Biafrans: Beware of the Dangers of Substandard Foods, Drinks, and Drugs in the Market

 Biafrans: Beware of the Dangers of Substandard Foods, Drinks, and Drugs in the Market  There is an age-old proverb that says, "Whoever...

 Biafrans: Beware of the Dangers of Substandard Foods, Drinks, and Drugs in the Market 

There is an age-old proverb that says, "Whoever sets a trap with an elephant, what is he expecting to catch? And whoever will be buried with a cow should not be heard that he was killed by a dog." This wisdom captures the essence of the danger we face today as a people. We Biafrans, known for our genuineness and respect for life, now find ourselves entangled in a situation that threatens the very core of our values and existence. The rising cases of heart failure, kidney disease, and other ailments are alarming, and we must confront the root of the problem—substandard and dangerous products infiltrating our markets.

Across Biafraland, and indeed throughout Nigeria, there is a growing menace in the form of fake foods, drinks, and medicines that are making their way into the homes of unsuspecting consumers. The recent findings by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) serve as a stern warning. They discovered that many bread producers, faced with rising costs, have resorted to using saccharine, a harmful sweetener, instead of sugar. The health implications of such practices are dire, with many of our people consuming products that are slowly poisoning them.

The issue, however, goes beyond bread. It extends to fake drugs, counterfeit wines and beers, and substandard bottled and canned water. The streets and markets are flooded with these harmful products, and our people are paying the price with their lives. Each day, more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease, kidney failure, and other related conditions. These ailments, once rare, have now become commonplace, claiming lives in their prime and leaving families in mourning.

What is most insidious about these dangerous products is the deception behind them. Packaging and labeling often give the appearance of quality, but what lies within can be deadly. Fake drugs, for instance, are often produced without regard for dosage or active ingredients, rendering them ineffective at best and toxic at worst. The unsuspecting patient, seeking relief from an illness, unknowingly consumes these counterfeit medications, often worsening their condition or causing new health problems altogether.

The same can be said of fake wines and beers, which are often diluted or mixed with harmful chemicals. These drinks may appear genuine to the untrained eye, but they pose a serious risk to the liver, heart, and other vital organs. Bottled and canned water, which should be a basic necessity, is no longer safe either. Unscrupulous manufacturers are producing water in unsanitary conditions, introducing contaminants that can lead to gastrointestinal infections and other illnesses.

The time has come for accountability, not just from the authorities tasked with regulating these products, but from each of us as individuals. It is no longer enough to turn a blind eye to the dangers we face. Those involved in the production and distribution of these substandard goods are playing a dangerous game—one that is costing lives. What kind of future are we building if we poison our own people for profit?

To those who engage in these practices, consider the proverb once again: "Whoever sets a trap with an elephant, what is he expecting to catch?" If you engage in the production of fake foods, drinks, and drugs, what are you truly expecting to gain? Short-term financial gain at the expense of human lives is not a victory. It is a betrayal of our values as Biafrans, who have always placed a high value on life and well-being.

The excuse that the economy is tough is not sufficient justification for compromising the health of our people. We understand that times are hard, but the answer to hardship is not to introduce greater hardship by selling products that lead to sickness and death. The blood of those who die from these products is on the hands of those who make and sell them. This is not the way of our ancestors, nor is it the way of a people who seek a better future.

Moreover, the public must be educated about the dangers of these products. Awareness campaigns should be launched to inform people about how to identify fake products and what to do if they suspect that something they have purchased is unsafe. The people must also be empowered to report suspicious goods and hold producers accountable.

As Biafrans, we must take responsibility for our own health and safety. Let us be cautious about the products we buy and consume. Pay attention to labels, certifications, and the reputation of the manufacturers. If something seems too cheap or suspicious, it likely is. Do not gamble with your health for the sake of a few naira.

We must also raise our voices in unison to demand better from those who produce and regulate these goods. Our silence only emboldens those who put profits before people. If we want a healthier future for ourselves and future generations, we must act now.

In the end, the choices we make today will determine the kind of future we create tomorrow. Will we continue down this path of destruction, where the lives of our people are sacrificed for temporary gain? Or will we return to the values that have always defined us—genuineness, respect for life, and a commitment to the well-being of our community?

Let us choose the latter. Let us be a people who protect one another, who demand the highest standards from ourselves and those around us. The health of our people is our most valuable asset, and it is one that we cannot afford to lose.

To those involved in the production of substandard goods, the message is clear: desist from this dangerous practice. To the rest of us, let us remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in safeguarding our health. Together, we can build a future where Biafrans thrive in good health, free from the dangers that currently threaten us.

The time to act is now!

Family Writers Press International