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Over 35 Million People Suffer From Drug Abuse Globally – UN

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The United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over the increasing abuse of drugs globally as well as the rising number of people suffering from drug use disorder.

“Globally, some 35 million people, up from an earlier estimate of 30.5 million, suffer from drug abuse disorders and require treatment services,” UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a global report released on Wednesday to mark the 2019 International Day of Drug abuse.

“The death toll is also higher: 585,000 people died as a result of drug use in 2017.”

The report said synthetic opioid use is booming globally.  “271 million people or 5.5 percent of the global population aged between 15 and 64 have used drugs in the previous year,” it said.

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Executive Director of UNDOC, Yury Fedotov, said the findings of this year’s World Drug Report fill in and further complicate the global picture of drug challenges, underscoring the need for broader international cooperation to advance balanced and integrated health and criminal justice responses to drug supply and demand.

” With improved research and more precise data from India and Nigeria – both among the 10 most-populous countries in the world – we see that there are many more opioid users and people with drug use disorders than previously estimated,”  he said.

But Fedetov lamented that prevention and treatment continue to fall far short of needs in many parts of the world.

This, he said is particularly true in prisons, where those incarcerated are especially vulnerable to drug use and face higher risks of HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

“This gap represents a major impediment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the international community’s pledge to leave no one behind,” he said.

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“Synthetic opioids continue to pose a serious threat to health, with overdose deaths rising in North America and trafficking in fentanyl and its analogues expanding in Europe and elsewhere.”

The UN Chief further stated that the opioid crisis that has featured in far fewer headlines but what requires equally urgent international attention is the non-medical use of the painkiller tramadol, particularly in Africa.

He indicated that the amount of tramadol seized globally reached a record 125 tons in 2017 noting that the limited data available indicate that the tramadol being used for non-medical purposes in Africa is being illicitly manufactured in South Asia and trafficked to the region, as well as to parts of the Middle East.

“The response to the misuse of tramadol illustrates the difficulties faced by countries in balancing necessary access for medical purposes while curbing abuse – with limited resources and health-care systems that are already struggling to cope – and at the same time clamping down on organized crime and trafficking.”

Opium production and cocaine manufacture, according to the report, remain at record levels.

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The amounts intercepted are also higher than ever, with the amount of cocaine seized up 74 percent over the past decade, compared with a 50 percent rise in manufacture during the same period. This suggests that law enforcement efforts have become more effective and that strengthened international cooperation may be helping to increase interception rates.

Meanwhile, an estimated 10.6 million Nigerians had used cannabis in the previous year as disclosed in a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics with the technical support of UNODC funded by the European Union.

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Lagos HoA Crisis: Let Obasa Stay, Tinubu Tells Lawmakers

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Obasa

President Bola Tinubu has instructed lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allow the impeached and reinstated Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to continue leading the house.

The President made this position known when he met with the lawmakers at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

As reported earlier, this is the first time President Tinubu is meeting the lawmakers since the crisis began in the house January 13, 2025.

One of the lawmakers told newsmen that ” Obasa is staying. We will obey the president. What we had was a family meeting. The President condenmed Obasa’s actions but blamed us for not carring him (Tinubu) along during the impeachement execrise”.

However, the lawmaker said President Tinubu warned Obasa to carry everyone along.

” He also warned him (Obasa) that if there were any future complaints from any quarters, he would be gone. “The President said he should let peace reign; and so based on that, we have accepted.”

On the pending matter in court, the source said: “The President has instructed him to withdraw it.”

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LAGOS CHARGES RESIDENTS ON PROACTIVE MEASURES AGAINST HIV SPREAD

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The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has issued a strong call to residents to remain vigilant and actively engage in prescribed guidelines against the spread of HIV and AIDS in the state.

Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the HIV epidemic during a virtual interview. “Individuals must take responsibility for their own health as well as that of the community,” she said.

“HIV remains a major public health concern, and prevention is our most powerful tool. We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending HIV transmission requires a united front, and together, we can achieve an HIV-free generation.”

Dr. Animashaun encouraged residents to adopt practices that minimize the risk of HIV transmission, including:

– Engaging in safe sex practices
– Avoid the sharing of sharp objects like needles and blades
– Undergoing regular HIV testing for early detection and management
– Seeking immediate medical support when necessary

She emphasized the need to intensify efforts in raising awareness geared towards prevention, treatment, and fulfilling collective responsibility in practising safe sex and ensuring everyone is properly informed on how the virus is transmitted.

“We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending the transmission of HIV is not solely the responsibility of the government and health institutions but requires a united effort from all citizens to ensure everyone is well-informed.”

The Chief Executive Officer reiterated the agency’s commitment to the Health and Environment Mandate of the THEMES PLUS AGENDA. The agency has been instrumental in coordinating HIV & AIDS control programs, including public awareness and sensitization, and regular free screening and counselling services across the state.

“As an agency, we are dedicated to educating the public and implementing health initiatives that align with our mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this cause and will continue to work diligently towards creating a healthier and safer community for all.”

Dr. Animashaun noted that HIV testing and counseling services remain free at all designated healthcare facilities in the state, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in the control and management of HIV in the state.

She expressed optimism that through unity and proactive engagement, Lagos can work towards achieving an HIV-free generation. The agency will continue to educate the public and promote health initiatives, especially in the management and control of HIV in the state.

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Why we suspended Senator Natasha – Nigerian Senate writes IPU

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The Nigerian senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, that it suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natsha Akpoti-Uduaghan for gross misconduct and not because of her sexual allegation on Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This was as the complaint laid by the lawmaker at the United Nations Inter parliamentary conference in New York has continued to attract reactions.

Recall that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution for them to prevail over what she said was an injustice meted on her.

After listening to her complaint, the IPU assured Senator Natasha of taking necessary steps to address the complaints she brought to the union after listening to the other side.

The Nigerian Senate has, however, replied to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.

“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.

“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders,” the Senate letter read in part.

Ogbara, however, demanded a comprehensive probe into the allegation by Senator Natasha against Akpabio.

She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.

It could be recalled that last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.

She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her, even after submitting another petition.

Meanwhile, Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against injustice.

However, following the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.

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