Oyo govt Assures Residents of Safety Amid Ebola Concerns

The Oyo State Government has assured residents of its readiness to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to any potential threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following recent reports of outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and confirmed cases in Uganda.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated that although Nigeria has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease, the State Government is closely monitoring developments and has activated necessary preparedness measures to safeguard the health of residents.

According to her, the administration of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, remains fully committed to protecting the lives and wellbeing of all citizens, stressing that public health security remains a top priority of the Government.

As part of proactive measures, the Commissioner disclosed that disease surveillance activities have been strengthened across 33 Local Government Areas of the State, while health facilities have been placed on heightened alert. She added that Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Rapid Response Teams, laboratories, and other critical response structures have been mobilized and positioned for prompt action, should the need arise.

Dr. Ajetunmobi further revealed that the Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group has been activated, while all critical preparedness pillars have been strengthened to ensure the State remains fully prepared for any eventuality.

She called on healthcare workers, public and private health facilities, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders, and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected case presenting with symptoms such as sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or a history of travel to affected areas.

While emphasizing that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Oyo State or Nigeria, the Commissioner urged residents not to panic, noting that preparedness remains the most effective line of defence against disease outbreaks.

She reiterated that the Oyo State Government will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant partners to ensure the State remains safe and adequately prepared.

Dr. Ajetunmobi concluded by urging residents to embrace vigilance, preparedness, and collective responsibility in protecting the health and wellbeing of all citizens.

Religious Leader Advocates Collective Action to Address Rising Kidnapping Cases

The Founder of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Prophet Godwin Ikuru, has urged Nigerians to prioritize efforts aimed at rescuing kidnapped children and other victims of abduction rather than participating in protests across the country.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the cleric expressed concern over the growing insecurity challenge, particularly the continued abduction of children and citizens by criminal groups operating in forests and remote areas. He argued that national attention should be directed toward securing the release of those in captivity and supporting measures to tackle kidnapping.

Prophet Ikuru questioned the effectiveness of protests held in cities such as Lagos and Ibadan, stating that demonstrations could divert attention from urgent security concerns. According to him, collective efforts should be focused on addressing the plight of victims and strengthening initiatives that promote peace and public safety.

The religious leader also called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and allow his administration to carry out its responsibilities without unnecessary distractions. He emphasized the need for citizens to approach leadership with respect and understanding, regardless of political differences.

In addition, Prophet Ikuru condemned the use of insulting or offensive language against the President, urging Nigerians to respect constituted authority and avoid actions capable of creating division or undermining national stability.

Expressing confidence in the country's leadership, he stated that President Tinubu would remain strong and healthy and predicted that he would secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Prophet Ikuru concluded by encouraging Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and constructive engagement while working together to address the nation's security challenges, especially the growing threat of kidnapping and the safe return of victims still being held captive.

Oyo Flags Off 2026 MNCH Week, Expands Child Health Services

 

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, ANRiN, Rotary International and Evidence Action  has flagged off the first round of the 2026 Optimized Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week at Oniyanrin Comprehensive Health Centre, Ibadan North West Local Government Area, reaffirming the commitment of the State Government to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

The flag off ceremony, which attracted government officials, development partners, health workers,and residents, marked the commencement of a week-long integrated health intervention aimed at providing life saving services to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age.

Speaking at the event, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Dr. Adeyemi Adewole representing the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, stated that the Optimized MNCH Week remains one of the state's most strategic public health interventions designed to reduce maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality through the delivery of high impact and cost-effective health services.

He noted that, the programme provides a unique opportunity to reach eligible beneficiaries with essential healthcare services, particularly those in underserved and hard to reach communities. 

He emphasized that the intervention aligns with the vision of the administration of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents of Oyo State.

According to him, the services being offered during the exercise include routine immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, growth monitoring, nutritional screening, antenatal care services, health education,birth registration, RDT and treatment for Malaria, HIV Screening, family planning, counseling, HPV Vaccines for Nine years old girls to prevent cervical cancer and referrals for specialized healthcare services where necessary.

He further disclosed that the state government has continued to prioritize investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, human resources for health and community based interventions to strengthen the healthcare system and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Dr. Olatunji, urged parents, caregivers and pregnant women to take advantage of the free services being provided during the exercise, stressing that early access to preventive healthcare interventions remains crucial to safeguarding the health and well being of mothers and children.

Also speaking at the event, representatives of NPHCDA, Dr. Victoria Olatunde Adebiyi, WHO, Dr. Phillips Zorto, Ibadan North West Local Government Chairman, Rale Opeyemi, UNICEF, Mr. Tari Akpandara, and Head of Local Government Administration, Pastor Ibukun Dada, in their goodwill messages, commended the Oyo State Government for sustaining the implementation of the Optimized MNCH Week and for demonstrating strong leadership in the promotion of maternal and child health programmes. 

They reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving health indices in the state.

Beneficiaries who attended the flag off expressed appreciation to the State Government and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial, especially in view of prevailing economic challenges facing many households.

The Board disclosed that health workers have been mobilized to all Primary Health Care Centres and designated outreach posts across the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the state to ensure seamless implementation and wider coverage of the programme.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services to all residents, noting that sustained investments in maternal, newborn and child health remain critical to achieving improved health outcomes and sustainable development.

The flag off of the Optimized Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week at Oniyanrin Comprehensive Health Centre Ibadan represents another milestone in Oyo State's efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure that every mother, newborn and child has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

New Oyo HOS Pledges Godly Leadership, Fairness and Equity in Civil Service

The newly appointed Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina (mni), has pledged to uphold the principles of the fear of God, equity, justice, and fairness in the administration of the state's civil service.

Dr. Fasina made the commitment during a prayer, praise, and worship programme organised in her honour by the Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akinola Ojo. The event was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Finance, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Speaking at the gathering, the Head of Service stressed the importance of equal opportunities for all civil servants, noting that every worker deserves fair treatment within the service.

"We are all equal and should be given equal opportunities. Every officer must play his or her part and abide by the civil service regulations. The rules are statutory and must be respected," she said.

Dr. Fasina emphasized that promotion and elevation come from God alone, urging civil servants to remain diligent and have trust in divine timing.

"Promotion does not come from the East, West, North, or South; it comes from God. If it is God's will to elevate you, no one can stop it. All glory belongs to God," she stated.

Reflecting on her journey to becoming Head of Service, Dr. Fasina disclosed that she never saw the position as a do-or-die affair.

"When the process began, some people asked if I was still interested. I told them that life would not collapse if I was not selected. I asked myself who helped me attain my previous position six years ago. If God did it then, He could do it again.

"Last Friday evening, I received a call from the then Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni). She congratulated me, and I responded by thanking God. When God makes a promise, He fulfils it. Your responsibility is to do your part faithfully and leave the rest to Him. There is no need to run from pillar to post," she added.

The new Head of Service expressed appreciation to members of the Ministry of Finance and all well-wishers who celebrated with her, particularly the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akinola Ojo.

She described the Commissioner as a father figure who is frank, disciplined, hardworking, intelligent, and committed to transparency.

"Hon. Akinola Ojo is a man who values honesty and transparency. He is firm but fair and gives all glory to God for every achievement," she said.

Dr. Fasina also described the Oyo State Accountant-General, Mrs. Kekelomo Adegoke, as a dear sister and trusted friend.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akinola Ojo, attributed Dr. Fasina's appointment to divine favour and God's intervention through Governor Seyi Makinde.

"All glory belongs to God. He uses whoever He pleases to accomplish His purpose. God used Governor Seyi Makinde to appoint Dr. Adenike Fasina as the new Head of Service of Oyo State," he said.

The Commissioner noted that Dr. Fasina possesses a deep understanding of the workings and dynamics of the civil service, describing her appointment as well deserved.

"We are gathered here today to pray, praise, and worship God for what He has done in the life of our new Head of Service," he added.

Hon. Ojo prayed for God's guidance, protection, wisdom, and success for Dr. Fasina throughout her tenure, expressing confidence that her administration would record remarkable achievements.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Accountant-General, Mrs. Kekelomo Adegoke, urged the new Head of Service to be a mother to all cadres of workers in the civil service and to lead with the fear of God.

She further advised Dr. Fasina to embrace everyone, including those who may have aspired to the position, noting that they should not be regarded as adversaries.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Clerk of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Barrister Adenike Muraina, the Deputy Clerk, staff members of the Ministry of Finance, members of the Finance Family, and other top government officials.

Oyo Flags Off 2026 MNCH Week, Expands Child Health Services.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, ANRiN, Rotary International and Evidence Action  has flagged off the first round of the 2026 Optimized Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week at Oniyanrin Comprehensive Health Centre, Ibadan North West Local Government Area, reaffirming the commitment of the State Government to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

The flag off ceremony, which attracted government officials, development partners, health workers,and residents, marked the commencement of a week-long integrated health intervention aimed at providing life saving services to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age.

Speaking at the event, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Dr. Adeyemi Adewole representing the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, stated that the Optimized MNCH Week remains one of the state's most strategic public health interventions designed to reduce maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality through the delivery of high impact and cost-effective health services.

He noted that, the programme provides a unique opportunity to reach eligible beneficiaries with essential healthcare services, particularly those in underserved and hard to reach communities. 

He emphasized that the intervention aligns with the vision of the administration of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents of Oyo State.

According to him, the services being offered during the exercise include routine immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, growth monitoring, nutritional screening, antenatal care services, health education,birth registration, RDT and treatment for Malaria, HIV Screening, family planning, counseling, HPV Vaccines for Nine years old girls to prevent cervical cancer and referrals for specialized healthcare services where necessary.

He further disclosed that the state government has continued to prioritize investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, human resources for health and community based interventions to strengthen the healthcare system and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Dr. Olatunji, urged parents, caregivers and pregnant women to take advantage of the free services being provided during the exercise, stressing that early access to preventive healthcare interventions remains crucial to safeguarding the health and well being of mothers and children.

Also speaking at the event, representatives of NPHCDA, Dr. Victoria Olatunde Adebiyi, WHO, Dr. Phillips Zorto, Ibadan North West Local Government Chairman, Rale Opeyemi, UNICEF, Mr. Tari Akpandara, and Head of Local Government Administration, Pastor Ibukun Dada, in their goodwill messages, commended the Oyo State Government for sustaining the implementation of the Optimized MNCH Week and for demonstrating strong leadership in the promotion of maternal and child health programmes. 

They reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving health indices in the state.

Beneficiaries who attended the flag off expressed appreciation to the State Government and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial, especially in view of prevailing economic challenges facing many households.

The Board disclosed that health workers have been mobilized to all Primary Health Care Centres and designated outreach posts across the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the state to ensure seamless implementation and wider coverage of the programme.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services to all residents, noting that sustained investments in maternal, newborn and child health remain critical to achieving improved health outcomes and sustainable development.

The flag off of the Optimized Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week at Oniyanrin Comprehensive Health Centre Ibadan represents another milestone in Oyo State's efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure that every mother, newborn and child has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

Pity Fayose, Don’t Get Angry With Him – Makinde Pleads

The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians to be prayerful for the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, he said Nigerians watched with shock as the former governor disintegrated before the eyes of the world by making a series of false accusations, apparently under certain influences.

Prince Oyelade said Governor Seyi Makinde is too preoccupied with finding a solution to the challenges posed by the kidnappers of children and teachers in the state to engage someone whose lifestyle and comportment have been suspect over a long time.

He added that for a former governor to be so consumed by the politics of vindictiveness, vileness, deceit, and hate that he would further endanger the lives of those in captivity and distract security agents from handling this delicate job smacks of one who has lost his mind.

The Commissioner recalled that Fayose’s comrade-in-arms, Nyesom Wike, promised in November last year that he would “put fire in Oyo State,” and now the threat appears to be manifesting poorly.

The Commissioner also recalled that in April this year former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, shamelessly alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

The Commissioner therefore contended that these false allegations and many others are sufficient to confirm their motive.

He noted that even President Bola Tinubu has publicly commended Governor Makinde twice since the kidnapping took place on Friday 15th of May.

The Commissioner urged the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful, noting that Governor Makinde has been working day and night to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers.

2026 Hajj: Oyo First and Second Batch Pilgrims Set for Return to Nigeria

The first and second batches of the 2026 Hajj pilgrims from Oyo State are scheduled to depart Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for Nigeria on 5th and 6th June, 2026, respectively, following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj rites in the Holy Land.

The two batches, comprising 630 pilgrims, both male and female, are expected to reunite with their families in Nigeria before the end of the week considering the approved flight schedule.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board, Sheikh Abdul-Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the pilgrims will be airlifted by Air Peace Airline through the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The statement emphasized the need for pilgrims to ensure that their luggage does not exceed the approved 46 kilograms of two 23kg bags allocated to each pilgrim,  noting that the total allowable weight, including hand luggage of 8kg, remains 52 kilograms.

Sheikh Atere also disclosed that each pilgrim would receive five litres of Zam-Zam water upon arrival in Nigeria, adding that the water had already been delivered to the country.

While appreciating the pilgrims for the love, patience, and cooperation demonstrated throughout the Hajj exercise, the Board Chairman urged them to continue to be worthy ambassadors of Oyo State.

He prayed for the safe return and continued progress of the pilgrims, their families, and well-wishers, while also wishing them divine favour and success in their future endeavours.

Sheikh Atere further prayed for the success of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, sustained peace and development in Oyo State, and an end to insecurity across the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Before departing the Holy City, the pilgrims are expected to perform the farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada'), the final rite observed by pilgrims in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

It would be recalled that the Oyo State pilgrims departed Mina on May 29, 2026, after successfully completing the three-day symbolic stoning of the Jamarat, one of the major rites of the Hajj pilgrimage.