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.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn deaths through innovative partnerships and evidence-driven strategies, as stakeholders converged at the MAMII Co-Creation Workshop held at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan.

The five-day workshop, organized under the Maternal and Neonatal Health Improvement Initiative (MAMII), brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, community leaders, and health professionals to design sustainable interventions for improving maternal and child health outcomes in the state.

The workshop, which is to run from October 13 to 17, 2025, is expected to culminate in a comprehensive action plan to strengthen maternal and newborn health systems across Oyo State and contribute to Nigeria’s national drive to end preventable maternal and child deaths.

In her opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, described MAMII as “not just another programme, but a movement” aimed at redefining how Government and partners address maternal and neonatal survival.

“Under the Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap to Sustainable Development, maternal and child health remains a top priority for this administration,” Dr. Ajetunmobi stated. “Our goal is simple, that no woman dies while giving life and that every child has a healthy start.”

She emphasized that the workshop’s co-creation approach reflects the state’s belief that meaningful health impact can only be achieved when “Governments, partners, communities, and health workers design solutions together.”

Dr. Ajetunmobi commended the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and technical partners for their leadership and collaboration. She reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s dedication to building a model of “true collaboration for healthier mothers, safer births, and thriving communities.”

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, noted that maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge, with the lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy as high as 1 in 18 in developing countries.

“Every maternal death is not just a statistic; it is a story of loss, of a mother who will never return home, and of a community deprived of its pillar,” Dr. Ayinde said. “This meeting gives us an opportunity to review our progress and produce a unified operational plan to make maternal death a rarity in Oyo State.”

He highlighted Oyo State’s efforts, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres, employment of over 4,000 health workers, the launch of the Oyo State Emergency Medical Services (OYEMS), and initiatives in community midwifery and health insurance.

Dr. Ayinde further identified the “five delays” contributing to maternal deaths, the delay to seek care, reach care, receive adequate care, institutional accountability, and coordination, stressing the need for community-driven and data-based solutions.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Chief Akin Fagbemi, lauded the initiative as a critical step towards achieving sustainable healthcare. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to Governor Makinde’s health vision for the State.

The State SWAp Desk Officer and Coordinator for the National Health Fellowship Program, Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo, explained that the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), under which MAMII falls, is a Federal Government-led framework designed to strengthen subnational health systems.

“Nigeria is currently ranked third globally for maternal mortality, losing about 250 women and newborns daily. Through this initiative, Oyo State will work closely with stakeholders to identify root causes and develop practical, community-informed solutions.” Dr. Adeagbo revealed.

Similarly, Dr. Omoniyi O. Iyahen, Deputy Director at the SWAp Coordinating Office, added that Oyo State is among four selected states in Nigeria for the pilot phase, with focus areas in Ibadan South-West, Orire, Iwajowa, and Afijio Local Governments.

“We’ll be visiting affected communities, engaging traditional and religious leaders, and reviewing real-life cases to understand where the gaps lie and how to close them,” she said.

Representing the women of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Abiola Ameringun, the Market Women Leader, expressed gratitude to the State Government for prioritizing maternal health.

“Women are the mothers of the nation, and this programme is for our safety and the future of our children.

We thank our mother, the Honourable Commissioner, and His Excellency, Governor Makinde, for their tireless commitment.” she said

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, joined the global community on Friday to mark the 2025 World Mental Health Day under the theme “Access to Mental Health Services in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”

At an event held at the ministry’s car park in Ibadan, Health Commissioner Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi (represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Akintunde Ayinde) described mental health as a cornerstone of public health and human resilience, especially during disasters such as epidemics, floods, conflict or economic shocks.

“This is the first official State‑level celebration of the day in Oyo,” Dr. Ajetunmobi said. “Psychological wounds often linger far longer than physical ones, so mental health must be a core part of our emergency preparedness, resilience and recovery strategies.”

‎She highlighted Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to mental‑health reform, citing ongoing projects:  Renovation of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres to expand mental‑health services.

Deployment of psychiatrists to general hospitals, and appointment of mental‑health focal persons in all 33 local government areas.

‎The commissioner announced the formation of a State Mental Health Technical Working Group to coordinate emergency protocols, rapid‑response teams and psychological‑first‑aid training, working with civil society, academia, NGOs and traditional institutions.

‎Partners such as the Asido Foundation and New World Specialist Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre were commended for their technical and financial support.

Keynote speaker Dr. Shina Fakunle, consultant psychiatrist at Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan, underscored the scarcity of mental‑health professionals in Nigeria—fewer than 300 psychiatrists for over 200 million people—and called for integration of mental health into primary, secondary and tertiary care.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Taiwo Okunade, a guest speaker, reflected on the impact of economic hardship on mental well-being, describing prolonged financial instability as a “quiet catastrophe.”

‎He lauded Governor Makinde’s consistent payment of salaries as a stabilizing factor for civil servants’ mental well-being.

‎Professor Jubril Abdulmalik of the Asido Foundation urged full integration of mental health into maternal, child and infectious‑disease services, noting this was the first official observance in the state’s history.

‎The commemoration was jointly organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Asido Foundation, and New World Specialist Hospital, drawing together healthcare professionals, civil‑society actors, academics and mental‑health advocates to chart a path toward a stronger mental‑health system in Oyo.

The Oyo State Government has officially flagged off the Integrated Measles-Rubella, nOPV2, HPV, Routine Immunization, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Campaign, with a renewed call to parents and caregivers to ensure that every eligible child receives all life-saving vaccines.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Thursday, brought together top government officials, development partners, health workers, traditional leaders, and community representatives in a unified effort to safeguard the health of children across the State.

First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde,  represented by the Chairman, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, reaffirmed the State’s dedication to child health and appealed to parents to embrace all forms of immunization for their children.

“This campaign is about giving our children a fair chance at life.

I urge every parents, caregivers, and guardians to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines, including this current round that begins here in Oyo State,” she said.

She noted that the campaign’s commencement in Oyo State underscores the Government’s proactive stance on healthcare and its commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected from vaccines preventable diseases.

In her goodwill message, UNICEF  Health Specialist, Lagos Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, commended the Oyo State Government for its leadership and unwavering commitment to child survival and development.

Dr. Agbo described the integrated campaign as a “powerful statement” that places the health of children at the center of the State’s development agenda.

“By combining measles, rubella, polio, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, Routine Immunization, and NTD interventions, Oyo State is demonstrating coordination and efficiency that will save more lives and reach more families,” she stated.

She emphasized UNICEF’s continued partnership with Oyo State Government through support for vaccine logistics, cold chain management, waste disposal, social and behavior change communication (SBCC).

“Beyond providing vaccines, we must ensure that communities understand, trust, and embrace these life-saving interventions. Every child protected today is an investment in the peace and prosperity of our tomorrow,” Dr. Agbo added.

Also in her goodwill message, The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi,  who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, said the campaign aims to reach every eligible child aged 9 months to 59 months with the measles-rubella vaccine.

He explained that the integrated campaign will also deliver Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and health education to strengthen routine immunization and promote holistic child health.

“No child in Oyo State should be left behind. We are taking vaccination to schools, markets, churches, mosques, and other community centers. This is a collective responsibility that requires all hands on deck,” he said.

Dr. Ayinde appreciated the support of UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, and other partners for their technical and financial assistance, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in improving vaccine coverage and child health outcomes in Oyo State.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to continue mobilizing citizens and dispelling misinformation about vaccination.

“Even if a child has been vaccinated before, there is no harm in receiving it again. Let us all work together to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he urged.

The integrated immunization campaign is part of efforts by the Oyo State Government and partners to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that every child in the State enjoys a healthy start to life.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving access to affordable and quality eye care services across the State as part of efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by Dr. Fola Oni, stated this on Thursday at an event held at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan, to commemorate the 2025 World Sight Day with the theme “Love Your Eyes: Access to Eye Care for All.”

Dr. Ajetunmobi described sight as a priceless gift that must be protected and preserved, adding that improving eye health remains a top priority for the present administration.

“Eye health is often neglected in public health discourse, yet vision plays a central role in education, productivity, and quality of life,” she said. “In Oyo State, we recognize that improving access to affordable and quality eye care is both a health priority and a moral responsibility.”

The Commissioner noted that the Government has taken bold steps to institutionalize eye health through the inauguration of the Oyo State Eye Health Committee earlier in the year. The committee, she explained, is mandated to strengthen coordination, guide implementation, and enforce policies aimed at improving eye health delivery in the State.

She further assured that plans are underway to launch large-scale community outreach programmes in partnership with professional associations and development partners to provide sustainable and impactful eye care interventions.

“Our goal is clear to make eye care accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all. We are committed to strengthening health facilities, integrating primary eye care into primary health care, and ensuring that every child, artisan, and elderly person lives free from avoidable blindness,” she added.

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, represented by Dr. Fasasi, urged residents to prioritize regular eye checkups and not wait until they experience vision problems before visiting the hospital.

He explained that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight, emphasizing the importance of preventive health checks.

“The eye is the light of the body and one of its most vital organs. It is important that we care for and protect it,” he said, noting that the Government provides access to qualified eye specialists in several hospitals across the State, including University College Hospital (UCH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.

Also speaking, Dr. Sarimiye, Secretary of the National Body of Ophthalmologists in Nigeria, who represented the Chief Medical Director of UCH, commended the long-standing collaboration between the Oyo State Government, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and other partners in promoting eye health.

He noted that the event, which is observed globally on the second Thursday of October, has helped raise awareness about preventable blindness and encouraged residents to make use of free screening opportunities.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Amy Patrick from the National Eye Health Committee, applauded Oyo State for its innovation and for aligning with the Federal initiative to strengthen State-level eye health structures.

Similarly, Dr. Susan Adepoju commended the Government for inaugurating the Oyo State Eye Health Committee, noting that it would enhance quality eye care services across hospitals in the State.

In her goodwill message, Lion Tina, representing the Lions District Governor, Lion Adelaja Ademuyiwa Adeleye, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes, particularly in vision care.

“We are proud to collaborate with Oyo State Government and UCH to make a lasting impact on eye health. We urge everyone to take their eye care seriously and to follow professional medical advice,” she stated.

The event also featured a health awareness session by Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebode Kehinde Director Nursing Services Oyo State Ministry of Health who educated participants on the importance of balanced nutrition and hygiene for maintaining good eyesight.

Free eye screening and medical consultations with free glasses were provided to attendees as part of the activities marking the celebration.

Partners of the 2025 World Sight Day in Oyo State include the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Nigerian Ophthalmic Nurses Association (NONA), Nigerian Optometrists Association (NOA), Lions Club International, Rotary Club, Eye Health Committee, and the University College Hospital (UCH).

The Oyo State Government has sealed off Covenant College of Health Technology and Medical Sciences for operating without proper accreditation and for offering unauthorized health-related programmes to unsuspecting members of the public.

The enforcement action was carried out on Friday to the School located at Apata in Ibadan by officials of the Ministry of Health, led by the Director of Nursing Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Oyebode, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Health during the inspection.

The inspection team discovered that the institution had been running unapproved programmes, including purported training in Nursing Technician and Nursing Assistant programmes that are neither recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) nor approved by the Ministry.

Dr. Oyebode stated that the school had been misleading the public by offering courses it was neither licensed nor qualified to run.

“A nursing programme cannot be operated under a College of Health Technology,” she said. “There is no such programme as ‘Nursing Technician’ or ‘Nursing Assistant’ in Nigeria’s approved health training framework. Such claims are false and deceptive.”

She further noted that the school had already begun admitting students and collecting fees without securing any form of accreditation or regulatory clearance, thereby posing a serious threat to public health standards and undermining the integrity of the State’s health education system.

As a result, the Ministry has ordered the immediate closure of the institution until all necessary requirements and approvals are fully met.

The public is strongly advised to avoid any dealings with the institution until it obtains proper accreditation and official clearance from the Oyo State Ministry of Health and relevant professional bodies.

…cautions Residents against misuse

The Oyo State Government has commenced the mass distribution of over five million insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) across the 33 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to curb the spread of malaria.

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held at Idi-ogungun Primary Health Care Centre, Agodi Gate, Ibadan North LGA, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said that the initiative reflects  the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children under five.

The Commissioner cautioned against the misuse of the mosquito nets for non-health purposes such as fishing, gardening, window covers, or commercial displays.

Dr. Ajetunmobi urged  residents to make use of the nets properly and nightly habits, noting that the latest generation of nets are made with breathable,

lightweight materials that do not retain heat when used  in well-ventilated rooms.

She warned that diverting or hoarding the nets is a punishable offense under the law.

Ajetunmobi appealed to mothers and pregnant women to embrace the daily habit of tucking their children inside the nets every night, saying this will prevent illness, hospital visits, and even save lives.

She further assured that mop-up activities would follow the official distribution period to ensure no household is left out.

Her words: “These nets are not just commodities; they are life-saving tools. When used correctly and consistently, ITNs serve as an effective barrier against malaria, one of the deadliest diseases affecting our people.”

“Let me be clear: anyone caught hoarding or selling these nets, or using them for anything other than malaria prevention, will face legal consequences”, she warned.

“These nets are provided free by the government and donor agencies to protect health, not for personal gain”, she reiterated.

The distribution, scheduled to run from August 1 to 7, 2025, is being conducted through fixed-point delivery sites, with electronic tracking systems deployed to ensure transparency, accountability, and full coverage.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.