By Liade Akinbola

ABUJA—The Federal Government said yesterday that there was no going back in the fight against fake drugs in the country.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, stated this at the public presentation of ‘War against Counterfeit Medicine My Story’ and Selected Speeches,’ written by Professor Dora Akunyili.

He urged all public office holders to write memoirs, noting that this would help upcoming public office holders to tackle some of their challenges.

He used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government would not relent in its efforts in fighting against fake drugs in the nation.

Jonathan said: “I assure you that my administration will do everything in its power to ensure that we win total war against fake drugs.

“Let me urge all public officers in the country to avail the nation the opportunity of their experiences through writing of memoirs. Memoirs like this one, in the fight against fake drugs, will guide the incumbents. Above all, it will be able to record the person’s legacy.”

He, therefore, urged Nigerians not to relent in playing their role to fight against societal ills.

“We cannot continue to lament about the challenges facing the country when, in our little corner, we have refused to make a difference. There is an aggregate of our individual task that determines the destiny of our great nation.

“We must all be ready to play our quota in the development of the nation. If only each of us can contribute just 10% of what Dora has put in, Nigeria will be a better place for all of us.”

Former Head of State and Chairman of the occasion, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), in his speech, said fake drugs were over 7% of the world trade, noting that over $7 billion were lost by pharmaceutical companies.

He commended Prof. Dora Akunyili for the fight against fake drugs which, according to him, saved so many families in the nation.

Earlier in her welcome address, Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, said though the fight against fake drugs as the Director General of NAFDAC was demanding and dangerous, “to say that the war against counterfeit drugs, unwholesome food and other fake health-sensitive products was both very demanding and dangerous is an understatement.”

She noted that though the incidence of fake drugs was reduced by over 80%, the fight must be completely won.