Benue Pharmaceutical Firm Unveiled to Tackle Fake Drug Menace

George Okoh in Makurdi

A pharmaceutical company, Vincal Pharmaceutical Company, has ventured into the Nigerian drug manufacturing business, to address the menace of counterfeit medications.

The company, which is located in Benue State and a first-of-its-kind in the middle belt part of the country, was unveiled by the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, yesterday.

The Founder of Vincal Pharmaceuticals, Emmanuel Otobo Idoko, said he was motivated to set up the drug manufacturing company to contribute to the growth and health of society.

He said the company has secured all the necessary approvals from NAFDAC and has so far started manufacturing nine drugs in the syrup form.

Idoko warned that fake drug was ravaging society, saying drugs from the company have passed all necessary test and certification.

The chief executive officer of the company said: “Due to the lack of drug manufacturing factories in the state many drug dealers from elsewhere have taken advantage and are dumping cheap and recycled drugs on the state, which is causing illness such as liver and kidney damage.”

He called on Benue State and all the states in the country to partner the company and ensure the menace of fake drugs is defeated.

In his remark, the former NAFDAC Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, called on the government and individuals to support the initiative company, stressing that it was worrisome that in that part of the country, no indigenous pharmaceutical company existed.

He emphasise that over-dependence on foreign drug companies is not good for the country, as he commended the company for its achievement for being the first in the state.

Governor Alia, while inaugurating the company, said Idoko represents the new face of Benue State of his dream, saying the people in the state need to explore what they have but have never been explored.

He added that the owner truly requires every support on what he has started.

“The moment I stepped on this arena and saw my brother priests, I knew that Idoko is going to succeed and make it very great in this industry.

“With this industry on our land, I understand fully what you have gotten yourself involved in, and I will support you,” he stated.

Alia said what the pharmacy has begun should be what all the young people should look at as a tall pole on how Benue State would be shaped.