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

The Oyo State Government has announced that the 2026 edition of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, will hold from October 26 to November 1, 2026, at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, opposite Ventura, Sango–UI Road, Ibadan, under the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities.”

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, disclosed on Friday in his office, saying that the formal opening ceremony of the event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the hosting of the trade fair.

The Commissioner explained that the event is being organised in collaboration with the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), describing the initiative as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to economic growth, investment promotion, trade development and the advancement of indigenous enterprises.

Professor Adelabu noted that EXPOYO 2026 would provide a valuable platform for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, artisans, traders and other business stakeholders to showcase their products, establish business connections and explore opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

He stated that the event aligns with the state government’s commitment to strengthening trade, promoting local industries, attracting investment and expanding market access for businesses across Oyo State.

The Commissioner commended Governor Makinde for his continued support for initiatives that stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with OYCCIMA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the trade fair achieves its objectives and further positions Oyo State as a destination for trade, investment and enterprise development.

In his remarks,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade described EXPOYO 2026 as an important platform for connecting businesses, strengthening commercial relationships and showcasing the economic potential of Oyo State.

The Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and a member of OYCCIMA, Mr Salawu Wahab, appreciated Governor Makinde for approving the hosting of the trade fair and acknowledged the state government’s support for the initiative.

He noted that the organising committee was working towards delivering an event that would offer exhibitors and visitors opportunities for product promotion, business networking and access to wider markets.

The Vice Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and a member of OYCCIMA, Chief Abiola Alli, called for stronger collaboration among relevant government institutions to ensure broad participation and effective coordination.

The trade fair will also feature a raffle draw, with various prizes to be won by participants who purchase raffle tickets.

Similarly,the Oyo State Government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to improving the business environment as Independent Verification Agent (IVA) field verification agents assessed the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.

The exercise which formed part of the SABER Year 3 (2025) Annual Performance Assessment, focusing on the Ministry’s grievance redress mechanism for business-related complaints.

The verification was designed to assess the Ministry’s records, processes and arrangements for receiving and addressing grievances from traders and other business operators.

Receiving the verification agents in his office ,the Commissioner, reaffirmed the importance of accountability, effective service delivery and continuous improvement in implementing government reforms.

He commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to policies and initiatives aimed at creating an enabling environment for trade, investment and economic growth.

The IVA field verification agents, Mr. Victor Odesola and Mr. Emmanuel Kolade, explained that the exercise was intended to verify the Ministry’s performance under the SABER Programme.

They expressed satisfaction with the efforts made so far and encouraged the Ministry to sustain and improve its performance while intensifying public sensitisation on the trade grievance redress mechanism to ensure that traders and business operators across the state are aware of the available channels for reporting complaints.

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

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), has declared that there will be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of ₦500,000 or 5 years imprisonment for first offence.

Justice Aderemi gave the warning during a live Radio interview in  Ibadan, said  OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.

“Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,” she said.

The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on Ministry of Agriculture assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

“Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,” she stated.

Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitization through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.

“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,” she warned.

E-Signed* :

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB), in partnership with the Asido Foundation, has called for greater inclusion of people with lived experience in mental healthcare planning and service delivery to improve the quality of care and address stigma and discrimination.

The call was made on Wednesday during the 2026 World Mental Health Day commemoration held at Tamunominini Hall, Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, under the theme, “ Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, emphasised the need to prioritise mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.

He called for increased public awareness, early identification of mental health concerns and improved access to appropriate care through primary healthcare facilities.

Olatunji noted that effective mental healthcare must reflect the needs, experiences and dignity of affected individuals.

He stressed that listening to people with lived experience would help healthcare providers deliver more responsive and inclusive services.

He further highlighted the need to integrate mental health promotion, early identification, referrals and support services into routine primary healthcare delivery to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges receive timely and appropriate assistance.

In her remarks, Director of Family Health, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, highlighted the importance of open conversations about mental health.

She called for the creation of supportive environments where individuals can freely share their experiences and seek help without fear of judgement, stigma or discrimination.

Hamzat noted that sustained mental health education would help correct misconceptions, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek professional assistance.

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among Government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities.

In her goodwill message, the Programme Manager of the Asido Foundation, Dr. Toluwalope Orotoye, stressed the role of partnerships in strengthening mental health advocacy and public education.

She called for greater recognition of the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Special Duties, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abiodun Akande, called for collective action to address mental health challenges.

He highlighted the roles of Government institutions, healthcare providers, families and community leaders in ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate support.

Delivering a paper titled “Lived Experience: Patients at the Centre of Care,” a consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the Asido Foundation, Dr. Oyeyemi Afolabi, emphasised the importance of incorporating patients’ experiences and perspectives into mental healthcare planning and service delivery.

He also highlighted the role of people with lived experience as valuable contributors to advocacy, service improvement and policy development.

Participants were encouraged to challenge stigma, discrimination and harmful misconceptions that prevent people from seeking mental health services.

They were also urged to promote empathy, respect confidentiality and treat affected individuals with dignity.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has formally commenced full-scale operations at its new permanent headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, with a landmark Environmental Protection Tribunal session and a powerful dedicatory prayer meeting, marking a new chapter in the enforcement of the rule of law in Oyo State.

At the Environmental Protection Tribunal sitting today, October 20, 2026, presided over by Mr. Kunle Abimbola, Esq., three defendants were arraigned for improper refuse disposal and other environmental infractions. The first defendant pleaded guilty to Count One but not guilty to Counts Two and Three; the second pleaded guilty to all counts, while the third pleaded guilty to Count One and not guilty to Counts Two and Three. The Tribunal fixed penalties at ₦30,000 for Count One, ₦20,000 for Count Two and ₦10,000 for Count Three, in line with extant environmental laws.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI.F.ICMC, said the commencement of activities at the new headquarters is a call to higher responsibility. She charged officers and staff to be more zealous and proactive in the discharge of their duties.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. The Governor has given us a befitting headquarters and all the resources we need. Now is the time to be on top of our game. We must embrace enforcement with renewed vigour and ensure compliance in every part of this State,” she declared.

Justice Aderemi further charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of work ethics, discipline and professionalism, noting that regular training and retraining would be institutionalized to sharpen operational efficiency. According to her, OYRLEA will no longer be confined to Ibadan but will extend its operations across all local government areas and geopolitical zones of the State.

“We must go out, we must cover the length and breadth of Oyo State. Markets, roads, public spaces and our environment must reflect order, safety and cleanliness. We cannot afford to fail the people of Oyo State,” she added.

Later in the day, the Authority held an inaugural prayer session at the conference hall of the new headquarters, attended by the Chairperson, members of the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Authority.

The General Overseer of Riverside Victory International Christian Ministry, Reverend Joseph K. Afolabi, delivered a stirring exhortation, urging staff to see their assignment as a divine calling to serve humanity and promote justice.

He admonished the workforce to work in unity, love and with a single mind in pursuit of the Authority’s mandate.

Reverend Afolabi prayed that the Almighty God would continually shield, protect and preserve all officers of the Authority as they go about their enforcement duties.

He also offered fervent prayers for unity and progress of the Authority, for peace and sustainable development in Oyo State, and for the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc., GSSRS.

The combined court session and prayer meeting underscore OYRLEA’s dual resolve to enforce environmental and public order laws without compromise while seeking divine guidance for effective service delivery.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, healthier and more orderly Oyo State.

E-Signed:

*Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has marked the 2026 World Food Day by celebrating farmers and agricultural organisations contributing to food production across the state. The celebration featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to outstanding farmers.

Speaking at the grand finale held on Friday, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye,
called on residents to turn available spaces around their homes into productive backyard farms.

He also urged residents to cultivate vegetables and other food crops in available spaces around their homes.

He noted that backyard farming could reduce household food expenses, improve nutrition and strengthen food security across the state.

Olaleye commended farmers and other agricultural stakeholders for their contributions to food production and economic development.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and called for sustained collective action to improve agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food availability.

The commissioner explained that recognising outstanding farmers and agricultural organisations demonstrated the government’s commitment to promoting excellence in agriculture.

He added that the awards would encourage more people, particularly youths, to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The Oyo State chapter of the Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) received the Best Women Farmers Group Award, while the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) was honoured as the Outstanding Food Security Champion.

Mr Israel Oyeyemi received the Best Youth Agricultural Innovator Award, while Elder Omidokun Oyekunle was recognised as the Best Livestock Farmer of the Year. Other farmers and agricultural organisations also received awards.

The programme concluded with an exhibition of agricultural produce by farmers from across the state.

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

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has flagged off a two-day free eye screening and reading glasses distribution exercise for civil servants within the State Secretariat and other eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, described the exercise as a significant intervention aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving vision, and enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He explained that the outreach was designed to improve access to essential eye care services, particularly for individuals experiencing presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly at close range.

The initiative is being implemented by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme.

Awoleye emphasised the importance of regular eye screening, particularly among adults aged 40 and above.

He noted that good vision is essential for productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being.

He stated that the initiative would provide eligible beneficiaries with free eye screening and reading glasses, where clinically appropriate, to address the challenges associated with presbyopia and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

The Chairman commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government, led by the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to expand access to essential healthcare services across the State.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Mustapha Festus, who highlighted the importance of integrating preventive health interventions into routine healthcare delivery.

He noted that visual difficulties could affect productivity, independence and daily activities. He therefore encouraged eligible civil servants and other beneficiaries to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that partnerships between government institutions and development partners remain crucial to improving health outcomes.

The representative of CHAI, Dr. Adebayo Durojaye, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding access to eye care services, particularly for adults with limited access to routine screening and corrective eyewear. He explained that interventions of this nature help identify common vision problems and facilitate timely access to appropriate care.

The State Eye Health Programme Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunlade, explained that the exercise was designed to provide free presbyopia screening and distribute reading glasses to eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above. She encouraged civil servants within the State secretariat and other qualified participants to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their eye health.

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that gradually reduces the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It can cause blurred near vision and difficulty reading, writing and performing other close-up tasks, making early identification and appropriate correction important.

Through the two-day outreach, eligible beneficiaries will receive eye screening and free reading glasses where clinically appropriate. Individuals identified with other eye conditions requiring further attention may be referred to qualified eye care professionals for additional assessment and treatment.

The initiative is expected to increase awareness of eye health, encourage routine screening and reduce barriers to accessing basic vision care, particularly among adults whose professional and personal responsibilities depend on clear near vision.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board appreciates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration in delivering this important intervention.

The Board reiterates its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to quality, equitable and people-centred healthcare across Oyo State.

*E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State