Gov Akeredolu reiterates call for Cannabis Use in Nigeria at ACPN Conference

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu

Report by: Joseph Ebirim\

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu has reiterated his call for the controlled cultivation of Indian hemp and adaptation for use in medicine in Nigeria.

Speaking at Abeokuta, at the ongoing annual conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), tagged GATEWAY 2021, Gov. Akeredolu charged pharmacists in Nigeria to conduct an in-depth research into the various uses of Indian hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, for medicinal purposes. He hinted that the cultivation of Indian Hemp was not strange and added that it was already successfully practiced in Thailand and can be replicated in Nigeria.

He added that, “In Ogbese, a community in Ondo State, it is possible to have a farm where the enforcement agency, NDLEA will be in charge to ensure that nobody takes out the substance to smoke but will only be exported to the pharmaceutical industry for formulation as therapeutic agents. He charged pharmacists to give the research into cultivation and use of Cannabis the same attention being given to herbs stressing that it will impact positively on the economy of the nation.

He emphasized his administration's readiness to champion the cultivation of hemp which he described as the 'green oil' just the way his administration is championing the red oil (palm) project.

It is pertinent to note that Gov Rotimi Akeredolu has been at the forefront of the advocacy for the legalization of Cannabis in Nigeria describing it as a potential foreign exchange earner for the country, a move which the National Assembly is reported to have shown support for but a position vehemently opposed to by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

HELLO PORT HARCOURT PEOPLE!!! OUR ASTRAZENECA VACCINE IS BACK!!!

Information reaching us from credible sources has it that a new batch of the AstraZeneca Vaccine has arrived Rivers State in addition to the Moderna Vaccine which is currently being administered to residents.

Residents of the state can receive the vaccine at the following health facilities in the state:

1. Obio Cottage Hospital, Rumuobiakani
2. Rumuokwurusi Primary Healthcare Centre
3. Eliozu Primary Healthcare Centre
4. Elelenwo Primary Healthcare Centre
5. Obio/Akpor Council Sickbay
6. Rumuodumaya Model Primary Healthcare Centre
7. Mgboshimini Model Primary Healthcare Centre
8. Rumuigbo Model Primary Healthcare Centre
9. Iriebe Model Primary Healthcare Centre
10. Ozuoba Model Primary Healthcare Centre
    

Reports have it that there has been an increased patronage of vaccination services in recent weeks just as healthcare practitioners particularly, community pharmacists continue to report increasing rate of malaria and flu-like illnesses across the state capital.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 has an efficacy of 63.09% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.

Individuals who are allergic to the vaccine or any of its components or who have received any dose of the Moderna vaccine or any other covid19 vaccine apart from the first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine are NOT expected to receive a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. 

Also, this vaccine is to be administered to persons 18years and above.