Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said South East must come together and endorse President Bola Tinubu for second tenure.
Naija News reports that Umahi stated this at the official flag-off of the construction of the 465-kilometre Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Super Highway.
Speaking at the event that took place at Amuro Primary School in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on Wednesday, Umahi noted that President Tinubu was the first to appoint an Igbo man as Minister of Works.
In his remarks, Ebonyi Governor, Francis Nwifuru, who represented the President, said the project reflected Tinubu’s resolve to deploy infrastructure as a tool for national development.
“This project reflects the President’s resolve to deploy infrastructure as a tool for national development and growth.
“We shall remain resolute in our support for the administration of Mr. President as a way of reciprocating this gesture,” he said.
Nwifuru emphasized the significance of the road project to boosting the economy of his state. He stated that the project would enhance connectivity of the state, adding that it was a game changer.
“For us as a State, this project is especially significant. We are a landlocked state with vast potential in agriculture, solid minerals, and trade.
“For years, our progress has been slowed down by poor connectivity with other States but today, we break that barrier. With this flagship road construction, we are writing a new chapter — One of progress, prosperity, and integration.
“And as Governor of Ebonyi State, I say this without reservation: this project is a game-changer. For our farmers, it means faster access to regional and national markets.
“For our traders, it means reduced cost of transportation. For our students, it means more secure and accessible roads to institutions across state borders. For our youth, it means employment. For our local economy, it means growth.
“This initiative is not merely a civil engineering task. It is a bold declaration that the era of isolation, marginalisation, and infrastructural neglect is giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion, and nationwide accessibility,” he added.
Tinubu Is a Unifier – Umahi
On his part, the Minister of Works, Umahi, described Tinubu as a unifier and patriotic leader. He said the President had Ndigbo at heart and showed it through his appointment.
The immediate past Governor of Ebonyi called on Ndigbo to support the President’s second term bid in 2027.
“He does not discriminate, but he is a unifier, a true Nigerian and patriotic Leader who has the entire nation at heart.
“This is a legacy project of the President, and the legacy projects are spread across the entire regions of the country.
“Ebonyi has been so marginalised that even as governor, I couldn’t lay my hands on any reasonable project from the federal government, but President Tinubu, within a short period, has changed the narrative for the better.
“We have every cause to be grateful to Mr President. This is one President that have Southeast at heart.
“He is the first President to appoint a Southeasterner as Minister of Works. We didn’t have projects like this before, but today, Mr President is working for all regions of the country.
“Mr President has reunited the entire country, and the southeast has no cause not to stand for Mr President. Ndigbo are wiser and won’t join hands with those who don’t like the country.
“We must come together as a region to endorse Mr President for a second term,” he said.
The post South East Must Endorse Tinubu For Second Term – Umahi appeared first on Naija News.

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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.