Mercy Onyenweli

Benin City-The Edo State Government has taken a firm step to protect public health with the inauguration of a special taskforce to tackle counterfeit drugs and unwholesome processed foods and beverages.

Inaugurating the committee, the Commissioner for Health, Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who chairs the taskforce, charged members to approach their assignment with urgency and responsibility, stressing that their mandate is critical to safeguarding lives.

He underscored the dangers posed by fake drugs and unsafe food products, warning that the taskforce must remain focused on curbing their circulation across the state. According to him, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is committed to strengthening public health systems and ensuring the safety of residents.

Oshiomhole called on members to discharge their duties with integrity, enforce regulations diligently, and collaborate closely with relevant agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Expressing concern over the increasing incidence of kidney, liver, and cancer-related illnesses, the commissioner described the trend as alarming and linked it to the proliferation of substandard and harmful products. He further disclosed plans to establish a mobile court to ensure prompt prosecution of offenders, declaring that “it will no longer be business as usual.”

Speaking on behalf of the co-opted members, Steven David Edjeba described the assignment as a critical intervention in protecting public health. He warned that the widespread availability of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food items in markets poses a serious threat to citizens.

Edjeba assured that members of the taskforce would work collaboratively with government agencies, market leaders, producers, and distributors to identify and eliminate harmful products from circulation.

“Our assignment is not ordinary; it is a mission to protect lives,” he said, pledging the team’s commitment to integrity, cooperation, and effective enforcement.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Andrew Iyamu, reiterated the government’s resolve to take decisive action against individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Paul Eighemhenrio, raised concerns over the growing prevalence of chemically treated foods, urging taskforce members to operate transparently and uphold high ethical standards.

Stakeholders at the event expressed strong support for the initiative, calling for sustained collaboration to ensure the success of the taskforce in promoting a safer and healthier environment across Edo State.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by top government officials and key stakeholders in the health sector.