The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm on the circulation of an unregistered condom called Foula condoms.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the agency said the product, which is usually packed in 3s, was discovered in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital and in Zango, Kastina State.

NAFDAC said the discovery was made by the officials of the post-marketing Surveillance Directorate (PMS) while carrying out a Risk-Based Post Marketing Surveillance study on registered condoms in Nigeria.

It said unregistered condoms pose significant public health risks to users.

RISK

NAFDAC said the condoms are likely to lack the necessary quality and safety checks, leading to a higher likelihood of breakage or leakage, which can increase the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and contribute to unintended pregnancies.

It said one primary concern is that unregistered condoms may not meet the strict standards for material durability and effectiveness enforced to ensure the condoms’ material strength and integrity, essential for providing reliable protection.

The Foula product is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and according to the agency, it is not labelled in English.

According to NAFDAC, the condom is “a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”

It said: “To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly.”

“The illegal distribution or sale of unregistered condoms poses a risk as the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.”

The agency also said the purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other”

“If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection,” it said.

DIRECTIVE

NAFDAC said its zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct thorough surveillance and remove unregistered products from circulation within their respective zones and states.

The agency also urged traders, healthcare professionals, and consumers to be cautious to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of unauthorised products.

The agency urged that medical products and devices should be sourced exclusively from authorised or licensed suppliers, with careful attention given to verifying each product’s authenticity and physical condition.

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.

“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS),” the statement read.

Major General Olufemi Oluyede has formally taken over as the Acting Chief of Army Staff in a handover ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

The Defence Headquarters revealed this in photos from the ceremony shared on X.com.

The caption read, “Formal Taking Over Ceremony of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General OO Oluyede.”

We had earlier reported that Oluyede would assume duties today (Friday).

He was appointed in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, pending the return of the indisposed substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

Until his appointment, Oluyede reportedly served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

Oluyede’s appointment came a few days after the Defence Headquarters stated that the appointment of an acting COAS was not recognised under the Harmonised Armed Forces Act.

However, a notice on Thursday, signed by Group Captain Chris Erondu on behalf of the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the handover ceremony would be held at the Defence Headquarters conference room at 10 am.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, was among those in attendance at the handover ceremony.

See photos below:

The Oyo State House of Assembly has announced the suspension of Olusola Oluokun, Chairman of Oyo East Local Government after he publicly pledged his allegiance to Governor Seyi Makinde’s political ally, Senator Monsurat Aduke Sunmonu.

His suspension was pronounced on Thursday after the presentation of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance titled “Urgent Call For Full Investigation into the indecent attitude of the Chairman, Oyo East Local Government, Mr. Olusola Oluokun in a viral video online.”

Oluokun’s actions in the video were deemed unbecoming of an elected Local Government Chairman.

The House has therefore set up a committee to investigate the matter, pending which the Vice Chairman will act as Chairman.

The suspended council chairman, in a viral video, had thanked Senator Monsurat for her support in making him the local government chairman.

In the video, Oluokun was seen partially unclothed, eating while praising Aduke Sunmonu and cursing her enemies.

A source had informed us that Aduke Sunmonu allegedly served as a “godmother” to the Oyo State Governor Makinde.

The source had stated, “This is one of the reasons public officials don’t serve public interests, but rather the interests of themselves and those who put them in positions against popular wishes.”

The video had showed Oluokun eating half-naked and praising a political stalwart who helped him become chairman.

Oluokun said, “Who doesn’t know Aduke? Which lunatics don’t know Aduke? Anyone who doesn’t know Aduke will never truly know anyone until they depart this world.”

He continued, “Aduke, my helper, my benefactor. She appointed me as local government chairman and brought me abroad. If the world still exists and God is still on His throne, she will never witness sorrow in her life.”

“I’m grateful; my entire family is thankful to you. Love you, big mummy, love you deeply. I remain loyal till my last breath,” he said.

“Who among the foolish does not know Aduke? Who among the unfortunate does not know Aduke? They will soon realise,” he proclaimed.

“Aduke has done a great work, a good woman to the core, a true motherly figure. I’ve never seen this kind of motherhood in my life; nothing will harm your soul,” he added.

“You will continue to prosper; you and your children will never experience setbacks. They have already excelled and will continue to meet helpers until the end of time.”

“My Creator will indeed bless you for what you have done for me because I don’t know what else to say,” he added.