Members of staff of Radio Nigeria Paramount FM Abeokuta, Ogun State, have been reminded of the need to be more committed and dedicated to duty, towards taking the station to an enviable height among its contemporaries in the State.
The General Manager of Paramount FM, Mrs Oluremi Olugbenro gave the charge during the maiden edition of staff forum in 2026, which also featured special prayers for the staff and station, as well as the distribution of promotion letters to some members.
Mrs Olugbenro who appreciated the members of staff for their support and contributions to the development of Paramount FM Abeokuta, last year, called on them to improve on their drive for the Internally Generated Revenue of the station in the New Year, for the betterment of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, in general.
She implored the staffs to maintain love and harmonious relationship with one another to promote efficient service delivery of informing, educating and entertaining the teeming listeners of the station, promising that the management would prioritise their welfare and ensure conducive work environment.
Responding on behalf of the promoted staff, Mr Bukola Olagunju of the Administrative Department, thanked the management of the FRCN, for finding them worthy of the elevation, and promised to reciprocate the kind gesture with hard work and dedication to duty.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed condolences to the family of former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, over the death of their matriarch, Chief ,Mrs, Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo.
Mama Onabanjo died at the age of 101.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described her passing as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived an exemplary and fulfilled life devoted to God, family, and service to humanity.
The Governor said the death of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, but noted that Mama Lucia’s longevity and impactful life were worthy of celebration.
He recalled her steadfast support for her late husband during his struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice, describing her as a strong pillar throughout his political journey.
Governor Abiodun said Mama Onabanjo was a source of inspiration, prayer, and encouragement to many, adding that she raised children and grandchildren who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.
He prayed that God grant the deceased eternal rest and give the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the strength to bear the loss.
A three-day basketball camp ended in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with a call on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to establish sustainable grassroots development programmes.
Former Nigeria international basketball player Onome Akinbode-James made the call at the grand finale of a three-day basketball skills programme for girls held at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta.
Akinbode-James, who played collegiate basketball at Duke University in the United States, said the initiative formed part of the Ready Leaders programme, which focuses on leadership development through sports and digital literacy.
She said the 40 participants, drawn from multiple states across the country, displayed strong leadership qualities that would support their personal and professional growth.
The FIBA Africa Under-16 Women’s Championship silver medalist in Madagascar also announced plans to develop a structured curriculum to help young female athletes sustain their development beyond the camp.
Veteran basketball player Chief Alabi Adelanwa described the camp as a vital step toward strengthening grassroots basketball in Nigeria.He praised the organiser for investing in the leadership and personal development of young girls through sport.
Several participants said the programme gave them a platform to showcase their talents while gaining valuable leadership skills.A total of 40 players from Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Osun and Oyo states took part in the three-day camp.
A solemn mood filled the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogun Sector Command in Abeokuta during the service of songs and commendation held in honour of the late Chief Route Commander, Mrs Florence Nkenu Okpe.
Family members, friends, colleagues and heads of government agencies gathered to pay tribute to her life and service.
Preaching on “Living a Life of Positive Impact,” Reverend Emmanuel Ajayi of Grace Baptist Church, Asero, urged attendees to live purposefully in ways that honour God and uplift others.
He reminded them of the inevitability of death and stressed the need to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, noting that everyone would account for their stewardship on the day of reckoning.
Tributes from the FRSC Ogun Sector Commander, Mr Akinwunmi Fasakin; WAEC Ogun Branch Controller, Dr Ayobami Suberu; and TRACE PRO, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, portrayed the late officer as dedicated, resourceful and deeply committed to duty.
The General Manager of Radio Nigeria Paramount FM, Abeokuta, Mrs Oluremi Olugbenro, also described her as a selfless officer who contributed significantly to the Corps’ image and touched many lives with her kindness.
Federal government has been urged to intensify efforts in upgrading and providing the necessary equipment and working tools for its Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to enhance efficient service delivery to the people.
The Chairman, Board of Editorial, Penpushing Media, Mrs Olufunke Fadugba made the plea when she led a delegation of members of the Board, on a courtesy visit to the Management of Radio Nigeria Paramount FM, Abeokuta.
Mrs Fadugba who described the condition of many federal government offices as worrisome, said the situation was hampering the skills and knowledge of workers to contribute meaningfully to nation building.
The Chairman of Editorial Board of Penpushing media, while congratulating Mrs Olugbenro on her appointment General Manager of Paramount FM Abeokuta, advised her to embrace humility, hardwork and team spirit in the discharge of the new task, encouraging the members of staff to provide the necessary support in the quest to take the station to an enviable height.
Responding, the General Manager, Paramount FM Abeokuta, Mrs Oluremi Olugbenro appreciated the members of the Board for the visit, describing the Penpushing Media as a reservoir of information and entertainment, comprising thorough-bred professionals.
Mrs Olugbenro noted that the mission of the organisation aligned with that of the Federal Road Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, which aimed at providing impartial, credible, proactive and creative broadcasting for National development, hence the need for mutual working relationship.
She however commended the management and staff of the station for their moral support since her assumption of office and appealed for them to sustain the tempo.
Highpoint of the courtesy visit was the tour of the station by the delegation of the members of Board of the Penpushing Media, which included the founder, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, and the former Chairman of Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Elder Eddie Aina.
The Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC has established a Digital Industrial Park in Ogun State as part of the federal government’s efforts to enhance digital innovation for youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
President Bola Tinubu while inaugurating the Park in Abeokuta said about one trillion dollars had been committed to strengthening the sector to realize the country’s goal of becoming a global leader in digital infrastructure, talent development and innovation.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani said the facility would increase the nation’s investments towards nurturing the teeming Nigerian youths in fiber optics, AI frameworks and technological talent pipelines.
The President promised that the Digital Industrial Park would be a solution – driven inclusive digital economy platform for the people of Abeokuta, Ogun State and Nigeria.
In a remark, Governor Dapo Abiodun said the establishment of the Park was outcome of successful collaborations between the Federal and State governments in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, and commended various partners and stakeholders that made the project a success.
Executive Secretary of the NCC, Dr Aminu Waida affirmed that the Park was fully equipped with computer laboratories, smart networking systems, and collaborative workspaces coupled with skilled technical and managerial personnel that would assist digital innovators and entrepreneurs in developing their ideas into tangible products and prototypes.
Dr Waida listed the prospective beneficiaries to include students enrolled in industrial training and part-time apprenticeship programs, adding that apart from Ogun the NCC was implementing the project in Kano, Borno and Enugu States.
Students from selected secondary schools were tutored on Information and Communications Technology, ICT, during the event to test – run the facilities as witnessed by dignitaries, including the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, notable political leaders and people from different walks of life.
As Nigeria Environmental Society NES, Abeokuta chapter, joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 World Environment Day, it has called on residents of the state to put an end to plastic pollution for a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment.
The Chairman of the society, Alhaji Badmus Jamiu made the call in a statement in Abeokuta to mark the day.
According to him, although the usefulness of plastic cannot be overemphasised as it also serves as source of livelihood to millions, but when it got into the environment it usually would become inimical due to its untold environmental menace.
Alhaji Jamiu explained that plastic pollution also constitute health risk particularly to aquatic life which would invariably return to the society, hence the need for residents to put an end to plastic pollution by properly managing plastic waste and embrace different government initiatives such as the Blue Box Programme championed by the Ogun State government.
While wishing residents of the state a hitch-free World Environment Day celebration, Alhaji Jamiu however used the opportunity to counsel residents of the state to give their environment a maximum attention, adding that, environment needs to be treated with utmost care and respect.
The theme for this year was “Putting An End to Plastic Pollution”.
A Professor of Biochemical Toxicology with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Oladipo Ademuyiwa has been reportedly killed by a hit-and-run driver while attempting to cross the road in his neighbourhood.
The Don was said to have been knocked down around Professor Wole Soyinka’s axis of the recently rehabilitated Kemta-Somorin road by a reckless driver who escaped from the scene.
The Chairman, of Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association CDA, Dr Ayo Ajasa who told journalists in Abeokuta that the incident happened on Sunday 15th February 2025 said the tragic loss of the university lecturer would have been avoided if the state government had heeded the community’s plea on the need to install speed breakers on the road.
Dr Ajasa described the death of the professor as a quantum loss to the community and the nation given his invaluable contributions to knowledge sharing and dissemination in one of the country’s universities.
He maintained that the unfortunate incident of the Residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta had thrown the community into mourning and called for immediate government intervention to prevent further tragedies on the road.
Absolute trust in God amidst challenges leads ultimately to soaring above them.
The parish priest of Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Reverend Father Anthony Fashola stated this during a sermon.
The Reverend Father Fashola who said God does not fail but always keeps his promises however admonished encouraged the faithful not to base their trust in God simply on material gains but much more in the inheritance hereafter.
The clergy while noting that God had the blueprints of everyone, advised Christians to find help and fulfilment in God’s presence.
The Reverend Father Fashola also urged the people to adopt the virtue of patience, saying that God is never too late, or too early to do what He promised.
A 54-year-old man identified as Adelani Oriyomi has been arrested at a tomb in Kere, Obada-Oko, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State while allegedly exhuming a human skull.
In a statement made available to Newsmen in Abeokuta, Commander
of the State Community, Social Orientation, and Safety Corps, So-Safe Corps Dr Soji Ganzallo, said Oriyomi was arrested by the operatives of
the Corps at 2.35 am on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the officers who were on routine patrol observed the suspicious activity and spotted the suspect trying to hide.
When he noticed that the officers had left, Oriyomi resumed digging the tomb to retrieve a human skull and was apprehended.
On interrogation, he confessed that he was attempting to retrieve another skull to complete the number required for a money ritual preparation.
The Suspect also confessed that he had sold nearly ten skulls in the past and he was arrested for similar offences he committed at Ado-Odo which led to him being imprisoned for two years and a further six years and nine months at the Oba Correctional Center following another conviction in Obada-Oko.
Dr Ganzallo confirmed that the suspect and the recovered exhibit, a fully dried human skull have been handed over to the Nigeria Police, Obada Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He urged community leaders to thoroughly screen tenants and visitors to prevent harbouring undesirable individuals.
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, has encouraged civil servants to recommit to delivering efficient, innovative, and people-focused services that align with the current administration’s vision.
Mr Onasanya, who made the call in Abeokuta, noted that the future of Ogun State depended on the collective resolve to build upon the achievements of the past year while consolidating the foundations of progress laid under the present administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ Agenda initiative.
He acknowledged the various initiatives of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration during the past year aimed at improving the welfare of the workforce.
Mr Onasanya listed the intervention programmes to include the launch of the Public Sector Health Insurance Scheme, consistent payment of salaries and allowances as and when due, clearance of backlogs of deductions and timely payment of leave allowances, the implementation of the new minimum wage of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira and the payment of the end-of-year jumbo bonus for workers and Pensioners in the state.
The Ogun state head of service noted that the programmes of the governor underscored his administration’s resolve to improve the financial stability of workers.
He also commended the invaluable contributions of the state’s teeming workforce driven by professionalism and integrity which he said had continued to uphold the pride and reputation of the Ogun State Public Service.
Cholera outbreak has claimed one life in Ijebu Igbo area of Ogun State while 5 others have been hospitalized.
The outbreak, which reportedly happened early this week , was confirmed to have claimed the life of a 62 year old woman who allegedly contacted the deadly disease while catering for her infected child.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker who confirmed the incident said it was recorded at Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu-North local government area of the state.
Also, the State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr Kunle Ashimi while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta expressed condolences to the affected families, noting that the NMA was on high alert and the government had provided a contact number for reporting new cases among other measures.
The local government area and two others, Abeokuta South and North had witnessed cholera outbreak last year, affecting 236 persons and claimed 12 lives within one month.
Five vehicles, including a truck were razed, while a man was reportedly killed in the fire outbreak from a gas tanker explosion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Witnesses claimed that the inferno which also destroyed some shops and houses around the busy Ita Osin area of the city had killed 4 persons, but the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC has affirmed the motor boy, trapped in the burnt truck as the only casualty of the explosion.
The Public Education Officer, FRSC, Ogun State Sector Command, Mrs Florence Okpe, who attributed the crash to brake failure, explained that the vehicle crashed on the road barricade and went into flames, burning vehicles and shops around the vicinity.
She noted that the fire service personnel were promptly contacted while the scene was cordoned off to prevent secondary crash and the corpse of the victim was deposited at the State General Hospital morgue Abeokuta, while the injured persons were evacuated by their families.
Apart from the fire fighters, operatives of the FRSC, the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as the Police were found at the scene of the incident, engaged in rescue operations, working to contain the inferno, clearing obstruction on the road and directing traffic.
Sports administrators should invest resources in regional competitions to foster peace and promote national development.
A cross-section of sports enthusiasts canvassed this in Abeokuta while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the occasion of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace.
Correspondent Olusegun Folarin reports that the sports lovers were optimistic that, if harnessed effectively, sports would help to check criminal tendencies among the youths.
Sport remains a universal language and powerful tool to promote peace, tolerance and understanding and is capable of bringing people together across boundaries, cultures and religions.
The United Nations’ proclamation of 6th April every year as International Day of Sports for Development and Peace is an opportunity to recognize the positive roles of sports and physical activities in the lives of individuals and communities, across the globe.
In Nigeria, sports, especially football, had over the years proved to be a unifying factor, connecting the citizens, regardless of tribal, ethnic and religious beliefs.
A vivid example was the passionate support shown by Nigerians during the African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire where the people rose in support of the Super Eagles despite the prevailing economic challenges confronting the nation.
In separate contributions, Acting General Manager, Gateway United Football Club, Mr Niyi Soleye and a Sports Administrator, Alhaji Adeniji Adebayo affirmed that there had been situations where sports championships were organized among local communities as part of efforts to broker peace and settle disagreements.
Also, the President, the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, Mr Seyi Johnson and a Sports Psychologist, Pastor Paul Bankole, who advocated increased attention by the government, said sports could enhance the social and economic status of individuals, especially the physically challenged, in the bid to reduce Street begging.
A former National Publicity Secretary of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Dr Ademolu Okuneye described sports as a powerful instrument that could be deployed in resolving conflicts in communities and also serve as economic advancement in the society.
Other contributors also applauded the global theme for this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, “Sports for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”, noting the need for relevant authorities to promote public-private partnerships aimed at ensuring sustainable growth in the sports industry.
The Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, has cleared a final-year student of the school, Oladokun Ayomide, over the allegation of poisoning his girlfriend and another lady.
Earlier reports said the Ogun State Police Command arrested Ayomide for allegedly poisoning Ugbokwe Mmasichukwu and another lady, Odumosu Semilore.
The police said the suspect administered a poison believed to be a mixture of brownie cakes, alcohol, and an unknown harmful substance after inviting his girlfriend to his residence in the Surulere community in the Camp area of the city.
However, according to a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Media Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB, Olasunkanmi Olajide, and made available to our correspondent on Thursday, the cakes purchased by Ayomide, “contained a high level of alcohol. This led to the unintentional intoxication of the consumers.”
“Ayomide had no malicious intent, as confirmed by the medical examination at their institution’s health centre. The affected individuals were discharged from the hospital the following day and even participated in their examinations on November 10, 2023.”
“It is crucial to emphasise that all charges against Ayomide, brought forth by the parents and the school of the affected ladies, have been dropped due to the lack of malicious intent,” the school stated.
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the student had been released on bail following a settlement by the parents of the students.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sadness over the demise of the late Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba Lawson.
Chief Obasanjo, who conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic, MFR, on Chief Lawson in 2004 described the late Iyalode of Egbaland and Yorubaland as a very generous personality whose life was worthwhile.
He noted that, the strictness and hardworking attributes of the late industrialist were remarkable.
In a reaction conveyed through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, former President Obasanjo said the late Chief Lawson had contributed immensely to the country’s economic growth and community development.
Ogun State Government has pledged to further open up the State for business opportunities by putting all machineries in motion to attract more investors.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela gave the assurance in an interview with Journalists in Abeokuta
Mr Sofela said that the present administration would consolidate its position as the industrial capital of Nigeria, pointing out that efforts would be put in place to make Ogun the preferred investors destination.
He said the State would be committed to improving the ease of doing business index, noting that reforms that would enhance business activities would be executed.
Mr Sofela said the government would be committed to its promises of transforming the business environment and processes from initiation in terms of business registration, obtaining construction permits, getting land titles for properties, to ensure that, building permits for construction works were facilitated at reduced time.
Athletes from Kenya have emerged winners of the Abeokuta 10 kilometers race.
Peter Nwaniki crossed the finish line on 28 minutes, 14 seconds to emerge winner of the 2023 edition of the race and went home with 5 thousand dollars prize money.
Kiypeko Kennedy also from Kenya came second with 29 minutes 29 seconds and got 3 thousand dollars while Kibil Frederic went home with 1 thousand dollars prize money for crossing the finish line on 30 minutes 21 seconds.
In the women elite category, Kipsiror Shamillar from Kenya crossed the line on 32 minutes, 22 seconds to emerge winner, Violah Jepkosgei came second with 34 minutes, 34 seconds while Patience Daylop from Plateau state came third and also the first female Nigerian athlete to Cross the line on 36 minutes, 36 seconds.
Patience Daylop went home 1 thousand dollars as well as one million naira prize money in her category.
Francis James from Plateau state won the race as the first Nigerian athlete to cross the line on 31 minutes, 08 seconds and went home with one million naira prize money.
Speaking with journalists, Francis James said Nigerian athletes would soon catch up with their counterparts from the East Africa nations with adequate preparations and motivations.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who flagged off the race at Iya Oloke Area of Abeokuta, said the present administration remained committed to the implementation of youth oriented programmes and policies.
Represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun used the occasion to appealed to the Youth to desist from acts capable of truncating their future, describing sports as a veritable platform to brighten their future.
The initiator of the race who is also the Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the 2024 National Youths Festival, Chief Bukola Olopade expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the race, noting that the race would continue to get better annually.
Taking a walk around areas including Oke-Ado, Orita-Challenge, J. Allen junction, Dugbe Bank Road, Dugbe-Eleyele route in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, it is not unusual to catch sight of mentally challenged persons.
Some of whom can be seen lying on road medians, marketplaces, and road intersections. And their number keeps increasing. These are just a few among the numerous ones that stroll the streets in Oyo State.
What calls for concern is the threat they pose when they become violent, and cases of this abound.
What calls for concern is the threat they pose when they become violent, and cases of this abound.
For example, this year, a mentally ill man strangled a secondary school student to death in Ondo. The tragic incident took place in Arogbo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state. The victim, identified as Timibra Meretighan, was taking his Junior Secondary WAEC examination
Same tragic episode was recorded in Delta State in July 2022, where a mentally ill man, Wisdom Solomon, stabbed a young man in his early 20s, Chukwunonso Odo, to death in Asaba.
In 2018, in Enugu, a man suffering from insanity smashed his father’s head with a pestle leading to the victim’s death.
In 2017, at Budo Alaka village in Kisi, in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a suspected mentally-ill man set a house on fire killing five family members, who sleeping at the time.
Why this significant increase? One might be forced to ask.
According to reports by the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN),, 60 million Nigerians are suffering from mental illnesses, with only about 10 per cent of them being able to access appropriate care and more than 90 per cent who are unable to access it.
But then, the nation has psychiatrist hospitals spread across the regions, which are Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Centre, Kwara, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin, Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, State Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Awka, Anambra, Psychiatric Hospital, Eket, Akwa Ibom, Psychiatric Hospital, Sokoto, Kano State Psychiatric Hospital, Kano, and Psychiatric Hospital, Abia.
There are also Federal and State government-owned multi-specialist hospitals which offer psychiatric services:
National Hospital, Abuja, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo, UCH (University College Hospital), Ibadan, Oyo, OAU Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital, Kano, University of Nsukka Teaching Hospital, Enugu, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti, Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta, Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger, Federal Medical Centre, Adamawa: Yola Specialist Hospital, Bauchi: General Hospital, Bauchi, Benue: General Hospital, Makurdi, Delta: General Hospital, Warri, Edo: Central Hospital, Edo: Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ondo: Akure General Hospital, Oyo: Ring Road Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, and Rivers: Psychiatric Hospital Rumuigbo, Port Harcourt.
Are these medical facilities not simply enough given the country’s rising cases of mentally challenged?
A psychologist, Dr Oluwafisayo Adebimpe attributes the spike in the number of mentally challenged on the streets to lack of necessary care on the part of the government and families of affected persons.
Dr Adebimpe also pointed out that religious and cultural misconceptions were also responsible factors.
According to a Consultant Community & Rehabilitation Psychiatrist, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Doctor Lucky Onofa, citing the World Health Organization’s findings in 2020, about 20-30% of Nigerians have one form of mental illness or the other; translating to 45-67 million Nigerians suffering from various mental illnesses out of 224 million people (Worldometer, 2023).
Dr Onofa observed that there is a sharp rise in the prevalence of substance abuse in Nigeria especially among the youth, thus the number of homeless mentally ill persons all over the streets in Nigeria has increased.
He said mentally challenged persons suffer a double dose of disadvantages as homelessness and mental illness are both stigmatizing, stressing that it is an eye-sore for mentally ill persons to wander on the streets, adding also that the proportion of homeless mentally –ill persons on the street is an indication of the quality of health services of the country.
Dr Onofa says the causes of the increasing figure of mentally challenged on the streets are multifactorial- multiple factors acting in concert: nature of the mental illness – Major mental illnesses like Schizophrenia, Drug abuse, Dementia, late intervention to the mental illness, burnt out among families- Mental illness require long term treatment and family becomes burnt out in terms of financial and physical responsibilities, family and societal hostility, stigma towards the mentally ill. He maintained that part of the problem included inadequate mental health facilities for admission of mentally –ill persons, and grossly inadequate Psychiatrist 1: 1 million Persons. Just as he points out the same inadequacy in doctors patient ratio: of doctors and Health Professionals: 1 Doctor to 10,000 persons (NMA 2022), and WHO recommends 1:600.
The Consultant Psychiatrist pointed out that being on the streets or homeless complicates the condition of mentally ill persons. These include worsening of mental illness, Comorbidities- Physical illness, infections, infestation, Drug abuse, being killed by hit-and-run drivers, being kidnapped for rituals, and various forms of abuse; the female could be sexually abused and contract HIV and other STDS, while they in turn could be violent, a threat to members of the public.
Dr Onafa explained that homelessness among mentally ill persons could be prevented, noting that all hands must be on deck. He called for the implementation of the New Mental Health Act in Nigeria, increase budgetary allocation to Health (15% of the total budget to the Health Sector as stipulated by Abuja declaration,2001), making mental health treatment free, establishment of rehabilitation centres at the local, state and FG level, social and housing infrastructure, increasing the number of health facilities and mental health professionals, reducing brain drain of health workers, integration of mental health into primary health care, increased family involvement, and involvement of spiritual institutions and NGOs and other critical stakeholders.
On his part, a sociologist, Dr Niyi Oladeji, pointed out that the presence of the mentally challenged on the streets constituted a threat, urging the government to do all it takes to get them off the nation’s streets.
Authorities of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, have renewed their commitment to ensuring compliance with the approved dress code for students coming into the University campus.
The Management has reiterated that the move was aimed at ensuring strict compliance with extant regulations and principles guiding the conduct of students within the institution’s campus.
According to a statement by the Registrar of the University, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola, the Senate of FUNAAB had taken the decision on the issue of Dress Code at a meeting held on Tuesday, 14th December, 2021 and communicated same to the University Community via a circular FUNAAB/REG.11/VOL. III/52 of December 16, 2021.
It indicated that Farm Practical Year students should wear the approved green jumpsuit, rain-boot and hand gloves for their convenience and personal safety on the farms during the Farm Practical Year.
Describing the Senate’s decision as the final position on the subject matter, the statement by the University Registrar also emphasised the need for facial identification of all students at all times within the University Community.
The statement condemned the attempts by those described as misguided faceless individuals, reportedly sponsoring some online reports on religious sentiments to disrupt the endearing peace, harmony and the prevailing congenial academic environment of the University.
It noted that a judgment of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abeokuta on suit number FHC/AB/FHR/12/2022 dated May 19, 2022 by Justice O. Oguntoyinbo had ruled that the sole issue of use of face veil also known as ‘Niqob’ was resolved in favour of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta as the Respondent in the matter.
The statement showed that the court also ruled that fundamental human rights of freedom was not absolute in the instance while the FUNAAB management had urged aggrieved persons to approach the courts for a comprehensive interpretation of the judgement, stating that nowhere in the world could anyone enjoy public service anonymously without the consent and approval of the service provider and religion had nothing to do with the issue.
There is need to ensure digital documentation of indigenous African knowledge to further preserve the values and explore the potential to enrich the society.
The Head, Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Abiodun Oyelakin made the submission while presenting a paper on “African Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge, the Past, Present and the Future”.
Dr Oyelakin identified rural – urban development, human nature, religious beliefs and over -dependence on importation of herbs as some of the factors hindering new discoveries on African Biodiversity, especially in relation to the human health.
He maintained that focusing more attention on the preservation of great ideas on Medicine, Traditional Knowledge and animal species would help to strengthen African Biodiversity.
Also, the Director, Biomedicinal Research Centre of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Ibraheem Lawal said there was the need for sustainable ecosystem management, to balance the ecological, economic and social-cultural components.
Speaking on “Utilizing Biodiversity Conservation for Massive Self – Sustainable Employment Opportunities and National Economic Development”,
Dr Lawal noted that maintenance of safe environment depended largely on the availability of green plants.
Other participants who applauded the workshop urged the Government to earmark fund for the promoting and ensuring the sustenance of natural knowledge and biodiversity.
Twenty-six families of Police officers that died in the course of duties in Ogun State have received compensation of more than forty-five million nairas from the Nigeria Police.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oladimeji Olanrewaju, while handing over the cheques to the affected families at the Eleweran state headquarters of the command said the gesture was part of the welfare schemes of the current Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali Baba for the police officers.
Mr. Olanrewaju said the compensation was to ensure that the families of those policemen and women who lost their lives do not feel the pain of the loss.
He said the inspector General of Police advised the families to judiciously utilize the money in the interest of those left behind by the gallant officers.
The Commissioner of Police also paraded about forty suspects arrested across the state for various crimes ranging from cultism, armed robbery, and murder to illegal possession of drugs and firearms.
Mr. Olanrewaju who pointed out that, twenty-four criminal suspects had been prosecuted in various courts in the last two weeks across the state also urged parents to advise their wards against criminal activities to prevent them from facing the full weight of the law.
The turn-out of fun-seekers at major recreation centres in Abeokuta, the State Capital of Ogun, for the Easter Monday celebration, is relatively low.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent who visited some of the centres including Olumo Rock, Cultural Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, and some Eateries, reports that, customers are very few, as the major roads are also very free of traffic.
In separate interviews, the fun-seekers appealed to the government to intensify efforts at proffering solutions to other challenges facing the country.
The respondents including Mr Samuel Adedeji, Sola Aina, and Mrs Judith Opara stated that, the chance of accessing the banking hall was still a terrible experience and as also, and they had to queue for many hours at ATM points, before getting the cash to take their family out for the Easter Monday celebration.
Emphasising the scarcity of cash, the people said, it had affected their socio-economic activities, and called on the government to compel banks to return to their former transaction activities, to enable people to spend their money without any hindrance.
Ahead of the deadline announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for the mopping up of old naira notes, mixed reactions have continued to trail the process.
A number of people who spoke with Radio Nigeria in Ogun State expressed concern about the time-frame as the an end of old notes as legal tender was too short while others maintained that the compliance level among the stakeholders would reach the peak before the deadline.
The situation was viewed differently by the people, depending on their area of engagement.
To a group of youths encountered by Radio Nigeria at one of the popular ATM galleries in Abeokuta, the approaching deadline was an avenue to catch fun as they took turns in trying out the cash machines to check if they dispensed the old or the new notes.
The youths who referred to their action as “catching cruise” disclosed that they had gone round the city to find out that most banks only partially complied with the directive of the CBN as the ATMs were loaded with a mixture of old and new notes.
Another resident, Mrs Tinuola Akinola was full of excitement about the new currency which according to her, was colourful and beautiful to behold, stating that touching the new money always gave her the feeling of holding international bills.
In separate reactions, traders who spoke with Radio Nigeria at some markets in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Ota and Ijebu-Ode complained that the new notes were scarce but expressed the hope that the relevant authorities would ensure the availability of the newly introduced notes before the CBN deadline.
Similarly, Mr Aminu Ibrahim and Mr Samuel Olanipekun who said they were yet to set eyes on the new money, 10 days to the CBN’s deadline appealed to the apex bank to shift the set date for the mop up of the old notes.
In a contribution, a communication consultant, Mr Bolaji Adeniji, urged the stakeholders to cooperate with the CBN to ensure that the redesigned naira notes achieved the purpose of bridging the inflation gap in the nation’s economy.
Responding to the people’s reactions, the Abeokuta Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr Wahab Oseni advised customers to report any bank whose ATMs failed to dispense new notes at the office of the Central Bank in Abeokuta.
Mr. Oseni who explained that the bank had embarked on sensitisation campaigns among the market men and women across the state about the new cash policy, advised the people not to reject the old currency for their business transactions until the last day, on the 31st of this month.
Operators of cooking gas in Ogun state have been reminded of the need to abide by the laid down rules and regulations guiding their business in a bid to protect lives and property.
The Director of Urban Planning in the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Rufus Talabi, gave the advice at an Interactive Session with the cooking Gas Proprietors Association of Nigeria Ogun state chapter in Abeokuta.
Mr Talabi said the gas operators should endeavour to access the state’s physical Planning law which contained six basic Regulations guiding the conduct of cooking gas operators in the state for safety measures.
In a presentation, the representative of the Nigerian Mainstream Department Of Petroleum Resources Agency, Mr Oluwafemi Adebowale who maintained that government would not permit a gas business facility that failed to meet up required standards said it was the desire of the agency to see the gas cooking business growing in the state In a conducive environment.
Also, a Deputy Director, of Ogun State Fire Service, Mr Gbenga Adebambo, advised the gas business operators to always ensure they have fire extinguishers around them and contact the fire service station immediately in case the fire incident went out of control for the safety of lives and property.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Cooking Gas Skid Proprietors Association Of Nigeria in the state, Alhaji AbdRauf Adekunle, maintained that the association had in no small measure contributed positively to the life of the people in the state particularly in the area of economic growth, job opportunities, safety measures and high-class operation.
