Hajj 2026: Oyo Pilgrims Set for Mina Departure as Hajj Board Officials Inspect Facilities in Arafa, Mina

 

The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board has intensified preparations to ensure that pilgrims from the state perform the major Hajj rites successfully through the inspection of facilities allocated to the state in Arafat and Mina by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Facilities inspected by officials of the Board, led by its Secretary, Mr Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi, included tents, beds, toilets, security apparatus and other essential amenities.

Route assessments were also carried out to aid the easy movement of pilgrims from one point to another in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah during the spiritual Hajj rites, scheduled for the holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking shortly after the inspection tour on Thursday in Mina on behalf of the Chairman of the Board, Sheikh Abdul-Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, the Secretary of the Board, Mr.Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi, revealed that an advance team would be deployed to each location to put necessary arrangements in place before the arrival of the pilgrims.

He hinted that all pilgrims from the state were getting set for the spiritual rites, which will commence on Monday, May 25, 2026.

The Chairman further disclosed that the pilgrims would depart Makkah for Mina on Sunday, May 24, 2026, and proceed to Arafat the following day.

“Alhamdulillahi, preparations for the much-awaited last five days of Hajj are in top gear. Our pilgrims are doing well. We held a series of lectures on how best to perform Hajj, delivered by erudite Islamic scholars, and I believe our pilgrims are now better informed.

“We equally organised a seven-day special prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran to seek Allah’s continuous guidance before, during and after Arafat, while the final session of the special prayer is scheduled to hold on the Day of Arafat.”

Sheikh Atere lauded the continued cooperation of the pilgrims and urged them to take advantage of the glorious Day of Arafat to pray for themselves, their families, well-wishers, Oyo State, the entire Muslim ummah and an end to insecurity in Nigeria .

He also appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his continuous support for the Board.

In separate lectures delivered by Islamic scholars, Dr Ibrahim Adebolu and Dr Ibrahim Adelani gave detailed explanations on every stage of the spiritual rites .

The duo admonished the pilgrims not to engage in unnecessary activities during the period but abide by the instructions of the leadership of the Board.

Dr Adelani  also admonished pilgrims not to  keep malice against anyone  but endeavor to reconcile with concerned individuals, saying that Islam encourages forgiveness, peace, unity and mutual understanding among believers.

Oyo Govt Lifts Suspension on School Excursions, Reaffirms Commitment to Students’ Safety

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of residents across the state, particularly students and education stakeholders.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known while announcing the lifting of the temporary suspension placed on field trips, excursions and other students’ activities outside school premises.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry had earlier issued a circular with Ref. No. ADM 6511TB/64 dated May 22, 2026, directing schools to temporarily suspend such activities due to security concerns. He stated that following a series of strengthened security arrangements put in place by the Oyo State Government, the Ministry has now approved the resumption of the activities.

Hon. Olayiwola explained that school administrators across the state are hereby advised to continue with normal academic and extracurricular activities, while ensuring strict compliance with the already established guidelines guiding field trips, excursions and other outdoor students’ engagements.

He added that the new directive supersedes the earlier circular on the temporary suspension.

The Commissioner also urged school proprietors, administrators and parents to remain security conscious and adhere strictly to existing safety measures within school environments and the larger society.

OYSCOHEST COMMENCES REGISTRATION FOR 2026/2027 POST-UTME EXERCISE

 

The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, Ibadan, hereby invites suitably qualified candidates who scored 150 and above in the 2026 UTME to register for the College Post-UTME screening exercise for admission into the 2026/2027 Academic Session.

This was contained in a statement issued by the College Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sola Samuel Ojewole, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to the statement, interested candidates are advised to visit any JAMB-accredited CBT Centre to effect a Change of Institution and Course to OYSCOHEST before proceeding with the Post-UTME registration.

Candidates are also advised to complete their registration online or visit the College ICT Centre, Eleyele, Ibadan, for assistance with the ongoing registration exercise.

Available accredited programmes include:

• ND Environmental Health Technology

• ND Health Information Management

• ND Nutrition and Dietetics

• ND Dental Therapy

The statement noted that these programmes are fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the respective professional regulatory bodies.

The College also announced that applications into Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes are currently ongoing. Interested HND applicants are encouraged to apply online or visit the College for further guidance.

Prospective candidates are advised to visit the College website at www.oyschst.edu.ng or the ICT Centre of the College for detailed information on the Post-UTME registration and admission procedures.

For enquiries, candidates may call the following numbers:

08120004231

07086566202

08055230385

The date for the Post-UTME screening will be announced subsequently by the College management.

OPC New Era Elders’ Council Rejects Tenure Extension for Sadam-Led Executives

The Elders’ Council of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era has dissociated itself from a purported meeting that extended the tenure of the Alhaji Rasaq Balogun Arogundade, alias Sadam, led executives.

The council described the decision as null and void, saying it did not reflect the position of the full body. 

Crisis has trailed the eight-year tenure of the Sadam-led executives, with some leaders of the Yoruba sociocultural group insisting it ended on Friday, December 12, 2025. 

During the week, some members of the Elders’ Council announced an extension allowing Sadam to run for a third term.

Those said to have taken the decision included Comrade Monsuru Akande, Acting Chairman; Ranti Akande; Alhaji Adeshina Amusa; Lateef Ogungbayi; and Alhaji Sadam himself.

Reacting, Secretary of the Council, Comrade Kehinde Ogunyale, said five members could not take such a critical decision for a council made up of 20 members. 

Speaking on behalf of other members, he stated that the meeting lacked the authority to extend the tenure.

Members not present at the meeting include Late Olayinka Olowoporoku; Comrade Bayo Fabiyi; Alhaji Lateef Oshodi; Comrade Akinpelu Adesina; Comrade Olayiwola Ogunsolu; Comrade Olusanya Segun; Comrade Olusoji Folorunsho; Comrade Adebayo Sunday; Comrade Gbenga Egunlusi; Comrade Idowu Akintunde; Comrade Musa Oladipupo; and Chief Adeola Adeagbo.

Ogunyale explained that Comrade Monsuru Akande, who presided over the meeting, is only an Acting Chairman whose appointment has not been ratified by the council. 

He said the position of other council members is that Sadam should first step down as President of OPC New Era, as stipulated in the organization’s constitution.

According to him, other national executives have stepped aside to allow the Elders’ Council to put in place new executives to ensure stability and due process.

Oyo PHC Board Advances Family Planning Through SHINE Project

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with Society for Family Health and partners hosted the End of Project Dissemination Meeting for the SHINE Research on the Scale-Up of Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) in New and Emerging Markets.

The dissemination meeting, held at Jogor Hotel, Ibadan, brought together stakeholders in the health sector, and reproductive health experts, to review achievements, lessons learnt and the impact of the SHINE Project on family planning services delivery in Oyo State.

In his Welcome Address, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, appreciated the commitment of development partners towards strengthening reproductive health services and improving access to quality family planning methods for women across the State.

Dr. Olatunji, noted that the SHINE Research Project has significantly contributed to increasing awareness, accessibility and acceptance of Hormonal IUDs as a safe, effective and long acting family planning method among women of reproductive age in Oyo State.

He further emphasized that the collaboration between the state and partners has strengthened the capacity of healthcare workers, improved service delivery at primary healthcare facilities and enhanced community engagement on family planning uptake.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Society for Family Health (SFH) Management, Pharm. Jane Adizue,  commended the Oyo State Government and the Primary Health Care Board for providing an enabling environment for successful implementation of the SHINE Project.

She stated that, the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing reproductive health challenges and ensuring that women have access to informed choices and quality healthcare services.

Stakeholders at the meeting commended the achievements recorded under the SHINE Project and called for sustained investment in family planning services, continuous training for healthcare workers and strengthened community mobilisation to maintain the gains achieved.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships with development organisations and stakeholders towards ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services for residents of Oyo State.

The Board also appreciated all partners, participants and stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful dissemination of the SHINE Research Project in Oyo State.

*Prince Dotun Oyelade*

Commissioner for Information, 

Oyo State.

May 23, 2026

Hon. Adeseyi Lawal Emerges Unopposed as APC Consensus Candidate in Ikeja Constituency 1

 Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja Constituency 1 have unanimously reaffirmed their confidence in Hon. Adeseyi Lawal by electing him unopposed as the party’s consensus candidate. 

The affirmation, held on Wednesday at St. Peter Primary School, Ikeja, saw a massive turnout of party faithful and delegates, signaling strong grassroots support for Lawal within the constituency.

Reacting to his unopposed election, Hon. Lawal expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, women, youths, delegates, and APC members across Ikeja Constituency 1. He described the overwhelming turnout as a humbling honor and outlined plans for youth and widow empowerment, alongside the launch of new community projects aimed at further developing what he described as the "city of government."

In his remarks, Lawal also praised the President for his achievements, particularly in road construction, highlighting his experience and urging all eligible voters to support him. He acknowledged the political sacrifices made by party members over the years and reiterated his gratitude for being chosen as the party’s candidate.

Emphasizing party supremacy and unity, 

Lawal commended leaders for their guidance and support, stressing that collective effort is key to electoral success in the upcoming polls.

Speaking also his Hon. Samsondeen Oloyede, Vice Chairman of Onigbogbo LCDA    said Hon Adeseyi Lawal would continue his exemplary service, noting his anticipated return to the Lagos State Assembly. Oloyede led prayers for continued success and urged the electorate to support Hon. Lawal and all APC candidates in the January 2027 elections.

He further highlighted the importance of voting for the right candidates and called on party members and constituents to back all APC aspirants to ensure continued progress and development for Ikeja Constituency 1.

CEOs in Sex-for-Promotion Scandal: Leaked Evidence Exposes Corporate Abuse, Financial Fraud

 

By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan 

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A major sexual harassment scandal has erupted in Nigeria’s corporate sector following the emergence of damning evidence implicating two chief executive officers of leading companies in alleged sex-for-promotion schemes, abuse of office, and diversion of company funds.

The development comes despite repeated denials by the management of the affected organisations, which had earlier dismissed allegations of misconduct as “false, malicious and unfounded.”

However, an extensive investigation conducted by this newspaper uncovered compelling evidence, including audio recordings, video footage, photographs, internal financial documents and testimonies from former employees, revealing a disturbing pattern of sexual exploitation and corporate misconduct allegedly perpetrated by the top executives and their close associates.

Several victims, many of whom were reportedly dismissed after resisting sexual advances or attempting to expose the incidents, have now agreed to speak publicly.

One former employee, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, alleged that female staff members were pressured into sexual relationships with senior executives in exchange for promotions, salary increases and job security.

“If you refused their advances, your career suffered immediately. Some of us were threatened, transferred unjustly or eventually sacked,” the victim said during an interview with this newspaper.

Documents obtained by the investigative team also revealed suspicious financial transfers from company accounts to certain female employees allegedly linked to the scandal".

The records indicate that large sums of money were paid under questionable descriptions, while some staff members received rapid promotions despite lacking the required qualifications or years of experience.