The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to a counterfeit cancer drug, Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml, linked to batch number C5290S20.
The warning follows a complaint from a Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) doctor about a suspicious product presented by a patient.
Although the drug was not administered, its features mirrored a previously identified counterfeit batch.
Investigations by Roche, the drug’s authorised distributor, revealed discrepancies such as incorrect labeling, missing identifiers, and non-matching tamper-proof labels, confirming its counterfeit status.
NAFDAC explained that Phesgo, a breast cancer treatment drug, when counterfeited, poses severe health risks as it may lack efficacy and safety standards.
The agency has directed zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove counterfeit products.
NAFDAC advised healthcare professionals, importers, and retailers to ensure drugs are sourced from licensed suppliers and urged the public to report suspicious medical products via NAFDAC’s hotlines or e-report platforms.
The agency reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining drug safety and notified the World Health Organization (WHO) for global monitoring.
—
**Southern Monarchs Urge FG to Combat Food Insecurity**
Traditional rulers in Southern Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to urgently address worsening food insecurity and economic challenges.
Reacting to recent stampedes at food distribution events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo, the monarchs expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives.
The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, in a statement by Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, lamented the desperation evident in the overcrowding and chaotic scenes during palliatives distribution.
The council emphasized the need for robust economic measures to prevent such occurrences.
The monarchs extended condolences to the affected families and urged the government to tackle economic hardships, create opportunities, and ensure public safety.
They also called on event planners to prioritize crowd control and collaborate with security agencies during public programs.
In a separate message, the monarchs predicted a brighter 2025 for Nigeria, encouraging citizens to embrace unity and build on the lessons of the past year.
They urged collective efforts to overcome systemic challenges and foster national growth.
—
**Daily Power Outages to Hit FCT Over Tower Relocation**
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced daily power outages in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) starting January 6 through 20, 2025.
The outages, scheduled from 9 am to 4 pm, are necessitated by the relocation of electricity towers for a road dualisation project.
Affected areas include Kubwa, Karu, Nyanya, and Lugbe. According to TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah, the relocation involves dismantling and reconstructing eight transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line.
TCN assured residents that the project aims to improve power supply reliability despite the temporary inconvenience. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) had earlier informed customers about the impending disruptions linked to the Federal Capital Development Agency’s (FCDA) road project.
Residents and businesses in affected areas are advised to plan accordingly, as power rationing will extend to other locations such as Gudu, Jabi, and parts of Bwari. TCN pledged to restore supply promptly upon completing the work.
—
**Nation Mourns Ex-UniAbuja VC, Prof. Yaqub**
Nigeria has been plunged into mourning following the death of Professor Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja and Sokoto State University pioneer VC.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari described Prof. Yaqub as a distinguished intellectual whose contributions to education and public policy remain invaluable.
“He was a towering scholar and administrator whose passion shaped countless students and policymakers,” Buhari remarked.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, expressed shock over the loss, lauding Yaqub’s legacy as a renowned political scientist.
He noted that Yaqub’s wealth of experience was irreplaceable, particularly in advancing academic and legislative research in Nigeria.
Born in Kogi State, Prof. Yaqub’s academic career left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s educational system. NILDS recognized him as a pivotal figure in its academic advisory board.
Condolences poured in from across the academic and political spectrum, with many praising his dedication to education and national development. The late scholar is survived by his wife, children, and an enduring legacy. May his soul rest in peace.
**Kwankwaso Denies 2027 Presidential Pact with Atiku, Obi**
Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has denied any agreement with Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) regarding a presidential arrangement for the 2027 election.
He dismissed rumors that he, Atiku, and Obi had agreed to alternate terms in office, with each serving different lengths of time.
Kwankwaso expressed dismay at northern leaders who have been influencing presidential candidate selection, claiming they were spreading false information and causing division.
In a BBC Hausa interview, he emphasized that the decision of who should lead the nation should be made by the people, not a select few self-declared “leaders of the North.” He further criticized the alleged agreement, stating that no such pact had been made. Kwankwaso also referenced the 2019 elections, lamenting the lack of genuine leadership selection processes, and reiterated his opposition to any behind-the-scenes dealings ahead of the 2027 election.
—
**UN Slams Israel for Violating Ceasefire as Hezbollah Threatens Response**
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of violating the 2006 Security Council resolution that underpins the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, effective since November 27.
The UN peacekeepers observed Israeli bulldozers destroying a blue barrel marking the line of withdrawal between Lebanon and Israel, and an observation tower of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
UNIFIL called this a “flagrant violation” of international law. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, warned that their patience with Israeli violations may not last the full 60 days of the ceasefire. Both sides have exchanged accusations of violations since the truce took effect.
Qassem stated that while Hezbollah had shown restraint to allow the ceasefire to work, this could change depending on Israel’s actions, signaling a potential shift toward further conflict if violations persist.
—
**Northern Elders Urge Suspension of Tax Reform Bills**
The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has called for an immediate halt to the implementation of the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing concerns about the lack of consultation with stakeholders.
In a statement, the NEF criticized the tax reform process as “shocking” and undemocratic, accusing the government of denying citizens the opportunity to express their views.
The Forum recommended that the government engage in widespread consultations with Nigerians and experts to ensure the reforms align with global best practices. They specifically opposed the planned increase in VAT, arguing it would reduce citizens’ purchasing power and fuel inflation.
They also voiced concerns over proposed changes to revenue sharing, calling for the inclusion of agricultural goods and livestock in the VAT framework.
The NEF urged the government to halt the rushed implementation and engage in transparent discussions to address the nation’s fiscal needs while ensuring national unity and fairness.
—
**Zulum Offers Petrol Subsidy to Farmers in Insurgency-Hit Borno**
In a bid to ease the burden on farmers in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum has announced a subsidy on petrol for farmers affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
Speaking in Bama town, Zulum revealed that the cost of petrol, which had risen to between N1,000 and N1,200 per litre in Maiduguri, would be subsidized to N600 for irrigation farmers.
This move aims to support farmers who are struggling with the high cost of fuel amid ongoing conflict. Zulum’s government also distributed farm inputs, including fertilizers, water pumps, and pesticides, to over 5,000 farmers.
The initiative, which has seen success in other regions, is expected to boost food production and improve livelihoods. Zulum further emphasized his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Borno and ensuring sustainable development for affected communities.
Additionally, he approved the construction of more tube wells to aid irrigation efforts in the state’s farming communities.
