Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has announced the re-appointment of three of the outgoing members of the State Civil Service Commission for an additional tenure of five years.

Ambode, who made this known at a dinner organised by the State Government in honour of the outgoing Chairman and Commissioners of the Commission, said the re-appointment was in line with the resolve of his administration to always reward excellence, hard work, commitment and dedication.

Those re-appointed are Pastor Israel Folorunsho Alagbe, Hon. Tolani Wasiu Odeyemi and Engr. Oladimeji Oshinowo.

Other outgoing members of the Commission are Comrade Rasaq Folorunsho and the Chairman, Dr. Ayodele Olujobi Ososanya.

Ambode said he was delighted to celebrate and thank the outgoing members of the Commission for their selfless service to the government and people of Lagos State, adding that the members discharged their duties very well while serving the State.

He said: “the outgoing Chairman, Dr. Olujobi Ososanya, has served the Commission for ten years and during his tenure, the credibility and pride of our civil service was never in doubt. Civil Servants have been getting their promotion in time and there has been better communication between the Service and the government.

“The task of recruiting, selection, and placement of suitable and qualified individuals in the State Civil Service is enormous but this Commission has handled it very well and ensured that the engine room of the government is properly oiled.”

The Governor added that having served in the civil service for twenty-seven years until recently himself, he could attest to the fact that the Commission, under the outgoing members, was able to maintain harmony through the even application of rules and regulations guiding the service without fear of favour.

He said by their dedication, commitment and diligence, the outgoing members have upheld the reputation of the Lagos State Civil Service and entrenched its unequalled record when compared with others in the country.

In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary in the office of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Abiodun Bamgbose said the dinner organised in honour of the outgoing members of the Commission was the very first in the history of the State, and it was in line with the continuity with improvement mantra of Ambode’s administration.

Bamgbose said the dinner was basically to honour those who have been upright in character and celebrating them for successfully managing over fifty thousand civil servants in the State.

The outgoing Chairman, Ososanya, who spoke on behalf of other members, thanked the people of the State for the opportunity given to them to serve, and apologised for those they might have offended in the course of discharging their duties.

“Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and mouths have not spoken about the good works that God has been using and would still use Ambode to do in Lagos State,” he said.

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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. 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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.