Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has revealed that President Buhari would soon be out of the hospital.

Kalu said the presisdent’s health has improved considerably when he visited him in London last week. 

The news follows the disclosure  that the President would be back to Nigeria before 11th June and urged Nigerians to desist from spreading messages of hate and division about the health of the President who he said is fast recuperating . 

Speaking in an interview at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Kalu said it is inhuman for some Nigerians to spread messages of falsehood about the president’s health. 

He urgegd Nigerians to pray for the president’s speedy recovery and return to his duty post.

Kalu said he visited London to have first hand knowledge on the state of health of Buhari . 

He said: ” I went to Washington to visit some business partners and from there stopped at London to see Mr President, who is recovering very fast .

“I am excited over the state of health of President Buhari despite the hate messages people were spreading about him. I am disappointed with the statement coming from some Nigerians about the health of Mr President.

“The messages some Nigerians have been spreading in the social media is unhealthy. I am calling on Nigerians to have a change of heart. Being a President, does not mean, you cannot be sick, the hate messages are becoming too much . 

“There must be good sense of tolerance among the ethic groups, we are all one.” 

He also said it is wrong to embark on any assessment of the duties of the Acting President, whom he said is carrying out his constitutional duties. 

On the state of the nation, Kalu said Buhari has done well in the fight against insurgency and the war against corruption but noted that the government should obey constitutional provisions as it affects the judicial arm of government. 

He said : “The government has done well, but there is a lot of suffering in the land. The masses are suffering , going through economic problems , the administration has done well, but must obey the laws of the land, by respecting judicial processes. Government must pursue the hardware and software of democracy that includes the rule of law and respect of the constitution. On the sit at home order by IBOP, Kalu said it is wrong for people to sit at home, because it will affect the economy of the South East. 

Kalu said though the people have a right to agitate, but calls for enlightenment on the need to pursue a united country . 

He said : “Most people may not understand what the issues are, but, with time they will soon understand. There is strength in unity, God did not make a mistake by putting us in one country. ” 

Meanwhile, Kalu he pleaded with Africa students in United Kingdom to emulate lives of Muslims and Christians in places like Banjul, Senegal , Sierria Leon , Liberia and be united. Kalu made the calls while addressing African students from Oxford University including staff and students drawn from Oxford Brookes University , Bellerbys College and neighbouring colleges in Oxford, United Kingdom during a Ramadan fast breaking dinner he hosted. He accused African leaders of using sentiments to cause hatred among the populace in the cover of religion. 

He said : “African leaders and people should stop causing problems, there is a lot of hatred being preached in Nigeria. I am always excited when ever I go to Gambia, Senegal, Liberia, Freetown and I see Muslims and Christians sharing things in common. I wish it could have been in Nigeria because the Christmas in Banjul looks like a Sallah in Banjul and Sallah in Banjul looks like a Christmas in Banjul . You hardly recognize the difference, so those of you who are not from Nigeria might not know what you are enjoying”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.