The Oyo State Government has announced the commencement of the 2026 Bursary Screening Exercise for indigenes of the State in their final year of study in public higher institutions across the Country.

The screening exercise, organised by the Oyo State Scholarship Board, will commence on Wednesday, November 11, and end on Friday, November 27, 2026, in line with the approved timetable released by the Board.

According to the Secretary of the Board, Mr. Niyi Akinyanju, only applicants whose online submissions have been reviewed and found to have met the stipulated registration requirements have been shortlisted for the screening exercise.

He clarified that successful completion of online registration does not automatically qualify an applicant for screening, stressing that only those who have satisfied the necessary requirements will be considered.

In a bid to make the exercise more accessible and convenient, the Board has introduced both physical and online screening options. However, applicants studying in higher institutions within the South-West geopolitical zone are required to participate in physical screening, irrespective of their state of residence.

Applicants studying outside the South-West are permitted to choose either physical or online screening, depending on their location and convenience.

Those opting for online screening are advised to ensure that their registered telephone numbers remain active and accessible throughout their scheduled screening dates to enable the Board to contact them for verification and other necessary clarifications.

For physical screening, applicants are expected to report at the Oyo State Scholarship Board Room (Room 83), Ministry of Education, Secretariat, Ibadan, by 10:00 a.m. daily, in accordance with their respective schedules.

The screening exercise will hold on weekdays only, from Monday to Friday, with no screening activities scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays.

The approved screening timetable is as follows:

Colleges: Wednesday, November 11 – Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Higher National Diploma (HND): Friday, November 13 – Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Universities: Wednesday, November 18 – Thursday, November 26, 2026.

Clinical and Allied Courses: Wednesday, November 25 – Thursday, November 26, 2026.

Maritime and Aviation: Friday, November 27, 2026.

All shortlisted applicants, irrespective of their preferred screening option, are required to present the following documents for verification:

• JAMB Admission Letter.
• Local Government Identification Letter.
• Final-Year Course Registration Form.
• Recent passport photographs.
• School Identification Card.
• Evidence of annual FOSSU payment.

The Board urged applicants to ensure that all required documents are complete, authentic and readily available to facilitate a seamless screening exercise.

It further advised all shortlisted students to adhere strictly to the approved timetable and screening guidelines, particularly those required to appear physically, while applicants opting for online screening must remain reachable through their registered telephone numbers.

The Board noted that the introduction of online screening reflects the State Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery, reduce administrative bottlenecks and make the bursary administration process more accessible to eligible students across the Country.

The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, remains committed to promoting educational development and supporting the academic aspirations of its indigenes through sustained investment in bursary and scholarship programmes.

All eligible and shortlisted applicants are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity and participate in the screening exercise as scheduled.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…targets restoration of forest resources through 10-year plan

The Oyo State Government has launched the Oyo State Reforestation Plan (OYRP) to restore degraded forest resources, expand forest cover and promote environmental sustainability across the State.

According to the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources and chief host of the programme, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, the goal is to ensure that forest resources lost in the past due to mismanagement, illegal encroachment and other unauthorised activities are restored.

He said Oyo State had identified a deficit of 240 million trees and was taking the necessary steps to address the challenge through a 10-year reforestation plan.

Hon. Aderinto explained that the Reforestation Summit would become an annual event where stakeholders would assess progress, identify outstanding challenges and determine further actions needed to achieve the target.

He added that the initiative was also aimed at addressing climate change, noting that the State was determined to take the lead in Nigeria’s efforts towards environmental restoration.

He said the Oyo State Government was open to partnerships to ensure a safer environment.

The commissioner promised to engage schools, train students and compensate schools that establish more trees within their premises. He added that the Government is working to ensure that every corp member posted to Oyo State plant at least one tree before the end of the service year. The best corps member, based on the number of trees planted and maintained, would also receive cash prizes and awards.

Hon. Aderinto urged all stakeholders to join hands in achieving the set goals.

The commissioner appreciated His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for making the programme a reality. He also appreciated the management and staff of his ministry and all the stakeholders present.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Sunday Akinwale Moradeyo, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the relocation of the Forestry Department from the then Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in 2019.

He said the move had created better opportunities for the department in terms of Government attention, support and resource allocation.

He noted that, for the first time in its history, the Director of Forestry will be  attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), as one of the State representative.

Dr Moradeyo attributed the progress to the efforts of the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, particularly his commitment to tree planting. He recalled how the commissioner regularly requested trees for planting at different locations, describing this as a demonstration of his passion for environmental protection.

He also disclosed that the Reforestation Plan was initiated by the commissioner, adding that the department had benefited directly from intervention projects through the Federal Ministry of Environment and related agencies.

He said the public-private partnership arrangement offered a more sustainable approach to restoring forests, expanding forest cover and returning degraded lands to productive use.

According to him, relying solely on Government ownership and management of forest resources at the sub-national level was no longer sufficient to tackle deforestation and forest degradation, which also threaten the livelihoods of individuals and stakeholders whose economic activities depend on forest resources.

During the stakeholders’ engagement meeting, themed “Shared Responsibility for a Greener Oyo State: Financing Restoration through Public-Private Partnership,” stakeholders called for an evaluation of the measures already put in place and their continuous monitoring. They maintained that a well-managed forest reserve would contribute to improved security.

They urged the Oyo State Government to revive the compartmentalisation arrangement, which was previously adopted to monitor the forests in the area.

They also called for full collaboration among all stakeholders, noting that this would help curb kidnapping by ensuring that the forests are properly monitored and secured, thereby supporting the Government’s efforts.

The stakeholders further urged the State Government to establish a committee comprising representatives of all forest users to ensure the sustainability of the reforestation plan. They also expressed their readiness to work with the State Government towards improving forestry management in the State.

The programme was attended by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Williams Akinfunmilayo; directors from different ministries; and representatives of FRIN, CENRAD, OYSIPA, the Department of Social and Environmental Forestry, University of Ibadan, the Department of Forest Production and Protection, University of Ibadan, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Forestry Association of Nigeria, Head of Forest Centre, IITA, sawmillers, timber contractors, charcoal dealers and other stakeholders.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has organised a meeting to review and validate the State’s Social Protection Draft Bill, with support from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the SUSI Project.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Julius Ayanleke, stated this during the meeting held at the Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan, with 48 participants drawn from relevant Ministries/Departments/Agencies (MDAs), the legislature, organised labour and other stakeholders in attendance.

Ayanleke explained that the meeting followed an earlier stakeholders’ engagement in Oyo, where the draft bill was finalised, noting that the validation exercise was to review the document ahead of its presentation to the State Executive Council and eventual consideration by the State House of Assembly.

He stressed that social protection was a collective responsibility, noting that anyone could become vulnerable regardless of their social or economic status. He urged participants to take the exercise seriously, as the proposed bill would help address poverty and improve the welfare of residents across the State.

The Permanent Secretary appreciated the EU and UNICEF for supporting the State in developing a comprehensive social protection framework, adding that the initiative was driven by the needs of the people of Oyo State.

The Clerk of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs Taiwo Murano Akinola, in her goodwill message, assured that the House would speed up the consideration and passage of the Social Protection Bill once presented to the Assembly, to ensure that vulnerable people in the State benefit from it.

Similarly, the UNICEF Lagos Office Representative, Mr Mohammed Okorie commended the Oyo State Government for developing a Social Protection Bill to protect vulnerable persons and assured that UNICEF would continue to provide technical support towards its successful implementation.

Also speaking, the Director of Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice, Dr Dairo Titloye, described the Social Protection Bill as important in protecting poor and vulnerable persons in the State and commended all partners for their contributions.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, businesses and investments at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex (BIIBCO), New Gbagi, Ibadan, following Thursday’s fire outbreak that affected eight shops, while intensifying efforts to remove illegal structures and restore the complex’s original master plan.

The developments followed separate engagements held on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026, involving the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu; the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade; affected traders; market leaders; complex management and other stakeholders.

Speaking during a meeting with affected traders on Friday, Professor Adelabu thanked God that no life was lost in the incident and commiserated with the traders over their losses. He also commended the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Ministry officials, market leaders, traders and complex management for their efforts during the emergency.

The Commissioner disclosed that he had briefed Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor and other relevant authorities on the incident. He said letters had also been sent to the State Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Security and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate possible interventions for the affected traders.

He explained that the Ministry was exploring available State and Federal assistance, engaging the relevant insurance company on behalf of the traders and requesting affected business owners to submit their profiles and inventories of lost goods for proper documentation and assessment. He also announced plans for a panel of inquiry, involving relevant stakeholders, to investigate the latest incident and previous fire outbreaks, while the State Emergency Management Agency had been invited to inspect the affected shops.

Professor Adelabu identified illegal structures, shop extensions and shanties obstructing access routes as major challenges to emergency response, noting that fire trucks experienced difficulty reaching some affected shops despite the prompt alert to the Fire Services Agency. He stressed that the Government would not tolerate unauthorised structures that compromise safety and accessibility within the complex.

He further raised concerns about some allottees renting out spaces to multiple traders without the Government’s knowledge or approval, stressing the need for proper documentation and accountability. He noted that the use of a shop as a warehouse did not justify unauthorised multiple occupancy or subletting.

The Commissioner said proposals had been submitted to the Governor for consideration, including the removal of illegal structures, shop extensions and shanties; provision of fire extinguishers by solar-system traders within seven days and other occupants within 21 days; possible sanctions, including closure, for non-compliance; encouragement of insurance coverage for goods; and the establishment of an inquiry panel. He emphasised that the proposals were subject to the Governor’s approval.

At a further meeting on Saturday with traders whose shops were affected by the removal of illegal structures, the Commissioner explained that the Bola-Ige International Business Complex was designed over four decades ago according to an approved master plan, which must be respected to ensure an orderly and functional business environment.

He stated that structures erected on waterways, access roads and other designated rights-of-way outside the approved layout had to be removed to restore proper access and improve emergency response. He described the exercise as a necessary corrective measure rather than an act of wickedness, particularly in view of the challenges encountered by firefighters during the recent incident.

The Commissioner also clarified that the ongoing exercise was not targeted at the particular shops featured in a video circulating on social media or at any group of traders. Rather, it formed part of a comprehensive restructuring exercise covering all illegal structures erected in inappropriate locations across the complex, including those obstructing access roads, waterways and other spaces designated for public use. He explained that the exercise would extend to other parts of BIIBCO to ensure that the original layout and purpose of the facility were restored.

Addressing concerns about the demolished shops, the Government acknowledged that they were constructed by the developer engaged for the development of the complex. However, Professor Adelabu explained that all structures and their locations must be assessed against the approved master plan to ensure that no development obstructs designated access roads, waterways or other spaces meant for public use.

He consequently directed the affected traders to submit their valid allocation documents and other relevant records for verification and proper documentation, with a view to addressing genuine claims and determining appropriate alternative arrangements.

Professor Adelabu assured genuinely affected traders that the Government would consider providing alternative shops at appropriate locations within the complex, where their businesses could operate without obstructing access roads, waterways or spaces designated for the free movement of vehicles. He also directed the Permanent Secretary to document the affected traders to establish genuine cases and guide the process.

The Commissioner further dismissed allegations of looting during the demolition, explaining that the Ministry had records of the affected shops and their occupants. He reiterated that the removal exercise was ongoing and would cover all other illegal structures occupying inappropriate spaces across the complex.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Okesade, said the Government remained mindful of the interests and economic circumstances of traders but could not allow unauthorised structures to obstruct movement, compromise safety or undermine the complex’s approved master plan. He explained that the Ministry was identifying suitable locations for traders who qualified for consideration while ensuring that obstructed access routes were cleared.

He cited the ongoing clearance of the major road from Mukaila Adebayo Mosque towards the Inuike section and expressed optimism that the exercise would bring significant improvements in vehicular movement and create a more orderly commercial environment in the coming weeks.

The affected traders appealed for Government support and favourable consideration, explaining that the demolition had disrupted their businesses and livelihoods. They expressed hope that the Government’s intervention and the possible provision of alternative shops would enable them to resume their trading activities.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary had led Ministry management, complex management and market leaders on an inspection of the fire-affected area, where he sympathised with the traders and assured them of the Government’s concern.

The Babaloja-General, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, who disclosed that goods worth billions of naira were reportedly lost, appealed for succour for the affected traders and called for sustained measures to prevent recurring fire incidents. He also appreciated the Government’s prompt response.

Similarly, the Babaloja of the complex, Alhaji Adebayo, thanked Governor Makinde and the Ministry for their intervention, expressed support for the removal of illegal structures and ongoing reforms, and prayed for the success of the Government’s efforts.

The Oyo State Government reiterated that the measures were aimed at safeguarding lives and investments, improving emergency access, restoring the complex’s original master plan and creating a safer, more accessible and orderly environment for traders and other users of the facility.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has signed the Urban Sanitation Policy Framework, as part of its commitment to strengthening sanitation and hygiene services and ensuring clean, healthy, inclusive, resilient and well managed urban settlements across the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed that the policy was developed to address identified gaps and deficiencies in urban sanitation and hygiene services, while providing a clear regulatory and institutional framework for effective implementation.

He explained that the policy aligns with the existing Oyo State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy, the Oyo State Environmental Sanitation and Waste Control Regulations, 2013, the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations, 2024, Public Health Law, 2000 as amended and the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority Law 2004 among other relevant legal frameworks.

Hon. Aderinto further stated that the policy provides for the establishment and inauguration of a State Urban Sanitation Steering Committee, to be chaired by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, with membership consisting other State commissioners and cabinet members, and others drawn from relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure effective coordination, wider institutional support and successful implementation.

He added that the framework also provides for the introduction of a Young Professionals Programme to encourage youth participation and integrate young professionals into the State’s urban water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives.

The Commissioner noted that Oyo State is committed to taking a leading role in urban sanitation and achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all its local government areas.

He disclosed that the State had recorded ODF status in two local government areas, Egbada and Ona Ara, within the year, expressing optimism that the newly signed policy would accelerate progress towards achieving ODF status across the remaining local government areas and improving the overall sanitation and public health conditions of residents.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon.Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, welfare and protection of traders and their businesses following a fire outbreak at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, which was reported to the Oyo State Fire Services Agency at exactly 7:21 p.m.

The incident, which reportedly affected shops in the section of the complex between Ajegunle and Kudus areas, attracted the immediate attention of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, the management of the business complex and market leaders. The coordinated intervention of the relevant stakeholders and the Oyo State Fire Services helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other shops and neighbouring properties.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, reiterated the importance of safeguarding lives, businesses and property, emphasising the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive trading environment across the State. Demonstrating the Ministry’s concern for the promptly mobilisation to the scene to assess the situation, engage relevant stakeholders and provide the necessary support.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, who arrived at the scene on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner, offered moral support and reassurance to the affected traders while engaging with market leaders, the Fire Services and other relevant stakeholders. His presence underscored the Ministry’s commitment to standing with traders, particularly during challenging circumstances, and ensuring that their concerns receive appropriate attention.

According to the operational report of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, the initial firefighting crew, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adisa Wasiu, promptly mobilised to the scene following the distress call. Upon arrival, the firefighters commenced operations and subsequently requested reinforcement from the Fire Service Headquarters. Two additional fire trucks, led by the Director of Operations, Engr. I. A. Adeleke, were deployed to provide backup support. The coordinated firefighting efforts successfully extinguished the fire and prevented it from spreading to other shops and neighbouring properties.

The Agency confirmed that eight shops were affected by the incident, while no casualty was recorded. The firefighters successfully concluded the operation, with the firefighting appliances returning safely to the station at about 11:32 p.m. The prompt intervention of the Fire Services, supported by the cooperation of market leaders, traders and the management of the complex, helped avert more extensive damage.

At the time of the incident, trading activities had largely ended for the day, with most traders preparing to return home. The electricity supply to the complex had already been disconnected in line with the established daily closing procedure. Although the actual cause of the fire has not been conclusively established, preliminary investigation by the Fire Services reportedly suggested that it may have originated from electrical sparks emanating from an inverter system installed in one of the affected shops, which allegedly ignited nearby combustible materials. This remains a preliminary finding pending further investigation by the relevant authorities.

The Oyo State Government commends the prompt and professional response of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, the management of the business complex, market leaders, traders and the Nigeria Police Force, Gbagi Divisional Headquarters, for their respective contributions to the successful management of the incident. The Government appreciates the cooperation and support of all stakeholders whose collective efforts helped contain the outbreak and protect adjoining business premises.

In a related development, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report fire emergencies to the Fire Service to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property. He emphasised the importance of providing and maintaining functional fire extinguishers in shops, market facilities and homes, noting that early intervention with appropriate firefighting equipment could help suppress fires before they escalate.

He further advised traders and market management to ensure that access roads and emergency routes remain free from obstructions to allow firefighting trucks and other emergency response vehicles unhindered passage during emergencies. Members of the public were also encouraged to provide clear and accurate addresses when reporting fire incidents to facilitate prompt response.

While the circumstances surrounding the outbreak and the extent of the damage are being further assessed, the Ministry of investment Trade Cooperatives and Industry assures traders of its continued attention to their welfare and the safety of the business complex.

The Oyo State Government remains committed to promoting a secure and enabling business environment where commercial activities can thrive, while ensuring that the interests and welfare of traders remain an integral part of its economic development agenda.

Oyo State Fire Services Agency Emergency Lines:
08067439223, 08054353501or 615 (Toll-Free)

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve data governance and enhance the delivery of social protection programmes across the State.

The  Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Oluwaseun Ojo, said this during a two-day workshop on Strengthening Data Governance for the Social Protection Management Information System (SP-MIS), held at Kakanfo Guest Inn, Ibadan, in collaboration with the ILO.

The Commissioner, represented by the Director  Social Protection Coordination, Mr Hadi Olanase, explained that reliable data and effective information management were essential to ensuring that Government interventions reached those who needed them most.

Olanase added that the workshop would help translate assessment findings into practical measures to improve data quality, security, information sharing and interoperability among Government systems.

He encouraged participating MDAs and Management Information System (MIS) officers to share experiences, identify challenges and propose sustainable solutions for strengthening social protection data governance in the State.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Julius Ayanleke, represented by the Deputy Director Social Protection, Mr Jimoh Adeleke, emphasised the importance of data sharing among MDAs to improve beneficiary identification, accountability and social protection delivery.

He urged stakeholders to protect beneficiaries’ personal information in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

In his goodwill message, the National Project Officer–SUSI, Mr Benedict Obute, representing the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Dr Vanessa Phala, stressed the need for coordinated and interoperable data systems to improve social protection delivery and reduce data fragmentation.

In her goodwill message, ActionAid Nigeria ESSPIN Programme Officer, Mrs Abidemi Ewuyemi, highlighted the importance of the National Social Register in identifying vulnerable households and informing policies, while reaffirming ActionAid’s commitment to strengthening social protection in Oyo State.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has called for stronger trade and investment partnerships to expand business opportunities, promote local enterprises and drive economic growth as the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, officially opened on Tuesday, October 27, at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, Sango, Ibadan.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu  Adelabu, stated this while delivering the address of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at the opening ceremony.

Speaking on the theme of the fair, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities,” Professor Adelabu said the event should serve as more than a platform for buying and selling, stressing its potential to promote innovation, attract investment, strengthen business relationships and develop the State’s local economy.

He emphasised the importance of branding, publicity and innovation in improving the competitiveness of local businesses, noting that the talents and expertise available in the State’s universities, polytechnics and other higher institutions should be harnessed to develop entrepreneurs, create jobs and boost productivity.

The Commissioner also highlighted the proposed dry port in Akinyele, the establishment of a Commercial and Export Development Department in the Ministry, and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He called for stronger collaboration between the Government and the organised private sector, urging businesses to take advantage of existing policies and opportunities to create wealth and prosperity. He subsequently declared the fair open on behalf of Governor Makinde.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, commended the State Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and institutional reforms. He described the trade fair as an important platform for connecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and investors with wider markets across Africa.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the fair to establish business relationships, showcase their products and explore avenues for commercial growth.

The President of the Oyo Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ESV Niran Adewoyin, described the theme as timely, expressing optimism that the fair would attract investment, strengthen supply chains, improve product standards, expand exports and create employment opportunities.

He encouraged participants to establish lasting business relationships that would extend beyond the exhibition.

Similarly, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Engineer Doctor Jani Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, Chairman of the Association’s Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Trade Group and former President of ODUACCIMA, urged entrepreneurs to improve product quality, embrace technology, meet certification requirements and position their businesses to compete effectively in African markets.

The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, described the fair as a strategic platform for promoting indigenous businesses, strengthening market activities and expanding opportunities for traders across the State.

He urged traders to embrace innovation, improve product quality and explore emerging local and international markets to grow their businesses.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of market leaders to supporting Government policies that promote a peaceful trading environment, wealth creation and sustainable economic development.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Chief Wole Akinwande, former President of the Oyo Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Chief Ogunnike, President of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Salawu Wahab, Chairman of the Organising Committee of EXPOYO 2026.

Their remarks which highlighted the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement, business cooperation and active participation in activities that promote trade and investment.

A major highlight of the ceremony was a tour of the exhibition booths and pavilions led by Professor Adelabu and accompanied by other dignitaries. The Commissioner interacted with exhibitors and inspected products, services and innovations on display, underscoring the importance of showcasing local businesses, increasing their visibility and creating opportunities for networking and commercial partnerships.

The 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, holding from October 26 to November 1, brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors and other stakeholders to showcase their products and services, strengthen business connections and explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and professional bodies to promote preventive counselling and other interventions aimed at curbing drug abuse, delinquent behaviours and other social vices among young people in the State.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, stated this when he received members of the Counselling Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (CPCN) in his office, emphasising the importance of preventive counselling in schools as a strategic measure for safeguarding the future of school-age children.

Hon. Olayiwola noted that the State Government would welcome initiatives capable of positively impacting the lives of young people, particularly those designed to prevent students from engaging in behaviours that could jeopardise their education, wellbeing and future prospects.

He disclosed that efforts would be made to fast-track the establishment of a dedicated Counselling Department within the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, elevating it from its current status as a unit under a department.

The Commissioner also expressed the Ministry’s readiness to pursue the domestication of the Counselling Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria Act, 2022, in Oyo State, noting that this would strengthen the regulation and accessibility of professional counselling services across various sectors.

According to him, the domestication of the Act would provide a stronger framework for integrating counselling services into the education, health, social welfare and public service systems of the State, while aligning state-level practices with the national regulatory framework.

He stressed that effective counselling services were essential to identifying challenges confronting young people early, providing appropriate interventions and guiding them towards responsible and productive lifestyles.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, charged counsellors to demonstrate greater passion, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Mrs. Oyinloye urged counsellors to remain proactive and resilient despite the challenges they might encounter in the course of their responsibilities, particularly in schools, noting that a more responsive counselling system would contribute significantly to improving students’ academic performance, behaviour and overall wellbeing.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Director, Counselling Institute of Nigeria and leader of the delegation, Prof. Ayo Hammed, explained that the CPCN Act, 2022, establishes the Counselling Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria as the statutory regulator of the counselling profession in Nigeria.

He said the Council was responsible for setting professional standards, registering qualified practitioners, maintaining a register of practitioners, regulating professional conduct and taking disciplinary measures where necessary, adding that the Act provides a national framework for the practice of counselling in Nigeria.

Prof. Hammed further explained that domestication of the Act in Oyo State would enable state mechanisms to translate national professional standards into effective recruitment, service delivery, training and monitoring of counselling practitioners.

He noted that a coordinated approach would also make professional counselling services more accessible across public institutions, including schools, hospitals, community centres and social welfare agencies.

According to him, other benefits of domesticating the Act include stronger professional recognition and clearer standards of practice, improved safeguards against unqualified practice and professional misconduct, as well as the potential expansion of counselling services across various sectors of the State.

He therefore called for continued collaboration between the State Government and relevant professional stakeholders towards strengthening counselling services and ensuring that young people receive timely guidance and support.

E-Signed* :
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Health has trained the  Local Government Area Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors (LGATBLS) to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) case detection, management and control across the State.

Speaking at a two-day capacity-building training held at Scrolab Executive Hotel, Oke Ado, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the training was designed to equip newly appointed supervisors with the knowledge and skills required for effective tuberculosis (TB) case management, while updating existing supervisors on current approaches and best practices in TB control.

The Commissioner, represented by the Director of Secondary Health Care and Training, Dr. Johnson Babalola, expressed optimism that Oyo State could contribute significantly to achieving the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) End TB Strategy targets of reducing TB-related deaths by 90 per cent and new cases by 80 per cent by 2030, with the long-term goal of ending the global TB epidemic by 2035.

She explained that significant improvements had been recorded in TB case detection since 2020, attributing the progress to the implementation of key strategies, including early case detection, prompt treatment and TB preventive treatment for eligible individuals infected with the bacteria but who have not developed active TB disease.

Dr. Ajetunmobi also highlighted the availability of screening and diagnostic tools as a major contributor to the State’s progress in TB management. These include portable digital chest X-ray equipment and rapid diagnostic technologies such as GeneXpert, Truenat MTB/RIF, TB-LAMP and LF-LAM, which support timely diagnosis and treatment across many local government areas.

Speaking on the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, the Commissioner identified a persistent cough lasting two weeks or longer as a major warning sign, particularly when accompanied by weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or loss of appetite.

He further explained that TB symptoms in children may include persistent low-grade fever that does not respond to malaria treatment, weight loss, poor appetite, failure to thrive, and swelling of the joints or bones.

Speaking on behalf of the TBL Supervisors, the Chairman of TBLS Forum for Oyo State, Mr. Akanbi Oyebamiji, expressed appreciation to the management of the Oyo State Ministry of Health and the entire State Team, led by the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Manager (STBLCPM), Dr. Rabiu Zaynab, for organising the capacity-building training.

A two-day training is expected to strengthen the capacity of supervisors to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve timely TB detection, effective case management and treatment outcomes in their respective local government areas.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State