…Impounds Goods, Warns Traders Against Trading on Roads, Walkways and Drainages

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, in collaboration with security operatives, has intensified enforcement against street trading and the illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija, and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.

The operation, which was carried out during the official closing hours of yesterday became necessary towards ensuring compliance with the laws regulating trading activities, the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces in the state.

The enforcement followed observations that many traders still display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and road setbacks, despite the provision of adequate market facilities by the Oyo State Government.

The Authority expressed concern over the continued disregard for designated trading spaces, noting that government-provided markets were meant to enable legitimate business without encroaching on roads and public spaces.

During the exercise, the Authority impounded substantial quantities of goods, both perishable and non-perishable, from locations where trading violated the law.

OYRLEA stressed that the exercise was not to frustrate legitimate business owners , but ensuring that traders operate within legal boundaries while safeguarding the rights of motorists, pedestrians, and the general public.

Consequently, the Authority called on market men and women to desist from trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels, and setbacks, and to utilize the designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

OYRLEA further warned that enforcement would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until there is significant compliance with Oyo State laws.

The Authority urged traders and members of the public to cooperate with enforcement personnel, adding that maintaining orderly markets and accessible public spaces remains a collective responsibility.

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

The Oyo State Government has renewed its commitment to strengthening the industrial sector through sustained engagement with industries, improved workers’ welfare, regulatory compliance and measures aimed at creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, stated this on Thursday during a routine visitation to selected industries in the State, including Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited, Polyfilm packaging Nigeria limited and Nisalee Industries Limited.

Professor Adelabu explained that the exercise was part of the Ministry’s continuous engagement with industries to review developments, follow up on previous observations, understand emerging challenges and strengthen collaboration between Government and the private sector.

He stressed that the visitation was not intended to witch-hunt industries, but to add value to their operations, provide necessary guidance and ensure that the interests of workers, businesses, consumers and the wider society are protected.

The Commissioner said the Ministry had reviewed reports from previous visits to ascertain the extent to which issues earlier identified, particularly those relating to workers’ welfare and workplace facilities, had been addressed.

He commended the industries for their contributions to employment generation and economic development, noting that businesses that employ large numbers of people contribute significantly to reducing unemployment and creating productive opportunities for residents.

Professor Adelabu also disclosed that the Ministry was working on a proposed State Trade Policy, to be jointly facilitated and developed by relevant State and Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as identified critical private-sector organisations.

He explained that the initiative was among the measures being pursued by the Government to create a stronger framework for trade and business development in the State and to ensure that the realities and needs of industries and other stakeholders are adequately captured in Government policy.

The Commissioner urged industries to maintain close communication with the Ministry, describing it as their mother ministry, so that their genuine challenges and areas requiring Government intervention could be properly documented and presented to the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Makinde, for consideration in policy and budget decisions.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives, Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel, said the visitation reflected the administration’s determination to maintain direct engagement with the industrial sector and understand the conditions under which businesses operate.

He noted that such engagements would help the Government identify practical areas where industries require support, while also encouraging companies to sustain responsible industrial practices that contribute to employment, workers’ welfare and the development of their host communities.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Export Promotion, Honourable Kolawole Ojo Ayoola, said the visitation was important in giving Government a clearer understanding of the realities within the State’s industrial sector.

He noted that direct interaction with industry operators provides an opportunity for the Government to receive first-hand information on their operations, concerns and areas where further collaboration may be required, adding that such engagements would help strengthen communication between the government and the private sector.

The Commissioner assured them that their concerns would be documented and considered through the appropriate government channels, stressing the importance of continuous dialogue between government and the private sector in addressing challenges affecting industrial operations.

During the visits, management and workers of the companies interacted with the delegation and highlighted measures put in place to improve staff welfare, including health facilities, insurance arrangements, contributory pension schemes and other workplace amenities.

The companies also highlighted their corporate social responsibility initiatives in their host communities, including road maintenance, support for electricity infrastructure, provision of community facilities and fire-fighting assistance.

Some of the industrialists, however, appealed to the State Government for continued intervention in areas such as multiple taxation, road infrastructure, electricity, gas supply and timely waste disposal, noting that these challenges increase their operating costs.

The industrial visitation is an ongoing exercise, with other industries across Oyo State to be visited subsequently as the exercise progresses.

The continued engagement is expected to strengthen government-industry relations, improve the documentation of industrial activities and challenges, promote workers’ welfare and support the State Government’s efforts to create a more conducive environment for industrial growth, trade and investment.

The visitation, led by Professor Adelabu, included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives; Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Export Promotion, Honourable Kolawole Ojo Ayoola and representative of the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters; Ministry of Information delegate and the management team of the Ministry.

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

…Targets improved food production, resilience to climate change, reduced post-harvest losses

The Oyo State Government has commenced the training of 880 farmers and agricultural extension officers drawn from the various geopolitical zones of the State on Climate-Smart Agriculture, as part of efforts to boost food production, enhance resilience to climate change and reduce post-harvest losses.

The training, which commenced on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Fertilizer Store, Oyo, is being implemented under the 2025 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP), through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, which seeks to improve the ease of doing business and create more business opportunities in the State.

Declaring the training open, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described Climate-Smart Agriculture as critical to the future of food production, the economy and society, particularly in the face of climate change, soil degradation, unpredictable weather patterns and a growing population.

The Commissioner noted that with the global population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, there was an urgent need to produce more food with fewer resources, stressing that traditional farming methods alone might not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand for food. According to him, Climate-Smart Agriculture involves the application of modern technologies, innovation and scientific knowledge to improve farming efficiency, productivity and sustainability while protecting the environment.

Olaleye explained that technologies such as satellite monitoring, sensors, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, drones, automated irrigation systems and data analytics could help farmers monitor crop health, manage soil fertility, control pests and optimise the use of water and other agricultural inputs.

He added that the adoption of smart agricultural practices would enable farmers to apply fertilisers and pesticides more efficiently, reduce waste and production costs, increase profitability and minimise environmental pollution.

Olaleye stressed that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies would help transform farming from a largely labour-intensive activity into a technology-driven sector, while creating opportunities for young people and generating new jobs in agricultural technology.

He, however, emphasised that achieving a successful transition to smart agriculture required strong collaboration among Government, research institutions, private sector partners, extension personnel and farmers.

He called for continuous investment in rural infrastructure, supportive policies, access to digital technology, agricultural education and training, as well as financial support for smallholder farmers.

Olaleye assured that the State Government would ensure that farmers were adequately equipped with the knowledge and tools required to participate in the transformation, stressing that “no farmer should be left behind.”

The Commissioner urged participants to take full advantage of the training and apply the knowledge gained to improve agricultural production and extension services across the State. He emphasised that Climate-Smart Agriculture was not merely about technology but about building a resilient, sustainable and profitable agricultural sector capable of feeding the growing population while preserving natural resources for future generations.

Olaleye said, “The future of agriculture lies not only in the soil but also in innovation, technology and collaboration,” adding that effective deployment of modern agricultural tools would create a thriving agricultural sector that benefits farmers, consumers and the entire nation.

In his remarks, the SABER Focal Person, Mr. Kilanko Olayemi, who spoke through Mr. Roland Adekunle, said the project would train 880 participants across the geopolitical zones in the State. He noted that the initiative was designed to reduce post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the AFAN Zonal Coordinator, Oyo, Mr. Debo Fakayode, commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde for its commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in the State, noting that the training for extension personnel and selected farmers across the State was another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to improving food security and strengthening the agricultural sector.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

A delegation from the Oyo State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), led by its Chairman, Permanent Secretary and other Senior TESCOM officials, has paid a sympathy visit to teachers and students involved in the recent abduction at Oriire local government Area of the State.

The delegation visited victims of the incident and their immediate families to express concern and unwavering commitment to their welfarism, safety and recovery.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipo commended the courage and resilience displayed by the victims despite their traumatic experience.

Mrs. Oladipo assured them that Government would continue to provide necessary support to ensure they return to their normal activities.

She emphasized that Government is putting in place new safety mechanism to ensure that such security issues are not repeated in the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Serifat Abimbola encouraged the affected teachers and students not to be discouraged by the incident noting that measures are being put in place to avoid similar incident.

Mrs. Abimbola while distribution gifts and other relief materials to the abductees stressed that the Government has ensured that the oriire abductees receive support to further foster their mental recovery from the trauma.

Responding on behalf of the victims, an affected teacher expressed her appreciation to the Oyo State Government and TESCOM for the visit, describing it as a source of comfort and encouragement.

The visit concluded with prayers for the victims and their families with renewed calls for security in public schools and communities around the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, has formally inaugurated the Oyo State Technical Working Group on Climate and Health (TWG), as part of efforts to strengthen the State’s capacity to address the growing public health impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the Ministry’s conference room, Secretariat Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described climate change as no longer a distant environmental concern but a major public health challenge with direct implications for the health and well-being of residents.

She highlighted that changing temperatures, rainfall patterns and other extreme weather events were already contributing to heat-related illnesses, flooding, drought, vector- and water-borne diseases, respiratory conditions, food insecurity and other health emergencies across the State.

“In Oyo State, we are already witnessing some of these effects through rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding and environmental degradation, all of which have implications for the health and well-being of our people,” she said.

According to the commissioner, TWG is a multi-sectoral body comprising representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), technical experts, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), academia and other development partners.

She explained that the group would strengthen the capacity of the State health sector to anticipate, prepare for and respond effectively to climate-related health risks, while ensuring the continuity of essential health services.

Dr. Ajetunmobi described the TWG  as a platform for coordinated planning, technical guidance, risk assessment, evidence generation, preparedness and response, while supporting the integration of climate considerations into health policies, programmes and service delivery across the State.

The Commissioner emphasised that building a climate-resilient health system required collaboration beyond the Ministry of Health. She therefore called for the active participation of relevant MDAs, development partners, academia, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

She urged members of the TWG to bring their expertise, experience and institutional support to bear in protecting the people of Oyo State from the health risks associated with a changing climate.

In his remarks,  the permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde who was represented by the Director of Tertiary Health Care Services, Dr. Idris Fasasi, described the inauguration as a critical step towards shifting the State’s approach from reacting to climate-related emergencies to proactive prevention, preparedness, anticipation and resilience.

He noted that climate change had become a major health, development and equity issue, contributing to flooding, drought, food insecurity, malnutrition, infectious diseases, injuries, displacement, psychological distress, extreme heat and worsening cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

The Permanent secretary outlined some of the key responsibilities of the TWG to include identifying climate-related health risks and developing vulnerability profiles; strengthening disease surveillance and early-warning systems; improving community awareness and emergency preparedness; mobilising sustainable financing; integrating climate-health considerations into State policies, budgets and programmes; and developing climate-resilient health facilities with reliable energy, safe water, sanitation and waste management systems.

He emphasised the need to prioritise vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, older persons, persons with disabilities, people living with chronic illnesses, low-income households, farmers, outdoor workers and communities in flood-prone areas.

He also called for stronger research collaboration with the University of Ibadan and other relevant institutions to generate evidence and develop locally relevant solutions to climate-related health challenges.

“Success will not be measured by the number of meetings or reports produced, but by whether our people become safer and our health system more resilient. We must use climate information to guide public health decisions and protect vulnerable communities before disasters occur,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Olaniyan Babatunde, appreciated all stakeholders for their participation and urged members of the TWG to remain committed and proactive in discharging their responsibilities towards achieving a healthier and more resilient Oyo State.

The inauguration further underscored the commitment of the Oyo State Government to strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration and building a health system capable of responding effectively to the emerging health challenges associated with climate change. The event was attended by Directors, representatives of relevant MDAs, technical experts, development partners, stakeholders in the health and climate sectors and other senior officials of the Ministry of Health.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has trained 80 Civil Servants who successfully completed a three-week intensive training programme in Basic Computer Operation and Application, designed to strengthen digital skills, improve workplace efficiency and enhance service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State.

The training was organised by the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Ibadan, as part of the State Government’s commitment to continuous capacity building and the development of a digitally competent Civil Service.

Declaring the training closed at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, commended the management of the Centre for its commitment to continuous capacity building and human resource development in the State Civil Service.

The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Service, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Muyiwa Olagoke, assured the Centre of the State Government’s continued moral and financial support to strengthen its operations and enhance its training programmes.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Saliu Adelabu, said the State Government was transitioning from conventional administration to a digital and virtual system.

According to him, the Government would soon commence Business Process Automation across its operations, stressing that computer literacy had become essential to effective public-sector administration.

“The State Government is migrating from conventional administration to a virtual system; everything will soon be online. We are coming with Business Process Automation. Through our Management Information System Centre, we are encouraging more computer training, starting with beginners, but soon, all Oyo State workers will become experts,” Adelabu said.

He explained that although most Civil Servants were already computer literate, the training was specifically designed to equip participants with practical digital skills relevant to public-sector governance.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Alhaji Alade Bello, urged the participants to continuously practise the skills acquired during the programme and apply them effectively in their respective MDAs.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Abimbola Serifat Bukola; Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Christianah Abidemi Adejumo; and Executive Secretary, Agency for Youth Empowerment, Alhaja Mustapha Kudirat Oyebisi, emphasised the importance of computer literacy in the daily activities of Civil and Public Servants.

They encouraged the graduates to continually develop their digital competencies to achieve mastery, noting that such skills could enhance their career prospects, professional recognition and advancement.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Mrs. Stella Okedum, charged the graduates to build on the foundational knowledge gained during the training and translate their learning into practical improvements in their workplaces.

Speaking on behalf of the other graduates, Mrs. Adeola Sulaimon and Mr. Damilare Adubi described the training as a laudable initiative that had significantly improved their knowledge and practical computer skills.

They expressed appreciation to the State Government and the management of the Staff Development Centre, adding that the certificates presented to them would provide an added advantage in their future career pursuits.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has assured investors in the hospitality business of its continued support, saying efforts would be intensified to create a conducive environment for the growth and development of the sector.

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, stated this when he received the management team from Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites, Akobo, Ibadan, during an official courtesy visit to the Ministry.

Olatubosun expressed delight at the hotel’s willingness to partner with the Oyo State Government in promoting the State’s tourism potential, saying the growing interest of investors indicated that the policies and initiatives of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in culture and tourism were yielding positive results.

He noted that tourism development in the State was being driven by strong partnerships with stakeholders, with team work, passion and commitment, stressing that the Government was committed to creating an enabling environment where tourism and hospitality businesses could thrive.

The Commissioner assured investors of Government support through improved infrastructure, security and other measures critical to sustainable tourism development. He also called on Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites to develop programmes that could be implemented in partnership with the Ministry, particularly during major events such as the World Egungun Festival, World Tourism Day, the Sango Festival and Isese Day celebrations.

He assured the team of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the hotel and encouraged other hospitality investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Oyo State.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Rotimi  Babalola, commended the hospitality culture displayed by the Metro Tulip team and encouraged the management to continue investing in the sector. He urged them to present their proposals to Government, particularly those capable of contributing to the growth of the hotel and the wider hospitality industry.

The General Manager, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Adekunle Agboola, also applauded the hotel’s initiative to establish a cultural corridor where monuments and tourism sites could be showcased. He advised the management to engage the Visual Arts Department of the Council to complement the initiative with artworks depicting Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism attractions.

Earlier, the General Manager of Metro Tulip Apartment Hotel & Suites, Mr. Clifford Ndubuisi, commended the Ministry’s leadership and Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts to position Oyo State as a major tourism destination in Nigeria.

Ndubuisi acknowledged the Ministry’s achievements, including the hosting of the International Tourism Summit and the global recognition of the World Sango Festival as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that the growth of tourism across the State was creating opportunities for the hospitality industry, particularly as visitors to attractions such as Idere Hills, Iyake Suspended Lake in Ado-Awaye and the World Egungun Festival require quality and comfortable accommodation.

He said the hotel’s visit was aimed at moving from being a passive observer to an active partner in the state’s tourism development, adding that Metro Tulip was ready to align its operations with the Ministry’s tourism calendar and agenda.

Ndubuisi proposed collaborations including a cultural information hub within the hotel, curated heritage tour packages, partnerships around major festivals, and support for the proper structuring, registration and standardisation of the hospitality sector. He also pledged the hotel’s support towards the actualisation of the State Government’s tourism objectives.

The Metro Tulip team expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for his open-door policy and commitment to the cultural and tourism development of Oyo State, expressing confidence that the partnership would increase visitor traffic, promote the State’s cultural heritage and strengthen its hospitality and tourism economy.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…flags off 2026 IBBSS Training

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening evidence-based HIV prevention strategies through improved data collection and research, as it officially flagged off the 2026 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) training for relevant stakeholders in the State.

The training, held today at the Development Support Centre (DSC), Iyaganku, Ibadan, is part of preparations for the nationwide survey aimed at generating current and reliable behavioural and biological data on HIV among key populations.

Flagging off the exercise, the Chairman of OYSACA, Aare (Dr.) Gbola Adetunji, described the survey as a critical public health initiative that would provide the evidence required to understand emerging HIV trends, identify service gaps and guide the effective allocation of resources.

According to him, the 2026 IBBSS would generate information on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, beliefs, risk behaviours, access to HIV prevention and care services, HIV status awareness and treatment uptake among key populations, including Female Sex Workers (FSW), Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID).

He noted that the findings of previous IBBSS rounds had shown significant HIV burden among key populations, stressing that updated data was essential to determine the impact of interventions and shape future programming.

Dr. Adetunji also called for stronger community participation, stressing that key population communities should not be regarded merely as respondents but as important partners in the HIV response.

The Chairman charged the field and technical teams to deliver a credible, ethical and high-quality exercise that would translate into better HIV policies, programmes and health outcomes

He urged stakeholders and community representatives to support field teams and create an environment where participants could provide accurate information without fear, discrimination or stigma.

He assured the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the West Africa Centre for Public Health and Development (WACPHD), development partners and other stakeholders of Oyo State’s continued support and collaboration towards the successful implementation of the survey.

Representing the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Mr. Joseph Terry described the IBBSS as a national Government survey whose protocol had been reviewed by the IBBSS Technical Working Group and approved by the Federal Ministry of Health.

He stressed that the exercise must be treated as a national assignment, with strict adherence to the approved protocol and proper documentation of all activities.

Mr. Terry further explained that the survey is supported by the Global Fund, whose funding is subject to strict financial and accountability requirements.

He therefore urged all implementing teams to maintain comprehensive documentation, noting that proper records would be critical to the successful release of funds tied to implementation milestones.

He also commended the collaboration between OYSACA and WACPHD, urging both teams to work closely together to ensure that the exercise produces credible results capable of supporting sound health policy and decision-making.

The representative of WACPHD, Mr. Chukwebuka Ejeckam, said the organisation was providing technical support for the implementation of the 2026 IBBSS, which is being conducted simultaneously in 12 States across Nigeria.

According to him, the 2020 IBBSS recorded substantial HIV prevalence among key populations, including 15.5 per cent among female sex workers and 10.9 per cent among people who inject drugs, underscoring the need for fresh data to assess progress and determine whether investments in HIV interventions are producing the desired results.

Ejeckam said approximately 40 field personnel had been recruited and were undergoing training in Oyo State, comprising about 31 personnel for the behavioural component and nine personnel for the biological/serological component, including laboratory personnel and counsellors.

He disclosed that the training would be followed by hotspot validation and the commencement of field activities, with the exercise expected to run for approximately two months, covering September and October, after which data analysis, report writing and dissemination would follow.

The Oyo State implementation coordinator, Mr. Aduluju Ayodeji, said the field team would work across the three selected key population typologies and called for the cooperation of community members and eligible participants.

He assured participants that confidentiality would be strictly maintained, stressing that information collected during the survey would be handled responsibly and securely.

Speaking on behalf of the Key Population Secretariat, Mr. Ajani Kayode, appreciated OYSACA under the leadership of Dr. Adetunji for its continued support to key population communities in the State.

He expressed confidence in the quality of personnel selected for the exercise, describing them as capable hands, and pledged the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the survey.

Also, speaking, the Acting Coordinating Director of OYSACA, Mrs Fausat Okanlawon, described the IBBSS as more than a routine survey, noting that its findings would serve as a critical compass for Nigeria’s  HIV response among  key populations.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has successfully concluded the Integrated Adolescent Health and Economic Empowerment, Intervention for Girls in Oyo State, reaffirming its commitment to improving the health, well being and economic independence of adolescent girls across the State. The intervention combined adolescent health education with practical vocational skills acquisition to equip young girls with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to become self reliant and productive members of society.

The programme provided participants with hands on training in Adire Making, Screen Printing, liquid soap production, bag weaving and other vocational skills selected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Beyond skills acquisition, the intervention was designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, improve economic resilience, reduce vulnerability to poverty and discourage social vices by providing girls with productive opportunities for income generation.

The training sessions were held at Oja’gbo PHC, Ogbomoso North, Apete PHC, Egbeda, Monatan PHC, Lagelu, Oranyan PHC, Ibadan South East, Ajegunle PHC, Saki West, and Kamorudeen Shittu  PHC, Oyo East Local Government Areas of Oyo State, providing beneficiaries across different communities with access to practical learning and empowerment opportunities.

Addressing participants during the programme, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to adolescent development, describing girls as vital to the future of families, communities and the State. He emphasised that investing in girls through quality health education and economic empowerment is a strategic pathway to achieving sustainable social and economic development.

“Our girls deserve every opportunity to succeed. By investing in their health, education, and economic empowerment today, we are building a healthier, more productive, and prosperous Oyo State for tomorrow. This intervention is designed to equip them with practical skills and the confidence to become self-reliant and responsible leaders in their communities,” Dr. Olatunji said.

A major highlight of the programme was the practical entrepreneurship session Adire Making and  liquid soap production, where participants were trained in production techniques, packaging and basic business management. The session was designed to give the girls a practical income generating skill that could support financial independence, self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Olatunji expressed appreciation to the development partners, facilitators, healthcare workers, community leaders, parents and other stakeholders whose contributions supported the successful implementation of the intervention. He stressed that sustained collaboration remains essential to expanding access to adolescent-friendly health services and economic empowerment opportunities across Oyo State.

Speaking during the training, one of the facilitators, Dr. Olufemi Oloyede of the Department of Consumer and Home Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, described vocational skills acquisition as a powerful tool for transforming the lives of adolescent girls. He noted that practical skills have significant commercial potential and can provide reliable sources of income for young entrepreneurs.

Dr. Oloyede urged the participants to remain focused, disciplined and committed to putting the knowledge acquired into practice. He stated that the success of the intervention would ultimately be reflected in the beneficiaries’ ability to establish sustainable businesses, achieve financial independence and make positive contributions to their communities.

The State Adolescent Health Coordinator, Mr. Adeniyi Ademola, emphasised that adolescent health is central to the wellbeing and future of girls. He noted that when girls understand their bodies, mental health and rights, they are better positioned to remain in school, avoid preventable risks and build healthier families. According to him, “A healthy girl is a girl who can dream and act on that dream.”

Mr. Ademola also highlighted the importance of economic empowerment through skills acquisition, financial literacy and access to opportunities. He encouraged the girls to take their health seriously, ask questions, acquire useful skills and develop saving habits, while urging parents, schools and partners to create safe spaces and meaningful opportunities for girls to thrive and become self-reliant.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for providing them with the opportunity to acquire practical vocational skills. They noted that the training had expanded their knowledge, strengthened their confidence and inspired them to consider entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, Alhaji Dauda Olayiwola described the initiative as timely and impactful. He noted that the programme would contribute to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of adolescent girls, while promoting self-sufficiency and reducing vulnerability among young people in the community.

Alhaji Olayiwola commended the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for his leadership and commitment to people-oriented programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, children and vulnerable groups across the State. He also commended the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, for his dedication to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and supporting innovative interventions that empower adolescent girls socially and economically.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reiterated that the Integrated Adolescent Health and Economic Empowerment Intervention is part of its ongoing efforts to improve adolescent health outcomes while addressing socio-economic challenges affecting young girls. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships with stakeholders, community leaders, development partners and vocational experts to expand similar interventions across the State, with the expectation that beneficiaries will use their knowledge and skills to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…Opens State To Global Investments

The Oyo State Government has published the Oyo State Climate Action Plan (OYCAP) 2026–2040 on its official website, making the document accessible to citizens, development partners, investors, researchers and other stakeholders across the world.

The publication is aimed at opening the State to opportunities associated with the document and enabling existing and prospective partners to align with the State’s climate goals from 2026 to 2040.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said OYCAP provides the State with a clear, science based roadmap for tackling climate related challenges, including flooding, heatwaves, drought, environmental pollution, Food insecurity, ill health implications, reduced daily life productivity and other climate related concerns

He added that the Plan aligns Oyo State’s climate actions with global frameworks, the Paris Agreement and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), thereby strengthening the State’s eligibility for climate funding and partnerships.

Aderinto explained that the Plan would serve as a guide for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in planning and implementing climate related projects in sectors such as health, agriculture, infrastructure and environment. He noted that it also provides strategies for reducing climate risks through improved flood management, protection of wetlands, early warning systems, climate smart agriculture and measures to address the health impacts of heatwaves, air pollution and poor waste management.

According to the Commissioner, OYCAP also presents significant economic opportunities through green jobs and investments in waste to energy, recycling, renewable energy and tree planting, while providing a framework capable of attracting climate finance and investments from international development partners, financial institutions and the private sector.

The Commissioner therefore called on local and international investment and development partners to take advantage of the framework provided by OYCAP to explore infrastructural and climate resilient investment opportunities in Oyo State, stressing that the State is open to partnerships that will support sustainable development.

Aderinto described OYCAP as more than a policy document, but a public tool for action, investment, funding and accountability, urging stakeholders to study the Plan and identify areas where they can contribute to its implementation.

The document can be accessed and downloaded from the Environment Portal of the Oyo State Government website through the link below:

https://environment.oyostate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/THE-STATES-CLIMATE-ACTION-PLAN-2026-2040.pdf

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.