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  Globally, counterfeit drugs are responsible for the deaths of over 250,000 children annually, a number that continues to increase despite numerous efforts to combat this growing trend. The surge in counterfeit pharmaceuticals poses a complex and widespread problem, eroding trust in healthcare systems and endangering the lives of millions.  This article examines the contributing factors to the rise in fake drugs, the consequences for individuals and communities, and the multifaceted strategies needed to address this global challenge. What are counterfeit drugs? Counterfeit drugs, often falsely labeled as authentic, may contain ineffective, substandard, or harmful ingredients.  These deceptive medications infiltrate the legitimate pharmaceutical supply chain through various channels, including illegal online pharmacies, unauthorized distribution networks, and corrupt practices within the industry.  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 10% of drugs worldwide may be c

 Gunmen abducted the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State, Haanongon Gideon, and three others early on Saturday.  The chairman, along with his personal assistant, driver, and a police officer, was kidnapped around 6:30 am while en route to the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.  A press statement from the council secretary, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the incident and urged the local community to remain calm, assuring them that efforts are underway to secure the victims' release.  The state Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, also acknowledged the abduction.

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it received the Supreme Court's decisions on election petitions challenging the 2023 governorship elections in eight states with calmness.  In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC expressed satisfaction that the Supreme Court upheld the election results in Lagos, Ebonyi, and Cross River States in favor of the APC's governorship candidates.  However, Morka acknowledged that the appeals for Kano, Zamfara, Bauchi, Plateau, and Abia State governorship polls were decided in favor of other political parties, and the ruling party has accepted the outcomes.  The APC emphasized the finality and binding nature of the Supreme Court's decisions, praising the judiciary's authority, vibrancy, and independence.  Morka called for respect for the judiciary's role in resolving disputes, criticizing opposition figures, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for their attacks on the courts d

  The Nigeria Police have arrested two individuals, Adeojo Ilesanmi, 50, and Atinuke Adeniyi, 29, in connection with the brutal killing of Adebayo Oladoyinbo, a prominent socialite in Ondo State known as 'Saybayo.'  The arrests followed the discovery of the deceased's body in the Ijapo area of Akure, the state capital.  According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, the suspects were apprehended after a thorough investigation into the cause of the victim's death.  Odunlami revealed that Saybayo's lifeless body was found in his parked vehicle in Ijapo Estate, prompting the swift deployment of detectives to investigate.  The arrest of Atinuke, identified as the deceased's girlfriend, was based on intelligence, and she was taken into custody a day after the discovery of the body.

 On Friday, President Bola Tinubu urged governors from the All Progressives Congress to prioritize the return of children to school by increasing investments in the school feeding program.  During a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors Forum in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of involving all governors, regardless of their political affiliation, in the school feeding program to promote education.  He urged officials to design and implement policies that prioritize all Nigerians and consider national interests over political affiliations.  This call coincided with the suspension of all administered Social Investment Programs, including the school feeding program, by the National Social Investment Programme Agency, citing an ongoing investigation into alleged malfeasance.  Tinubu highlighted the need for inclusivity, ownership, and sustainability in development policies, recognizing divisiveness as a significant challenge facing the nation. Hence, he emphasized that

 The Nigerian Police Force strongly disapproves of the widely used slang, 'no go gree for anybody,' by youths and citizens across the country.  Despite its popularity, the police, represented by spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a warning, suggesting potential repercussions for those using the phrase.  Adejobi expressed concerns during a press briefing, stating that intelligence reports indicate the slogan might incite a revolutionary movement with disruptive consequences.  The police view 'no go gree for anybody' as a potentially dangerous slogan, contrary to its perceived meaning of staying true to personal beliefs. Social media has seen the circulation of memes and posts featuring the slogan, further contributing to its widespread attention.

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of Benjamin Ikaa before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Abuja.  He received a five-year prison sentence for his involvement in a $1.6 million cryptocurrency fraud. The conviction was disclosed in a statement shared on the commission's Facebook page on Thursday. Ikaa pleaded guilty to a one-count charge, and the prosecuting counsel, Aso Larrys Peter, urged the court to convict him. The defense counsel, Abel Adaji, appealed for leniency, emphasizing the convict's remorsefulness and status as a first-time offender. Justice Nwite sentenced Ikaa to five years imprisonment with a fine option of N5,000,000. Additionally, Ikaa forfeited an iPhone 13 and a 2013 Toyota Avalon to the Federal government.  The $11,000 recovered from him will be returned to his victims. Ikaa also committed to abstain from cybercrime in the future. His involvement in the fraudulent scheme, operating

 Renowned Nigerian gender and development practitioner, feminist, and public speaker Olufunke Baruwa has taken on a new role as a columnist for LEADERSHIP Newspapers.  With over two decades of dedicated service in social policies and reforms, Baruwa succeeds Ayisha Osori, an accomplished lawyer, writer, and development practitioner. Baruwa has been a prominent advocate for women's inclusion in strategic political, social, and economic positions in Nigeria. Her extensive experience from 2000 to 2015 includes roles at the National Poverty Eradication Programme and the Ministry of Communication Technology. Throughout her career, Baruwa has shown a strong commitment to gender equality and public policy. In 2015, she became the CEO of the Nigerian Women's Trust Fund, a crucial resource for women in politics and decision-making.  Her leadership at the Fund earned recognition, including being named one of the '17 women changing the world' at the Institute for Inclusive Develop

  On Monday, the Christian Association of Nigeria led protests against ongoing killings in Plateau State and other parts of the country.  The protest, named "Plateau Peace Walk," was headed by state CAN chairman Rev. Polycarp Lubo, ECWA President Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, COCIN President Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, Catholic Bishop of Jos Most Rev. Mathew Audu, Methodist Bishop of Jos Rev. Nkechi Nwosu, and President of the Gideon and Funmi-ParaMallam Peace Foundation Rev. Dr. Gideon ParaMallam, along with other prominent Christian leaders. Dressed in black attire, the protesters began the peace walk at the PRTVC Roundabout in Jos around 9:30 am, proceeding to the Rayfield Government House, where they were received by top government officials, including the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang. Rev. Stephen Baba Panya, Chairman of the Denominational Leaders Forum in Plateau state and National Vice President of CAN, handed a protest letter to the governor for onward delivery to President

  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced a commitment to enforcing laws in 2024 to safeguard lives and property. During the annual Lagos State Thanksgiving Service, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law for societal progress.  Sanwo-Olu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, assured a focus on major project implementation aligned with the administration's development agenda.  He urged Lagosians to play their part in obeying laws, from taxes to traffic rules, waste disposal, and reporting lawbreakers. The governor emphasized government efforts to simplify law-abiding with transport reforms and Emergency Hotlines. Sanwo-Olu also pledged to sign the 2024 Lagos budget into law this week, marking a significant milestone in delivering promises to the people. He highlighted the T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda as a guiding framework for progress in the first full year of his second term.

 The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu, has advised gunmen in the South East to leave their hiding places, surrender their weapons, and engage in negotiations with the Federal government for better job opportunities and a promising future.  This recommendation was made during an All Progressives Congress stakeholders' meeting in Bende, where he also launched a Food-For-Peace Program to address hunger in the region. Kalu expressed concern about the economic impact of sit-at-home actions in parts of the South East, attributing the departure of many South East investors to the resulting destruction of the regional economy.  He criticized the actions of unknown gunmen, stating that resorting to violence was detrimental to the South East's economy and overall development. While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu's fairness in appointments and developmental programs for the South East, Kalu urged agitators in the region, especially those operating