LASSA FEVER: Oyo Govt Confirms 5 Cases, Records 1 Death

The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever outbreak, with one death, assuring residents that swift response measures have been activated to contain the spread and protect public health.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the confirmed cases are currently being managed in designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the State Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), Olodo, and the University College Hospital (UCH) isolation unit, where specialized clinical care and containment protocols are being implemented.

The Commissioner stated that the state government promptly activated its emergency response framework, initiating a coordinated multi-sectoral intervention in line with national guidelines from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and global standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

She appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, for his decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of residents, noting that his timely approval and release of emergency funds facilitated rapid operationalization of the response structure.

Dr. Ajetunmobi outlined key interventions already implemented, including the activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), as well as the establishment of a multi-sectoral response team comprising the Health, Environment, Agriculture, and Information sectors.

She further noted that a comprehensive Incident Action Plan has been developed and is being implemented, alongside intensified surveillance, including active case search and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts.

Other measures include the deployment of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for real-time data management, operationalization of isolation centres, and prepositioning of Ribavirin and other essential commodities.

In addition, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures have been strengthened, including provision and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Safe and dignified burial protocols are also being implemented in collaboration with environmental health authorities.

She added that environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas are ongoing, while continuous capacity building and sensitization of healthcare workers are being carried out. Public risk communication through mass media, information materials, and community engagement is also being sustained.

The Commissioner further emphasized strengthened laboratory coordination with the UCH Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory to support timely diagnosis and response.

She acknowledged the strong intersectoral collaboration that has made the response effective, appreciating UCH, Ibadan, for its critical role in case management, laboratory diagnosis, and clinical support.

She also commended the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Information, as well as development partners for their technical and logistical support. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was also appreciated for its technical leadership and coordination.

Dr. Ajetunmobi urged residents of Oyo State to adhere strictly to preventive measures, including:Proper storage of food in sealed, rodent-proof containers,Maintaining environmental sanitation to eliminate rodent habitats,Avoiding contact with rodents and implementing control measures in homes and farms

Regular hand washing with soap and water

Avoiding contact with bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed cases,Seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or bleeding

Reporting suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility

Strict compliance with IPC protocols by healthcare workers.

She advised residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with public health directives, noting that further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Ademola Aderinto, said the ministry has taken proactive steps to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state. He disclosed that environmental health officers have been deployed to sensitise residents on preventive measures.

He added that the ministry is engaging food vendors to ensure contaminated food is not sold to the public, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the present administration is prioritizing the security and health sectors in the state, calling on residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health.

The representative of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbeye, represented by Prof. Bukola Adesina, appreciated the Oyo State Government for its swift response, describing the support as robust, comprehensive, and reassuring.

He noted that resources made available by the state government greatly assisted in managing the situation effectively.

 

2026 HAJJ:OYO MUSLIM PILGRIMS' WELFARE BOARD CONCLUDES VACCINATION EXERCISE

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..holds Fourth Orientation Programme 

The Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board has finalized its vaccination exercise for the 2026 Hajj-intending pilgrims from the state, aimed at protecting them against contagious diseases during their stay in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The Board also held its fourth phase of the periodic education and orientation programme for the intending pilgrims in Ibadan , Oyo , Ogbomoso, Iseyin and Saki zones on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The Chairman of the Board, Shiekh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, while addressing the intending pilgrims,   affirmed that the Board would not relent in its efforts to expose them to the rudiments of Hajj and required knowledge through constant orientation and sensitization.

He explained that preparation for the holy journey is in top gear, urging them to be  alert for updates from the Board, including the date for the annual farewell ceremony and airlift schedule.

Taking them through various stages and mandatory aspects of  Hajj, Shiekh Atere admonished the intending pilgrims to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits attributed to Hajj by participating in every stage of the religious ritual without a divided mind. 

Speaking on the vaccination exercise, Medical Expert, Mrs. Mujidat Salam of the Federal Ministry of Health,  explained that the vaccines administered on the intending pilgrims are meant to make their immune systems stronger, prevent them from getting water-related diseases, and enable them to adapt to high-temperature areas,  such as Saudi Arabia.

Reiterating the importance of prevention in maintaining good health status, Mrs. Salam urged the intending pilgrims to be watchful and embrace preventive measures as they prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Vaccines administered during the exercise were Yellow Fever Vaccine (YF) , Cerebrospinal Meningitis Vaccine ( CSM) Influenza and Oral Polio Vaccine ( OPV).

OYO GOVT DEEPENS COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AS LAUTECH GRADUATES 10,223

 ...Approves  ₦650 Million  For  Iseyin Campus  Development

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining strategic reforms and investments that will further elevate the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, into a globally competitive centre of excellence in innovation, research, and development.

Speaking at the 18th Convocation Ceremony of the University,  the Oyo state Governor, His excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde said the State Government is deepening efforts to strengthen the institution through deliberate policies, sustained funding, and targeted infrastructure expansion to consolidate long-term academic excellence and institutional growth

The Governor recalled his 2018 pledge to resolve the ownership challenges of the University, noting that the transition to sole ownership by Oyo State has brought stability and improved academic performance.

He stated that the State Government has continued to meet its financial obligations under the ownership arrangement and remains committed to clearing all outstanding commitments before the end of the present administration.

He further disclosed that a ₦650 million take-off grant has been approved for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Iseyin Campus, alongside investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing, and mobility support

He explained that the development of the Iseyin Campus aligns with the State’s broader economic agenda on agriculture, food security, youth employment, and agribusiness expansion.

The Governor noted that LAUTECH has continued to enjoy stability, uninterrupted academic calendars, and improved stakeholder confidence since the resolution of ownership issues.

 He  commended the Governing Council, management, staff, and students for sustaining discipline and academic excellence, assuring continued government support for teaching, research, and innovation and further congratulated the 10,223 graduands who bagged various degrees across disciplines, urging them to remain disciplined, innovative, and solution-driven in their future endeavours

He said “Education remains a key investment that drives development and prosperity,”

“We will continue to strengthen the University to ensure it competes favourably with leading institutions across Africa and beyond,”  

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University,  Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, described the convocation as a milestone in the history of the institution, noting steady growth in academic and research activities.

He said LAUTECH continues to maintain its standard as a centre of excellence in teaching and research, adding that the University remains committed to producing graduates with knowledge, skills, and character for global relevance.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that 10,223 students bagged degrees across 11 faculties, with 137 graduating with First Class honours.

stressing that Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering emerged as the overall best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.89

He also revealed that the University has strengthened its academic and research capacity through the promotion of 43 professors and the establishment of new research institutes.

Professor Kalilu noted that ongoing investments in infrastructure, research facilities, and digital learning are positioning LAUTECH for greater global recognition. 

Oyo Govt Approves ₦153.5 Million Bursary for Law Students

The Oyo State Government has approved the payment of bursaries to law students of Oyo State origin as part of efforts to ease their financial burden.

This was disclosed by the Secretary of the Oyo State Scholarship Board, Mr. Amos Akinyanju, during a briefing in his office.

According to him, a total sum of ₦153,500,000 has been approved for 307 beneficiaries in the 2024/2025 regular set across the seven accredited law schools nationwide.

Mr. Akinyanju further announced that the screening exercise for beneficiaries will commence on Monday, April 27 and run through Thursday, April 30, starting at 10:00 a.m. daily. The exercise will take place at the Scholarship Board Room, Ground Floor, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Agodi, Ibadan.

Providing a breakdown of the schedule, he stated that students from Enugu and Yenagoa campuses will be screened on Monday, while those from Port Harcourt and Yola campuses are slated for Tuesday. Students from Abuja and Kano campuses will be screened on Wednesday, with Lagos campus students scheduled for Thursday.

He advised all beneficiaries to carefully note their designated screening dates and adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

For further inquiries, beneficiaries are encouraged to call 08062563729.

Oyo Govt Plants 100 Trees, Launches “Walk for the Planet” to Mark World Earth Day 2026

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has commemorated World Earth Day 2026 with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at promoting a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.

Speaking at the press conference, the Honourable Commissioner, Engr. Dr. Ademola Aderinto, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility requiring collective action from government, communities, and individuals.

As part of activities to celebrate World Earth Day, the Ministry, in collaboration with For Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiatives (FONAFEGI), conducted a symbolic tree planting exercise during which 100 trees were planted to promote climate action and environmental sustainability. 

The Commissioner described tree planting as a critical step toward improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, preventing soil erosion, and preserving biodiversity.

He further called on residents, organizations, and private sector stakeholders to partner with the Ministry in planting more trees across the State, stressing that sustained collaboration is essential to achieving long-term environmental goals.

Additionally, the World Earth Day celebration features a structured programme tagged “Walk for the Planet,” scheduled from April 22 to April 25, 2026, designed to mobilize grassroots participation and deepen environmental awareness statewide.

The Commissioner also outlined key measures undertaken by the Ministry, including strengthened environmental sanitation enforcement, intensified inspection of markets, eateries, hotels, and industries, and the implementation of a decentralized waste management system across all local government areas.

The Commissioner urged all residents of Oyo State to embrace proper waste management practices, avoid indiscriminate dumping, reduce reliance on single-use plastics, and actively participate in environmental sustainability programmes.

He also commended members of the media and development partners for their continued support in promoting environmental awareness.

The Commissioner stated that as World Earth Day is commemorated, there is a need to renew collective commitment to protecting the environment for present and future generations, noting that the actions taken today will determine the quality of life tomorrow.

In a separate goodwill message, the  Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated that World Earth Day serves as a reminder of the realities of climate change and its growing impact on human health.

She noted that science continues to show increasing extreme heat, changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and shifting disease trends, with some illnesses now occurring outside their usual seasons, particularly around rainfall periods.

 According to her, this demonstrates clearly that the climate is changing and demands urgent attention.

Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized that this year’s activities reflect the importance of environmental sustainability. She stressed the need to sustain and protect the environment through continuous public awareness on tree planting, prevention of deforestation, and proper waste management.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Sola Akande, also delivered his goodwill message, stating that the agency will collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen environmental health initiatives in the state.

He announced that the agency will enroll all street sweepers in Oyo State into the health insurance scheme to ensure their access to quality healthcare services. 

"According to him, this initiative is aimed at protecting those who contribute directly to keeping the environment clean, thereby promoting a healthier, more productive, and sustainable society.

In his welcome address, The Executive Director of FONAGEGI, Mr. Elijah Adejimi, spoke with urgency, calling for collective action to protect the environment. He urged continued tree planting and stewardship, noting that progress so far should inspire renewed commitment to a greener, sustainable future.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the Representative of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State among others.

OYRLEA Raids an alleged Illegal Scrap Yard in Oyo, Arrests Suspected Operator

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has raided an alleged illegal scrap yard in the Gedu Oroki, Ifarinu area of Oyo town, arresting a 64-year-old man over suspected road encroachment, environmental violations, and possession of items pending verification.

and possession of various items whose ownership is yet to be ascertained

The enforcement operation, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and security personnel, followed complaints from residents regarding alleged encroachment on road setbacks and environmental concerns.

During the operation, officials discovered  various materials, including streetlights, electric poles, roofing sheets, generators, pumping machines, vulcanizing equipment, flushing machines, condemned vehicles, motorcycles, iron doors, burglary-proof materials, and metal fixtures, many of which were suspected to be stolen or unlawfully acquired. Authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and ownership of the items.

Further inspection revealed pits within the premises allegedly used for rearing cows and pigs, raising concerns about possible breaches of environmental and public health regulations.

The suspect reportedly claimed to have occupied the land for over 30 years, stating that his business started with buying and selling roofing sheets before expanding into a larger scrap operation. He also claimed to have receipts for the items in his possession but failed to present any documentation when requested.

Given the severity of the findings, enforcement officers did not issue an abatement notice but proceeded with an immediate arrest and suspect has since being transferred to the Nigerian Police force Oyo State command, Eleyele Ibadan.

OYRLEA officials stated that the action reflects the state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws, protecting public infrastructure, and maintaining order.

Oyo Govt Launches Free Evening Markets Classes To Tackle Out-Of -School Menace

 

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every school-age child has access to basic education, describing it as a fundamental right guaranteed by law. 

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known on Thursday while briefing the media in his office,Ibadan, urging  the parents, guardians, community leaders, and market stakeholders to collaborate with the government.

Hon. Olayiwola explained that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has adopted an alternative approach to enforcing compliance with compulsory basic education. 

He noted that instead of focusing solely on penalties for parents, the government is introducing flexible learning opportunities for children who are currently out of school.

The commissioner maintained that the state government will organize free evening classes for children engaged in menial jobs within major markets.

He said that the pilot phase of the programme will take place in Mokola/Sabo, Bodija, and Agbeni/Idi-kan markets.

According to him, the programme is scheduled to commence on Monday, April 27, 2026, while the classes will start at 4pm and close at 6pm daily. 

The designated centres include: St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola (for children in Sabo/Mokola axis)

St. Patrick’s Basic School, Idi-kan, Agbeni (for children in Idi-kan, Agbeni and surrounding areas)

Methodist Primary School, Bodija (for children in Bodija and environs)

He called on parents, guardians, and traders in these markets to support the initiative by allowing and encouraging affected children to attend the two-hour evening classes.

In her remarks, the Director of Basic Education, Mrs. Susan Oladipo, revealed that members of the State Steering Committee on Almajiri and Out of School had conducted awareness and sensitization visits to the three markets. 

She noted that market leaders pledged their full support by helping to identify vulnerable children and encouraging their participation in the programme.