Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Prof Charles Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the Anambra governorship election, has consolidated his lead in the poll with results from all the 19 local government areas announced.

 

Soludo is leading in 17 LGAs – Soludo leads in Dunukofia, Awka South, Oyi, Ayamelum, Anaocha, Anambra East, Idemili South, Onitsha South, Njikoka, and Orumba South. The others where he won are  Onitsha North, Aguata, Idemili North, Ekwusigo, Nnewi South, Awka North, Anambra West.

 

The People’s Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party have won in one LGA each, while Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress, is yet to win any.

 

There have been no results announced in two of the LGAs – Ihiala and Orumba North.

 

Below is the position so far declared by INEC:

 

(1) Dunukofia LGA

APC 1991

APGA 4124

PDP 1680

YPP 1360

 

(2) Awka South LGA

APC 2595

APGA 12,891

PDP 5498

YPP 919

 

(3) Oyi LGA

APC 2830

APGA 6133

PDP 2484

YPP 900

 

(4) Ayamelum LGA

APC 2409

APGA 3424

PDP 2804

YPP 407

 

(5) Anaocha LGA

APC 2085

APGA 6911

PDP 5108

YPP 868

 

(6) Anambra East LGA

APC 2034

APGA 9747

PDP 1380

YPP 559

 

(7) Idemili South LGA

APC 1039

APGA 2312

PDP 2016

YPP 752

 

APC 2050

APGA 4281

PDP 2253

YPP 271

 

(9) Njikoka LGA

APC 3216

APGA 8803

PDP 3409

YPP 924

 

(10) Nnewi North LGA

APC 1278

APGA 3369

PDP 1511

YPP 6485

 

(11) Orumba South LGA

APC 2060

APGA 4394

PDP 1672

YPP 887

 

(12) Ogbaru LGA

APC 1178

APGA 3051

PDP 3445

YPP 484

 

(13) Onitsha North LGA

APC 3909

APGA 5587

PDP 3781

YPP 682

 

(14) Aguata LGA

APC 4773

APGA 9136

PDP 3798

YPP 1070

 

(15) Ihiala LGA

No election

 

(16) Idemili North LGA

APC 2291

APGA 5358

PDP 2312

YPP 902

 

(17) Ekwusigo LGA

APC 1237

APGA 2570

PDP 1857

YPP 727

 

(18) Nnewi South LGA

APC 1307

APGA 3243

PDP 2226

YPP 1327

 

(19) Orumba North LGA

(Result Contested. Not Declared)

 

(20) Awka North LGA

APC 755

APGA 1908

PDP 840

YPP 381

 

(21) Anambra West LGA

APC 1233

APGA 1918

PDP 1401

YPP 357

By admin

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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.