Nigeria was at the weekend the toast of international community as over 900 Women Entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at an International Conference in Deauville, France to share from Nigeria 's strategies and success in the fight against fake drugs, unwholesome foods and other substandard consumer goods.
As a Guest Speaker at the international conference of Women Entrepreneurs drawn from Europe, America, Asia and other parts of the global, Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili showcased the winning strategies adopted by the country in combating the menace of fake drugs and other substandard regulated products.
Presenting a 22-page Lecture titled "Trusting What We Consume: Are we truly Managing the interface of technology, health and safety", Prof. Akunyili spoke extensively on the challenges of ridding the country of fake drugs and unwholesome products through strict adherence and enforcement of regulatory Laws, multi-sectoral collaboration with pharmaceutical manufacturers and other stakeholders, intensive public enlightenment campaign, staff training and re-orientation, modernization of Analytical Laboratory facilities and strong political support by the government.
The Director-General spoke about the vulnerability of consumers in a competitive, market, consumer's right and the need for women entrepreneurs to develop, strengthen and maintain a strong consumer protection policy.
Apart from the NAFDAC Boss, other speakers at the occasion included French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner and the Secretary-General of Amnesty International in UK , Irene Khan.
Ogun Encourages Private Sector Development
Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel said his government would continue to encourage private sector participation in the development of the State.
The Governor stated this at the foundation laying ceremony of a multi-billion dollar project tagged 'Jesus City' owned by Christ Faith Tabernacle Church and situated in Ogere along the Lagos -Ibadan Express way.
Speaking earlier, the President of Jesus City Project, Apostle Alfred Willaims said he was inspired by God to construct a mini city which would serve as a refuge for all nations.
He said the project costing 5.27billion dollars would be cited on 430 acres of land with facilities such as 20,000 capacity church, Hotel, Educational institution, Health Institutions and Hospital, Sports Center, Housing Estate, Industrial Estates and Rehabilitation Center.
The Guardian
Sunday, October 14, 2007
