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The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the assignment of portfolios to the new Commissioners who were recently inaugurated as members of the Edo State Executive Council (EXCO).

 

The governor had on Tuesday, June 13, inaugurated 15 new commissioners with a charge to sustain efforts by the government to improve the livelihood of the people and ensure economic prosperity for the State.

 

In a statement, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said Christopher Osaretin Nehikhare, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe, Isoken Omo and Stephen Ehikioya Idehenre retained their portfolios as Commissioners for the Ministries of Communication and Orientation; Education; Housing, Urban and Regional Planning & Development, and Agriculture and Food Security respectively.

 

According to Ogie, “The Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the assignment of portfolios to the new Commissioners who were recently inaugurated as members of the Edo State Executive Council (EXCO).

 

The Commissioners and their portfolios are as follows: Ministry of Communication and Orientation-Christopher Osaretin Nehikhare; Ministry of Education- Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe; Ministry of Housing, Urban and Regional Planning & Development- Isoken Omo, and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security- Stephen Ehikioya Idehenre.”

 

Others are Ministry of Justice/Attorney General- Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi; Ministry of Health- Samuel Alli (Dr.); Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs – Monday Osaigbovo; Ministry of Mining and Energy- Enaholo Ojiefo; Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism- Uyi Oduwa-Malaka; Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning- Adaze Aguele-Kalu, and Ministry of Social Development & Gender Issues- Christabel Omoh Ekwu.”

 

Also on the list are “Ministry of Business, Trade & Cooperatives- Patrick Uanseru; Ministry of Roads & Bridges- Ethan Osaze Uzamere; Ministry of Public Security and Safety- Kingsley Uwagbale, and Ministry of Environment and Sustainability- Joshua Omokhodion.”

 

Ogie added, “This notice takes immediate effect. All the commissioners are expected to resume at their various Ministries and begin to function in their various capacities.”

 

 

 

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT OF PORTFOLIOS TO NEW COMMISSIONERS

 

The Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the assignment of portfolios to the new Commissioners who were recently inaugurated as members of the Edo State Executive Council (EXCO).

 

The Commissioners and their portfolios are as follows:

 

1.  Ministry of Communication and Orientation – Christopher Osaretin Nehikhare

 

2.  Ministry of Education – Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe

 

3.  Ministry of Housing, Urban and Regional Planning & Development – Isoken Omo

 

4.  Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security – Stephen Ehikioya Idehenre

 

5.  Ministry of Justice/Attorney General – Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi

 

6.  Ministry of Health- Samuel Alli (Dr.)

 

7.  Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs – Monday Osaigbovo

 

8.  Ministry of Mining and Energy – Enaholo Ojiefo

 

9.  Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism – Uyi Oduwa-Malaka

 

10. Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning – Adaze Aguele-Kalu

 

11. Ministry of Social Development & Gender Issues – Christabel Omoh Ekwu

 

12. Ministry of Business, Trade & Cooperatives – Patrick Uanseru

 

13. Ministry of Roads & Bridges – Ethan Osaze Uzamere

 

14. Ministry of Public Security and Safety – Kingsley Uwagbale

 

15. Ministry of Environment and Sustainability – Joshua Omokhodion

 

 This notice takes immediate effect. All the commissioners are expected to resume at their various Ministries and begin to function in their various capacities.

 

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.