World Malaria Day 2026: Oyo Govt Intensifies Prevention, Free Healthcare Services

The Oyo State Government through the State Primary Health Care Board has commemorated the 2026 World Malaria Day with a series of impactful activities aimed at strengthening public awareness, promoting preventive healthcare practices, and reducing the burden of malaria across communities in the state.

The commemoration, themed *“Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,”* featured a colorful awareness rally, free malaria testing services, and the distribution of free antimalarial drugs to residents, particularly vulnerable groups within various communities. 

The event attracted health professionals, community leaders, stakeholders, women groups, youths, and residents who participated actively in the campaign against malaria.

The awareness rally moved through major parts of the community with participants displaying educational placards and sensitizing residents on the importance of environmental sanitation, proper hygiene, and the use of preventive measures such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The event further provided an opportunity for residents to access free malaria screening and treatment services, thereby encouraging early detection and prompt medical intervention.

 

Health workers at the venue also offered counselling and health education sessions to participants.

Speaking at the rally, Dr. Abiodun Akande, the Director Special Duties, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, charged residents of the Community and other beneficiaries to remain vigilant in the fight against malaria by embracing preventive measures and maintaining clean environments.

He advised residents to ensure proper waste disposal, clear drainage channels around their homes, and avoid practices that encourage mosquito breeding, stressing that environmental cleanliness plays a major role in malaria prevention.

He also encouraged community members to make proper use of Primary Health Care facilities within their communities for timely testing, treatment, and other essential healthcare services, noting that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective approaches to malaria control.

Mrs. Grace Omobolanle Dotun-Fasasi, the Malaria Desk Officer, while addressing the gathering, urged pregnant women to register and attend antenatal clinics regularly at the nearest Primary Health Care facilities for proper screening, preventive care, and professional medical attention throughout pregnancy.

She emphasized that early healthcare intervention and routine medical checkups remain critical in protecting both mother and child from malaria-related complications, adding that pregnant women should never ignore symptoms associated with malaria during pregnancy.

Mrs. Dotun-Fasasi further encouraged women and caregivers to take advantage of government healthcare programmes available at Primary Health Care centres across the state, noting that accessible healthcare remains a key strategy in reducing maternal and child mortality.

The World Malaria Day commemoration once again reflected the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board to promoting quality healthcare delivery, protecting vulnerable populations, and sustaining healthier communities across Oyo State through continuous health awareness, disease prevention, and accessible healthcare services.

OYRTMA Announces Traffic Diversion for Unity Mega Rally in Ibadan

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has announced a temporary traffic diversion around Oja’ba and Bere Roundabout in Ibadan ahead of the Unity Mega Rally 2026 scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026.

According to the agency, the diversion will take effect from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to ensure free movement, maintain order, and prevent traffic congestion during the rally.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd),motorists and pedestrians were informed that the route from Oja’ba Central Mosque Junction to Bere Roundabout Junction would be temporarily closed throughout the duration of the event.

Adekoya explained that the measure became necessary to avoid gridlock, disorder, and unnecessary delays often associated with large public gatherings.

To ease movement within the metropolis, he  advised motorists to make use of alternative routes.

Road users coming from the Gate–Oje axis were directed to ply Bere Roundabout through Oranyan, Agbongbon Junction, and Idi Arere. Another alternative route provided is through Bere Roundabout, Orita Merin, Born Photo Junction, and Idi Arere.

Motorists approaching from the Molete axis were advised to use the Idi Arere–Agbongbon–Oranyan corridor leading to Bere Roundabout or Labiran Junction.

Chairman also appealed to participants attending the Unity Mega Rally not to drive vehicles or motorcycles to the venue in order to reduce traffic pressure and avoid parking difficulties.

Adesagba further assured residents that traffic officers and other security agencies would be strategically deployed across affected areas to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of lives and property during the rally.

The authority reiterated that its priority remains reducing traffic congestion and guaranteeing public safety throughout the exercise.

OPC New Era Crisis Resolved as Elders Back Rasak Arogundade’s Leadership

The leadership of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC New Era) has declared that peace and unity have been fully restored within the organisation following recent internal misunderstandings.

This was made known during a press conference held at the organisation’s secretariat in Lagos, where leaders and stakeholders reassured members that all issues affecting the group had been amicably resolved.

Speaking on behalf of the leadership and concerned stakeholders, the Chairman of the Council of Elders, Comrade Akanda Monsure, said the Congress remains united and committed to its core objectives despite the recent disagreements.

According to him, misunderstandings are inevitable in every human organisation, whether within families, political parties, or large associations, stressing that differences in opinions and orientations often lead to occasional disputes.

He apologised to members for the tension and anxiety caused by the incident and commended the maturity displayed by leaders and members across all levels of the organisation during the period.

“

We are here to assure all members that all is well within our organisation. The misunderstandings and related issues have been completely settled,” Monsure stated.

He explained that one of the issues that triggered the disagreement was the constitutional provision imposing tenure limits on leaders from the zonal level to the National Executive Council.

Monsure noted that experience had shown that the tenure limitation was not suitable for a revolutionary organisation like OPC New Era, adding that leadership in such organisations requires charisma, courage, commitment, and dedication rather than strict dependence on electoral processes.

He, however, clarified that members would not be denied the right to choose their leaders, noting that the organisation’s constitution already provides room for amendment and review in line with international best practices.

According to him, the constitutional review process has already commenced in order to remove grey areas capable of causing confusion or manipulation within the organisation.

“Change is constant in life, and as an organic organisation, the Oodua People’s Congress (New Era) cannot be excluded from necessary reforms,” he added.

The Council of Elders also called on members to continue supporting the President of the organisation, Alhaji Rasak Arogundade, while passing a unanimous vote of confidence in his leadership.

“We remain fully committed to the noble cause that binds us together as one family. We appreciate the sincerity, commitment, and love shared among members, which continue to strengthen our unity,” Monsure said.

He further appealed to aggrieved members to embrace peace and place the interest of the Congress above personal grievances.

“In the name of all major stakeholders, our ancestors, and the gods of our land, we passionately appeal to anyone with grievances to allow peace to reign for the progress of the Congress,” he stated.

Responding, the President of OPC New Era, Alhaji Rasak Arogundade, expressed appreciation to the Council of Elders for intervening in the crisis and for their continued support.

Arogundade assured members that he remained committed to doing more for the growth, unity, and progress of the organisation.

He also promised to continue providing effective leadership for the development of OPC New Era.

Summit to Strengthen Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector Through Effective Legislation, Research-driven Innovations _ Senator Alli

 

The Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has said the forthcoming National Legislative Summit on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector through effective legislation, collaboration, and research-driven innovations.

Alli made this known on Monday during a media parley held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ibadan, ahead of the summit scheduled to commence on Tuesday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

The summit, the first of its kind, is being organised by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions. It is expected to attract stakeholders including agricultural research institutes, tertiary institutions, development partners, embassies, and policymakers to deliberate on food security, legislative reforms, research collaboration, and youth engagement in agriculture.

According to Alli, the initiative became necessary following a committee retreat held in December in collaboration with development partners such as Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and other UK-based organisations.

He stressed that sustainable agricultural development must be anchored on research, noting that weak collaboration between farmers and research institutions has limited the adoption of improved farming techniques and innovations.

“All that we do without research is guesswork,” the senator said, highlighting the need for synergy between farmers, researchers, the National Assembly, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Alli cited examples of agricultural breakthroughs, including improved cocoa varieties capable of fruiting within 18 months compared to the traditional seven-year cycle, as well as enhanced cassava breeds developed by Nigerian researchers.

He disclosed that over 28 agricultural institutions and about 12 foreign missions, including the European Union, German Agency for International Cooperation, British High Commission, and the Malaysian Embassy, are expected to participate in the summit to explore partnerships and strengthen international cooperation.

The lawmaker, however, expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining agricultural performance, recalling that countries like Malaysia, which once sourced oil palm seedlings from Nigeria, have now surpassed it in production. He attributed this to poor policy implementation, inadequate funding, and insufficient support for research institutions.

Alli also outlined ongoing efforts to empower farmers and unemployed youths through mechanised farming support, land preparation services, harvesting assistance, and improved market access. He added that solar-powered dryers have been introduced in some communities to reduce post-harvest losses.

He called on journalists to amplify discussions from the summit to draw national attention to the challenges facing agricultural institutions and the urgent need for reforms.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Akeem Abas, described the summit as timely and capable of enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. He commended Alli’s leadership and noted that the turnout of over 60 media organisations reflected strong confidence in the initiative.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Mohammed Lawal Atanda, described the summit as a landmark event that would strengthen legislative frameworks and provide direction for sustainable agricultural research and training.

Similarly, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, called for increased private sector investment in agricultural research, noting that government alone cannot fund the sector’s revitalisation.

Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training also underscored the importance of research in achieving national development and food security.

The summit is expected to run throughout the week, with deliberations focusing on food production, research commercialisation, youth empowerment, global partnerships, and sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.

Tede Parapo Celebrates Unity, Self-Help Projects and Commitment to Future Generations

 

Community leaders pledge sustained investment in hometown development at Ibadan AGM

*IBADAN* — Members of the Tede community, under the aegis of Ajo Omo Tede Parapo Eka Eyin Odi, converged in Ibadan on Saturday for their annual get-together and Annual General Meeting, reaffirming a decades-long tradition of self-help development and inter-branch unity.

The event, held at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State [BCOS] NUJ Hall, Orita Basorun, drew prominent indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora to review progress, celebrate achievements, and chart a course for the next generation.

*Self-Help as a Legacy*  

Speaking at the gathering, *Mr. Michael Akinade Oladapo Akinfenwa*, former Oyo State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives and a native of Tede, commended community members for their consistent support for one another and for filling critical gaps where government presence remains limited.

“It is the Tede people in *Oke Ogun Region of Oyo State* who built the police station in Tede, constructed the post office, Town water supply, Schools, Maternity and Health Centres, Judiciary Complex,  graded the road linking Tede to neighbouring communities, and executed the electricity project,” Akinfenwa said.  

He praised the community for its sense of responsibility and urged members to sustain the spirit of communal effort. “Continue in this good work. Development is a collective responsibility, and Tede has shown what is possible when people come together,” he added.

*A Call to the Diaspora*  

*Deacon Matthew Kolawole Ogunkunle*, National Chairman of Ajo Omo Tede Parapo Eka Eyin Odi, explained that the annual meeting provides a platform to assess the community’s progress and plan for future needs.  

“There is no place like home,” Ogunkunle told members in the diaspora. “No matter how many years you spend abroad, you will return home. I urge you to make contributions that posterity will remember—establish companies, schools, hospitals, and address pressing security challenges in line with the realities of our time.”

He stressed that the meeting is not merely ceremonial but a deliberate forum to ensure that coming generations inherit a stronger, more secure, and prosperous Tede.

*Rotational Unity Across Chapters*  

*Alhaji Amusa Adebisi*, Chairman of Ajo Omo Tede Parapo, Ibadan Chapter, noted that the annual get-together is rotated among chapters to foster inclusiveness and shared ownership of community projects.  

“It is all about the progress of Tede,” Adebisi said. He urged members at home and abroad to remain hardworking, shun greed, and prioritise tangible contributions to hometown development.

*Dignitaries in Attendance*  

The meeting was attended by a cross-section of Tede indigenes and friends of the community, including:

- *Hon. Sola Ogundiya*, Vice Chairman, ATISBO Local Government  

- *Hon. David Ogunwale*, former Vice Chairman, ATISBO Local Government  

- *Prof. Joseph Ogunkunle*, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology [LAUTECH], Ogbomoso  

- *Engr. Wale Ojoawo, FNSE*, Former President of the National Association of Oke Ogun Students  ( NAOOS). 

- *Surv.  Rafiu Kunle Alabede, FNIA*, a renowned Land Surveyor -

- Prince Michael Morolahun,  a retired  NULGE Leader, in Oyo State. 

- *Mr. Olayiwola  Fatokun,* a renowned  Accountant retired from the  BCOS, IBADAN. Representatives of Tede indigenes from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt,  Ogun State, Oyo, Kaduna, Kaiama, Ikorodu,  Iseyin, Kwara states, and other major towns across Nigeria  

The event concluded with goodwill messages from some Elders and Octogenarians ( Pa. Moradeyo Oladebo,  Pa. Elisah  Ogunsanya,  Pa. Michael Adejumobi,  Madam Dorcas Oketola  - Ogundiran, Mrs. Mary Ojo, Mrs. Nike Okelola) with prayers for unity, good health, and successful implementation of resolutions reached, with participants departing for their various destinations after a renewed pledge to sustain Tede’s legacy of self-reliance.

Oyo Govt Strengthens Advocacy to End Female Genital Mutilation

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), has organised a one-day capacity-building training to strengthen advocacy for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the state.

The training, held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Health Educators (HEs), and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers (M&Es) from all 33 local government areas of the state. 

It formed part of ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices and promote the health and rights of women and girls.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ending FGM in Oyo State.

He described Female Genital Mutilation as a harmful and outdated practise that must be eradicated through sustained advocacy, community engagement, and strengthened healthcare systems.

Dr. Olatunji stressed that primary healthcare workers play a vital role in driving behavioural change at the grassroots level, urging participants to become active advocates against FGM in their respective communities.

According to him, the training was designed to equip health workers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cases of FGM and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

He added that the programme would strengthen participants’ capacity to implement interventions and ensure proper referral mechanisms for survivors.

During one of the sessions, the Programme Officer, Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin, delivered a detailed presentation on Female Genital Mutilation, covering its definition, types, prevalence, causes, and consequences, as well as emerging trends within Oyo State.

She explained that FGM, often wrongly referred to as female circumcision, has no medical benefits and exposes women and girls to severe physical, psychological, and emotional complications.

Mrs. Olawoyin also highlighted socio-cultural factors sustaining the practice, including myths, misconceptions, and societal pressure, while emphasizing the need for collective efforts to end it.

Participants were equally trained on appropriate referral pathways for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and FGM, with emphasis placed on ensuring victims receive timely medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance where necessary.

The training further underscored the importance of recognising FGM as both a preventable public health issue and a violation of human rights.

Participants were encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns and promote behavioural change in their communities to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls.

As part of efforts to support community outreach activities, health educators were provided with identification jackets, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, and reporting booklets to aid their fieldwork and documentation.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reiterated its commitment to working closely with development partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure the total abandonment of FGM in the state.

The training concluded with a renewed call on participants to serve as frontline advocates in the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation and help create a safer and healthier environment for every girl child in Oyo State.

Two Veterans jostle for League Chairmanship

As the League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State, prepares for election to elect a new executive, two of its members have locked horns for the position of Chairman.

The contestants are Victor Oluwadamilare, a former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State and a former two -time Chairman, League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State, Alhaji Kola Animasaun.

Oluwadamilare, a former employee and journalist with the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles;  Animasaun, a former employee and broadcaster with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan National Station, emerged for the contest after the close of nomination last week Thursday in Ibadan.

The election,which has generated a lot of interests from many quarters, will be a clash between two media titans, as campaign hots up.

Members of the association will have the choice of choosing between a dogged unionist and one time Special Assistant (Media), to the former Minister of Communications and a former broadcaster/two -time former Chairman of the League in Oyo State.

According to the Electoral Committee, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the election has been slated for Thursday May 28, 2026, at the League House, NUJ Press Centre, 2 Simeon Adebo Avenue, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.