Category: News

Rivers state govt warns against use of Detergent and other harmful chemicals in ‘Fufu’ production

The Rivers State government has warned against the use of detergent and other harmful chemicals in the production of ‘fufu’ in the state.

‘Fufu’, just like rice is a staple in many Nigerian homes. It is made from fermented cassava and pounded into a smooth, stretchy dough to be enjoyed with any Nigerian soup.

In a public health advisory issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, the state Ministry of Health said recent reports from a radio station in the state indicated that some individuals were using detergent as an additive to speed up processing and increase profit margins in ‘Fufu’ production.

The advisory, which was signed by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Ndubisi Akpuh, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said the practice poses serious health risks and is strictly prohibited.

The statement reads in part.

“The Rivers State Ministry of Health strongly warns against the use of detergent or other harmful chemicals in the production of Fufu.

Recent reports from a radio station in the state indicate that some individuals are using detergent as an additive to speed up processing and increase profit margins in Fufu production. This practice poses serious health risks and is strictly prohibited.

Detergents are not consumable items. Detergents contain harsh chemicals that can cause poisoning thereby leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Prolonged ingestion of detergent can damage vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

The chemicals in detergents can cause severe irritation, ulcers, and internal bleeding in the digestive. Many detergents contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may lead to reproductive issues and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.

The use of detergents in food processing undermines food safety and can lead to widespread health crises, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The use of non-food-grade substances in food production violates national and international food safety regulations. Offenders risk legal action, including fines, business shutdowns, and imprisonment.

Use only approved food-grade ingredients and follow best practices in food hygiene and safety. Consumers: Be vigilant and report any suspicious food production practices to relevant health authorities.

The Ministry of Health will work with other regulatory stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and enforcement to uphold food safety standards. Food safety is a collective responsibility.

Let us all work together to ensure that our food is safe and free from harmful chemicals. Say NO to using detergents in Fufu and other food production!”

During Wednesday’s parliamentary session, UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer launched a criticisng attack on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, accusing her of seeking attention at any cost.

Starmer branded Badenoch a “self-appointed saviour of Western civilisation” who is “desperate for relevance.”

His remarks came in response to Badenoch’s claims about Starmer following her advice to cut foreign aid while scrutinising the defence budget.

Badenoch argued that Starmer had taken a cue from her on reducing aid spending, while raising concerns over the funding allocated to defence.

She said: “Over the weekend I suggested to the Prime Minister that he cut the aid budget, and I am pleased that he accepted my advice. It’s the fastest response I’ve ever had from the prime minister.

“However, he announced £13.4 billion of additional defence spending yesterday. This morning, his defence secretary said the uplift is only £6bn. Which is the correct figure?”

Responding to Badenoch, Starmer said: “I’m going to have to let the leader of the opposition down gently. She didn’t feature in my thinking at all. I was so busy over the weekend I didn’t even see her proposal.

“She’s appointed herself, I think, the saviour of Western civilisation. It’s a desperate search for relevance. If you take the numbers for this financial year, and then the numbers for financial year 27/28, that’s a £13.4bn increase—the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.”

Jamaican dancehall artist, Adidja Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel, said he has forgiven his wife, Tanesha Johnson for her alleged infidelity during his 13-year prison sentence.

In episode 443 of the Drink Champs podcast, Kartel shared that he discovered Tanesha’s infidelity from his other baby mama while he was in prison, which left him in tears.

Despite the revelation, the singer maintained his respect for her, recognising her humanity and stating that he “forgave” her as soon as he found out.

“But I still respect her because I understand [she is a] human being… I forgave her immediately because I understand, but I just had to move on,” he said.

The music star stated that his wife remained supportive despite his imprisonment, emphasising her years of loyalty before finally weakening.

“She was there right through, but come on, I am in prison for f**king 13 years; what do you expect her to do? Like, save the p**sy?” Kartel added.

Tanesha Johnson is a major part of the dancehall star’s life, well-known in public as his longtime girlfriend and mother of his children.

While in prison, she is a constant public supporter, maintaining the domestic relationship in existence despite his imprisonment.

Vybz Kartel was released from prison in August 2024 after being incarcerated on charges of two alleged murders, one of which resulted in a conviction and imprisonment.

The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)has charged one Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo before Justice E. N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu for alleged fraud.

The lawyer is facing prosecution on a one-count charge, bordering on stealing by conversion to the tune of N41million.

His arraignment was contained in a statement shared on the official X handle of the anti-graft agency, on Thursday, February 27.

The statement reads: “The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo before Justice E. N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu for fraud.

“He is facing prosecution on a one-count charge, bordering on stealing by conversion to the tune of N41million. The offence is contrary to Section 342 of CAP 30, Criminal Code Law of Enugu State and punishable under Section 353 (L) of the same Law.

“He pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional facility, while the defendant, who appeared for himself, applied that he be allowed to continue enjoying an earlier bail granted to him by Justice H. O. Eya of the same court, on the same matter.

“After listening to both sides, Justice Oluedo granted the defendant’s application and adjourned the matter to May 13, 14 and 15, 2025 for trial.

“The defendant was initially arraigned before Justice Eya of the same court on June 23, 2022. He pleaded ‘not guilty’ and was granted bail.”

The Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has uncovered an illegal storage points of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers State.

The suspected stolen crude oil were stored in cellophane nylons, jerrycans and dug-in reservoirs.

The products in the dug-in reservoirs was channeled to an illegal refining cooking site in Adobi forest, Rivers state.

This was revealed via a post on the NSCDC X handle, on Wednesday, February 26.

The caption reads: “NSCDC CG’s SIS discovers an illegal storage point of suspected stolen crude oil, packaged inside cellophane nylons, jerrycans, and dug-in reservoirs, and being channeled to an illegal refining cooking site at Adobi Forest, Odagwa Community, Etche LGA, Rivers State.”

Lagos State will soon intervene to regulate the outrageous house rent and other fees required from tenants to rent a house in the state.

Jubril A. Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Lagos State Governor, disclosed this on X.

He shared a copy of a bill in the Enugu State House of Assembly which seeks to place a cap on excessive rent charges in thr South Eastern State.

In his caption, Gawat wrote: “Lagos … Coming Soon.

“A Very strong issue but must be well discussed and implemented, after deliberation by the Lagos House of Assembly.”

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised the alarm over threats to her life and the safety of agency staff, calling on authorities to protect them as they navigate hazardous conditions in their duties.

She also advocated for the death penalty for those involved in the production and sale of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.

Speaking at a State House briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in an ongoing crackdown against substandard and fake pharmaceutical products.

The NAFDAC boss revealed that the agency’s intensified enforcement efforts had resulted in the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products. Among the confiscated items were USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other compromised medical supplies.

She described the large-scale operation, which targeted Nigeria’s three major open drug markets, as the biggest in NAFDAC’s history. The operation was executed in:

Prof. Adeyeye estimated that the value of the seized items was at least N1 trillion, but noted that further assessment could reveal a higher figure.

The NAFDAC DG recounted how staff members had faced kidnapping attempts and physical threats due to their work.

“I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago. One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job. Fortunately, the child escaped,” she revealed.

“For me, I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life. I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. That’s not my way of living, but I don’t have a choice because we must save our country. Nonetheless, I also use common sense.”

Akunyili’s Legacy and the Battle Against Fake Drugs

The threats facing Prof. Adeyeye mirror those encountered by Prof. Dora Akunyili, who led NAFDAC from 2001 to 2009 and became a target of drug cartels due to her relentless fight against counterfeit drugs.

Akunyili’s motivation stemmed from the death of her sister, who died after receiving fake insulin. Her campaigns led to the closure of open-air drug markets and the confiscation of fake drugs, drawing numerous threats and even an assassination attempt in 2003.

Like Akunyili, Prof. Adeyeye remains determined to eradicate the fake drug menace despite the dangers involved.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the need for stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for those endangering lives through fake drugs.

She urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws to curb the life-threatening trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC continues to intensify its enforcement actions nationwide, with the goal of protecting public health and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.

Vanguard

Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, and convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), Jerry Eze, has shared a testimony of how God saved him and his team from a plane crash after the prayer programme.

During a church service, Pastor Jerry recounted that the incident occurred after the NSPPD Prayer Conference in Lagos.

He explained that while on board, he felt a restless spirit and requested to see the pilot.

However, he recounted that God told him to commence prayers while onboard.

Upon arrival, the plane crash-landed with its tires bursting, but miraculously, everyone on the flight escaped unhurt.

He said: “Saturday morning after the NSPPD prayer conference in Lagos we got on a flight and as soon as we got on the flight coming back, before we even took off the air hostess I just requested to see the pilot.

“The air hostess walked up to me and he said papa you are not comfortable, I said my spirit is not accepting the pilot. But the air hostess said, ‘No sir’, I said ‘no problem let’s go’. But for some reasons, the spirit of God said ‘begin to pray’. And I kept praying. Everything went haywire. Then suddenly, we heard a loud Gboahhh! They it’s hard landing, they said it’s crash landing, they said whatever it is.

“But when we came out of the plane, all the tires of the plane had burst. But everyone of us came out, nothing missing, nothing broken!.”

The Senate has referred the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review.

The referral of Natasha for disciplinary review followed a recent heated exchange with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on February 20.

The panel is expected to submit its report to the upper legislative chamber within two weeks.

The upper legislative chamber reached the resolution during plenary on Tuesday, February 25.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has urged Nigerians to seek additional sources of income amid economic hardship facing the country.

He gave the advise while featuring on a program on Channels Television, on Tuesday, February 25.

He said: “Find something else to augment your income. You cannot live on one income.

“If you find a farm land near you, cultivate it, grow your crops, so that it can reduce your expenses and so on.

“These are practical things you can do to survive the present economy, people just have to find solutions on their own to do this.”