…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.

The Oyo State Government wishes to alert the general public about the illegal operation of an unaccredited institution known as Ogbomoso College of Nursing Sciences, located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

It has come to the attention of the relevant authorities that the said institution is operating without accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the regulatory body responsible for the accreditation of nursing education in the country.

Investigations further revealed that the proprietor of the school, who is an anatomist by training and not qualified under the law to operate a nursing training facility, has already begun admitting students under the guise of a “Pre-training Programme.” Contrary to this claim, teaching has commenced in full swing, in direct violation of national regulatory guidelines and public health safety standards.

In a statement to the media, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, noted that the government strongly condemns and frowns upon the establishment and operation of any unregistered health training facility within the state.

“The health and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority, and we will not tolerate any institution that compromises the integrity of health education and endangers the lives of innocent students and the public at large,” she added.

Following the statement, the Director of Nursing Services, Oyo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Oyebode, who led the inspection team to the institution, confirmed that students were already receiving lectures in the facility.

“During our inspection visit, we met with students who clearly confirmed that lectures had been ongoing since January 2025, despite the school lacking accreditation from the NMCN,” she reported.

Consequently, the Ogbomoso College of Nursing Sciences is hereby declared CLOSED with immediate effect, pending proper accreditation and further directives from the government.

…As Over 5.6 million mosquito nets to be distributed across 33 LGAs to combat malaria in Oyo State

…Mrs Makinde Decorated as Net Ambassador in Statewide Malaria Fight

In the effort to combat malaria across Oyo State, the First Lady, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, has launched the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) campaign and was officially unveiled as the State’s Net Ambassador.

The initiative comes ahead of the mass distribution of over 5.6 million ITNs, targeting more than two million households across the 33 local government in the state between August 1 and August 7, 2025.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, Ibadan, brought together top government officials, development partners, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and community leaders together in the anti-malaria campaign in the state.

The initiative, which is a joint effort between the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and international partners including the United States Government, through its Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), and Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, among others.

In her keynote address, the First Lady emphasized the significance of malaria prevention and called on all residents, especially women and caregivers, to ensure proper usage of the nets.

“Let me start by appreciating the Oyo State Ministry of Health for nominating me as the Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net Campaign Ambassador in Oyo State. Malaria, caused by mosquito parasites, is very common in Nigeria. If not treated on time, it can pose serious health challenges. But malaria can be prevented by consistently sleeping under insecticide-treated nets. That is why we are here today,” she said.

She added that from August 1 to August 7, the ITNs will be distributed across communities, and urged beneficiaries not to sell or hoard them but to put them to use.

“Let us not forget to hang our insecticide-treated mosquito nets and sleep inside them so that we can stay healthy. Together, we can wipe out malaria from our communities and ensure a healthier future for our children,” she added.

She appreciated the State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritizing healthcare, and commended NMEP, the U.S. Government, and all partners for their continuous support.

Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the campaign would deploy thousands of trained personnel and volunteers who will go from house to house to distribute the nets and educate households on how to hang and use them correctly.

“This is not just about distributing nets. It’s about educating people on malaria prevention, changing attitudes, and saving lives. The nets will come with hanging kits and demonstrations,” she said.

She noted that Oyo State is one of the highest malaria-burdened states in Nigeria, but the government is committed to reducing transmission through massive public health campaigns.

Representing the United States Government’s Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), Nigeria Country Director Jef Imans commended the Oyo State Government’s leadership and commitment.

“The last campaign in 2021 successfully delivered over 4.7 million nets. This year, over 5.6 million nets valued at $21 million have been procured and will be distributed. These nets act as shields that save lives, especially among young children,” Imans said.

He called on campaign workers to uphold integrity and ensure every household receives the nets meant for them.

“Our shared goal is to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths. This fight is winnable if everyone plays their part.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, stressed the economic and social burden malaria places on Nigeria, which, along with three other African countries, accounts for 33% of malaria cases on the continent.

“Malaria is not merely a disease; it disrupts health systems, education, and economic productivity. We must keep malaria high on the public agenda if we want a healthy and productive society,” he said.

He also highlighted the ambitious goal set by Oyo State:

“We are working toward a paradigm shift, zero malaria. This is achievable, especially with the First Lady leading as Net Ambassador and the local government chairmen’s wives serving as ambassadors at the grassroots. This movement is about community empowerment and shared responsibility.”

Other dignitaries at the event included Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. (Alhaja) Faosat Joke Sanni, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke Adefemi, representatives of NMEP, USAID, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and community health mobilizers.

The event concluded with the symbolic decoration of the First Lady as Net Ambassador and a live demonstration on proper net use.

…provides Modern Equipment, 10KVA Solar Inverters, Incinerators

The Oyo State Government has commenced a comprehensive upgrade of 66 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the State, equipping them with essential medical tools and alternative power sources to ensure improved healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the distribution of equipment at one of the newly upgraded PHCs in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described the revitalization of the PHCs as a crucial milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare at the community level.

She said that following the earlier renovation of over 200 PHCs, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has embarked on the second phase of its healthcare revitalization plan, distributing modern medical equipment and installing solar-powered systems to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare services.

She explained that two facilities in each of the State’s 33 Local Government areas  were selected for the current upgrade.

She said, “Healthcare is one of the pillars of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration under Omituntun 2.0. The Oyo State Government has been addressing the infrastructure and personnel gaps in the sector.”

“Governor Seyi Makinde continues to fulfill his promises by tackling the non-availability of basic medical equipment and personnel in our health facilities”, she added.

She highlighted that following the renovation of the health facilities, the government recruited over 3,000 healthcare workers for PHCs, and has now proceeded with the equipment upgrade in phases.

In Phase I, 66 PHCs have been selected based on criteria such as patient load, with the two centres in each local government chosen.

The upgrades include:

Installation of 10 KVA Solar Inverter Systems with hybrid inverters and lithium batteries to provide 24-hour electricity supply; Provision of two computer tablets (for Medical Records Officers and Officers-in-Charge) equipped with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software;  Installation of Red-Brick Incinerators for safe medical waste disposal.

Dr. Ajetunmobi further announced plans to implement a Drug Revolving Fund to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines at the PHCs.

She urged community members to take ownership of the facilities and protect them against vandalism.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, First Health Dynamic Synergy International Limited, Professor Temitope Alonge, whose organization executed the upgrades, explained that the selection of PHCs was based on population served.

“No more excuses in our primary healthcare centres. The State Government has made provision for basic medical equipment for the use of medical personnel at their facilities,”he said.

At the Olorisa-Oko PHC in Akinyele Local Government, the council chairman, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for prioritizing healthcare at the grassroots level.

He pledged the local government’s continuous support, including providing adequate security for staff, facilities, and equipment.

Among the first facilities to benefit from the upgrade is the Odo-Ona Elewe PHC in Oluyole Local Government.

The medical equipment provided includes:

Standing Mobile and Table-Top Electronic Sphygmomanometers;

Pediatric Blood Pressure Cuffs; Glucometers; Haemoglobinometers;

Infrared Thermometers; Bucket Autoclaves powered by gas cookers;

Autoclave tapes and drums; Colour-coded dustbins and metal dustbin racks;

Medical oxygen cylinders with accessories; Nebulizers; Pulse oximeters; Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Kits (HIV/Syphilis RDT, HBSAG RDT); First Aid Boxes for POCT storage; Filling of oxygen and cooking gas cylinders; Adjustable spanners for oxygen cylinders.

With these upgrades, the Oyo State Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for all residents of the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

As part of its commitment to inclusive and accessible healthcare, the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, today extended the ongoing First-Quarter 2025 Omituntun Free Health Mission to persons living with physical disabilities.

The outreach which took place at Oluyole Cheshire Home in Ibadan, where hundreds of physically challenged individuals received free medical consultations, medications, minor procedures, laboratory tests, and assistive devices.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who led the medical outreach team, emphasized that the special phase of the Free Health Mission reflects Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion under the Omituntun 2.0 health agenda.

“We are here today because everyone matters, regardless of physical ability. Healthcare is a fundamental right, and under this administration, no one will be left behind,” she stated during her remarks.

Medical personnel from State health facilities were on ground to deliver quality care, while mobility aids and health education materials were also made available to beneficiaries.

The Omituntun Free Health Mission has successfully reached all 33 local government areas in the first quarter of 2025, providing free healthcare services to thousands of residents, including the elderly, children, and now, persons with disabilities. The outreach will continue on Monday with a special session for pensioners across the State, while civil servants will take their turn on Tuesday.

The Oyo State Government has declared its readiness to commence the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) mass distribution campaign across the State, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of malaria among residents.

This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during the entry meeting held with key stakeholders and development partners to mark the official commencement of the campaign’s implementation phase, which begins today, June 16, 2025.

According to Dr. Ajetunmobi, strategic planning and preparation have been underway to ensure the smooth and effective distribution of ITNs to households across all Local Government Areas in Oyo State. She emphasized that the initiative represents a critical component of the State Government’s commitment to malaria prevention and control.

She further stated that the Ministry of Health, in strong collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Board, is committed to delivering a high-quality campaign that meets both technical standards and the expectations of the people. Together, both institutions are working diligently to ensure every aspect of the campaign, from planning to execution, is transparent, inclusive, and impactful.

During her remarks at the meeting, which included representatives from the Global Health Supply Chain (GHSC) – Procurement and Supply Management (PSM). Dr. Ajetunmobi confirmed that the State is fully prepared for the flag-off of the campaign scheduled for July 31, 2025. The distribution phase will take place from August 1 to August 7, 2025.

She also noted that the Ministry of Health had previously inaugurated the State ITN Campaign Coordination Committee during the planning phase. The committee comprises key stakeholders, including representatives from relevant Ministries, security agencies, Ward Development Committees (WDCs), religious and traditional leaders, and implementing partners. The committee has been actively engaged to ensure the successful execution of the campaign.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Campaign Manager for GHSC-PSM, Mrs. Patience Ochibe, disclosed that with support from USAID’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), a total of 5.6 million nets have been procured, of which 4.9 million have already been delivered to Oyo State. She reiterated that while the State Government is leading the campaign, partners will continue to provide technical and logistical support for its implementation.

Mrs. Ochibe explained that beneficiaries are expected to present their net cards—issued during the household mobilization phase, at designated distribution points to collect their nets between August 1 and 7, 2025.

As part of preparations for the distribution, several key activities have been lined up for the implementation phase. These include training of household mobilization teams, media engagement sessions, advocacy visits, macro-level transportation of ITNs to LGAs, and the airing of public awareness messages and jingles across radio and television platforms.

The Oyo State Ministry of Health is pleased to remind the general public that the Free Health Mission—a flagship initiative of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration—is still ongoing across the state, delivering life-saving care and relief to thousands of residents at no cost.

So far, the mission has successfully provided a wide range of healthcare services including free consultations, laboratory investigations, minor and major surgeries, dental care, eye care (including free glasses), and the distribution of essential drugs. Residents across multiple local government areas have continued to turn out in large numbers, expressing deep appreciation for the intervention.

Speaking on the impact of the ongoing programme, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated: “The response has been overwhelming, and we are humbled by the stories of lives being touched through this initiative. This is what people-centered Governance looks like. The Free Health Mission is a testament to Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to healthcare equity, and we are proud to continue driving it forward. I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.”

Dr. Ajetunmobi also emphasized the importance of routine checkups and early medical intervention, noting that the health mission is not only providing treatment but also enhancing awareness and promoting preventive healthcare practices among the people.

The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that the team of medical experts is currently in Ogbomoso, where they will be covering the five local government areas in the zone from the 23rd to the 28th of May, 2025. Residents in Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Ogo Oluwa, and Surulere LGAs are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to access quality healthcare free of charge.

Flags off 2025 Omituntun Free Medical Mission

Against the backdrop of the recent disclosure by the Federal Government that it plans to build 8,800 Primary Healthcare Centres across the Country, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that his Government is ready to share its template, which has seen it build functional Category 3 Primary Healthcare Centres in most of the 351 Electoral Wards of the State, with the Federal Government.

The Governor stated this on Tuesday, while launching the 2025 Omituntun Free Medical Mission at the Ibadan North-East Local Government Secretariat, Ibadan, noting that his Government decided to build the PHCs in each ward to make healthcare delivery more accessible to the people.
He maintained that since the template is working in Oyo State, it would also work for the Federal Government, adding that his Government would continue to focus on healthcare delivery so as to have a healthy population, which will in turn, help to push the boundaries of economic expansion and poverty reduction.

He said: “On the health sector, this Government will continue to focus on a healthy population and tackling poverty in the State.
“Only recently, the Vice-President said the Federal Government plans to build 8,800 Primary Healthcare Centres across the Country. Before the Federal Government, we started the renovation and equipment of functional PHC facilities in our 351 wards in the State.

“We are happy that we can give the federal level our template. The template has worked in Oyo State and I am assured it would work at the federal level.
“We have made a lot of progress in terms of commitment to primary healthcare. So, we have to keep the pressure on.
“I want to use this medium to thank everyone who has played their own part towards realising the programmes and policies of this administration in the health sector. I will like to thank Professor Temitope Alonge and Dr. Muideen Olatunji; they have done very well.
“I equally appreciate the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Chairman of Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, and the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry as well as healthcare practitioners too.”

According to the Governor, his Government has continued to deliver on its promises across the four pillars of education, health, security and economic expansion, with its policies and programmes attracting desired results.
Governor Makinde declared that the State Government has won the war against insecurity, adding that it would not sleep until residents can sleep with their two eyes closed.

He also cited the excellent performance recorded by students from the State in the recent Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the improved economy of the State, noting that these are also due to the right policies implemented by the Government to improve education and expand the economy.

Governor Makinde, who noted that the State Government had continued to stimulate the economy of the State by pushing about N24billion into the economy monthly through salaries and pensions and providing infrastructure for the private sector to thrive, said his Government would not relent.
The Governor averred that the Government was able to achieve the positive turnaround because it kept its head up and refused to shift blames, noting that he had remained focused on justifying the trust reposed in him by the people, rather than focusing on what past Governments did of failed to do.
Governor Makinde appreciated residents of Ibadan North-East Local Government for supporting his administration, just as he lauded Oyo State residents for doing the right things from the home setting, stating that the successes being achieved by his administration is also due to residents doing the right things.

He added: “I also appreciate the support and prayers of our people and doing what is right in our various homes. We can trace the stability we have been enjoying across Oyo State back to how you have been handling the homes. So, I thank you.

“You know I never occupied any political office until six years ago that I became the Governor. I see people comparing what some past Governments did not do and what other Governors did. Even as far back as 2018, I had no business with what a particular Government did not do, because the people know what any Government did or failed to do.
“You don’t need anybody to tell you if a particular Government performed or not.

“In 2019, we didn’t campaign based on what the past Governments did or did not do, but based on what we intended to do and you trusted us. We campaigned on four major pillars, including education, health, security and expansion of our economy.
“Today, we have won the war as far as security is concerned in the State. We will not sleep; we will continue to tweak the architecture until everybody can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“On education, all our initiatives are working because the WASSCE and UTME results of our children are encouraging and our children are being properly educated.

“Concerning the expansion of our economy, I say to people that, as of today, this government injects N24bn into the Oyo State economy every four weeks – that is from the government alone. And, we have created infrastructure to allow private businesses to thrive.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ajetunmobi, appreciated the Governor for his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access to the people of the State and for transforming the health sector through robust investments in health infrastructure, human resources, and strengthening the initiatives.

She mentioned that the Free Omituntun Medical Mission would follow a clustering model, with each cluster operating for three full days for effective delivery of comprehensive healthcare and also follow up post-operatively on surgical cases on patients.
She added that efforts are underway to facilitate the enrollment of the beneficiaries on the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) through the OYSHIA Gateway in order to ensure continuity of care beyond the outreach.
The commissioner encouraged all beneficiaries to take responsibility for their health by keeping their service codes and following through on post-care instructions.

Giving his goodwill message, the Chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, thanked the Governor for the recent recruitment of medical personnel, which according to him, has led to the State being granted full accreditation for physiotherapy practice, which had been denied for 30 years.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Barr Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni.
Others were the Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries; and chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, among others.

Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Eleyele, Ibadan held its 27th convocation ceremony for conferment of certificates on Four Hundred and Sixty-nine (469) individuals on Tuesday.

The event, which was held within the college’s premises, witnessed the graduation of students who have successfully completed their programmes in Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery, Community Nursing, and Community Midwifery

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health and Chairman Governing Council, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi noted that the College has once again solidified its reputation for excellence in a remarkable achievement that underscores Nigeria’s growing academic prowess.

She said the institution is renowned for its high academic standards and discipline in churning out brilliant nursing professionals.

Dr. Ajetunmobi stated that the graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the new Nurses academic and professional journey, adding that the graduates were “trained in one of the most reputable Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery and have now joined a noble profession.”

She reiterated that the Oyo State government’s goal is to ensure there are enough excellent nurses to serve communities with dignity and skill.

The Wife of Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwumi Olajumoke Owoade, who is an Alumnus of the College, charged the graduates to be agents of change in society.

She challenged them to set the pace, break barriers, and find solutions to things that hitherto had remained invisible, inaccessible, and unattainable in the rapidly changing world.

“Be a trailblazer in this noble career path you have chosen. Set the pace and break barriers. A trailblazer is a leader who summons followership by the inspiration of his life and action,“ she counselled.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu said the institution has imprinted her name in the training of professionals and gifted hands in healthcare services, which has positioned Nigeria among its peers as a factor to reckon with.

He applauded the courage of the management for upholding the standard and sustaining the legacy and visions of the founding fathers, commending the immense contributions of Governor Seyi Makinde, for attending to the needs of the institution promptly.

In her convocation address, the Provost, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi thanked the parents of the graduating students and investors for the confidence reposed in the college.

She listed the various achievements recorded by the college under her watch, adding that the college occupied an important position in the higher education development of the nation.

“The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery remains an household name in the production of middle level manpower in the health sector, a crucial component of the mission to improve the healthcare services in Oyo State”, she said.

Speaking on the involvement of the Alumni Association, led by the global president, Pastor Gabriel Ajeigbe, the Provost stated “We value the Alumni for their roles in the success recorded by the College.”

The Provosts of some sister Colleges, including the Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Catholic College of Nursing, Oke-ofa, Federal Cooperatives College, Lead city University, Peri-Operative Nursing School, University College Hospital, Ibadan, among others also sent their goodwill messages on the convocation ceremony.

The convocation saw a total of 469 students graduate, including 31 Best graduating students, while 3 earned the Provost’s Awards for the best behaved student, the best in Practical and the best in Nutrition.

Adetunji Shukurat, a graduate of Basic Nursing who emerged as the Best graduate, gave the Valedictorian speech.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.