Oyo PHC Board Flags Off Free Eye Screening, Distributes Glasses to Civil Servants

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has flagged off a two-day free eye screening and reading glasses distribution exercise for civil servants within the State Secretariat and other eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, described the exercise as a significant intervention aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving vision, and enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He explained that the outreach was designed to improve access to essential eye care services, particularly for individuals experiencing presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly at close range.

The initiative is being implemented by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme.

Awoleye emphasised the importance of regular eye screening, particularly among adults aged 40 and above. 

He noted that good vision is essential for productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being.

He stated that the initiative would provide eligible beneficiaries with free eye screening and reading glasses, where clinically appropriate, to address the challenges associated with presbyopia and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

The Chairman commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government, led by the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to expand access to essential healthcare services across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Mustapha Festus, who highlighted the importance of integrating preventive health interventions into routine healthcare delivery.

He noted that visual difficulties could affect productivity, independence and daily activities. He therefore encouraged eligible civil servants and other beneficiaries to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that partnerships between government institutions and development partners remain crucial to improving health outcomes.

The representative of CHAI, Dr. Adebayo Durojaye, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding access to eye care services, particularly for adults with limited access to routine screening and corrective eyewear. He explained that interventions of this nature help identify common vision problems and facilitate timely access to appropriate care.

The State Eye Health Programme Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunlade, explained that the exercise was designed to provide free presbyopia screening and distribute reading glasses to eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above. She encouraged civil servants within the state secretariat and other qualified participants to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their eye health.

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that gradually reduces the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It can cause blurred near vision and difficulty reading, writing and performing other close-up tasks, making early identification and appropriate correction important.

Through the two-day outreach, eligible beneficiaries will receive eye screening and free reading glasses where clinically appropriate. Individuals identified with other eye conditions requiring further attention may be referred to qualified eye care professionals for additional assessment and treatment.

The initiative is expected to increase awareness of eye health, encourage routine screening and reduce barriers to accessing basic vision care, particularly among adults whose professional and personal responsibilities depend on clear near vision.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board appreciates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration in delivering this important intervention.

The Board reiterates its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to quality, equitable and people-centred healthcare across Oyo State.

Public Service Week: Oyo Govt. Kicks Off Indoor Games to Foster Team Spirit Among Civil Servants

 

The Oyo State Government has commenced indoor Games  for Civil/ Public Servants as part of activities marking the 2026 Public Service Week, with a charge on workers across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to demonstrate team spirit, sportsmanship and healthy competition.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital. Dr. Aremu urged Civil/Public Servants to support their respective MDAs and participate actively in the competition, which features nominated representatives from various government establishments.

He explained that the indoor games comprise chess, Scrabble, draughts, Ayo Olopon, Ludo and table tennis, hinting that, the game is designed to promote unity, encourage teamwork,enhance participant's cognitive abilities as well as hand - brain coordination

Dr. Aremu pointed out that the games would help develop strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and calculative skills among workers, which, according to him, would improve their capacity to discharge their official responsibilities effectively.

The Committee Chairman noted further that the competition would foster healthy rivalry among the MDA’s and stimulate productivity by encouraging participants to think quickly, remain focused, and embrace their responsibilities with renewed commitment.

He urged participants to uphold fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition, adding that the objective of the game  is not merely to win but also to strengthen the bond among workers in the state public service.

Dr. Aremu enjoined participants to remain calm and conduct themselves fairly, hinting that overall winners from the game would receive certificates of award and other benefits during the grand finale of the 2026 Public Service Week.

Dr. Aremu commended the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and the State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni for providing Civil/Public Servants with a level playing field to showcase their God-given talents in different sporting activities.

He maintained that the initiative would further strengthen relationships among workers, promote physical and mental alertness, and contribute to improved service delivery across the state's public service.

Dr. Aremu said the grand finale, which will feature the Productivity Day Award ceremony, would be communicated to the various MDA's in due course.

Abiodun Atilola 

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

October 12, 2016.

Oyo Govt Strengthens Stakeholder Collaboration to Boost Non-Oil Export

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the State’s non-oil export sector through improved coordination among government institutions, exporters, regulatory agencies and private-sector stakeholders.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, stated this on Wednesday while addressing the State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP) meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Prof. Adelabu emphasised that the State’s export growth required deliberate policies, reliable data, access to finance, business formalisation, skills development, trade facilitation and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. He also highlighted the relevance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that its continental market framework presents opportunities for Oyo State producers, processors, MSMEs and exporters to access markets across Africa, provided they improve value addition, product quality, standards and export readiness.

The Commissioner appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his support for initiatives aimed at promoting investment, trade, industrial development and economic diversification in the State.

 He said the State Government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for businesses provide an important foundation for expanding production and positioning Oyo-based businesses for wider markets.

He called for stronger coordination among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, stressing that the objective of the SCEP should go beyond discussions to producing practical recommendations capable of increasing the participation of Oyo-based businesses in the non-oil export sector.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, stressed the importance of proper planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in achieving the State’s export objectives. 

He also highlighted the importance of agricultural quarantine, sanitary and phytosanitary compliance and certification in facilitating the export of agricultural products, particularly commodities such as cocoa, cashew and other regulated agricultural produce. Such requirements help ensure that products meet the standards of destination markets and reduce the risk of rejection at international points of entry.

In her goodwill message, the representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Oyo State Coordinating Office, Mrs. Adetola Tayo, commended the Ministry and stakeholders for their commitment to developing the non-oil export sector. She disclosed that Nigeria’s formally recorded non-oil export earnings reached US$6.1 billion in 2025, representing an 11.5 per cent increase over the 2024 figure. She highlighted NEPC initiatives covering export certification, cluster development, export mentorship, capacity building, youth and women participation, value-chain development and international trade fairs.

The meeting also considered the proposed State Exporters Engagement Meeting, presented by the State SABER Project spokesperson, Mr. Giwa Saheed. The proposed engagement is expected to provide a dedicated platform for government and exporters to identify practical challenges affecting businesses, improve access to information and regulatory support, and develop coordinated solutions to issues relating to standards, certification, logistics, market access, finance and export procedures.

The proposed engagement would complement the SCEP by providing a more direct channel for exporters to communicate their operational challenges to relevant institutions while enabling government and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions that can strengthen Oyo State’s export ecosystem.

Other stakeholders who contributed to the deliberations included representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Tree Crops Development Unit (TCDU), Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), National Council for Islamic Credit and Savings Scheme (NACICASS), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among other stakeholders.

The representatives shared perspectives on standards, certification, border procedures, agricultural production, logistics, regulatory compliance, financing, market access and other factors affecting export development, with a collective emphasis on stronger collaboration and practical measures to increase Oyo State’s contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

OYSG CONDUCTS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION INTO THE GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL COLLEGES

The unified Common Entrance Examination into the five co-educational Government Technical Colleges in Oyo State will hold on Thursday 15* October, 2026 at 9:00am.

The Chairman of Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education

(BOTAVED), Elder Adekola Ayoade dropped the hint today in Ibadan.

The Examination will hold in all the five Government Technical Colleges across the state; namely: 

1. Government Technical College, Aperin Ibadan.

2. Government Technical College, Oyo. 

3. ⁠iii. Government Technical College Ogbomoso. 

4. Government Technical College, Iseyin.

5. Government Technical College Saki.

The Chairman disclosed further that application forms are available in all schools adding that parents and guardian should take advantage to register their children and wards for the examination by obtaining forms from their various schools of first choice.

Elder Ayoade Adekola stated further that the common entrance examination consist of three papers namely Mathematics, English Language and General Engineering Knowledge, adding that candidates are expected to get to their Computer Based Examination Centres (CBT) by 8:00am with the National Identification Numbers (NIN).

The Chairman of BOTAVED admonished the candidates to eschew all forms of examination malpractices and adhere strictly to the rules and regulation guiding the conduct of the examination.

Elder Ayoade Adekola remarked that "the examination which consist of three papers will hold for three consecutive hours in all the five Government Technical Colleges across the state". He further stressed that the result will be released on Friday 16" October, 2026 and it will be displayed at the school of first choice of each candidate.

The Chairman, however, reiterated the commitment of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to reposition and revitalize Technical & Vocational Education in Oyo state.

Voodoo Economy: The Tinubunomics of Fuel Pricing in Nigeria

 

By Aisha Alimi

A fuel bill does not disappear because government gives it a new name. Someone must pay.

On 8 October, the Federal Government announced a 30-day petrol discount through NNPC. It insists this is not a subsidy. It is also negotiating a ₦1,350-per-litre limit on the price at which petrol leaves the refinery or enters the country. Refiners and importers would cover costs above that limit and recover the money later. The limit would be reviewed monthly. 

Apparently, ₦1,350 is the magic number for stability and renewed hope. But before Nigerians applaud, there are questions to answer.

1. How much is the discount?

A discount should have a clear amount. How many naira will we save on each litre? Saying petrol will be cheaper for 30 days does not tell a family how much it will save, or what happens on day 31.

2. Why ₦1,350?

Show us the sums behind this number. It is not a promised pump price. Moving petrol to stations and selling it still costs money. So, what price should Nigerians expect at the pump?

3. What does selling at cost mean?

How much does NNPC pay to buy the petrol, move it, store it and run the station? Buying petrol from a refinery is different from making it. Without the figures, “at cost” tells us very little.

4. What does the country give up?

Selling at cost can mean removing the usual profit margin. But how much profit is NNPC giving up? Could that mean less income for its public owners? Calling it a discount does not make the public cost disappear.

5. Who funds the gap for fuel sellers?

Suppose, as an example, petrol costs ₦1,550 per litre at the refinery gate but the seller receives ₦1,350. That leaves a ₦200 gap. Sellers still need money to buy crude or petrol and keep operating. Who has agreed to carry that bill?

6. What if fuel stays expensive?

Across millions of litres, unpaid costs grow quickly. At what point does the arrangement stop? Unless Tinubunomics comes with a crystal ball, government cannot promise when crude prices will fall enough to clear the bill.

7. How much can sellers claim back?

Is there a limit on the money owed and a deadline for repayment? Can sellers add interest or other charges? Without these rules, a temporary arrangement could leave consumers paying old bills for a long time.

8. Who checks the claims?

Each seller should show its costs, losses and money recovered. Independent checks must stop inflated claims and payment for the same loss twice. Nigerians should not pay extra for waste or poor management.

9. Will prices fall when costs fall?

Or will sellers keep prices higher to recover old losses? Price smoothing delays both increases and decreases; it does not remove fuel costs. The naira can also weaken while dollar oil prices fall, leaving little room to repay earlier losses. 

10. Who gets the cheaper petrol?

Government says transporters will have priority. How will stations identify them? What stops someone buying discounted petrol and reselling it? A benefit that cannot be traced may miss the people it is meant to help.

11. Will bus fares come down?

Cheaper petrol for drivers does not guarantee cheaper rides for passengers. Who checks that the saving reaches us? Keeping a high fuel price steady also does not make it affordable. The test is what ordinary people actually save.

12. What are the crude sale terms?

Oyedele used $80 per barrel as an example of a six-month forward sale. A fair deal for future delivery is not automatically a subsidy. But selling below comparable market terms gives up income. Publish the terms and show how consumers benefit. 

A pricing framework that works should preserve commercial prices while providing clearly funded, limited support. Any oil revenue used must actually be available. Benefits must reach verified consumers, with published records and independent checks.

Before asking Nigerians to applaud, government should show the costs, payment rules and real savings. A bill pushed into tomorrow is still a bill Nigerians may have to pay. Three years into Tinubunomics, Nigerians deserve answers before another promise.

Ms Alimi sent this piece from Ibadan.

OYSG CONDUCTS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION INTO THE GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL COLLEGES

The unified Common Entrance Examination into the five co-educational Government Technical Colleges in Oyo State will hold on Thursday 15* October, 2026 at 9:00am.

The Chairman of Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education

(BOTAVED), Elder Adekola Ayoade dropped the hint today in Ibadan.

The Examination will hold in all the five Government Technical Colleges across the state; namely: 

1. Government Technical College, Aperin Ibadan.

2. Government Technical College, Oyo. 

3. ⁠iii. Government Technical College Ogbomoso. 

4. Government Technical College, Iseyin.

5. Government Technical College Saki.

The Chairman disclosed further that application forms are available in all schools adding that parents and guardian should take advantage to register their children and wards for the examination by obtaining forms from their various schools of first choice.

Elder Ayoade Adekola stated further that the common entrance examination consist of three papers namely Mathematics, English Language and General Engineering Knowledge, adding that candidates are expected to get to their Computer Based Examination Centres (CBT) by 8:00am with the National Identification Numbers (NIN).

The Chairman of BOTAVED admonished the candidates to eschew all forms of examination malpractices and adhere strictly to the rules and regulation guiding the conduct of the examination.

Elder Ayoade Adekola remarked that "the examination which consist of three papers will hold for three consecutive hours in all the five Government Technical Colleges across the state". He further stressed that the result will be released on Friday 16" October, 2026 and it will be displayed at the school of first choice of each candidate.

The Chairman, however, reiterated the commitment of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to reposition and revitalize Technical & Vocational Education in Oyo state.

"TUNDE AJIBIKE

Executive Secretary

LIPAN Holds 20th Biennial Conference, Targets Boost for Literacy Development

 

By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan 

The Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LIPAN) is set to hold its 20th Biennial Conference, bringing together educationists, researchers, policymakers, literacy practitioners, publishers and other stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting literacy development and national progress.

The President of LIPAN, Professor Nkechi Christopher, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head of the Publicity, Media and ICT Committee of the conference, Dr. Francis Amenaghawon.

The statement said the 2026 conference, themed “Early Literacy Development in Nigeria: Strengthening Foundations for Learning and National Development,” will take place from October 13 to 15, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Professor Christopher said the conference would feature morning plenary sessions and panel discussions focusing on evidence-based approaches to early literacy instruction, teacher preparation and professional development.

She explained that the event would provide an important platform for stakeholders to examine emerging challenges in literacy development and explore practical strategies for strengthening the foundations of learning in Nigeria.

The LIPAN President  disclosed further that the association is collaborating with the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, to organise the conference.

She noted that the conference would examine the roles of government, development partners and the private sector in strengthening literacy development across the country.

Professor Christopher expressed optimism that the 20th Biennial Conference would contribute to building strong literacy foundations capable of supporting improved educational outcomes and sustainable national development.