Social commentator and food critic, Opeyemi Famakin, has challenged the Igbo people to speak up against the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria, alleging that Kano ranks second among hubs for the production of counterfeit medicines.
Famakin made the remarks while criticizing what he described as the use of tribalism and anti-Igbo sentiments, popularly known as Igbophobia, in discussions about the problem.
Addressing the Igbo community, Wednesday, he questioned why Nigerians continued to focus on ethnic divisions rather than confronting the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs.
“Dear Igbo people, let’s talk. The number two hub of making fake drugs in Nigeria is Kano. We know the tribe that is number one,” Famakin said.
He further challenged the community to take action, asking, “Are you guys not tired of using tribalism and Igbophobia? What are you guys doing?”
Expressing concern over the public health implications of counterfeit medicines, Famakin warned that Nigerians across ethnic groups were at risk.
“All of us are dying of fake drugs,” he added.
The comments have drawn attention to the need for a more focused national conversation about the production and distribution of counterfeit medicines, as well as the role of regulatory agencies in tackling the menace.
Fake and substandard medicines pose serious public health risks, potentially worsening illnesses, causing harmful reactions and contributing to treatment failure.
However, Famakin’s ranking of Kano as Nigeria’s second-largest hub for fake drug production could not be independently verified.
His concern highlights the importance of addressing the counterfeit drug trade through evidence-based investigations and stronger enforcement, rather than allowing ethnic divisions to overshadow a public health concern that affects Nigerians nationwide.
