Gov. Otti To Collaborate With NAFDAC To Fight Fake Drugs; Pays Tribute To Dora Akunyili’s Memory

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has paid tribute to the late Professor Dora Akunyili, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Governor Otti, who said he had a close family relationship with Professor Akunyili and her late husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, observed a minute of silence for the two when he met with NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday.

According to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the NAFDAC DG met with Governor Otti during her working visit to Abia State.

The Governor praised Professor Adeyeye for the passion she brought to her work, saying she reminded him of Professor Akunyili.

“When I read about you, talk to you, and see how you have continued to direct the affairs of your office in NAFDAC, I think of Dora, because the same passion you are bringing to this job was the same passion she brought to the job when she did it.

“I want to thank you for everything you have done and what you are going to do. I would like to thank you for working for our people. I know you have no personal interest. “It is in the public’s interest,” Governor Otti stated.

He promised to work with NAFDAC in the fight against counterfeit drugs and substandard products.

The Governor, who emphasised NAFDAC’s critical role in protecting citizens, praised the Agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and consumer rights from counterfeit and adulterated products.

He did, however, express regret for the loss of lives as a result of counterfeit drugs and substandard products, and vowed that his administration would not give up in its efforts to eliminate harmful products.

The Governor recounted an instance in which NAFDAC’s prompt action in collaboration with the Abia State Government resulted in the closure of a haven for counterfeit products in Aba, emphasising the state’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety.

“A lot of people die because they consume fake products, medications, and food, so we will not stop until they are completely eradicated,” Governor Otti stated.

He outlined proactive measures taken by the State, such as the formation of a unified task force to combat negative trends and address various offences.

Governor Otti emphasised the state government’s commitment to leveraging the potential of Abia youths for positive purposes, as well as the importance of transitioning from counterfeit to authentic products and promoting local branding initiatives.

“Fake is fake, while original is original. It only takes a little effort to go from fake to original. So, while we are fighting those who make counterfeit products, we have also tried to reorient our employees so that if they can do the fake one, why not migrate and do the original one?

“Our fight is to increase positive energy while completely reducing negative energy. If we are unable to eradicate it, the government will. So, we have taken it upon ourselves to support you in this fight while also supporting ourselves,” Governor Otti stated.

Earlier in her remarks, Prof. Adeyeye emphasised NAFDAC’s mandate to regulate and control the production, importation, exportation, advertisement, sale, and use of various regulated products, such as drugs, food, chemicals, cosmetics, and packaged water, to ensure consumer safety.

The NAFDAC DG emphasised the importance of working with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the need for coordinated wholesale centres to monitor the distribution of drugs and related products, thereby preventing the spread of counterfeit goods and protecting public health.

She thanked Governor Otti for his express approval for NAFDAC to build a suitable office space in Aba.

At the meeting with the NAFDAC DG and her team were the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo; the Commissioner for Digital Economy and SMEs, Matthew Ekwuribe; and some of the Governor’s senior aides.