The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for the death penalty for individuals involved in drug peddling, especially those responsible for producing and selling fake or substandard medicines.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this demand on Friday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. She argued that only severe punishments would deter offenders, particularly when their actions lead to fatalities, especially among children.

Fake Drugs Are Silent Killers

Adeyeye recounted an incident where a children’s medicine was sold at N13,000 by one vendor but at N3,000 by another. When the cheaper version was tested at NAFDAC’s Kaduna laboratory, it was found to contain no active ingredients.

Expressing her frustration, she declared:

“You don’t need to put a gun to a child’s head to kill them. Just give them bad medicine. That’s why I want the death penalty.”

Weak Penalties Encouraging Drug Crimes

The NAFDAC boss also criticized lenient punishments for drug-related offenses. She cited an example where a trafficker was caught with 225mg of Tramadol, a dose capable of causing death or brain damage, yet only faced a five-year prison sentence or a fine of N250,000.

She argued that such mild penalties are ineffective deterrents, as offenders can easily afford the fines.

“Who doesn’t know that a person can simply withdraw N250,000 from an ATM? That is part of our problem — there are no strict measures to stop offenders from repeating the same crime,” she lamented.

NAFDAC Seeks Legislative and Judicial Backing

Adeyeye stressed that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines requires the cooperation of the judiciary and the National Assembly. She revealed that NAFDAC is currently working with lawmakers to push for stricter laws and stiffer penalties for offenders.

“If our laws are not strong enough or the judiciary is not firm in its stance, we will continue to face this challenge. If you kill a child with bad medicine, you deserve to die.”

The proposal has sparked debates on the appropriate punishment for drug peddlers, with some supporting harsh penalties to curb the menace, while others argue for reform-based approaches.

Thirteen patients from the United States have come to Nigeria for kidney transplants at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre.

This is according to Vice President Kashim Shettima who observed that Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries thronging the nation’s hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.

The Vice President attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.

Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, VP Shettima stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.

He said: “There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals. Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world.”

The Vice President praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

Shettima however noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom sell their homes or rely on government support to afford transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighbourhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno State as Governor, he took 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, said the conference with the theme, “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.

The association also announced plans to honour Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and manufacturers of dialysis consumables.

As part of its commitment to improving healthcare access, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently partnered with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to perform a successful kidney transplant.

Other members of the delegation included the Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the NAN Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven

Priscilla, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, has tied the knot with Tanzanian artist Juma Jux in an Islamic ceremony held in Tanzania on Friday.

Videos and photos from the event were shared on an Instagram page dedicated to the couple, jux.priscy, on Friday.

The ceremony was attended by close friends and family, including social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tanzanian singer Diamond Platinumz, and his wife.

PUNCH reported in September 2024 that Iyabo Ojo confirmed Priscilla’s engagement to Juma Jux with photos and videos of the pair circulating online.

The artist had also visited Nigeria to spend some time with the Ojo family, during which he joined Priscilla to embrace the Yoruba culture by donning matching traditional attire for a photo shoot.

Iyabo Ojo left Nigeria on Wednesday for Tanzania alongside Enioluwa, where she was welcomed by her daughter and in-laws.

This Islamic ceremony is believed by many to be the first of the planned events, with fans eagerly awaiting a celebration in Nigeria.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that none of the 30 proposals for new states met the requirements of Section 8 of the Constitution.

Kalu, in a statement issued Friday by his media office, clarified that the parliament has not taken a position on the issue.

He explained that to create a new state, the Constitution requires two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, the House of Representatives, state houses of assembly, and local governments.

Kalu said the National Assembly was committed to following the procedure and is inviting the applicants to resubmit their proposals once they’ve complied with the constitutional guidelines.

He said: “We are the people’s parliament. We are not taking any position on the issue of creation of states. We have heard a lot of people giving different narratives to the letter that was read.

“Let me clear the dust.

“During the Ninth Assembly, we received more requests for state creation and some of them came through private member bills. Some came from the memoranda we called for and in this Tenth Assembly, we have received 30, not 31.

“I think, on that list, they repeated Ibadan State twice. It is 30 that we have received.

“As we speak, none of these 30 proposals have met the requirements of Section 8 and that was why we decided to bring it to the notice of Nigerians that your application before us is ineffective.

“Therefore, you need to comply with Section 8 so that when we don’t consider the state creation request, you will know where it emanated from.

“So, the notice to the public is that you have between now and March 5 to enable you cure the gaps in your application for state creation.”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, marked his 70th birthday on Friday, taking to social media to express gratitude for the milestone.

Owoh, posting on his Instagram page (@osuofia_nkemowoh), wrote: “Chi efogo, and it is my 70th birthday. What else can I say? To God be all the glory. Special thanks to you all for being part of this journey. I love you all.”

Several Nollywood stars and entertainment figures flooded the comment section with well wishes:

Uche Elendu: “Happy birthday, my John Bull… 70 looks amazing on you, uncle.”

L

Susan Peters: “Happy birthday.”

Shan George: “Happy birthday, uncle Nkem. May your days be long and your bones be strong. More grace, sir.”

Freddie Leonard: “Happy birthday, Icon Living.”

Brighto (BBNaija): “Happy birthday to you, sir. Congratulations for coming this far.”

A legacy in Nollywood

Born on February 7, 1955, Nkem Owoh has had a distinguished career as an actor, comedian, and singer.

He won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2008 for his performance in Stronger than Pain.

In 2017, he was honored with the AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award, further cementing his legacy in the Nollywood industry.

His unique comedic style and memorable roles, especially in the classic movie Osuofia in London, have made him a household name in African cinema

Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, has confirmed his relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.

Speaking on TODAY on February 4, Gates shared, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. So we’re having fun, going to the Olympics and lots of great things.”

The couple has been publicly spotted together at sporting events since 2022 but did not confirm their relationship until 2023, according to a source close to the couple.

Since then, they have been seen attending the 2024 Olympics, a Baylor University basketball game, and walking the red carpet together.

Who is Paula Hurd?

Paula Hurd was married to Mark Hurd until his passing in 2019. The couple shared two daughters and were major supporters of Baylor University, Mark Hurd’s alma mater.

In 2018, the Hurds contributed one of the largest donations in the university’s history, leading to the construction of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.

“Our family is absolutely thrilled with the Hurd Welcome Center,” Paula Hurd stated in 2023.

“When we made this gift, Mark had a vision for how a welcome experience could transform this corner of campus, and the outcome has by far exceeded our expectations and dreams.”

Beyond the Welcome Center, the Hurds also played a key role in funding Baylor’s Hurd Tennis Center, recognized as one of the top college tennis facilities in the country. More recently, Paula Hurd donated $7 million toward the new Baylor Basketball Pavilion, which will feature a Mark and Paula Hurd Floor.

Businesswoman and philanthropy

Paula Hurd graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She went on to have a successful career in sales and service leadership roles at NCR Corporation in Dallas and Dayton, Ohio, working for nearly two decades. As vice president of services, she managed global strategic partnerships.

Over the past 20 years, she has been actively involved in fundraising for various nonprofit organizations, supporting educational and healthcare initiatives. Her philanthropic efforts and dedication to higher education have left a significant impact, especially at Baylor University.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited over 6,200 skilled workers through the Express Entry system in 2025. The latest draw issued 455 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802 and had to submit their Express Entry profile before 7:39 PM UTC on December 7, 2024.

This draw represents another step in Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled talent through its immigration system.

According to TravelBiz, this is the fourth Express Entry draw of the year. Candidates invited in this round must have a minimum CRS score of 802 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before December 7, 2024.

Summary of 2025 express entry draws

In total, the IRCC has issued 6,276 ITAs through the Express Entry system since the beginning of the year. The breakdown of draws is as follows:

February 4th – Provincial Nominee Program (455 ITAs, CRS score of 802)

January 23rd – Canadian Experience Class (4,000 ITAs, CRS score of 527)

January 8th – Canadian Experience Class (1,350 ITAs, CRS score of 542)

January 7th – Provincial Nominee Program (471 ITAs, CRS score of 793)

These draws show IRCC’s focus on selecting candidates with specific skills, including those in healthcare, trades, and those with French-language proficiency.

IRCC’s focus on targeted draws

Reports inform that since July 2024, IRCC has prioritized targeted draws, including those for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based selection draws.

These changes align with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025, which aims to balance economic and demographic needs by selecting candidates with relevant skills. 

The key categories for the Express Entry draw in 2025 are:

Healthcare

Trades

French-language proficiency

By prioritizing these categories, Canada hopes to address specific labour shortages and improve the overall economy.

The Express Entry system manages applications for three main economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates must first create an Express Entry profile, which is then ranked based on the CRS score.

The score is determined by factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence (PR).

Express entry fees for 2025

Applicants for Express Entry must pay processing fees when applying for permanent residence. The breakdown of fees for 2025 is as follows:

Primary applicant (with RPRF): $1,525 CAD

Primary applicant (without RPRF): $950 CAD

Spouse/partner (with RPRF): $1,525 CAD

Spouse/partner (without RPRF): $950 CAD

Dependent child (per child): $260 CAD

Additional costs may apply for biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates. Ensure all fees are paid when submitting your application to avoid delays.

Processing & approval timeline

IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within six months. If approved, applicants must land in Canada to complete the process and obtain permanent residence.

Skilled workers are encouraged to stay informed on CRS score trends and category-based draws to improve their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

Nigerian singer Portable has made an emotional appeal to fans for prayers and support amidst a difficult situation with the authorities.

The government recently sealed his uncompleted building and hotel due to unauthorized development, leading to the detention of some of his customers and workers.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the controversial singer expressed his concerns, “Zazuu Zeh. I need to protect my family and property first. London see you later, no be today man dey travel dey make money.

“Music is my way, if life dey, man go still go many places. Eyin fans me all I need now is prayer and support. If you spoil me for who love me, you go dey die young. Make una sha support me. Make I dey free my people wey dey back, na help I dey help them.”

“On God my glory go kill my enemy. I believe in God. Any disappointment is a blessing, Man no be God.”

The incident reportedly stemmed from the sealing of Portable’s uncompleted hotel and building by the ministry over illegal development without necessary permits.

Portable had called out the government officers for arresting his customers and vandalizing his bar.

Nigerian passport holders can travel to 45 countries worldwide without needing a visa, according to a recent travel update.

This offers a convenient option for those looking to travel without the hassle of visa applications.

Of these 45 countries, 27 allow visa-free entry, while others provide options like visa-on-arrival or require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The entry requirements vary by country, making international travel easier for Nigerians.

This update, sourced from Visaindex, highlights the growing opportunities for Nigerian citizens.

With access to countries across different continents, Nigerians can travel for tourism, business, or family visits with less red tape.

The Gambia

In 2019, The Gambia declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travelers. The policy extends to visitors from Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and even select Baltic states. This openness has significantly boosted tourism and trade in the West African nation.

Benin

Inspired by Rwanda’s openness, President Patrice Talon announced in 2019 that Benin would eliminate visa restrictions for all Africans. This decision has strengthened Benin’s position as a hub for West African commerce and travel.

Kenya

In October 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto declared that by the end of the year, Kenya would eliminate visa restrictions for all African travelers. The goal? To enhance trade, strengthen economic ties, and position Kenya as a leader in African interconnectivity.

Rwanda

In November 2023, Rwanda announced its visa-free entry policy for all African nationals. President Paul Kagame emphasized that any African could now travel to Rwanda without paying a fee, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a top tourist destination in Africa.

Ghana

Ghana recently joined the ranks of visa-free African nations, opening its doors to travelers from across the continent. This decision aligns with Ghana’s vision of becoming a major hub for trade, investment, and tourism in West Africa. The move is expected to attract business professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists alike, strengthening Ghana’s economic position.

Others include:

Barbados, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Cook Islands, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Dominica, Fiji, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Liberia, Mali, Micronesia, Montserrat, Niger, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Vanuatu.

The buses, distributed through the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Students’ Engagement, Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, were expected to promote a more efficient and affordable transportation system for students.

Speaking during the hand-over of the busses on Friday, Asefon said the initiative was part of a broader promise made by President Tinubu to support students in Nigeria.

Asefon emphasised that while the gesture was significant, it was just the beginning, noting that in the past, some students had to hire buses at exorbitant costs, sometimes up to N200,000 to events.

According to him, with the new buses, students will only pay a token fee, making it much more affordable. “The buses are not just for transport, they also provide students with the confidence that they are using vehicles dedicated to their needs.”

Additionally, Comrade Asefon stated that the maintenance of the buses will be closely monitored, with any issues to be promptly addressed by his office. He said schools will also take responsibility for maintaining buses stationed at their campuses, ensuring the longevity of the initiative.

The President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the unprecedented move, stating that it would significantly ease the cost of transportation for Nigerian students.

He stated that the initiative is the first of its kind in NANS’ history, with over 20 buses being distributed to various zones.

He emphasised that the achievement was made possible through constructive dialogue and leadership, without the need for protests.

“It is going to be very useful to Nigeria students, it will ease the cost of transportation in their campuses.

“So, we are happy and I want to thank the President for this gesture, and this is the first time it has ever happened in the history of NANS, since NANS has been founded,” Emonefe stated.