Oyo Govt, World Bank Partner To End Open Defecation

…Strengthens SURWASH Programme 

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending open defecation and strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects by keying into the new development version supported by the World Bank, code-named Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

Speaking at the two-day workshop held at the Western Hall, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Seun Ashamu, urged participants to critically review the consultant’s report.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the director of forestry, Mr. Sunday Moradeyo, admonished the participants to make recommendations that would enhance the health, well-being, and future of Oyo State residents.

The workshop  was jointly organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.  

In his remarks, the chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto,  stated that the two-day validation workshop on the preparedness of the state for the SURWASH programme is commendable, as it confirmed the concern of the present administration towards the well being of the citizens.

Hon. Olorunpoto promised to brief the house on the need to provide legislative support for the realization of this noble intention.

The lead consultant, Prof. Olayinka Akanle, explained that the validation workshop focused on key areas including WASH Sector Analysis, Political Economy Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Capacity-Building Needs, Gender Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Engagement.

In her presentation, the co-consultant, Dr. Bilkisu Dossah revealed that the World Bank has committed $700 million to the federal government for the SURWASH programme. She noted that while seven states are already benefiting under Tier 1, Oyo State is among five others (Oyo, Abia, Anambra, Edo, and Kwara) eligible under Tier 2 for technical assistance.

Dr. Dossah further highlighted the challenges that should be addressed for the enablement of the WASH programme in Oyo State, which include the absence of a full-fledged Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the lack of a legal framework for WASH, weak institutional coordination, and the absence of a regulatory body. 

She therefore recommended the speedy passage of the draft WASH policy into law, the creation of a Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the establishment of a regulatory body to strengthen accountability and service delivery.

RESIDENTS APPEAL TO OYO GOVERNMENT FOR COMPENSATION OVER DUALIZATION OF AKANRAN OLORUN SOGO ROAD

A cross section of residents in Ona Ara local Government area of Oyo State have appealed to the State Government to pay adequate compensation to individuals whose properties were demolished during the DUALIZATION the Akanran Olorunsogo road in Ibadan..

The affected people expressed displeasure over the failure to compensate them before their properties were demolished for the road project.

They specifically referred to the previous demolition on Olorunsogo Akanran road  about three years ago for which no property owner was compensated.

One of the residents in Olorunsogo Mr .Mutiu Gbadeyanka called on Governor Seyi Makinde to look into this problem and order the compilation of a list of affected property  owners for immediate compensation  due to the harsh economic conditions in the country leading to high cost of building materials .

Another resident in Sawia Mrs Felicia  Oyeleke who claimed to be a widow whose building was demolished  implored the Seyi Makinde Administration  to compensate the property owners without further delay noting that life has been more difficult for her since the demotion of her building for the DUALIZATION of Olorunsogo Akanran road .

Another  landlord at Olunloyo area who preferred anonymity appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to order the Oyo State Ministry of Lands ,Housing and Survey to compile the list of those whose properties were demolished for the DUALIZATION of Olorunsogo Akanran road for immediate compensation .

Another resident Mr.Tajudeen Olanipekun said life has been so miserable for him since his building was demolished as he appealed to the Oyo State Government to  compensate the property owners for the sake of justice ,fair play and rule of law .

They advised the government to be magnanimous by paying due compensation as stipulated by the law of the State.

They hinted that most of them took bank loans to operate their businesses while others took Mortgage  loans to build their houses which had now been demolished for the DUALIZATION of Olorunsogo Akanran road.

The affected residents said Oyo State which is a pacesetter should be a reference State for other neighbouring States in ensuring fairness and wellbeing of its citizens since this Government is a responsible and responsive one who listens to the plight of its people.

They drew a reference point to the era of Late Governor Bola Ige in old Oyo State who ensured that adequate and full compensations to property owners during the construction of the new Gbagi Market in the Egbeda Local Government area of Oyo State .

They however appealed to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde to consider the Olorunso Akanran road residents whose properties were demolished for the road dualisation.

Upgraded Ibadan Airport’ll increase investors’ confidence in Oyo State, says NANTA VP, Adesokan

Vice President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Otunba Babatunde Adesokan, has lauded Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for embarking on the upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport to international standards, saying the move will increase investors’ confidence in the state. 

Adesokan stated this in an interview with The People’s Verdict. 

According to him, “One of the key things investors think about before they come into your country, is accessibility to your state. The first consideration of an investor in the UK or USA who wants to invest in a particular sector in Oyo State is ‘how am I going to access the state?’ Since we have an international airport, he will say, ‘I can fly directly into the state, do what I want to do and go back, rather than having a stopover in another state before driving an hour down to the state.’ And bearing in mind the kind of negative stories they hear about Nigeria, they may be thinking that anything can happen to them between Lagos and Ibadan. So, having an international airport in Ibadan will definitely increase investors’ confidence in coming down to Oyo State to have their investment in the state.” 

He added, “Remember that Ibadan has one of the biggest markets in Sub-Sahara Africa, which is Bola Ige International Market. I understand that most of the market women do ply their trade through China and Dubai. Having an international airport here in Ibadan will save them the cost of moving their goods from Lagos to Ibadan and also minimize the risk of plying the road at late hours. So, it is very important. We really applaud it and we appreciate it. In fact, my association, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), was in support of the idea to upgrade the airport to international standards.”

While praising Governor Makinde for promoting tourism, Adesokan said, 

“When you consider what tourism has done for countries such as The Gambia, Kenya, South Africa and the likes, you will realize that it is important to promote tourism. Everyone knows that tourism is life and that is the best alternative to oil that we are focusing on now. Today, what Dubai (UAE) gets from tourism is more than what it gets from oil. If Governor ‘Seyi Makinde can focus more on tourism as he is doing, the state is going to generate more revenue through visitors’ spending, through creating numerous job opportunities and tour spending in the state, through hotels, lounges, clubs etc. When people come into your state, they visit all these tourist destinations, sleep in a hotel, and eat your local delicacies, the revenue is going to increase and an average Oyo State indigene that sells and promotes tourism here is going to have something into their purse. So, tourism is essential, it is part of life. And it doesn’t cost anything for the government other than to provide the infrastructure, which Engr Seyi Makinde is already doing.”

He continued, “Let me appreciate and thank His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Makinde for doing a great job, especially focusing more on the tourism sector. You can see that most of these tourist destinations are being developed.”

Talking about the performance of the economy under Governor Makinde, the NANTA Vice President said, “He came in and took the bull by the horns and ha

s turned a lot of things around. First and foremost, he has focused more on infrastructure development. When you develop infrastructure in your state, it opens the state up to investors. I learnt through statistics that the number of visitors to Oyo State has increased from 3,000 to 18,000 daily. Out of the 18,000 visitors, definitely between 1,000 and 2,500 will have interest in one or two things to do here that will translate into financial profitability. 

“So far in the last six years of his administration, he has been doing wonderfully well; the roads have been well rehabilitated, all the civil servants are paid as and when due and those of us who are operating in the system are also having some benefits because of what he did in terms of tourist destination development. If you ask me to score him, as of today I can give him 75 per cent.”     

According to Adesokan, the governor has successfully created a business-friendly environment in Oyo State. 

His words: “The number one thing anybody will think about is security when you are talking about how friendly an environment is. Engr Seyi Makinde has taken security as one of his core areas. Oyo State has been very safe in the last six years. There is one rating company that rated Oyo State the third most investment-friendly state in the country recently." 

His verdict: “Governor Seyi Makinde is a listening governor, very humane, understanding and friendly.”   

Nigerian Navy Hands Over 419 Bags of Smuggled Rice to Customs in Badagry

 

Badagry, Lagos – October 3, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough in the fight against smuggling, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has handed over 419 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command.

The seizure, which was the result of intensified surveillance and proactive patrols along the Badagry–Porto Novo Creek and adjoining waterways, marks another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria’s maritime corridors of illegal activities.

The contraband was intercepted by the Base’s Quick Response Teams as part of a coordinated operation to disrupt the activities of economic saboteurs exploiting the nation’s waterways for illicit trade.

During the official handover, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain BO Omotayo—represented by the Base Administrative Officer, Lieutenant Commander SO Talabi—reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to enforcing federal policies on maritime security and economic protection.

Captain Omotayo highlighted that the operation aligns with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 06–2023, which calls for strengthened maritime security as a foundation for national development.

He also praised the dedication and professionalism of Navy personnel at the Base, noting their role in frustrating the efforts of smugglers and other cross-border criminals. He further emphasized that the Base would continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations and maintain close collaboration with other security agencies and local communities in the Badagry area.

“The Forward Operating Base Badagry remains resolute in fulfilling its mandate to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain,” Captain Omotayo said. “We strongly advise those engaged in illegal activities to desist, as the Navy will not relent in defending the nation’s territorial integrity and economic interests.”

The handover of the seized rice to customs is in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) for inter-agency cooperation, which guides the joint effort to tackle smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

The event underscores the growing synergy between the Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against smuggling, particularly in Nigeria’s coastal and border communities.

OYO COLLABORATE WITH UNICEF ON STATE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY

 

    The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof Musbau Babatunde has stressed the need for proper record keeping and data documentation which plays a vital role in driving Government reforms, shaping policies and supporting effective decision making.

   He stated this while declaring open the inception meeting of Oyo State Household Survey organized by the Ministry and Oyo State Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with UNICEF.

Prof. Musbau reiterated that the Household Survey would play a key role in guiding various Government interventions. He explained that the exercise will provide accurate data which will ensure transparency, support evidence based planning and enable proper access and enrollment into different Social and Economic programs across the State.

    The Honourable Commissioner appreciated His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde for his positive disposition and unflinching support towards ensuring the successful outcome of the Survey.

    He charged the relevant stakeholders to carefully make a critical analysis so as to produce a genuine, credible and reliable survey which will serve as a solid foundation for State Government interventions.

     In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Mr Tunde Ayanleke appreciated UNICEF for its support which has made the gathering possible. He expressed his profound gratitude to His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde for granting approval for the exercise.

     He noted that the Household Survey is a critical requirement for effective planning and sound decision making as it will provide accurate data to guide the State in her overall Socio- Economic Planning.

     Earlier in his welcome address, the Statician General of the State, Mr Teslim Ajuwon welcomed the dignitaries and stakeholders to the meeting and stated that the State Government has spent a lot on the well being of citizens and it is very important to carry out a Household Survey from time to time to ascertain the impact of Government expenditure on the people.

     In his response, the Social Policy Manager, UNICEF Mr Muhammad Okorie who talked about the SUSI Project  emphasized that the main objective is to undertake activities that would lead to the production of Poverty Maps for Oyo State,to serve as a reference document and guide in the design and implementation of the Project, related policies and programs especially the expansion of the State Social Register of the poor and vulnerable. He said as soon as the document is validated there would be a State owned data.

Transforming Nigeria's healthcare delivery through effective, efficient hospital management

By Phillip A Tinubu 

Nigeria's healthcare system faces a myriad of challenges, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and resource constraints to systemic inefficiencies and a shortage of skilled personnel. These challenges collectively contribute to poor health outcomes, limited access to quality care, and a general lack of public trust in the healthcare system. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for transformative change through the implementation of effective and efficient hospital management practices.

Hospital management, as a discipline, encompasses the strategic planning, organization, and coordination of all activities within a hospital setting. It involves the integration of clinical and administrative functions to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care in a cost-effective manner (Pezzuto, 2019). 

In the context of Nigeria, where resources are scarce and healthcare needs are immense, effective hospital management is not merely desirable but essential for optimizing the use of available resources and improving the overall performance of the healthcare system.

One of the key areas where effective hospital management can make a significant impact is in the optimization of resource allocation. Nigerian hospitals often struggle with limited budgets, inadequate supplies of essential medicines and equipment, and a shortage of qualified staff. Through the implementation of sound financial management practices, hospitals can improve their ability to generate revenue, control costs, and allocate resources in a manner that maximizes their impact on patient care. This may involve the adoption of innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, as well as the implementation of cost-saving measures, such as group purchasing and inventory management systems.

In addition to financial management, effective hospital management also involves the implementation of robust operational systems and processes. This includes the streamlining of patient flow, the optimization of bed utilization, and the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). By improving operational efficiency, hospitals can reduce waiting times, minimize errors, and enhance the overall patient experience (Pezzuto, 2019). The adoption of EHRs, in particular, can have a transformative impact on healthcare delivery in Nigeria by improving communication and coordination among healthcare providers, reducing the risk of medication errors, and providing valuable data for quality improvement initiatives.

Another critical aspect of effective hospital management is the development and retention of a skilled and motivated workforce. Nigerian hospitals often face a shortage of qualified doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. To address this challenge, hospitals need to invest in training and development programs, offer competitive salaries and benefits, and create a supportive work environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration (Amedari & Ejidike, 2021). Effective leadership is also essential for creating a positive organizational culture and inspiring staff to perform at their best.

Furthermore, effective hospital management requires a strong focus on quality improvement and patient safety. Nigerian hospitals often struggle with high rates of hospital-acquired infections, medication errors, and other adverse events. To address these issues, hospitals need to implement comprehensive quality improvement programs that involve the systematic collection and analysis of data, the identification of areas for improvement, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Patient safety should be a top priority, with a focus on preventing errors, promoting a culture of safety, and empowering patients to actively participate in their care.

In addition to these internal management practices, effective hospital management also involves building strong relationships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners. Collaboration with these stakeholders can help hospitals to access additional resources, expand their reach, and improve their ability to address the social determinants of health (Amedari & Ejidike, 2021). For example, hospitals can partner with community organizations to provide health education and outreach services, or they can work with government agencies to advocate for policies that support healthcare access and quality.

Technology plays a pivotal role in modernizing hospital management, offering solutions to enhance efficiency and improve patient care. Implementing advanced hospital information systems (HIS) can streamline administrative tasks, reduce paperwork, and improve data accuracy. Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies can extend healthcare services to remote areas, addressing geographical barriers. Data analytics and artificial intelligence can provide insights into patient outcomes, resource utilization, and operational efficiency, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Effective supply chain management is crucial for ensuring the availability of essential medicines, equipment, and supplies in Nigerian hospitals. Implementing robust inventory management systems can help hospitals track stock levels, predict demand, and prevent stockouts. Establishing strategic partnerships with suppliers can ensure timely delivery of high-quality products at competitive prices (Mba-Oduwusi et al., 2024). Investing in logistics and transportation infrastructure can improve the efficiency of the supply chain, reducing delays and minimizing waste.

Strong leadership and effective governance are essential for driving positive change in Nigerian hospitals. Hospital leaders must possess the vision, skills, and commitment to create a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability. Establishing clear lines of authority and responsibility can improve decision-making and ensure that resources are used effectively. Implementing transparent and ethical governance practices can build trust among stakeholders and promote a culture of integrity.

Patient-centered care should be at the heart of hospital management, with a focus on meeting the needs and preferences of patients. Implementing patient feedback mechanisms can help hospitals understand patient experiences and identify areas for improvement. Training staff in communication and empathy skills can enhance patient satisfaction and build stronger relationships. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment can reduce patient anxiety and improve their overall experience.

Effective hospital management must address the social determinants of health, recognizing that factors such as poverty, education, and housing can significantly impact health outcomes. Partnering with community organizations to address these social determinants can improve the health and well-being of the population (Umar et al., 2024). Implementing programs to promote health literacy and empower patients to take control of their health can lead to better outcomes. Advocating for policies that address social inequities can create a more just and equitable healthcare system.

Research and innovation are essential for advancing the field of hospital management and improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Investing in research can generate new knowledge about effective management practices and innovative solutions. Encouraging collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers can accelerate the translation of research findings into practice. Creating a culture of innovation can foster creativity and encourage the development of new approaches to address healthcare challenges.

Financial sustainability is crucial for the long-term viability of Nigerian hospitals. Implementing sound financial management practices can help hospitals generate revenue, control costs, and manage their resources effectively. Establishing transparent accounting and auditing systems can ensure accountability and prevent corruption. Diversifying revenue streams and exploring innovative financing mechanisms can improve financial stability and reduce reliance on government funding.

The transformation of Nigeria's healthcare delivery through effective and efficient hospital management will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government, healthcare providers, and the public. Government has a critical role to play in creating a supportive policy environment, providing adequate funding for healthcare, and ensuring that hospitals are held accountable for their performance. Healthcare providers need to embrace a culture of continuous improvement, adopt evidence-based practices, and prioritize the needs of their patients (Mba-Oduwusi et al., 2024). The public needs to be engaged in the process, with a focus on promoting health literacy, encouraging preventive care, and holding healthcare providers accountable for the quality of care they receive.

In conclusion, effective and efficient hospital management has the potential to transform Nigeria's healthcare delivery by optimizing resource allocation, improving operational efficiency, developing a skilled workforce, enhancing quality and safety, and building strong relationships with external stakeholders. While the challenges are significant, the opportunities for improvement are even greater. By embracing a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Nigeria can build a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and of high quality for all its citizens. The journey towards this vision requires a commitment to excellence in hospital management, recognizing it as a cornerstone of a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.

Akintunde Delivers Nigeria’s 65th Independence Lecture at Yemi Faroumbi Colloquium

Senator Yunus Akintunde has called on stakeholders within Nigeria’s political landscape to remain committed to the urgent political reforms required ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

He made this position known during the First Independence Public Lecture, held in Ibadan on October 1st, as part of the Independence Anniversary celebrations organized by the Yemi Faroumbi Colloquium Initiative in collaboration with Honor TV and Radio Media Group.

The event had in attendance the Convener of the Colloquium, Ambassador Yemi Faroumbi; the Chairman of the occasion, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke; Mrs. Alaba Adeniyi, Administrative Secretary of INEC in Oyo State; Comrade Femi Adebisi; top management of Honor Media Group led by Mr. Seun Awodele, Director of Operations; Mr. Yinka Agboola Editor in chief of Parrot newsmagazine; and several other dignitaries. Discussions centered on a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s electoral system, with a collective resolve for urgent reforms.

Senator Akintunde, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Kunle Olatunji, served as the Guest Lecturer at the occasion.

In his well-researched lecture titled “Recalibrating Nigeria's Electoral Architecture: Legal, Technological and Institutional Reforms for the 2027 Elections,” Senator Akintunde examined the progress and persistent challenges of Nigeria’s electoral processes. He provided deep insights and practical recommendations on the legal, technological, and institutional reforms required to guarantee credible elections and strengthen democratic values.

According to him, Nigeria’s past experiences have shown the urgent need to recalibrate the nation’s electoral architecture. He stressed that as the 2027 elections approach, reforms in these critical areas are necessary to avoid a repeat of the pitfalls and unpleasant experiences that have marred past electoral processes.

He further emphasized that Nigeria possesses the capacity to realign its electoral system with global best practices, ensuring that leaders are elected based on competence, vision, and ability to deliver quality governance that drives economic growth and national development.

Other speakers at the event, including the Chairman of the occasion, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, reinforced the need for reforms—particularly institutional reforms—as a foundation upon which other necessary changes must rest. He noted that sincerity, commitment, and human capacity development remain the most critical drivers of any successful political system.

In her separate address, Mrs. Alaba Adeniyi, INEC Administrative Secretary in Oyo State, assured of the Commission’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to improve future elections through voter education, intensive training, efficient deployment of technology-driven processes, and stronger advocacy for INEC’s financial and operational autonomy.

In his remarks, Ambassador Yemi Faroumbi expressed gratitude to Senator Yunus Akintunde, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, and other dignitaries who graced the event. He pledged that the Colloquium initiative would continue to grow into a global brand, with future expansions already in view.