NAFDAC To Men: Stop Using Recalled PrimeZen Performance Enhancement Capsule

By

-

May 15, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned male Consumers to desist from using the recalled PrimeZen Black 6000mg, a Performance Enhancement Capsule.

The drug was recalled by the Agency following the analysis by the Food and Drug Agency, FDA,of the United States of America, FDA, which found the PrimeZen capsules to contain undeclared tadalafil and sildenafil.

The Director General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said that Sildenafil and tadalafil contain phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors found in FDA-approved products for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction.

It added that the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil in PrimeZen Black 6000mg capsules renders them unapproved drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall.

“Risk Statement, PrimeZen Black 6000 capsules containing sildenafil and tadalafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life-threatening.

“People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.

“Among the adult male population who are most likely to use these products, adult males who use nitrates for cardiac conditions are most at risk from these products”, she stressed.

It would be recalled that the agency’s recalled PrimeZen Black 6000mg following a public alert with No. 015/2023.

Adeyeye said that Volt Candy is voluntarily recalling the one lot of PrimeZen Black 6000mg capsule alongside its 2000mg (male performance enhancement capsule), due to undeclared ingredients they were made of by their manufacturer in America.

According to her, “The product details are as follows; PrimeZEN Black 6000 male enhancement capsules, manufactured by Volt Candy, 324 S. Diamond Bar Blvd #212, USA.”

The NAFDAC boss said that the lot Number: NPINPB 1003, UPC code: 728175521891, expiration date is Aug. 16, 2025 for PrimeZen Black 6000mg being marketed online as a dietary supplement for male enhancement and is packaged in a blister card with one capsule.

Adeyeye added that the product can be identified by the card color in black with the name on it PrimeZen Black 6000.

She said, “NAFDAC hereby implores members of the public in possession of the above product to stop the sale or use, as well as handover the product to the nearest agency office.”

The DG appealed to those who have the falsified product, to “please DO NOT use it.”

“If you, or someone you know, have used the product, or suffered any adverse reaction after use, please seek immediate medical advice,” she advised.

She also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of adverse drug reaction, substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Adeyeye said that the public were also advised to report any adverse reactions of the product to NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: [email protected]”

The DG also encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal product through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website “http://www.nafdac.gov.ng/”

Governor Adeleke Mourns Nollywood Actor, Murphy Afolabi

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

May 15, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the sudden passing of Nollywood Actor, Murphy Afolabi as a rude shock. By his death, the Governor said, Osun State has lost a gem.

Afolabi died on Sunday in a domestic accident. He was reported to have slipped in his bathroom after taking his bath, and hit his head on the floor.

He hailed from the Osun State, and had showcased the cultural heritage of the State in many of his films.

Governor Adeleke, in a Statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday in Osogbo, described the late Afolabi as a good ambassador of Osun who dedicated his life through his acting prowess to upholding the ethos of Omoluabi.

“I remember the last time he visited me at the Country home. We discussed issues bordering on development of the entertainment industry.

“We agreed on plans to make Osun the cultural and tourism centre of Yorubaland.

“Mr Afolabi was a passionate and ingenious Nollywood actor who stood firm in promoting the culture and tradition of the Yoruba through his God-given talent.

“We can only be proud that he lived a life of grace and glory by successfully putting Osun in the frontline within the Nollywood film industry.

“We hereby condole his numerous fans across the world, his colleagues, friends and families on the demise of a wonderful personality.

“We take solace in the fact that Afolabi lived a fulfilled life of showcasing his talent to the outside world while earning applause from all and sundry.”

Governor Adeleke prayed for the repose of the Actor’s soul, and stressed that the Almighty God will give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The late Afolabi was born May 5, 1974, an got into the movie industry in 2001.

The graduate of Iree Polytechnic, Osun appeared in over 60 movies before his death.

His film credits include ‘Ifa Olokun’, ‘Omowunmi’, ‘Jimi Bendel’, ‘Wasila Coded’, ‘Olokiki Oru’, and ‘Idera’, among others.

Another Nollywood Actor, Chikezie Uwazie, Dies In United States

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

May 15, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

This is not the best of time for the Nigeria Movie industry, Nollywood. It has lost five of its members within 96 hours.

On Sunday, as the industry was still in shock over the sudden demise of Murphy Afolabi, and 24 hours earlier, Saint Obi, another Nollywood Actor, Chikezie Uwazie has died in the United States of America. He had a second brain surgery after surviving the first one, which apparently did not quite take full care of his ailment.

His Uwazie was confirmed by a colleague, Obey Etok on her Instagram page late Sunday night.

She wrote, “I can’t imagine I’m posting this. Chikezie Uwazie goneeeee. After a 2nd brain surgery. Gini na emezi. I’m so shocked to get this news this evening. Just got this from our IMSU alumni platform.

“I thought you told me you were going to the states for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back but I didn’t see you.

“I can’t believe you are gone but God knows best. Rest on Chyko.”

The late Uwazie was one of the leading stars of the early 2000s in Nollywood. He left Nigeria for the US about seven years ago.

Before he relocated, he featured in several Nollywood flicks including the movie, “Musical Whispers”, a film on Autism, produced by Ebele Okaro and directed by Bond Emeruwa.

He was also in “Village Destroyer” alongside Osita Iheme, Ugo Ugbor, and “Last Kiss”, where he acted alongside Emeka Ike, Ini Edo, Ejike Asiegbu and Mercy Johnson Okojie, among several other movies.

The industry, in the past few days, has lost Mukaila Adedigba, Obinna Nwafor popularly known as Saint Obi, Murphy Afolabi, and now Uwazie.

Seun Kuti In Police Net, Handcuffed

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

May 15, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Seun Kuti, son of late Afrobeat Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is in handcuffs at the Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command where he is under custody.

Kuti, a musician, not only verbally insulted a Police officer, but physically assaulted him. He pushed the officer who was in uniform a couple of times, and to the shock of onlookers, slapped him.

The incident, which happened on Saturday, along the Third Mainland Bridge, sparked a national outrage, and prompted the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to order for his arrest by the Lagos State Command. The IGP ordered that the ugly incident be investigated and Kuti, prosected.

On Monday morning, Kuti surrendered himself at the Police Command, and was quickly handcuffed.

He was accompanied to the State Command by his Lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, and members of his (Kuti’s) family.

Kuti’s arrest, was confirmed by the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a short statement released on his official social media handle.

Hundeyin promised that the Command would ensure that justice is served to all parties involved in the matter.

He added that investigations have commenced and would be transparent as the prosecution proceeds.

Said the statement, “Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, in the early hours of today, turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, in company of his lawyer and family representative.

“He has been placed under arrest in line with the law. The Command appreciates the public for their concern and assures that the ongoing investigation will be detailed, transparent, professionally pursued; and justice will be manifestly served for all parties involved”.

Guinness World Record: Nigeria’s Jollof Rice Queen, Baci Breaks Record

By

James Orji

-

May 15, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Sensational Nigerian Jollof Rice Queen , Hilda Bassey Effiong also known as, Hilda Baci has written her name in gold, after breaking the Guinness Book of World Record for marathon cooking.G

The Akwa Ibom, Nigerian born Chef broke the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual” after cooking for a record 87 hours 50 minutes.

By this feat, she has beaten the previous record set by Indian Lata Todon who held the record for several years.

Effiong started the marathon cooking at exactly 4pm on Thursday, and by Monday morning she has shattered the record set by the Indian chef.

The Guinness World Record is set to name her the new record holder, bearing any last minute change, succeeding Tondon who had held the record for world uninterrupted cooking since 2019.

In celebration of her stalking feat, many fans defied the heavy rain on Monday to cheer her.

Among top dignitaries that have visted the star is Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo visited Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, where the record breaking event was held to cheer her up and give her moral support.

“I showed up to support Chef Hilda Baci, in her quest to break the Guinness World Record @GWR for the longest time spent cooking by an individual,” Sanwo-Olu said on his verified Twitter handle on Sunday.

“ Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but also the resilience, determination, energy and team spirit that has come to be known as the spirit of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is truly remarkable.

“We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state. I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration,” he said.

Also, a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio paid a visit to Hilda Baci on Monday to cheer her, Akpabio promised to reward her after her announcement as the new record holder by the Guineas Book of World Record.

Akpabio said “ I was this morning accompanied by my colleagues Senators-elect, on a solidarity visit to an Akwa Ibom child, Hilda Baci, who is set to break the Guiness Book of record as the Chef with the longest cooking duration in the world.

“ I pray for her success and I promise to reward her at the end of the event. I thank her for exhibiting the Can Do Spirit of the Akwa Ibom child. FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER,” the senator said.

Music stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage have all declared their support for the cooking sensation.

Hilda Baci won the maiden edition of the Jollof Face-off Competition in 2021, pocketing a grand prize of $5000.

Fidelity Bank CEO Bags Banker Of The Year Award

By

James Orji

-

May 15, 2023

0

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has bagged the Banker of the Year award 2022 from the Champion Newspapers.

The well attended award held in Lagos on Friday, 12 May 2023, had in attendance top players in the nation’s public and business sectors.

Receiving her award in company of her family, friends and colleagues, an elated Onyeali-Ikpe said, “I am grateful for this recognition and I dedicate this award to the board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank PLC as well as my family for their support.”

Earlier in the programme, the Chairman of the occasion and the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said when hardwork and integrity are not rewarded, mediocrity would be promoted.

He added, “The awardees have no doubt gone through a rigorous process of screening, careful and meticulous scrutiny to have been adjudged fit, proper in all ramifications. They are therefore worthy and deserving of these prestigious awards.”

On her own part, the Group Managing Director, Champion Newspapers, Dr Nwadiuto Iheakanwa in her opening remarks said, “There is no gainsaying that the reward for hardwork is more work hence our humble appeal that more efforts be made to ensure that the nation realizes its full potentials in all spheres of endeavour knowing fully well that the country is among the most endowed nations of human capital.

“One of the areas I want to challenge the post-President Muhammadu Buhari administration is in the ease of doing business. It is my considered opinion that if the incoming administration can get it right in institutionalizing administrative structures which will eliminate the bottlenecks, the country will be able to expand her productive capacity.in a manner that will encourage greater foreign earnings beyond oil.”

Bayelsa: Diri Seeks Support Ahead Epic Guber Battle With Sylva

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

May 15, 2023

0

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state has solicited the supoort for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead the November 11 governorship election in the oil rich state.

The governor, is seeking support from his people six months ahead the election which many say will be tough considering that the contest will majorly be between Diri and Timipre Sylva who recently indicated his interest to contest the election.

Silva, the immediate former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, is a former governor of the oil rich state, and has recently resigned his position from the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, to contest the election in few months under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Considering the pedigree of the two frontline candidates, not a few monitoring events in the state said the governorship will be an epic battle between the governor and the former minster.

Diri however urged the people of the state to reaffirm their love for him by voting PDP during the election.
The governor spoke during a thanksgiving service that rounded off the third session of the 8th Synod of the Niger Delta West Diocese at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Nedugo-Gbarain, in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The governor who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said he needs four more years to consolidate on the achievements of his administration.

On April 15, the former minister was declared winner of the APC govrnorship primary after beating five other aspirants including David Lyon, who contested the governorship election with the incumbent govrenor four years ago.

In his acceptance speech after winning the APC sole ticket, Sylva said one of his policy thrust after winning the governorship in November, is to tackle the endemic flooding challenge affecting the state.

House Of Reps Shifts Resumption, Amidst Debate Over Buhari’s $800m World Bank Loan Request

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

May 15, 2023

0

The House of Representatives has postponed its resumption date earlier scheduled for Tuesday. The lower chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly, NASS, will now reconvene a week after on May 23.
According to a statement a statement signed by the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Danzaria, the shift will allow returning members-elect take part in the second batch of induction.

Recall that the induction of the new NASS members started two weeks ago, and both members-elect of the house of Reps Senators-elect are taking part in the event.

The resumption was also postponed on the heels of the debate by NASS members on the controversial $800 million World Bank loan request by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The president has been roundly condemned by not a few Nigerians for making such request barely few days to the end of his administration on May 29.

“This is to inform members and public the House of Representatives will not resume on May 16. The next adjourned date will be May 23. This change is intended to allow members in the second batch partake in the induction of 10th National Assembly,” Danzaria said in the statement.

Except for a last minute change of plan due to the pressure on the president to abandon the request, the lawmakers are expected to put finishing touches to the president’s request immediately after their resumption, as it will be just a few days to the end of the administration.

President Buhari, in a letter, to Senate President Ahmad Lawan, last week, said the loan will be used to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on most vulnerable Nigerians.

The president said in the letter: “Please note that the federal executive council approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme and the need to request your consideration and approval to ensure early implementation. Copy of FEC extract attached.

“The senate may wish to know that the programme is intended to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with basic needs.

“You may wish to note that the federal government of Nigeria, under the conditional cash transfer, will transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2 million poor and low income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.

“In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.

“The NASSP being a social intervention programme, will stimulate the informal sector, improve nutrition, health, education, and human capital development of beneficiaries’ households.”

World Safely Day: NIMASA Targets Zero Offshore Incidents

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

May 15, 2023

0

In commemoration of the 2023 World Safety Day, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA organized a safety workshop with the theme “Zero offshore incidents, a culture of prevention.

This is in line with the International Labour Organization, ILO declared theme of “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work”.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR who declared the workshop open noted that NIMASA with responsibilities of Flag and Port State activities, which often times takes place offshore, is committed to the wellbeing of its staff.

“As a regulator of safety in the maritime sector, the Agency is obligated to ensure not only the safety of those who work in the wider maritime sector, but also the safety of its staff. Safety, like charity, should begin at home and we are committed to achieving safety standards acceptable globally “he said.

The DG who was represented by the Head, Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department of the Agency, Mr. Taiwo Olaniyan stated further that the theme of this year’s World Safety Day provokes a response from every economic sector to ask the question on how to practically and rightly implement the workers right to safety at work place.

The presentation on Zero Offshore Incidents, a Culture of Prevention” organised for the Agency’s Enforcement team highlighted the responsibilities of both workers and employers in attaining a healthy and safe work environment to achieve zero incidents particularly during offshore operations.

In June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) included “a safe and healthy working environment” in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. This global social milestone elevates prevention of ill health, injuries and harm to the environment from codes of practices to an international human right.

Assault On Policeman: Why Seun Kuti Must Be Prosecuted – PSC

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 14, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, (PSC) has backed decision of the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) to take up legal action against afro beat musician, Seun, son of legendary musician, late Fela, who assaulted a policeman on duty.

PSC on Sunday, condemned the assault of a Police Officer in uniform and on official duty in Lagos by one Seun Kuti.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission commended the Inspector General of Police, Baba Usman Ahmed, for his prompt action in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Seun.

The PSC said that Kuti had obviously diminished the sanctity of the symbol of authority of the Nigerian nation.

The Commission demanded that the culprit be arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to its logical conclusion to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, said that the Police was the lead Agency in internal security and in its ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.

He said no matter the offence the Police Officer committed, nobody, including Seun Kuti had the right to assault a Policeman in uniform and on official duty.

Dr. Arase frowned at the effontry of Seun to slap the Police Officer, insisting that Nigeria was not a Hobbesian state “where might is right.

“We must, as a civilized people, explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement Officials rather than this uncouth behavior in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country.

“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk.”

He commended the Police Officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, a development he said, would have been more fatal.

The PSC Chairman said it was unfortunate that at a time the Management of the Nigeria Police was dealing decisively with Officers that harassed, intimidated or assaulted civilians on roads and work places, the same Police Officers has become victims of the actions of some uncultured elites.

He advised that the Police should use the present incident to set an example that this would never be tolerated in Nigeria, a country governed by laws, rules and regulations.

The Chairman maintained that the groundswell of public opinion against the conduct of the abuser was indicative of the love and respect Nigerians had for the law enforcement Officers.

According to him, this underscored the need for all Police Officers to continually respect the right of the populace and be professional in all their conduct.