Date: 2018-05-12

Following the ban on Codeine Syrup by the federal government,the Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to constitute a strong Task Force to checkmate the production, sale and consumption of cough syrup containing codeine in the state.

This following a Motion titled the Federal Government Ban on the indiscriminate consumption of Cough Syrup containing Codeine substance in Kwara State, raised by a member representing Omupo Constituency Hon Mashood Bakare.

The Deputy Speaker, Chief Mathew Okedare while reading the resolutions of the House, said the setting up of the task force became expedient to salvage the future of the younger generation in the state. The Legislature also directed its committee on Health and Environment to invite all Pharmaceutical Companies and Patient Medicine Store Association in the State, with a view to harvesting information on the status of production and sale of cough syrup containing codeine and ensure that the affected companies comply with the federal government's ban on codeine containing drugs.

The Legislature which blamed rampart drug addiction among youths to joblessness, enjoined the state government to intensify efforts towards more job creation for youth in the state.

The House according to the Deputy Speaker, urged members of the public to report any person or group of persons, suspected to be illegally involved in the production, sales or consumption of codeine drugs or any related substance to the nearest appropriate authority.

The Parliament while enjoining the State Ministry of Information and Communication, National Orientation Agency and religious leaders to embark on sensitisation on dangers inherent in the abuse of codeine cough syrup, called on Traditional Rulers in the state collaboration with law enforcement agencies towards enforcing the ban on sales and consumption of the cough syrup.

The Deputy Speaker equally in Wednesday's sitting, read Governor Abdul Fatah Ahmed's message to the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, requesting the approval of the Parliament, to access N250m term loan facility from Eco Bank Nigeria Limited ,for the construction of the State Land Administration Secretariat to harmonize government's revenue earnings.

The Deputy Speaker has therefore directed the Business and Rule Committee to schedule the Governor's request for further deliberation by the legislature.

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