The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof Moji Adeyeye, has issued a warning to members of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers regarding the purchase and sale of substandard drugs.

She emphasised the urgent need for stringent measures to combat substandard and falsified medical products in the country.

The DG, represented by the agency’s Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Fraden Bitrus, delivered this warning to the NAPPMED members during a one-day sensitisation campaign in Abuja on Monday.

“Today, we discuss a crucial issue: sourcing quality products for our communities,” Bitrus stated.

He underscored the importance of prioritising community welfare over financial gain.

Bitrus urged participants to recognise their significant role as healthcare professionals, saying, “Your services directly impact community welfare. It is essential to prioritize their well-being.”

She outlined key strategies for avoiding falsified products, which include sourcing from reputable suppliers and ensuring all products meet regulatory standards.

“To avoid falsified products,” he advised, “you must source products correctly and verify their compliance with NAFDAC regulations.

“Let’s unite against falsified products. Support NAFDAC’s efforts to eradicate harmful products from our markets.”

Bitrus reiterated the key takeaways of the campaign, reminding attendees to prioritise community welfare, source quality products, and uphold their professional responsibilities.

“Let’s work together to ensure Nigeria has access to quality products,” he concluded, stressing the collective responsibility of stakeholders in the fight against substandard drugs.

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the council chambers of the Aso Rock villa on Monday following the confirmation of her nomination by the senate last week.

Kekere-Ekun, Nigeria’s 23rd CJN and second female in the country’s history, has been in the office in acting capacity following the retirement of Olukayode Ariwoola in August.

During her confirmation hearing on the floor of the senate, the CJN fielded questions on the reforms she hopes to implement in the judiciary.

“I will ensure that the courts are digitised. It will make it easier in tracking cases and judges could be called to order if they are not treating their cases expeditiously,” Kekere-Ekun had told the senators.

“Especially in criminal matters where you have delays, we will use virtual hearing. It is something I will encourage so that criminal matters will be disposed expeditiously.

“We are exploring ways to ensure that prison decongestion is frequently carried out.

“Virtual hearings will help fast track cases, the failure to produce defendants is usually the delay in criminal cases.”

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as director-general and global liaison for the Nigeria-China strategic partnership.

Earlier in the month, during Tinubu’s state visit to Beijing, Nigeria and China signed deals aimed at broadening their economic cooperation.

In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, said Tegbe will lead the day-to-day operations of the partnership and engage with the Chinese counterparts to ensure that all deliverables are met.

The presidential spokesperson said Tegbe will submit a strategic action plan to enable Nigeria benefit from the agreements between both countries.

“At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping pledged 360 billion yuan, or about $51 billion, in new financing to African nations in the next three years. He also pledged support for 30 infrastructure projects to boost connectivity across the continent and create one million jobs.

“During his official visit before the FOCAC, President Tinubu also obtained a commitment from President Xi to support Nigeria’s economic diversification plans, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation.

“Nigeria and China, among others, agreed to collaborate on expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and creating new industrial parks.

“The two countries committed to establishing hospital alliances and collaborating on medical research. Under the agreement, Chinese healthcare professionals will be deployed to support Nigeria’s healthcare system.”

After his education at the Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Tegbe proceeded to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where he graduated with a first-class degree in civil engineering in 1988.

Tegbe, 58, had about 35 years of experience in business strategy.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

He was the senior partner and head of advisory services at KPMG in Africa, with a portfolio and responsibilities that included the Middle East.

He has worked for many Fortune 500 companies and African conglomerates, advising on strategic planning, investment, and portfolio reviews.