OYO GOVT BOOSTS FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES, STRENGTHENS OWNERSHIP

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening family planning services, increasing government ownership and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery across the state.

The commitment was reaffirmed at the Oyo State Bi-Annual Stakeholders Coordination Meeting organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Health and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), at Jogor Hotel, Liberty Road, Ibadan.

The meeting focused on strengthening family planning integration, government ownership and accountability under SWAp/MAMII at the state and local government levels.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, said the changing funding landscape had made it necessary for government to strengthen its institutions and take greater responsibility for sustaining essential health programmes.

Dr. Olatunji disclosed that the state invested N50 million in family planning commodities in 2025 and had earmarked another N50 million for 2026 to ensure the sustained availability of essential commodities and prevent disruptions in service delivery.

He also disclosed that the state had recruited nearly 4,000 healthcare personnel to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

He added that Ward Development Committees across the state’s 351 political wards were being leveraged to promote community participation and increase awareness of family planning services.

Representing the ALGON Chairman, Oyo State Chapter, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Olayanju Kazeem, called for increased awareness of family planning among women and families.

He stressed the importance of providing accurate information to enable individuals to make informed decisions, particularly in view of prevailing economic realities.

The Iya Loja of Ibadan Land, Alhaja Risiwa Oyinlola Amiringun, also called for sustained sensitisation and training of market women on family planning, noting that inadequate information and limited literacy could affect women’s understanding and utilisation of available services.

During a presentation on the Society for Family Health and Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) 2.0 interventions, members of the DISC team, Mrs. Paulina Adeyemi, Mr. Afeez Tijani and Mrs. Oluwabunmi Olajide, disclosed that more than 1,000 healthcare workers from 573 health facilities had been trained on family planning and counselling for choice.

The team said the training equipped healthcare workers with the knowledge to address myths and misconceptions about family planning methods and provide accurate information to clients. They added that providers were also trained to counsel clients on possible menstrual bleeding changes associated with some methods.

The DISC team further disclosed that Community Health Extension Workers, community mobilisers and Ward Development Committees had been equipped with family planning messages to strengthen awareness and demand creation.

They added that local government monitoring and evaluation officers had also received training to improve data quality, reporting and accountability.

An assessment presented at the meeting showed that Oyo State recorded 65.2 per cent institutional readiness for family planning, while nine local government areas had incorporated key activities into their routine programmes.

Ibarapa North, Saki West and another local government area were, however, identified as requiring further strengthening.

The stakeholders, comprising government representatives, local government authorities, development partners, community structures and healthcare workers, reviewed progress and identified areas requiring further attention.

They stressed the need for stronger coordination, sustained investment and effective community engagement, noting that family planning should remain an integral part of the state’s primary healthcare system through adequate commodities, quality counselling, community participation, reliable data and accountability.

Prophet Ikuru Prays for Tinubu’s Safety, Declares: ‘The President Will Return Safely’

The Founder of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Prophet Godwin Ikuru, has prayed for the safe journey of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United States, expressing confidence in the President’s safe return to Nigeria.

Prophet Ikuru said he had committed President Tinubu’s trip to God in prayer, asking for divine protection throughout his visit to the United States.

The cleric urged Nigerians not to be apprehensive about the President’s journey, assuring them that Tinubu would travel to the United States and return safely.

He also expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States and pave the way for greater cooperation between the two countries.

Prophet Ikuru called on Nigerians to continue praying for President Tinubu and the nation, noting that stronger bilateral relations could create new opportunities and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Public Service Games: Oyo HOS Hails Workers, Commends Makinde’s Welfare Initiatives

 

The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni has charged Civil/ Public Servants in the state to uphold professionalism, integrity and transparency in the discharge of their duties.

Dr. Fasina gave this charge on Monday during the kick-off ceremony of the 2026 Public Service Games football competition held at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi-GRA, Ibadan.

She described the annual Public Service Games as an avenue to strengthen unity, friendship and bonding among civil/ public servants across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

The Head of Service urged workers to participate actively in the various programmes lined up for the 2026 Public Service Week, including lectures, sporting activities and the Public Service Merit Awards.

She said  "this celebration is not only about sporting activities but also an opportunity for workers to appreciate God, identify with one another and demonstrate the unity and collective strength of the public service.

Dr. Fasina said, “We start our annual week with a football competition. I charge you all to troop out en masse to celebrate ourselves in the other programmes, lectures and award ceremonies lined up for the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration.

“To whom much is given, much is expected, always embrace professionalism, integrity and transparency in the discharge of your duties, we are celebrating our week to appreciate God, identify with one another and show the system that we are one and we are moving forward.”

She commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for providing the platform for the state’s Civil/Public Servants to celebrate another Public Service Week.

Dr. Fasina described Governor Seyi Makinde as a “talk and do” governor, while appreciating him for approving another transport subsidy allowance for civil servants in the state.

She noted that the welfare initiatives of the administration had continued to demonstrate its commitment to improving the well-being and morale of workers.

The Head of Service enjoined  Civil/Public Servants to reciprocate the gesture by remaining committed, dedicated and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities to the people of Oyo State.

The 2026 Public Service Games football competition is one of the activities lined up for the celebration of the 2026 Oyo State Public Service Week.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

September 22, 2026.

Information Sector Shine, Beat Youth and Sports 2–0 in Friendly Encounter

The Information and Communication Sector of the Oyo State Civil Service has recorded a convincing 2–0 victory over the Youth and Sports Sector in a friendly football match ahead of the 2026 Civil Service Games.

The entertaining encounter was played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan,

as both sectors used the opportunity to fine-tune their preparations and assess the readiness of their players for the forthcoming Civil Service Games.

The Information and Communication Sector displayed impressive teamwork, determination and tactical discipline throughout the match, creating several scoring opportunities and maintaining control of the game.

Their efforts eventually paid off as they found the back of the net twice to secure a 2–0 victory over their Youth and Sports.

The Information and Communication Sector displayed impressive teamwork, determination and tactical discipline throughout the match, creating several scoring opportunities and maintaining control of the game.

Their efforts eventually paid off as they found the back of the net twice to secure a 2–0 victory over their Youth and Sports

counterparts.

The friendly match also provided an opportunity for players and officials from both sectors to build camaraderie, strengthen inter-sectoral relationships and promote the spirit of sportsmanship within the Oyo State Civil Service.

Oyo Govt Trains 250 Budget Officers on NCoA for 2027 Budget Preparation

The Oyo State Government has trained 250 budget officers drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the State on the use and application of the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) template for budget preparation and implementation.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo, said a credible budget was essential to the effective implementation of government policies, programmes and projects.

He stated this during a three-day sensitisation workshop on the use and application of the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA), held at the Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan.

Ojo said the training was necessary to address identified gaps in budget preparation and strengthen the technical capacity of budget officers.

He added that effective application of the NCoA would promote uniformity in budget preparation, improve budget monitoring and enhance accountability in the management of public resources.

The Commissioner stressed that the 2027 budget estimates must align with the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2027–2029, as well as the State’s “Omituntun 2.0” roadmap and Agenda 2040.

He said the alignment would help ensure that public resources were directed towards sustainable development and improved welfare of the people.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Ghafar Bello, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his support for the Ministry, noting that the collaboration between project execution and economic planning had contributed to improved coordination in the State’s planning and budgeting processes.

Speaking on the importance of the training, the Social Policy Manager, UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Mr. Mohammed Okorie, said UNICEF was supporting Oyo State, through the EU-UNICEF project, to strengthen budgeting practices and ensure that child-focused interventions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were adequately captured in the State’s budget.

Okorie urged all MDAs to mainstream child-focused issues into their plans and programmes, irrespective of their sectors, with particular attention to the needs of adolescents, especially adolescent girls, and children with disabilities.

He noted that government expenditure remained a sustainable source of financing programmes targeted at improving the welfare of children and families.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Julius Ayanleke, appreciated UNICEF for its collaboration and support, while urging the participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve budget preparation and implementation across their respective MDAs.

Oyo Govt Releases 2026 BECE, School of Science Results

…Restates Commitment to Teachers’ Welfare, Safer Schools, Quality Education

The Oyo State Government has announced the release of the results of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Entrance Examination into the Oyo State Schools of Science.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, disclosed that the results were now available to candidates and other relevant stakeholders through the designated channels provided by the Ministry.

He said the examinations were conducted to assess students’ academic performance and provide a basis for their progression to the next stage of their education, while congratulating candidates who performed well and urging them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies. 

He also encouraged successful candidates gaining admission into the Schools of Science to make good use of the opportunities provided by the specialised institutions.

Meanwhile, Hon. Olayiwola has restated the commitment of the Oyo State Government to teachers’ welfare, safer schools and quality education, charging principals of public secondary schools to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students.

He stated this on Thursday while addressing the principals at a resumption meeting held at Lagelu Grammar School, Agugu, Ibadan, where he said the government would continue to support teachers through training and retraining, timely promotion and prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that school gates and other entrances were properly manned, perimeter fences regularly monitored and overgrown bushes within and around school premises cleared. He also directed schools to establish functional Guidance and Counselling Units and Anti-Bullying Clubs, organise sensitisation programmes on drug and sexual abuse, and provide safe channels for students to report concerns.

He restated the government’s position on free and accessible basic education, warning against the collection of unauthorised levies in public schools and also directed  schools to organise regular Open Day programmes to strengthen parental participation in students’ academic development.

On Continuous Assessment, the Commissioner  explained that the grading system should cover attendance, notebooks, participation in Open Day, textbooks, school-based tests and teacher-based tests, with each component carrying 10 marks. He said the 60 marks obtained should be divided by two to arrive at the 30 marks obtainable for Continuous Assessment.

He further advised principals to use the approved National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) curriculum and disregard unauthorised versions circulating on social media. He encouraged schools to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning where facilities were available and urged stakeholders to encourage students to use the recently launched Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).

The Commissioner reiterated the prohibition of mobile phones and other mobile devices during school hours, directing that any device found with a student should be released only to the parent or guardian. He also warned that supervisors, invigilators and school heads found aiding or abetting examination malpractice would be appropriately sanctioned.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, urged principals to lead by example through punctuality, discipline, integrity and professionalism, while ensuring effective administration of their schools.

Also the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Sherifat Abimbola, also stressed the need to prioritise students’ welfare, maintain discipline and properly manage government properties entrusted to schools.

In their separate goodwill messages, the President of the Association of Nigerian Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS), Comrade Babatunde Fasasi, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Hassan Fatai, commended the Ministry for the engagement and reaffirmed their support for the government’s efforts to improve education in the State. They also appealed for sustained attention to teachers’ welfare, promotion and career progression.

Oyo Govt Restates Commitment to Teachers’ Welfare, Safer Schools, Quality Education

Oyo NUJ Constitutes Committee for 2027 Election Debate

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has constituted a five-member committee to organise a debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The debate is expected to provide a platform for candidates to present their programmes, policies, and vision to the electorate.

Mr Olayinka Agboola would serve as chairman of the committee, while Mr Oluseye Ojo will be secretary.

Other members are Mrs Oyebukola Oriowo, Mrs Omolola Alamu, and Mr Olusoji Ajibola.

In a statement signed by the Chairman Mr Akeem Abas and the Secretary Temidayo Adu, the council charged the committee to work diligently with relevant stakeholders and develop a credible framework for the successful execution of the debate.

It said details of the date, venue, format, participating candidates, and other arrangements would be announced as preparations progress.

The union urged political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to support the initiative.

It said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen democratic governance and promote issue-based political engagement in Oyo State.

According to the council, the debate would provide an opportunity for candidates to be placed side by side.

It said this would enable the electorate to assess their ideas, programmes, competence, and capacity before making their choices.

The NUJ said the initiative was designed to provide voters with useful information and encourage informed participation in the 2027 elections.