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NAFDAC warns against use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsule
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians against the use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules.
This follows reports of serious adverse reactions experienced by patients across the country.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
She stated that the agency was investigating the drug, which was manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Limited and marketed by Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, with lot number 4C639001.
She said that NAFDAC had received reports of three serious adverse reactions linked to this batch of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from a hospital.
“In a statement from Mr Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) for Divine King Pharmaceutical Ltd, it was revealed that only 20 packets of the affected batch were produced by Ecomed Pharma Ltd for registration renewal purposes.
“However, 790 packs of batch 4C639001, which were recalled, were not manufactured by the company.
“The suspected substandard products have been sent for laboratory analysis, and the investigation is ongoing.
“The Quality Control and Production Managers have been invited for further questioning,”she said.
“NAFDAC has also notified the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, which issued the site license for the company, as well as the pharmacist in charge.
Adeyeye said NAFDAC had urged the public to avoid using Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules from the affected batch.
“Distributors, healthcare providers, and patients are advised to be cautious and vigilant.”
She said that the agency also recommended that all medical products should only be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers and that their authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before purchase.
“Anyone with the affected product is urged to submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office immediately.
“If you or someone you know has used this product and experienced any adverse reactions, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
“NAFDAC has placed an alert about the recall of this product on December 3, 2024, and consumers are encouraged to report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medicines to NAFDAC via the provided contact information.
“The agency also urges healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of the product through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms or the Med-safety app available for download on Android and iOS.”
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a decisive deadline for the submission of the state’s 2025 budget.
His directive follows delays in re-presenting the budget, raising concerns over efficiency and governance. The governor has urged all responsible authorities to act promptly, warning that any further setbacks will not be tolerated.
Simultaneously, the Rivers State House of Assembly has granted the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) one last opportunity to appear before lawmakers. The decision comes after his repeated failure to honour previous summons, creating frustration among legislators.
During a tense parliamentary session, a prominent lawmaker called for patience while setting a strict deadline. “Let us give him one more chance, Mr Speaker,” the lawmaker urged. “I echo my colleagues’ sentiments—this is the final time we should debate this issue. He has 72 hours, just 72 hours. If he fails to appear by Monday, then we cannot blame anyone but him.”
However, their warning is clear: further delays will not be tolerated. Should the RSIEC Chairman fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe, serious repercussions could follow, including potential damage to public trust in the electoral body and the state’s governance system.
As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the RSIEC Chairman to see whether he will finally heed the Assembly’s call or face the consequences of continued non-compliance.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Gov. Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa State has paid glowing tributes to Mr James Garba, a late former director of the Department of State Services, who was laid to rest in Kyari, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of godliness, modesty and charity.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone, and such fittingly describes late James Garba.
“He was always rendering assistance and showing concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return,” he stated.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Hadiza Garba, said her late husband was a humble man who always put the needs of others before his own.
According to her, she will remember her husband for his moral standards, integrity and intelligence which he stood him out a rare gem.
On her part, his eldest daughter, Dr Deborah Usman, instilled in her and her siblings the virtues of tolerance, honesty and the love of Christ.
Usman pledged to honour her late father’s memory by sustaining his legacy of peace, faith and love for community.
For Rev. John Hayab and Dr Bagat Job, Northern CAN chairman and ECWA president respectively, Garba would be remembered for his laudable contributions to the sustenance of peace in Ham land.
Also speaking, the Kpop Ham, Dr Danladi Maude, was a remarkable patriot who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.
Represented by Bello Shamaki, the district head of Daddu, the traditional ruler noted that Garba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Garba died on February 20 at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
He was a pioneer staff of the Department of State Services who worked as part of the security detail of two past presidents before retiring in 1994.
In a pivotal development in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminialayi Fubara has extended a formal invitation to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other legislators for a strategic meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The invitation, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, signifies the first time Governor Fubara has officially addressed Amaewhule as the Assembly’s Speaker.
The letter, dated 7th March, acknowledges an earlier correspondence from the governor on 5th March, in which he confirmed receipt of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
According to the invitation, Governor Fubara has directed that Speaker Amaewhule and his fellow lawmakers attend this meeting to discuss key legislative and administrative matters that affect the state’s governance.
These include:
Providing a Functional Legislative Space: Ensuring that the State House of Assembly has a suitable venue for its sittings remains a priority, as legislative proceedings are fundamental to governance.
Resolving Unpaid Allowances and Remuneration: The issue of outstanding salaries and allowances for lawmakers is expected to be addressed, which could ease tensions and foster cooperation.
Presentation of the State Budget: Budgetary discussions will be central to the meeting, as the approval of financial plans is essential for the execution of government projects.
Other Vital Governance Matters: Additional topics concerning the state’s development and administrative efficiency will also be on the agenda.
The lawmakers have been requested to meet with Governor Fubara at his office on Monday, 10th March, at 10:00 a.m.
As the state watches closely, this engagement could determine whether cooperation will be restored within Rivers State’s political framework or if further discord lies ahead.