Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Taraji P. Henson is all about creating her own brand empire.

The renowned actress has revealed her new era in the wine industry, debuting a sweet red blend in her latest collaboration with Seven Daughters Moscato. Right before the leaves start to fall, Henson is getting her fans ready for the weather change with this crisp yet sensual new blend.

“I’m a true red wine lover, and this Red Blend reflects everything I look for in a wine: bold, full of heart, and made to stand out. I’m so excited to see what people think and to continue providing them with quality wines that bring people together,” shared Henson, according to Essence. 

Henson has already partnered with Seven Daughters for its Moscato relaunch last year. Now, on the heels of a successful re-entry to the markets, Henson is expanding her efforts to take the brand further.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seven Daughters Wines (@sevendaughterswines)

Her partnership with Seven Daughters stemmed from a trip to Italy, where she discovered her love for the country’s wine and wine-making. Now, this latest blend is a personal effort from the entrepreneur, who hopes to make it a staple in multiple households.

She added, “Whether you’re celebrating the big moments or just enjoying a Tuesday night with your girls, Seven Daughters is about fostering community, creating those special connections, and never settling for ordinary. This red blend is perfect for year-round celebrations–-served chilled, of course–-because we deserve to celebrate it all.”

The Sweet Red features Marzemino, Corvina, and Merlot grapes sourced from local vineyards across Veneto, Italy. Priced at $14.99, the drink will allow anyone to drink like a movie star at an accessible cost. The drink is also versatile, as the brand noted its featured pairings with various flavor profiles.

“This slightly effervescent wine is perfectly balanced with flavors of almond, fresh white peaches, orange zest and lemon meringue, and boasts robust floral and citrus aromas with strong notes of peach and honeysuckle,” shared its description. “A delightful, refreshing wine to drink chilled by itself, mixed in a cocktail, or paired beautifully with a range of unexpected cuisines and multiple flavor profiles, everything from spicy Thai food to fruit-forward desserts.”

The drink also promotes sisterhood and empowerment in each pour, essential to the Taraji x Seven Daughters story. With this endeavor, she hopes to create “magical moments of connection and lasting memories,” especially as a Black woman in the wine industry.

With additional notes of vibrant wild berries and warm spice, the Seven Daughters Sweet Red Blend makes the perfect wine for the colder seasons, even when best served chilled.

RELATED CONTENT: Taraji P Henson’s Top 7 Black Business Gift Guide

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.