Health
Oyo ranked second in open defecation index
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has said Oyo state, is the second in the open defecation index.
Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde confirmed this on Thursday.
According to Governor Makinde, the state realised that the development was bad and hence, partnered with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), to put an end to it.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal at the launching of the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Roadmap for the State and the Clean Nigeria Campaign, also declared an emergency in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
The governor hinted that the Open Defecation Bill that was passed by the Oyo State House Assembly, will soon be assented to, adding that the bill will take care of not only environmental cleanliness but also deal with those that will run foul of government policies.
“Statistically, by ranking, UNICEF said Oyo State is second in the open defecation index. That is too bad for us and I think the purpose of this gathering is to create awareness so that we will know where we stand on things of this nature. I want to say that, as a government, we embrace this challenge frontally.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Environment is here. one key thing is, that for the environment to sprout, germinate and grow, it requires the effort of all of us.
“Within the metropolis, we are facing a lot of challenges as we empty our refuse. The Ministry of Environment, Waste Management Board, and the rest are doing their best to ensure that refuse is cleaned regularly. But we need a lot more to do in terms of creating awareness and I think that engagement is ongoing as we speak.
“The other point that I want to touch on has to do with the office of UNICEF. Oyo State is singled out as a pilot state for UNICEF projects around the Western states. Now, if that is the case, we will need their presence in Oyo State very strongly. I understand that they have an office in a particular state in the South-West but their activities are more in Oyo State. Common sense, logic, and reasoning demand that your office must be situated in Oyo State”, Governor Makinde said.
He continued, “Now, I have listened to my friend, Jane. You have a pilot scheme at Ona-Ara Local Government. I think we will plead with UNICEF to spread the kind of pilot project that is ongoing at Ona-Ara to all Local Governments in Oyo State. “As the Olubadan said, we need more of such pilot projects in the rural areas than in the cities. So, we plead with you to look into how you can spread your pilot projects to cover many more local governments.
“Finally, I need also to add that as the Deputy Speaker indicated, legislation is key to driving whatever policies government puts in place. We will ensure that sooner than later, the bills that are being worked upon will be looked into by the government and the State House of Assembly, to formulate, correct, and put in adequate legislation that will take care of not only environmental cleanliness but even those who will run foul of whatever policies government puts in place.
“We pledge as a state that we will continue to cooperate and collaborate with all agencies that relate to poverty reduction, by providing a clean and open defecation-free society.”
Also commenting, the former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rasheed Ladoja, lauded UNICEF and the Federal Government for partnering with the state government in keeping the people safe, and to be able to live longer than they are now living.
Ladoja said, “It is a welcome development that the UNICEF and the federal development partners are supporting us to keep our people safe and to be able to live longer than we are now living”.
Earlier, the Chairman, Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), Engr. Najeem Omirinde noted that the Clean Nigeria Campaign is a transgenerational action-packed programme aimed at mobilising the populace towards imbibing the culture of safe and sustainable sanitation.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, has pledged to support the breast cancer awareness programme of the ABC Foundation founded by former Oyo First Lady, Dr. Florence Ajimobi.
Oseni, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made the commitment on Thursday in Ibadan at the flag-off of Pink Month 2025, an initiative of the foundation.
Contained in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker described the campaign as a “lifesaving mission” given the rising burden of breast cancer in Nigeria, with over 28,000 new cases and thousands of deaths reported annually.
The APC chieftain said the free screening of 1,000 women planned by the foundation was timely, stressing that early detection remained the strongest weapon in the fight against cancer.
Hon. Aderemi Oseni exchanging pleasantries with former Oyo State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, at the event.
“Health is life. Only this June, I moved a motion at the National Assembly which led to the Federal Government subsidising dialysis treatment nationwide. Today, dialysis is either free or heavily discounted in federal health facilities,” Oseni said.
He listed his personal interventions to include funding hospital bills of indigent patients, construction of hospitals in Ido and Ibarapa East, establishment of primary health centres, and organisation of medical outreaches. He also disclosed plans to deploy mobile clinics to rural areas.
Commending Mrs. Ajimobi for sustaining her late husband’s legacy through humanitarian service, Oseni assured of partnership with the foundation, saying women’s wellbeing and empowerment remained central to his vision for Oyo State.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ajimobi said the foundation had offered medical care to over 85,000 patients and conducted more than 100,000 investigations since its inception. She added that the campaign was not just corporate social responsibility but “a moral duty and sacred trust.”
The former first lady, who lost her daughter Abisola to breast cancer earlier this year, said the experience had strengthened her resolve to save other families from such tragedy. She appealed to women to take advantage of the free screening and called on partners and development agencies to support the fight.
Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, and Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings, Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi, are set to lead discussions at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit.
The event is scheduled to hold on September 24 and 25 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
This year’s summit has the theme: “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness.”
Ayebae will serve as chairman of the event, while Afolabi, who is also the co-founder of Wellness HMO, will deliver the keynote address.
Ayebae, founder of Fidson Healthcare, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical entrepreneurs. He is a fellow of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and the Institute of Corporate Affairs Management, and has held significant roles in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
Afolabi has more than 20 years’ experience spanning healthcare, finance, technology and marketing. He is also the founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, a Lagos-based technology hub that supports start-ups and young entrepreneurs.
Convener of the summit, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, said the event would focus on practical steps to improve health outcomes through self-care.
She said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Ayebae and Dr. Afolabi as pivotal figures in our quest to enhance health literacy and empower individuals to prioritise self-care. This summit is not just about discussions; it is about actionable insights that can inspire and transform lives.”
The organisers said the two-day summit is open to the public and will feature panel sessions with health and wellness experts, attracting healthcare professionals, advocates and business leaders.
The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, has joined the campaign to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.
The initiative followed the unveiling of the Geneith Health Competition on the institution’s campus on Tuesday.
The competition, organised by CEOAfrica in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, targets students of tertiary and secondary schools nationwide to spread knowledge on malaria prevention.
Convener of the project, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafo, said the programme was designed to raise awareness through a structured health contest at the state, regional and national levels.
He said Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed N1 billion to the project, with N400 million earmarked for scholarships and N600 million for gift items to motivate participants. “By promoting education and prevention strategies, this competition underscores the dedication of all stakeholders in combating malaria and improving public health in Nigeria,” Ilobanafo added.
The Provost of the College, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, praised the organisers for selecting the institution as a launch platform for the campaign. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for their commitment to repositioning the livestock sector to boost national growth.
“Our students are ready to key into this initiative. They are articulate, active, and have represented us well in international competitions. We are confident they will excel in this campaign too,” he said.
The Provost urged the students to brace up for the task ahead and uphold the institution’s tradition of excellence.
Some students, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, pledged to support the anti-malaria campaign by intensifying environmental sanitation on campus. They also commended the organisers and sponsors for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the fight against malaria.
They promised to sustain clean surroundings and spread the message beyond the school to ensure malaria is eradicated from the system.
-
Politics3 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics1 week agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
News2 days agoNERC orders DisCos to refund ₦20.33bn meter costs to customers