Tue. May 26th, 2026
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To create maximum awareness on the competitive advantages of its new 42.5 cement grade, Dangote cement has embarked training of block makers from the South East on the proper use of the new cement and physical demonstration of sandcrete mixing with the 3x.

The training came even as the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) commended the company on the training it organised for block makers in Enugu as part of trade fair activities, saying the training was timely.

Director General, ECCIMA, Mr. Emeka Okereke speaking at the training and block making demonstration lauded Dangote cement management for the initiative which he described as another dimension to the normal corporate social responsibility (CSR) project.

According to him, the training is more of a safety initiative designed to arrest the spate of building collapse as a result of sharp practices and wrong use of materials especially in block moulding.

The block makers, he stressed, form a vital link in ensuring that standards are maintained in providing affordable housing for the nation’s teeming population in a safe manner.

He charged other companies in the building and construction sector to emulate Dangote Cement in organising training, seminars and demonstrations for stakeholders.

Okereke expressed the ECCIMA’s happiness at the special cement offer of the Dangote during which bags of cement were sold at factory price to the amazement of the visitors and other participants at the fair.

He described as worthy of emulation the leading roles played by Dangote Cement in the implementation of the backward integration policy of the Federal Government which has led the nation into not only attaining self- sufficiency in local cement production but also for export.

Regional Sales Director, South East, Dangote Cement, Mr. Tunde  Mabogunje, while welcoming the block moulders said the introduction of the new 3x is the beginning of a new partnership between the company and block makers in the state.

He charged them to make use of the new Dangote3x cement which offers extra strong, extra life and extra yield for both the block makers and other customers.

In his presentation to the block moulders, Johnson Olaniyi, the Regional Manager, Marketing Services of Dangote Cement Plc highlighted the advantages and differentiated between the new Dangote 3X Cement and other brands in the market.

“The 3x is an acronym for more profit to the moulders while allowing the builders to build with peace of mind”, he stated.

To derive the maximum benefits from the 3x, he charged the block makers to always ensure that the sand they use in block making is free from dirt and other contaminants. Where sand is full of dirt, he urged them to always filtered sand before using for block making.

Olaniyi also informed the block makers of several benefits that they stand to gain by using only Dangote Cement in making their blocks as he later conducted a practical demonstration of the right mix of sand, cement and water in moulding of solid blocks.

He also assured the block makers that Dangote Cement Plc is putting in place adequate checks and measures to prevent adulteration of the product.

 

By admin

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.