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.

*E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State,

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.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon.Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

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.

E-Signed:

Prince ‘Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare delivery through strategic collaborations, aimed at improving access to quality dental services and promoting oral health awareness among residents across the State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, on Tuesday reiterated this during activities marking the 2026 World Oral Health Day at the Ministry’s Conference Room, emphasizing that oral health is an integral part of overall well-being and should not be treated as separate from general health.

She commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr.’Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the health sector under the Omititun 2.0 agenda, saying, his administration continues to prioritize initiatives that improve the well-being of the people in meaningful and sustainable ways.

She noted that the Government has taken steps to strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare.

Dr. Ajetunmobi appreciated the support of Aspira Nigeria Limited and other collaborating partners on oral health, adding that their collaboration continues to strengthen the reach in promoting oral health across the State.

The Commissioner therefore admonished  every citizen to take personal responsibility for their oral health and to share this important message within their homes and across their communities.

According to her, this year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, delivers a simple but powerful message.

It is time to bring oral health to the forefront of our public health agenda. We must adopt a holistic, life-course approach. One that integrates oral health into our broader healthcare delivery system, promotes prevention, and empowers our people to make healthier choices.

A key milestone is the integration of basic oral healthcare services into antenatal care across our primary healthcare facilities. Through this, pregnant women now receive oral health education, screening, and preventative care as part of routine maternal services.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde reiterated that the essence of oral health day celebration is to raise awareness about oral health, as well as to improve universal access to oral health because data shows that only a few people pay cognizance to their oral health.

Dr. Ayinde maintained that oral health care requires joint efforts as the State is also working towards universal health coverage by 2030.

While delivering the Oral Health Education titled “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” Dr. Chisom Fajimi, the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Hospitals Management Board, emphasized the importance of maintaining good oral health, noting that the mouth is an integral part of the body and must be properly cared for to ensure overall well-being.

She demonstrated practical techniques for effective tooth brushing and explained that many oral diseases can be prevented through proper oral hygiene practices, reiterating that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy life.

A representative of Aspira Nigeria Limited, Mr. Subair Babajide, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting oral health awareness campaigns in Oyo State.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Adeola Akintola, the Chief Dental Nurse from the University College Hospital, Mrs. Ojo .M, Dental Technologists, Dental Surgery Technicians and Dental Therapists present at the event, harped on the need for the public to promote oral hygiene, noting that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages without the associated morbidities.

The event also featured oral health screening for members of Staff at the State Secretariat Clinic.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon.Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Health on Friday has inaugurated a Joint Taskforce to strengthen enforcement against the sale of chemically ripened fruits across markets in the State.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated that the sharp practices employed by some fruit sellers to artificially ripen fruits pose serious health risks to consumers.

According to her, the Inauguration follows the recent seizure of baskets of chemically ripened fruits at a market in Oyo town by officials of the Ministry.

She noted that the consumption of such fruits may result in severe health consequences, including cancer and other long-term complications arising from the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the body.

The Commissioner reiterated that the core mandate of the Ministry remains the protection of the health and well-being of residents, stressing that the establishment of the taskforce became necessary to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations across fruit markets in the State.

She added that members of the taskforce would collaborate with relevant authorities to enforce existing laws guiding market practices.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, expressed confidence in the capacity of the taskforce members and charged them to approach their responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of service to humanity.

Also speaking, the Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, Dr. Afusat Akande, disclosed that the Joint Taskforce comprises representatives from three major associations: Binukonu Foodstuffs Dealers Association; Fruits, Roots Producers & Traders Association; and Ifelagba Fruits Dealers Association.

She cautioned members against using their positions to witch-hunt others, emphasizing that all petitions would be thoroughly investigated before any enforcement action is taken.

In his contribution, the National Chairman, Task Force  for fruit sellers in Nigeria, Alhaji Kamorudeen Olaosebikan, acknowledged that laws prohibiting chemical ripening of fruits are already in place.

He, however, maintained that with the inauguration of the Joint Taskforce, anyone found engaging in force-ripening practices would be dealt with in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

As part of ongoing efforts to protect residents from the dangers of unsafe food practices, the Oyo State Government has intercepted and seized chemically ripened fruits during a food safety enforcement exercise at a market in Oyo town.

The operation was carried out today, by officials of the Department of Food, Water and Laboratory Services of the State Ministry of Health, following an anonymous tip-off.

During the exercise, about 12 baskets of mangoes artificially ripened with chemicals were confiscated, having been prepared for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.

Speaking during the enforcement activity, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, warned residents to be cautious about the sources of the food they consume, noting that the use of chemicals to preserve or enhance food items poses serious health risks.

She disclosed that the Ministry has received increasing reports of sharp practises among some food vendors, including the use of hazardous substances to hasten fruit ripening.

Dr. Ajetunmobi said the interception was carried out based on credible intelligence received by the Ministry.

“The mandate of the Ministry of Health is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State. Based on credible information received, our officers moved in immediately and intercepted these chemically ripened fruits before they got to consumers,” she said.

The Commissioner explained that some vendors often soak unripe and immature mangoes in chemicals, causing them to appear ripe within hours.

She warned that while such fruits may not cause immediate harm, prolonged consumption could lead to chemical build-up in the body, which may result in cancer and other long-term health complications.

She also advised residents on how to identify chemically treated food items, noting that artificially ripened mangoes often have uneven colouring with green patches.

She added that vegetables may appear unnaturally green, while meats preserved with chemicals typically do not attract flies.

Dr. Ajetunmobi stressed that the interception serves as a strong warning to those engaged in unsafe food practices, urging residents to avoid patronising suspicious food items.

She further encouraged residents to adopt home-based gardening as a way of ensuring access to safe and healthy food.

In her remarks, the Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services, Dr. Afusat Akande, confirmed that the seizure followed a report from a concerned member of the public.

She added that the Ministry has continued to engage food sellers’ associations across the state on food safety standards.

According to her, vendors and market associations have been sensitised and encouraged to report any unsafe practises within their markets, stressing that offenders will be sanctioned in line with existing regulations, while market associations will also be held accountable.

She also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to be mindful of the food they purchase and consume, particularly within school environments.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government on Wednesday, has entered into a strategic partnership with ISN Products Nigeria Limited to manage and operate the *Central Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and Blood Banking Services located at Total Garden, Ibadan.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in her office, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained that her visit to the facility revealed the urgent need for renovation, equipment upgrades, and improved operations to enhance efficiency.

She hinted that following the extensive consultations, ISN Medical was selected as the ideal partner to reposition the facility for optimal service delivery.

Dr. Ajetunmobi expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for his continuous support and commitment to quality healthcare in the State.

She noted that the public-private partnership would ensure that all blood distributed across the State is properly screened, saying there is a reliable supply of safe blood for medical use.

“This initiative will set a new standard to ensure that any blood going out to any part of the State is well-screened, and there is a constant and safe supply available to meet healthcare needs,” she stated.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, emphasized that the partnership was necessitated to bridge the gap in safe blood availability and to set a statewide standard for diagnostic and blood services.

He added that the initiative will also encourage patronage from both public and private health facilities.

Representing ISN Medical, Dr. Osai Osazwe, Director of Laboratory Management Services, affirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining excellence and integrity in service delivery.

She assured the Government and the public that ISN Medical would deliver on its promises and position Oyo State as a leader in healthcare innovation and quality.

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) Task Force to curb maternal and infant deaths across the State.

The State also received the Action Plan, Activation Plaque, and implementation strategy for the initiative during the inauguration at the Molete Primary Health Centre, Ibadan.

Gov. Seyi Makinde, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Ajibola Lawal, described MAMII as a renewed call to protect mothers, safeguard newborns, and strengthen the healthcare system.

“MAMII, as conceived by the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by the Oyo State Government, represents a bold step toward reversing this unacceptable trend.

“Through this initiative, we are bringing together innovation, data, and collaboration under the unified vision of SWAP (One Plan, One Budget, One Conversation).

“In Oyo State, the burden of maternal death is saddening, however, we are glad to be among the States selected to implement this landmark initiative. Our commitment is firm to strengthen our health facilities, empower our healthcare providers, and ensure that every pregnant woman and newborn receives the care they deserve.

“Together, we can make maternal and newborn deaths a thing of the past in Oyo State. Together, we can build a system where every birth is celebrated, not mourned,” he says.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said members of the task force are carefully selected from key health agencies, including the Primary Healthcare Board, Hospital Management Board, Health Insurance Agency, and Emergency Services, to ensure effective coordination.

“So, they are to see that we implement the plan for Oyo State, and what is the goal? The goal is to reduce maternal mortality rate and neonatal mortality rate in Oyo State.

“We want a significant reduction — now it is about 370 — and we aim for a 50 percent reduction in the next two years by the grace of God,” she says.

National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP), Dr. Muntaga Sodiq-Umar, represented by Iyahen Omoruyi, and Oyo State MAMII Coordinator, Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo, expressed optimism that the task team will work with both national and State structures to bridge gaps in maternal health service delivery.

Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, described the initiative as a movement to restore dignity to motherhood and protect the most vulnerable.

“Let me emphasise that this initiative is not just a programme, it is a movement to restore dignity to motherhood, to protect the most vulnerable, and to fulfil our moral and constitutional duty to safeguard life.

“Our approach is both technical and humane — guided by evidence, sustained by empathy, and strengthened by collaboration.

“Let us continue together to build a future where no woman dies while giving life, no child is lost to preventable causes, and no community is left behind in the march towards equity and wellbeing,” he says.

Stakeholders at the event pledge their commitment to supporting the initiative, while pregnant women present receive cash gifts.

The event also features drama, songs, and moving testimonials from women who successfully deliver under the MAMII-supported care system. (NAN)

…….. Pays $150,000 into UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all residents as part of its broader health and development agenda.

The State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, gave the assurance on Thursday during an event commemorating the 2025 World Food Day held at the Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” Ajetunmobi noted that food and nutrition are central to the state’s efforts to build a healthy and productive population.

“Food is not merely what sustains life it is the foundation of health, vitality, and national productivity,” she said. “When nutrition suffers, health outcomes decline, learning capacity reduces, and communities struggle to thrive.”

Highlighting the strides made under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, the Commissioner said the Government, through the Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAFER) initiative, is improving agricultural productivity, supporting smallholder farmers, enhancing food storage and distribution systems, and ensuring food accessibility for households across the State.

She emphasized that the Ministry of Health remains focused on implementing nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions through the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, which has reached thousands of women and children with essential services such as micronutrient supplementation, deworming, growth monitoring, and breastfeeding promotion.

Dr. Ajetunmobi further revealed that Oyo State has achieved a remarkable reduction in stunting rates among under-five children from 37 percent to 23.4 percent according to the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). However, she acknowledged that the State is working to address an increase in wasting prevalence, currently at 14 percent.

In a significant milestone, she announced that Oyo remains the only State in the Southwest to join the UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), having contributed $150,000 as a matching fund to procure Small Quantity-Lipid Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for the prevention and treatment of child malnutrition.

She also mentioned the scale-up of the Maternal, Young Child, and Infant Nutrition (MYCIN) program, which has enhanced the capacity of healthcare workers to deliver quality nutrition counselling across the State’s facilities. Additionally, the Ministry has introduced home gardening initiatives to empower mothers to grow nutritious foods for their families.

“Together, with our partners—UNICEF, WHO, civil society, and our communities we are building a future where no child in Oyo State is stunted, no mother is malnourished, and no family goes to bed hungry,” she affirmed.

Dr. Ajetunmobi urged collective action to ensure that every meal nourishes, every child grows strong, and every household thrives in good health, noting that “a nourished population is the bedrock of a healthy, resilient, and prosperous Oyo State.”

Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, commemorated the 2025 World Breast Cancer Day by launching a comprehensive, free breast and prostate cancer screening exercise for residents.

The event successfully brought together health professionals, Government officials, and the public to raise vital awareness about the importance of early detection, screening, and prevention of breast cancer.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who was represented by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Olufemi Adesanya reiterated that “Every October is a pink month, a time to commemorate breast cancer awareness. It is not just for celebration but for creating awareness about prevention and early detection.”

Dr. Adesanya emphasized the severity of the disease, noting that, “A lot of women die every year due to breast cancer, but it can be detected early and early detection saves lives.” He urged attendees to take the opportunity of the professional practitioners who were on ground to provide free breast cancer screenings for women and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for men serious.

He expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi for their consistent support of public health initiatives.

The event also featured health education, titled “Breast Cancer and Self-Breast Examination” which was delivered by Mrs. B.A. Adeoye, the Oyo State Deputy Director, Nursing Services. She educated participants on the signs and symptoms, and prevention methods. Mrs. Adeoye stressed that while breast cancer is serious, it is not limited to women, men can also develop breast cancer, it is highly treatable when detected early. Concluding, “Breast cancer is a serious but treatable disease. Together, we can reduce breast cancer.”

In his remarks at the event, Pharmacist Tosin Ishola, a representative of the Oyekan Oyenike Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to advancing public health through strategic collaborations. He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Ministry of Health, and the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases for their continued support of initiatives that improve the well-being of Oyo residents.

“At the Oyekan Oyenike Foundation, we believe that awareness saves lives. Every woman deserves access to the right information, screening, and care. This partnership with the Oyo State Government reinforces our shared commitment to reducing preventable deaths and supporting women through every stage of their health journey,” Ishola stated.

In her vote of thanks, the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Desk Officer Mrs. Christianah Adedeji, extended her appreciation to the Almighty God. She thanked the Oyenike Oyekan for their support and strongly urged women to seek prompt medical attention at the very first sign of changes in their breasts. “If you notice any redness, swelling, or unusual signs, consult a medical professional immediately,” she advised.