Soludo Issues 24 Months Quit Notice to Onitsha Drugs Distributors, Others to Relocate to Oba Market

Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Friday Issued a 24 month quit notice to traders operating at open drug markets in the state, especially Ogbo Ogwu, Onitsha.

The governor who gave the ultimatum while performing a groundbreaking ceremony for an International Drug Co-ordinated Wholesale Center, Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, stressed that at the expiration of the ultimatum, those still operating at Onitsha drugs market and other open places would be regarded as illegal and their structures demolished.

He added that the Oba site which will be technology-driven as part of the smart megacity initiative of the administration would become the only approved location for wholesale drugs distribution in the state after the deadline.

According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo also 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.”

He adds that the project will be bankrolled by Sterling Bank Plc and has a completion deadline of twenty four months.

Soludo, he disclosed, expressed delight that when completed, the project would become the biggest drug distribution center in Africa.

“Professor Soludo assured that the abandoned Oba International market will also be put to use”, he assures.

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.