Mon. May 25th, 2026
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*2019 polls: Obaseki intensifies campaign for APC candidates,
tours Oredo Wards*

*…parades achievements, says vote for APC will ensure effective
representation*

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has taken the campaign for
candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the doorsteps
of electorates in the 12 wards in Oredo Local Government Area, with
an assurance that a vote for the ruling party will guarantee
effective representation of voters at both the state and national
levels.

 

Presenting the party’s candidates in the State Assembly, House
of Representatives and the Senatorial elections, Obaseki appealed
to the electorates to collectively vote for the APC so that they
will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He explained that in the last two years, his administration has
focused all its attention on governance which has produced the
achievements the Edo electorates are currently enjoying.

“In the last two years we have concentrated on governance,
constructing roads, schools and primary health centres, empowering
the youths of the state, and ensuring we provide security and basic
amenities to make life easy for our people”.

The governor noted that the elections will be won at the unit
level and pledged to galvanise the party’s unit leaders to take the
party’s achievements to every house and business place in each ward
to ensure the party wins resoundingly.

“Ward Six is the only ward in the Oredo Council without a
primary school, my administration will ensure that this ward gets
at least a primary school for now and an ultra-modern health centre
to care for the health need of the people,” he assured.

He urged the electorates to register for the APC’s social
investment programme as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal
Government, through the Office of the Vice President, will empower
traders in the state with trader-moni to boost their businesses,
from next week.

Speaking on his plans for the electorates if elected, Hon.
Patrick Obahiagbon, the APC’s candidate for the Edo South
Senatorial District’s election, said he is in the race to change
the narrative by focusing on projects that will impact positively
on the people.

The party’s candidate for the State House of Assembly election,
Mr. Osaro Obazee, pledged to focus on sponsoring bills that would
better the lives of Edo people and residents.

The APC youth leader in the state, Mr. Valentine Asuen,
commended governor Obaseki for his developmental strides and
stressed that his performance would give the party an edge at the
polls.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/[1][2][3]

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*S1-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, (right); addressing members
of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Ward 4 Secretariat
in Benin City, Edo State, during the governor’s ward-to-ward
campaign in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State

*S1-002:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Secretary, Edo
State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Lawrence Okah
(2nd right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters,
Chief Osaro Idah (2nd left); Oredo Local Government Chairman,
Jenkins Osunde (left); and APC Chairman in Oredo Local Government
Area, Hon. Godswill Alabi (right), during the governor’s
ward-to-ward campaign in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo
State.

*S1-003:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), addressing female
unit leaders, at Oredo Local Government Area, during the governor’s
ward-to-ward campaign in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo
State.

*S1-004:*
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo South Senatorial
candidate, APC, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon; APC House of
Representatives Candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon.
Osaigbovo Iyoha; House of Assembly Candidate, Oredo West, Hon.
Osaro Obazee; and the party’s State House of Assembly candidate for
Oredo East, Hon. Chris Okaeben; during the governor’s ward-to-ward
campaign in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

*S1-005:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; addressing members of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) in one of the wards in Oredo Local
Government Area, during his ward-to-ward campaign in the LGA in Edo
State.

*S1-006:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); with the Minister of
State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire (middle), during the
governor’s ward-to-ward campaign in Oredo Local Government Area,
Edo State.

References

  1. ^
    www.godwinobaseki.com
    (l.facebook.com)
  2. ^
    fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
    (l.facebook.com)
  3. ^
    www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/
    (l.facebook.com)

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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.