Mon. May 25th, 2026
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…as Obajana Plant Secures IMS Certification
Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has lauded Dangote Cement Plc for its significant role in elevating the country’s manufacturing sector and urged other manufacturers to emulate the Company’s dedication to best practices and operational excellence.
The commendation followed the successful completion by the Dangote Cement, Obajana Plant in Kogi State, of the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification Audit, conducted by expert auditors from the SON.
The comprehensive IMS Certification Audit comprising of Stages 1 and 2 carried out by seasoned auditors from the Agency assessed the plant’s compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards and lasted for over a week period by
The SON expert Auditors led by Ijeoma Nkechi Ohaemesi highlighted the company’s outstanding contributions to industrial growth and praised its management for maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence.
According to them, Dangote Cement’s continuous drive for improvement across all operational processes sets a benchmark for quality and innovation within the industry.
ISO System Coordinator for Dangote Group, Sani Mikail, explained that the establishment of ISO Management system in Dangote Cement Plc, across all its plants was approved by the President and Chief executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, under the guidance of the Group Vice-President, (Oil & Gas), Mr. Devakumar Edwin.
He explained that the ISO Management System implementation and sustenance in the Dangote Group have recorded successes over time with valued added opportunity across the Processes and System in Dangote Cement Plants since 2010.
The Obajana Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, a strong advocate of the System, said the IMS had brought immense benefits to the company, particularly in facilitating the continual improvement of its processes.
In his own comment, the Company’s Representative, Kommineni Suresh, lauded the achievement, noting that Dangote Cement Obajana has set the pace in the industry noting “DCP Obajana is one of the first cement factories in Nigeria to attain the IMS certification,” Mr. Suresh said.
Explaining the processes leading to the certification of the Obajana plant, the Team Lead of the SON auditors, Mrs. Ijeoma Ohaemesi, applauded Dangote Cement Plc’s management for its commitment to excellence and the strive for continual improvement in all its processes and operations.
According to her, the audit certification process aims to foster deeper alignment with the Management System Standards.
The Obajana Plant’s IMS Team Lead, Akindele Temitope, highlighted that dedication commitment and teamwork made the plant to achieve the feat.
“This was only possible through management’s commitment and everyone’s dedication to this cause,” she said adding that the certification would further enhance compliance, quality, safety, and improve communication and business focus.
“With this milestone, DCP Obajana reaffirms its position as an industry leader committed to excellence, sustainability, and global best practices,” Temitope declared.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the federal government agency responsible for setting and enforcing quality standards for products and services in Nigeria.

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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.