Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for an International Drug Co-ordinated Wholesale Center, Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, ANAMBRA PEOPLE reports.
The project will be bankrolled by Sterling Bank Plc and has a completion deadline of twenty four months.
Performing the function, Governor Soludo said that the initiative ties into his administration’s general vision of building a liveable and prosperous homeland.
Governor Soludo said the people’s health is paramount adding that it is the reason his government is fully committed to introducing measures for adequate regulation in the drug administration sector.
Governor Soludo also expressed delight that when completed, the project will become the biggest drug distribution center in Africa.
He gave a twenty four month ultimatum to all open drug markets in the state, especially Ogbo Ogwu, Onitsha, stressing that at the expiration of the ultimatum, such structures will be regarded as illegal and demolished.
He added that the Oba site will become the only approved location for wholesale drugs distribution in the state after the deadline, expressing optimism that in line with the envisioned smart megacity, the center will be technology-driven.
Professor Soludo assured that the abandoned Oba International market will also be put to use.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike who stressed the imperativeness of controlling the environment where drugs are sold, pointed out that Ndi Anambra need it because the existence of an open drug market leads to all kinds of distribution of fake and adulterated drugs which are inimical to human health.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, the Regent of Oba kingdom, Prince Nuel Ezenwa, Federal Ministry of Health, Sterling Bank and NAFDAC representatives, an illustrious son of Oba, Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu, President General of ASATU, Barrister Titus Akpudo, Executive Members of drug (Medicine) Dealers Association, Onitsha, among others, attended the event.
©Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State
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