In a renewed effort to protect public health and safeguard citizens from harmful products, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in collaboration with the Edo State Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has initiated the appointment of national task force officials to curb the spread of illicit drugs, counterfeit medicines, and unwholesome processed foods across the country.
In line with the SHINE Agenda, the Edo State Government has embraced the initiative to further strengthen enforcement and compliance with public health standards. Consequently, the State inaugurated its Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhile who was inaugurated as the Chairman of Edo State Task Force, on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food, who is also the Commissioner for Health, described the circulation of harmful drugs and unhealthy foods as a serious threat to human existence.
He noted that the menace kills silently, weakens the healthcare system, erodes public trust, and disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable.
Dr. Oshiomhole stressed that the inauguration was not a ceremonial event, but a call to action to eliminate all forms of health-threatening substances in the State. He pledged that the task force would operate with professionalism, integrity, and transparency, and expressed readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies, manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary to dismantle networks profiting from human suffering.
He also thanked the Federal and Edo State Governments for their support in the fight against counterfeit drugs and unwholesome products.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the NAFDAC South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Oligbu Chukwuma Philip, gave an overview of the enforcement initiative and its objectives.
He described the task force as a key regulatory framework aimed at strengthening enforcement, coordinating intelligence gathering, sustaining public education, and promoting community engagement to protect public health.
Also speaking, the Edo State NAFDAC Coordinator, Mrs. Esther Itua, said the fight against counterfeit drugs and unwholesome processed foods cannot be tackled by NAFDAC alone.
She noted that with the collaborative efforts of the newly inaugurated task force, significant progress can be achieved in protecting the health and safety of citizens in Edo State.
The high point of the event was the swearing-in of members of the Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods by NAFDAC’s Legal Officer, Investigation and Enforcement, Barr. Adumen Jumbo Washington, Esq.
Edopkayi Adesuwa
Public Relations Officer
