Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC Warns Lagos Importers Against Banned Vodka Energy Drink After Ghana Seizes 140 Boxes
Agency urges Nigerians to report Café de Paris Vodka Energy Drink, citing health risks from alcohol and stimulants mix
Agency urges Nigerians to report Café de Paris Vodka Energy Drink, citing health risks from alcohol and stimulants mix
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert in Lagos and across Nigeria on Wednesday, warning importers, distributors, retailers and consumers against the banned Café de Paris Vodka Energy Drink. This follows the seizure of about 140 boxes of the product by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) during an enforcement operation in the Upper East Region in May.
According to NAFDAC, Ghana’s FDA intercepted the alcoholic beverage—which combines vodka with stimulants such as caffeine, inositol, glucuronolactone, ginseng and guarana—after it was banned nationwide earlier this year. The ban was based on scientific findings that mixing alcohol with stimulants can mask the true level of intoxication, encouraging excessive drinking and increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning, accidents and other serious health complications.
NAFDAC warned that products prohibited in neighbouring countries often find their way into Nigerian markets through informal cross-border routes. The agency therefore called on stakeholders in the food and beverage sector to be vigilant, adding that anyone found importing or distributing Café de Paris Vodka Energy Drink would face regulatory action. “The public is advised to exercise caution and avoid the importation, distribution, sale and consumption of the banned alcoholic energy drink,” NAFDAC stated in Public Alert No. 032/2026.
The agency explained that Ghana’s FDA had directed all manufacturers, importers and distributors to withdraw such alcoholic energy drinks from circulation by March 31, 2026. Following this deadline, enforcement activities led to the confiscation of hundreds of boxes across Ghana. NAFDAC said healthcare professionals should also report any suspected adverse reactions linked to the product through its pharmacovigilance channels.
This latest alert forms part of ongoing collaboration among West African regulatory bodies aimed at curbing unsafe food and beverage imports. NAFDAC urged members of the public who come across Café de Paris Vodka Energy Drink anywhere in Nigeria to immediately report it at the nearest agency office for prompt regulatory action.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Former presidential candidate and Labour Party (LP) stalwart, Peter Obi, has called for the immediate suspension of state police implementation across Nigeria, warning that the current security landscape is not conducive for such a move. Obi made this known on Friday, 26 June 2026, during a public address in Lagos, where he highlighted the potential risks involved.
Obi argued that rolling out state police under existing political and institutional conditions could worsen insecurity rather than solve it. According to him, some state governments may deploy newly created police forces to suppress opposition and settle political scores instead of addressing crime. “Until there are comprehensive reforms and proper safeguards in place, introducing state police will only deepen our problems,” he said.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent months as insecurity persists in various parts of the country. Proponents argue that decentralising policing will improve response times and community engagement, especially in states facing banditry and kidnapping. However, critics like Obi maintain that without strong oversight mechanisms, state-controlled forces could be abused by powerful interests.
Obi emphasised the need for a national conversation involving all stakeholders before any major restructuring of security architecture is undertaken. He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise constitutional amendments and independent oversight agencies as prerequisites for effective policing reform. “We must avoid creating more problems in our quest to solve one,” he added.
The federal government has yet to respond formally to Obi’s position. Meanwhile, some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have continued to advocate for quick passage of bills supporting state policing. The debate is expected to intensify at the National Assembly as security remains a top concern for millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NHRC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths Nationwide
Commission raises alarm on rising substance abuse, calls for government intervention and stronger enforcement measures
Commission raises alarm on rising substance abuse, calls for government intervention and stronger enforcement measures
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for urgent steps to address the growing problem of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public health and national development. The commission made this appeal on Friday, 26 June, highlighting the situation during a public statement in Abuja.
According to NHRC, recent observations indicate a worrying increase in substance abuse across various states, with many young Nigerians turning to illicit drugs due to unemployment, social pressures, and lack of awareness about the dangers involved. The commission stressed that immediate government intervention is needed to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The NHRC emphasised that drug abuse not only endangers the lives of young people but also contributes to rising crime rates and undermines the country’s socio-economic progress. “We are seeing more cases of addiction and related offences among youths,” the commission noted, urging relevant authorities at federal and state levels to prioritise prevention programmes, rehabilitation centres, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
While commending ongoing efforts by some agencies and civil society organisations, the NHRC insisted that a coordinated national response is required. The commission called on security agencies to intensify their crackdown on drug trafficking networks while advocating for increased funding for mental health services. No official response from the Ministry of Health or the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was available as at press time.
Stakeholders are expected to meet next month in Abuja for a national summit on youth development where drug abuse prevention will be among key agenda items. The NHRC said it will continue monitoring government responses and push for policies that protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of substance misuse.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Davido Launches First 2026 Single ‘I Know Who I Be’ With South African Collaboration
Afrobeats star teams up with Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay; track available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Afrobeats star teams up with Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay; track available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Nigerian Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, released his first single of 2026, ‘I Know Who I Be’, on Friday, collaborating with South African producer Jazzwrld and artiste GL_CeeJay. The new track became available across major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
The single marks Davido’s first recorded collaboration with both Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay. Davido announced the release via his official social media accounts, sharing artwork from the single and clips from the accompanying music video to engage his fans.
‘I Know Who I Be’ is produced with a vibrant three-step sound, blending Afrobeat influences with unique elements contributed by the featured South African artistes. The track’s energetic rhythm and cross-border collaboration highlight Davido’s continued effort to expand his musical influence across Africa.
Davido remains one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, consistently using his platform to promote African music on the global stage. His new release is expected to attract attention from both Nigerian and international audiences, reflecting ongoing trends in the Afrobeats genre where cross-country collaborations are becoming more prominent.
As at Friday, there has been no official statement from Davido’s management on upcoming album plans or further collaborations for the year. However, industry analysts say this release could signal more projects involving other African acts in 2026.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/davido-releases-first-2026-single-i-know-who-i-be/
