Urges Ositadimma Age Grade to Champion Community Development and Support State Initiatives
From Lateef Taiwo
Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Chief Osita Chidoka, has announced the provision of one year’s free health insurance for over 1,000 youths and women in Obosi community under the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme.
This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, reflects Chief Chidoka’s enduring commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare and supporting state-led programmes that promote public welfare.
The announcement was made during the Outing visit by the newly formed Ositadimma Age Grade, young men and women born in 1985 and 1986, who adopted Chief Chidoka’s name in recognition of his leadership and service to Obosi. The visit took place at his country home, in the presence of the Ndichie, Abummadu, elders, and other community stakeholders.
Chief Chidoka disclosed that over 300 members of the Ositadimma Age Grade would be enrolled immediately onto the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme at ₦12,500 per person, with other civic youth organisations in Obosi to follow shortly, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,000. Staffs of the Agency were present to commence the registration.
“Health insurance is not a luxury. It is a civic right and a public good,” Chidoka stated. “I am proud to support the Anambra State Government’s efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to our people.”
Beyond healthcare, Chief Chidoka outlined a Four-Point Agenda to guide the age grade’s activities and ensure its long-term contribution to community development:
- Health Insurance Scheme: Fully embrace the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme and encourage wider enrolment beyond the group.
- Savings Culture: Establish a cooperative savings scheme that will enable the group to undertake a significant community project by their 10th anniversary.
- Group Life Insurance: Put in place a group life insurance policy to provide social protection and ensure mutual support in times of adversity.
- Public School Monitoring: Act as community monitors of the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration’s free education policy to ensure that no child in Obosi is left behind.
To support the savings initiative, Chief Chidoka donated ₦500,000 as seed capital for the age grade’s fund, to be lodged with Adike Microfinance Bank, Obosi. Chiefs Mgbakogu and Udemba donated ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 while various other sums were donated by other Chiefs present.
“Your Golden Decade — that critical period between the ages of 25 and 35 — is your foundation, use it for family, community and country. Apply Uche, Uchu na EgwuChukwu in all your endeavours.” Chidoka advised.
Describing the age-grade system as a uniquely Igbo institution for social progress, Chief Chidoka called on the group to sustain the tradition through innovation, collective responsibility, and a deep sense of service.
In appreciation, the Ositadimma Age Grade presented Chief Chidoka with an Award of Honour, recognising his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and enduring commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
This initiative reaffirms Chief Osita Chidoka’s stature as a patriotic son of Anambra, a firm supporter of progressive state policies, and a tireless advocate for community-led transformation.
From Lateef Taiwo
The Nasarawa state government has pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) with aims to improve healthcare quality by fostering better working conditions, training, and resource availability for resident doctors.
This, the partnership could lead to enhanced medical services, reduced healthcare challenges, and overall improved patient outcomes in the state.
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, made the commitment during the flag-off of a two-day training workshop organized by the North Central zone of the Nigerian Medical Association, in collaboration with the Damilola Adeyemi Cardiovascular Foundation (DAC-FOUND), held at the Federal Medical Center Keffi, on Wednesday.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, said the event was in line with the state government’s policy to transform the health sector for the betterment of its citizens.
He assured the management of the Federal Medical Center and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors of continued partnership to enhance quality healthcare services to the people of Nasarawa state. According to him, the Nasarawa state government has been supporting health practitioners and institutions with facilities to enable them to carry out their duties as expected.
The Speaker of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, commended the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, FMC Keffi chapter, for organizing the North Central training workshop in a bid to provide healthcare services to the people.
Dr. Jatau reiterated that the Nasarawa state House of Assembly, under his leadership, will continue to enact laws that will promote healthcare services to citizens of the state and called on the participants to ensure proper utilization of the knowledge gained during the workshop.
The Speaker emphasized that the state assembly will work closely with the various medical associations in the state to ensure they are protected by laws for the smooth running of their affairs.
He announced the donation of five hundred thousand Naira to the association as his candid support, urging them to make proper use of it to achieve their objectives.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, FMC Keffi chapter, Dr. Ashimom Timothy Msughter, said the event was organized to educate people on the need to know how to provide basic healthcare services before taking patients to the hospital.
The NSHA Speaker Dr. Danladi Jatau while presenting an award to Commissioner for health Dr Gaza Gwamna during NARD Zonal event.
Dr. Ashimom thanked the Nasarawa state government and the Speaker of the state Assembly for their support to the association and promised to continue delivering quality healthcare services to the people.
He said the participants at the event including, federal road safety Corps, NSCDC, fire service among other relevant stakeholders Will be trained for two day on the need to know ways of providing first health care services to the people.
The Medical Director/CO of the Federal Medical Director of Federal Medical Center, Keffi Dr Yahaya Baba Adamu appreciated the efforts of the organizers of event and assured them of his support to enable the association achieved their goals
Highpoint at the event was the award presented to the deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, the speaker, Danladi Jatau, the commissioner for health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna and Medical director of FMC, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu among others.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving oral health across the state, describing it as a vital component of general wellbeing.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, reiterated this at the opening ceremony of a three-day free oral health outreach, organised by the State Ministry of Health in partnership with Pharma Decko PLC.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, described oral health as a frequently overlooked but essential aspect of healthcare.
“Oral health is the cornerstone of overall health, yet it is often neglected, poor oral hygiene contributes to several non-communicable diseases, though its effects are gradual and often unnoticed until they become serious. That’s why this outreach is timely and essential,” El-Imam said.
She applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investment in healthcare, especially the recent renovation and equipping of the state’s dental clinic.
The Commissioner urged residents to take full advantage of the outreach by accessing free dental checks and professional guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Pharma Decko PLC, Mr. Ishola Olukayode, lauded the Kwara State Government, as well as the Ministry of Health, for their support for the initiative, adding that; “despite the short notice, the Ministry gave them overwhelming support which they profoundly appreciated.
“Pharma Decko PLC is committed to supporting oral health in Nigeria. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly use dangerous chemicals on their teeth due to a lack of awareness, putting their overall health at risk,” Mr Olukayode explained.
He emphasised that proper oral hygiene goes beyond brushing the teeth, stressing the need for regular professional check-ups and community awareness campaigns.
In a brief oral health education session, the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Kasali Ajao, revealed that brushing alone addresses only about 40 percent of oral hygiene needs.
He noted that professional procedures such as scaling and polishing, recommended for at least twice a year, are necessary for comprehensive dental care.
Residents have, therefore, been encouraged to take advantage of the free Dental Care outreach holding at the Dental Unit of KWASUTH between Tuesday and Thursday this week for their oral diagnoses and treatments.
End
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