Tue. May 26th, 2026
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President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday, pick up the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination form for the 2015 presidential elections, as the presidency confirms that he has received a total donation of N98.17 million for the purpose.

In a statement by Reuben Abati, the spokesman to the President, Jonathan thanked all Nigerians, members of the PDP, friends, associates, and all groups “who in sincere appreciation of the achievements of the administration in the last four years, have been urging him to seek a second term in office.

“President Jonathan is greatly encouraged by the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill and support, as well as the  confidence of the generality of Nigerians in his ability to continue to transform the country for the good of all of its  people,” Abati said in the statement.

“The President is also grateful to all the persons, groups and communities who have sent donations, and made pledges to assist him to pay the required N22 million for the PDP Presidential Nomination Fee and Expression of Interest Form.

“He acknowledges, and accepts with immense gratitude, the following donations and pledges that he has received from a broad section of Nigerians:

 

1. Mr. Kennedy Ikenna Odoeme – N5, 000

 

2. Mr Ezemagu Sunday Nnamdi – N10, 000

 

3. PDP Governors – N22 Million

 

4. Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria  (TAN) – N22m

 

5. Ogbia LGA Stakeholders, Bayelsa state – N5m

 

6. Otuoke Community Stakeholders – N2m

 

7. Brass LGA Stakeholders, Bayelsa state – N50, 000

 

8. Bayelsa State PDP Stakeholders- N5m

 

9. Northern Youth Forum – N2m

 

10. Central Market Traders Union, Kaduna State – N1m

 

11. PDP Stakeholders, Zaria LGA – N500, 000

 

12.PDP Stakeholders, Yobe State – N500, 000

 

13.PDP Stakeholders, Kaduna State- N2m

 

14. Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore – N5m

 

15. Goodluck Support Group, Gombe State – N1m

 

16. Adamawa State PDP Stakeholders – N3m

 

17.  Ebonyi State PDP Stakeholders- N2m

 

18.Kogi State PDP Stakeholders – N5m

 

19. Rivers State PDP Stakeholders – N5m

 

20. The 2015 Project – N1m

 

21.Team Goodluck, Ondo North Senatorial District – N5m

 

22. Middle Belt PDP Women Support  Group for GEJ 2015 – N500, 000

 

23. King David Generation Foundation, Jos – N200, 000

 

24. Behwong Weneng Yere Duk, Jos – N200,000

 

25. Redemption 3 Youth Organization, Plateau State – N500, 000

 

26. Plateau State Indigenes Association, Abuja – N300,000

 

27. Gombe Youth United for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan 2015 – N500, 000

 

28. Gombe Youth Vanguard for PDP- N500, 000

 

29. Yamahu/Deba Goodluck Support Group – N200, 000

 

30.Coalition of Gombe Support Groups for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – N2m

 

31. Hinna Youth Coalition for Goodluck – N500, 000

 

32. Nigerian Women Pray for Jonathan – N1m

 

33. National Association of Widows – N100, 000

 

34. National Council of Women Societies – N500, 000

 

35. Female members of the PDP Board of Trustees – N500,000

 

36. Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities – N100,000

 

37. National Association of Market Women – N500, 000

 

38. Community Awareness and Development Network – N1 m

 

39. Presidential View And Endorsement Platform -N200,000

 

40. Association of South East Town Unions –        N300,000

 

41. Goodluck Jonathan 2015 Online Group –        250,000

42. The Light Network for Jonathan 2015, Lagos State – N300,000

43. Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State         – N200,000

44.  Oghareki Graduate Association for Jonathan, Delta State – N500,000

Jonathan assured the donors that he will continue to do his utmost best at all times to fully justify the great confidence they have placed in his leadership.

 

 

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.