Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Sen. Godswill Akpabio has led a delegation of elders and
political leaders from Akwa Ibom to visit President Muhammadu
Buhari.

President Buhari who received the delegation on Monday at the
Presidential villa, assured them that the construction of section 5
of the East-West road from Oron (Akwa Ibom) to Calabar (Cross
Rivers) to be funded under the forum on China-Africa cooperation
has been approved.

He also told the delegation that other road projects worth
billions of naira for the south-south geo-political zone had been
captured in the 2019 budget.

“Meanwhile, to complete the Cross River, Akwa Ibom Abia axis of
the road I have directed the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and
Housing as well as the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to
provide in the 2019 budget the dualisation of Ikot-Ekpene – Aba
axis of the federal highway covering the three states.

PRESIDENT BUHARI AKWA IBOM ELDER
STATESMEN 10B. L-R Former Majority Leader and Former Governor of
the State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Muhammadu Buhari,
National President of Christian Youth Leaders, Pastor Jerome Imeime
and SSAP Senator Ita Enang after an audience with Akwa Ibom Elder
Statesmen held at the Council Chamber, State House Abuja. PHOTO;

Please recall also that railway projects also cover your state
as well as other South – South and South East states of the
country.

“I also wish to inform you that the construction of section 5 of
the East West road, Oron – Calabar (Cross River state) a major
priority project to be funded under the forum on China – Africa
Cooperation, arrangement with Chinese government, has received
approval,’’ he said.

He also announced that the construction of a power sub-station
in Ibiono, Akwa Ibom was in progress.

According to him, the electricity project when completed would
boost power supply to adjoining Local Government Areas and parts
Cross Rivers.

He reassured that no part of the country would be left out in
the provision of infrastructural facilities.

He said: “I have taken note of your appreciation of the
appointments into the federal service from your state and let me
assure you that I shall continue to be fair and equitable in
federal appointments to all states of the country.”

On infrastructure, President Buhari thanked members of the
delegation for appreciating the award of various road projects in
the Akwa Ibom and the South – South zone of the country.

The President, who expressed satisfaction for the appreciation
shown by the delegation, said such gesture would motivate his
administration to offer more service to Nigerians.

Earlier, Akpabio said that he along with thousands of indigenes
of Akwa Ibom defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to
the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the leadership style
of President Buhari and the achievements so far recorded by his
administration.

Akpabio, who was the Senate Minority leader before his defection
to the APC in August, said that his heart was with President Buhari
in the 2015 election despite the fact he was a member of the
PDP.

He lamented that throughout the PDP’s 16 years in office at the
federal level, there was not even one kilometre road project by the
federal government in the state.

He expressed the hope that Akwa Ibom would be the first state
from South South that will be won by the APC in the 2019 general
elections, stressing that already what remained of the PDP in the
state was mere carcass as the body and soul of the party had joined
the APC.

He said: “I can predict that the first state in Nigeria to fall
to the APC in 2019 Presidential election is Akwa Ibom State, no one
can controvert this.

“l still speak with authority because I have my People’s backing
to pronounce what I have just pronounced, victory is for APC and
victory is for Mr. President come 2019 in Akwa Ibom State.”

The senator said that over 260,000 new members had registered
with the APC after him and some other people dumped the PDP.

He assured the president that no single indigene of South South
would vote against President Buhari in 2019,

The APC leader in Akwa Ibom, Chief Don Etiebet, who also
commended President Buhari for appointing some indigenes of the
state to strategic positions, traced the mass defection to APC in
Akwa Ibom to the political ties between the region and the
north.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio has led a delegation of elders and
political leaders from Akwa Ibom to visit President Muhammadu
Buhari.

President Buhari who received the delegation on Monday at the
Presidential villa, assured them that the construction of section 5
of the East-West road from Oron (Akwa Ibom) to Calabar (Cross
Rivers) to be funded under the forum on China-Africa cooperation
has been approved.

He also told the delegation that other road projects worth
billions of naira for the south-south geo-political zone had been
captured in the 2019 budget.

“Meanwhile, to complete the Cross River, Akwa Ibom Abia axis of
the road I have directed the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and
Housing as well as the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to
provide in the 2019 budget the dualisation of Ikot-Ekpene – Aba
axis of the federal highway covering the three states.

PRESIDENT BUHARI AKWA IBOM ELDER
STATESMEN 10B. L-R Former Majority Leader and Former Governor of
the State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Muhammadu Buhari,
National President of Christian Youth Leaders, Pastor Jerome Imeime
and SSAP Senator Ita Enang after an audience with Akwa Ibom Elder
Statesmen held at the Council Chamber, State House Abuja. PHOTO;

Please recall also that railway projects also cover your state
as well as other South – South and South East states of the
country.

“I also wish to inform you that the construction of section 5 of
the East West road, Oron – Calabar (Cross River state) a major
priority project to be funded under the forum on China – Africa
Cooperation, arrangement with Chinese government, has received
approval,’’ he said.

He also announced that the construction of a power sub-station
in Ibiono, Akwa Ibom was in progress.

According to him, the electricity project when completed would
boost power supply to adjoining Local Government Areas and parts
Cross Rivers.

He reassured that no part of the country would be left out in
the provision of infrastructural facilities.

He said: “I have taken note of your appreciation of the
appointments into the federal service from your state and let me
assure you that I shall continue to be fair and equitable in
federal appointments to all states of the country.”

On infrastructure, President Buhari thanked members of the
delegation for appreciating the award of various road projects in
the Akwa Ibom and the South – South zone of the country.

The President, who expressed satisfaction for the appreciation
shown by the delegation, said such gesture would motivate his
administration to offer more service to Nigerians.

Earlier, Akpabio said that he along with thousands of indigenes
of Akwa Ibom defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to
the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the leadership style
of President Buhari and the achievements so far recorded by his
administration.

Akpabio, who was the Senate Minority leader before his defection
to the APC in August, said that his heart was with President Buhari
in the 2015 election despite the fact he was a member of the
PDP.

He lamented that throughout the PDP’s 16 years in office at the
federal level, there was not even one kilometre road project by the
federal government in the state.

He expressed the hope that Akwa Ibom would be the first state
from South South that will be won by the APC in the 2019 general
elections, stressing that already what remained of the PDP in the
state was mere carcass as the body and soul of the party had joined
the APC.

He said: “I can predict that the first state in Nigeria to fall
to the APC in 2019 Presidential election is Akwa Ibom State, no one
can controvert this.

“l still speak with authority because I have my People’s backing
to pronounce what I have just pronounced, victory is for APC and
victory is for Mr. President come 2019 in Akwa Ibom State.”

The senator said that over 260,000 new members had registered
with the APC after him and some other people dumped the PDP.

He assured the president that no single indigene of South South
would vote against President Buhari in 2019,

The APC leader in Akwa Ibom, Chief Don Etiebet, who also
commended President Buhari for appointing some indigenes of the
state to strategic positions, traced the mass defection to APC in
Akwa Ibom to the political ties between the region and the
north.

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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.