Nigeria Targets 70% Local Drug Production as Pate, Oduwole, Others Set for 8th Pharma Manufacturers Expo

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nigeria is stepping up its aggressive drive toward health sovereignty, with top federal officials, policymakers, and global industry stakeholders set to converge on Lagos for the 8th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo (NPME 2026).

Scheduled to hold from September 28 to 29, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, the high-profile event aims to galvanize efforts to slash the nation's reliance on imported medications and boost domestic production capacity to a ambitious 70 per cent target.

The two-day exhibition jointly organized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) and GPE Expo Pvt. Ltd. will be headlined by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Other notable dignitaries expected include the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; and the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Christianah Adeyeye. Operating under the theme *“Regional Manufacturing: Advancing Africa’s Pharma & Lifescience Sovereignty through Localization,”* the expo will run alongside the Nigeria Lab Expo, pulling participants from five continents.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the NPME Committee, Pharm. Patrick Ajah, emphasized that building native industrial capacity is non-negotiable for national security.

"The expo will provide a strategic platform for attracting foreign direct investment, facilitating technical partnerships, promoting local sourcing of raw materials and strengthening the capacity of Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers," Ajah stated.

Backing these projections, PMG-MAN Executive Secretary and CEO, Pharm. Frank Muonemeh, pointed out profound structural changes already sweeping the sector. Citing official NAFDAC metrics, Muonemeh noted that imported finished pharmaceutical products dropped significantly from 4.03 billion units down to 1.13 billion units, successfully driving the import-to-local ratio of essential medicines to an even 50:50 split.

Despite impressive strides including NAFDAC's attainment of WHO Maturity Level 3 local manufacturers continue to face heavy operational roadblocks. Muonemeh revealed that local drug makers expend over 40 percent of their revenue on electricity and alternative power generation alone, heavily crippling their global competitiveness against counterparts in Asia who spend under 10 percent.

Industry leaders are subsequently pressing the Federal Government for targeted interventions. Pharm. Olusola Akande, Executive Director of Drugfield Pharma Ltd, called for an expansion of tax exemptions and incentives covering Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Currently, existing interventions cater to barely 5 percent of required local raw materials.

Furthermore, PMG-MAN has formally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the current two-year Presidential Executive Order window to five years, offering manufacturers the long-term policy certainty required for heavy capital investments.

Sarkin Gobir Lailaba Champions Geneith Health Competition to Eradicate Malaria

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA – Traditional institutions have been called upon to take a front-row seat in public health advocacy, as the District Head of Lailaba and Sarkin Gobir Lailaba in Kebbi State, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Mera, officially endorsed the nationwide Geneith Health Competition.

The royal endorsement came on August 18, 2026, when the monarch received the competition’s Activator, Aminu Ahmad Zubairu, during a high-level courtesy visit to his palace.

During the engagement, Alhaji Mera stressed the urgent need for sustained investments, community mobilisation, and multisectoral collaboration to prevent malaria from regaining ground in vulnerable and underserved populations. Warning that complacency can easily reverse hard-won public health gains, the monarch emphasized that traditional structures remain vital to reaching deep into grassroots communities.

“With strong commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action, and community engagement, malaria can be defeated,” Alhaji Mera declared. “Malaria is a killer disease, and anything that supports its eradication is welcome. Our students are ready to take up the challenge and excel in this competition.”

The traditional ruler advocated for active youth involvement, noting that equipping students with health knowledge allows vital information to travel seamlessly from schoolrooms into homes and communities across Kebbi State. By turning students into active health ambassadors, the initiative aims to encourage early treatment and foster proactive preventive practices.

Responding to the royal endorsement, Activator Aminu Ahmad Zubairu expressed deep appreciation to the monarch, noting that royal blessings serve as a powerful catalyst to inspire students across the state.

Organised by [CEOAFRICA](https://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com/) in partnership with the Department of Public Health, and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited (powered by Coatal Forte Softgel), the competition engages secondary and tertiary students across state, regional, and national levels. With prizes, academic rewards, and scholarships valued at over ₦1 billion on the line, the initiative transforms students from passive listeners into vibrant change-makers.

The visionary behind the project and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Sunday Ilobanafor, reiterated that the campaign addresses one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic and health burdens.

“Malaria is Nigeria’s deadliest enemy, causing economic deprivation and loss of lives,” Prince Ilobanafor stated. “Through this competition, our goal is to see students become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria.”

TVT Unveils Mega National Programme for World Tourism Day 2026 in Lagos

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu 2027 (TVT) has announced plans to host a national tourism stakeholders' programme in Lagos State. Designed to commemorate World Tourism Day 2026, the event aims to assemble practitioners, hospitality leaders, and enthusiasts from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative was made public by the National Coordinator of TVT, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, on behalf of the National Central Working Council (NCWC). According to organizers, the choice of Lagos Nigeria's economic and entertainment capital serves as a strategic backdrop to demonstrate how domestic tourism, transport connectivity, and the creative economy can drive broad-based national development.

The forthcoming celebration is structured around four distinct pillars intended to combine recreation, media unveiling, and civic participation:

1. Tourism Train Ride for PBAT & KOH 2027: A special excursion designed to showcase the immense potential of rail transportation as a catalyst for domestic tourism, seamless regional connectivity, and heritage exploration.

2. Novelty Match for PBAT & KOH 2027: A friendly sports fixture bringing together tourism operators, hospitality stakeholders, and special guests to foster networking, friendship, and national unity.

3. Unveiling of Explore Nigeria Magazine: The official launch of a dedicated publication created to spotlight Nigeria’s hidden tourist destinations, cultural festivals, hospitality offerings, and lucrative investment opportunities.

4. Public Endorsement Programme: The grand finale where participating tourism players will formally articulate their political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) for a second term, alongside endorsing Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) as the preferred candidate for the next Governor of Lagos State.

Explaining the rationale behind choosing Lagos, the NCWC noted that the state remains a unique convergence point for diverse cultures, business networks, and entertainment hubs.

Expounding on the vision, Hon. Apata stated that “Lagos is not just our host state; Lagos is a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity, enterprise and tourism potential. Bringing stakeholders from across the country to Lagos for World Tourism Day is a statement of our belief that tourism can unite Nigeria while contributing significantly to economic growth and national development.”

Emphasizing the political and developmental objectives of the coalition, Apata further added “As Tourism Vanguard for Tinubu 2027, our national support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being extended to Lagos through our support for Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat. We believe that continuity, experience and progressive leadership are important to sustaining the gains and opportunities emerging across tourism, infrastructure, transportation, culture and the creative economy.”

The programme is projected to draw participants from key sectors, including hotel associations, travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies, transport unions, and creative industry groups. Operating under the banner of "36 States One Vision Endless Possibilities," the council invites all sector players to join the historic convergence.

Five Lives Lost in Head-On Collision Along Badagry Road

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Grief has enveloped the Badagry corridor following a devastating early morning crash on Saturday, August 22, 2026, which claimed the lives of five people. The fatal incident, involving a car and a heavy-duty truck, occurred near the Sawmill area close to the Mowo Bus Stop along the busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), a distress call was logged at 5:16 am, prompting the immediate deployment of the agency's Dolphin Team from the Igando base to the scene of the disaster.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered a mangled Toyota Camry bearing registration number FKJ 630KS and an Iveco truck with registration number T28081 LA.

In an official statement released on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that preliminary investigations pointed to excessive speed and dangerous driving as the primary catalysts for the tragedy.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by over-speeding and reckless driving on the part of the Toyota Camry driver. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veered into the opposite lane, and had a head-on collision with the oncoming Iveco truck,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

The sheer force of the impact proved fatal for all occupants of the lighter vehicle. "Regrettably, the impact of the collision resulted in the death of five adult males who were occupants of the Toyota Camry. The remains of the victims were carefully recovered, bagged with dignity, and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for further necessary action," the statement added.

A coordinated rescue effort was quickly mounted to manage traffic and clear the obstruction. Responding agencies at the scene included the LASEMA Dolphin Team, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the FRSC, and police operatives from the Morogbo Division.

Two heavy-duty tow trucks were deployed to remove the wreckage from the highway. The damaged vehicles were subsequently impounded at the Morogbo Police Division, and the expressway has since been cleared and reopened to regular traffic flow.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, Oke-Osanyintolu commiserated with the bereaved families and offered prayers for the repose of the departed souls.

He further issued a stern caution to motorists, urging them to desist from over-speeding, wrongful overtaking, and other hazardous driving habits especially during the early hours of the day when visibility and alertness can be compromised.

“Road safety remains a shared responsibility,” Oke-Osanyintolu noted, reaffirming LASEMA's dedication to prompt emergency response and robust inter-agency collaboration in alignment with the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda focused on safeguarding the lives and property of residents.

Iṣẹṣe Day 2026: Àhọ́lú of Agemowo Hails Lagos Govt, Declares Traditional Worship 'Original Faith'

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — As traditional worshippers mark Isese Day today, August 20, 2026, the Traditional Ruler of Agemowo Kingdom, HRM Àhọ́lú Solomon Jonah Egbenayon (Jakavi I, Owa Ajaka of Agemowo Kingdom), has lent his royal voice to the historic celebration. He described Isese as the foundational faith of the ancestors while applauding the Lagos State Government for institutionalizing a public holiday for the festival.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Journalist ahead of the festivities, the monarch emphasized that indigenous traditional worship predates all foreign religions and remains a vital pillar of cultural identity.

"Isese is our original faith inherited directly from our forefathers. It is an important part of our identity and heritage that we must all appreciate and actively preserve," Àhọ́lú Egbenayon stated.

Addressing long-standing stigmas associated with traditional religion, the royal father strongly dismissed claims linking Isese to human sacrifice. He urged the general public to discard such negative misconceptions, clarifying that the faith centers on harmony, morality, and reverence for nature and the creator.

Furthermore, the Owa Ajaka challenged practitioners of the faith to serve as exemplary ambassadors. He stressed that as custodians of the tradition, traditional rulers and adherents must embody high moral standards to project a positive image of the religion.

Commending the leadership in Lagos State for recognizing August 20 as an official public holiday, the monarch noted that the move is a monumental step toward safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting religious inclusivity.

As part of today's celebrations, HRM Egbenayon revealed that he has initiated traditional rites to appease the deities in Agemowo Kingdom, offering fervent prayers for peace, security, and national unity.

"We are offering special prayers for stability and prosperity across Badagry, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large, particularly seeking divine intervention against kidnapping and other social vices plaguing our nation," he added.

Celebrations are currently underway across various communities in Lagos, with cultural displays, lectures, and traditional prayers highlighting the significance of the day.

US Evangelist Clayton W. Gunderson Set For Crusade in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, NIGERIA — The historic coastal city of Badagry is bracing for an unprecedented spiritual awakening as preparations reach a fever pitch for the upcoming Badagry Miracle Crusade. The preacher at the international event is an American evangelist Clayton W. Gunderson, who is bringing a powerful message of faith across the Atlantic.

Scheduled for August 27th to 30th, 2026, the four-day spiritual gathering will take place at the scenic Lagoon Front, Ganho Quarters, Badagry, kicking off daily at 4:00 PM. Operating under the compelling theme, "The Power of the Gospel,” the crusade promises dynamic worship, fervent prayers, and transformative encounters.

Gunderson’s highly anticipated arrival introduces a vibrant international dimension to the crusade. As the president of Florida-based Clay Gunderson Ministries Inc. established in 2021 Gunderson has spent years championing impactful evangelistic outreaches in the United States. Now, he is bringing that same passion to West Africa, joining a diverse lineup of revered ministers converging from Nigeria, the United States, and Argentina.

Local organizers and residents alike are filled with high expectations as the city prepares to host thousands of seekers and believers.

"Badagry is standing at the threshold of a historic spiritual visitation," shared an event coordinator. "With global voices like Evangelist Clayton W. Gunderson joining our local and international ministers, we are anticipating a massive outpouring of grace, healing, and the undiluted power of the Gospel."

-Dates: August 27th – 30th, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM daily

Venue: Lagoon Front, Ganho Quarters, Badagry

Theme: The Power of the Gospel

Attendees can look forward to powerful nightly sermons led by Gunderson and fellow global evangelists, dynamic praise and worship sessions, and dedicated prayer ministrations tailored to personal and community breakthroughs.

As the countdown to August 27th continues, excitement fills the air. For Badagry, a city steeped in deep historical roots, this crusade marks a powerful new chapter centered on hope, unity, and global fellowship.

Badagry Customs Intercepts N365M Worth of Expired Noodles, Explosives, and Contraband

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, NIGERIA — In a blow to cross-border smuggling syndicates, operatives of the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a massive haul of contraband goods valued at an estimated N365.16 million.

The staggering seizure highlighted by 1,306 bags of decomposing, expired noodles and 3,300 live cartridges of explosive materials underscores the relentless security threats facing Nigeria’s transit corridors and the vigilant stance of national border authorities.

The breakthrough was officially announced by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, during a high-profile press briefing held at the command headquarters in Seme, Badagry.

Detailing the operations, Comptroller Kaila revealed that the monumental seizures were the direct result of proactive, intelligence-driven anti-smuggling tactics designed to choke off illicit supply chains before harmful goods could infiltrate domestic markets.

Among the most alarming discoveries was a cargo truck that attempted to bypass security under a fraudulent manifest.

"The expired noodles were discovered in a truck that had been deceptively declared as carrying legitimate food items," Comptroller Kaila stated.

"Upon physical examination, our officers found 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, with some already deteriorated, infested, and visibly decomposing."

Health experts have repeatedly warned that the consumption of such expired food waste poses severe public health risks, ranging from acute food poisoning to long-term organ damage.

Equally concerning was the interception of 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials, which posed an immediate and catastrophic threat to national security. Confirming the handoff, Kaila noted that the dangerous ordnance had been immediately transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit for secure custody and a comprehensive forensic investigation.

Beyond the hazardous food and explosives, the Seme Area Command's comprehensive sweep netted a wide array of prohibited and regulated items destined for illegal distribution. The inventory includes: 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 373 parcels of illicit Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking (250mg) 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol (250mg), 310,000 sticks of Time and Yes cigarettes.

Comptroller Kaila emphasized that these aggressive operations reflect the command’s unyielding commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting citizens from dangerous consumables, and defending the nation's territorial integrity.

"These seizures demonstrate the command’s unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting public health, and preventing prohibited and dangerous items from gaining entry into the country," Kaila affirmed.

In tandem with its stringent anti-smuggling triumphs, the Seme Command also posted impressive financial milestones. Kaila revealed that the command generated N19.84 billion in revenue during the review period, marking a significant surge compared to the N15.94 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

He credited this revenue growth to heightened compliance enforcement, robust intelligence-led operations, and a collaborative ethos among sister security and regulatory agencies.

In accordance with the statutory provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, all intercepted consignments and seized non-hazardous goods have been handed over to relevant regulatory and law enforcement partners for appropriate legal action and disposal.