NCDC Raises Alarm as Lassa Fever Kills Two Health Workers, 15 Infected

  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Monday raised an alarm over the increasing spread of Lassa fever among health care workers. The disease control agency noted that so far, two health workers have been killed, while 15 confirmed cases of Lassa fever have been documented among health care workers as Nigeria battles another outbreak of the zoonotic disease. In an advisory released on Monday, the NCDC expressed its sympathy to the affected health workers. “Recent surveillance data indicate a concerning increase in Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers, with 15 confirmed cases and 2 deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week 7. Healthcare worker infections have been reported across multiple states, including the known high-burden areas such as Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Benue, with specific hotspots often identified at the LGA level. “As part of its mandate, NCDC investigates every healthcare worker infection to identify drivers of transmission and prevent further cases. Recent findings reveal gaps in infection prevention and control practices, as well as missed risks of exposure in certain departments. “These gaps have resulted in IPC strategies that are misaligned with actual exposure risks, with fatal consequences.” Lassa fever, an animal-borne or zoonotic, acute viral illness spread by the common African rat, also known as the Mastomys rat species, is endemic in Nigeria and some other West African countries. Since the last outbreak of the disease in 2016, there has been an increase in the number of recurring cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of West Africa. Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well. “Person-to-person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in healthcare settings in the absence of adequate infection prevention and control measures,” the global health body stated.  

Amuda Hafeez Kingsway Splashes Millions On Akinyele Mega Health Outreach •••Mobilises 58 Medical Experts For Over 1,000 Residents

  The Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation has successfully concluded a large-scale community health programme across Akinyele Local Government, marking one of the most impactful medical interventions recently witnessed in the area. The health outreach initiative held on Thursday funded with millions of naira by Dr. Amuda Hafeez Kingsway, a 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly aspirant, recorded a massive turnout and delivered comprehensive healthcare services to residents at no cost. According to the foundation, 58 medical experts were on ground, attending to residents simultaneously across various medical units, ensuring swift, efficient, and quality service delivery throughout the programme. In the general health services unit, 840 residents received medical attention, including full-body check-ups, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, health counselling, and free medications. Each beneficiary was assessed by trained clinicians, who provided tailored prescriptions and ensured drug quantities matched the appropriate dosage and usage duration for effective treatment. The dental unit also recorded significant results, attending to 92 individuals who underwent comprehensive consultations, scaling, polishing, and essential oral care procedures. Dental professionals provided guidance on oral hygiene while distributing required medications. At the eye care unit, 204 beneficiaries were screened and supported with free eyeglasses, eye drops, and other necessary medications. Specialists diagnosed various sight-related conditions and provided corrective solutions on the spot, ensuring that residents with impaired vision left with clearer, improved sight. The medical outreach also featured an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality where leaders, residents, and other beneficiaries enjoyed refreshments, while some went home with food packages, while entertainment, and a sense of communal togetherness enhanced the overall experience of the programme.

Akinyele Residents Benefit as Amuda Hafeez Kingsway Holds Free Medical Outreach

  In a renewed effort to promote community health and improve access to quality medical care at the grassroots, Dr. Amuda Hafeez Kingsway, a 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly aspirant, is set to host a free comprehensive medical outreach for residents of Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan. The initiative, organized under the Kingsway Community Health Outreach in collaboration with Grace For Impact, will hold on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Akinyele Local Government Secretariat, Funduk, Moniya, beginning at 9:00 a.m. prompt. This edition marks one of the most extensive health interventions under the Kingsway Community Health Outreach programme. Unlike previous editions that focused mainly on general consultations and basic medical services, this year’s outreach will feature a wider range of specialized care — including general health checks, professional counselling, dental and eye care. Residents will have access to free medical consultations, essential medications, and vital sign assessments such as blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and height checks. In addition, dental and optical care units will operate on-site to provide expanded services. For the first time, beneficiaries will receive free dental screenings, scaling, and polishing, aimed at promoting better oral hygiene. The outreach will also include comprehensive eye examinations, free eye drops, and eyeglasses, bringing much-needed relief to residents suffering from untreated vision challenges, particularly among low-income earners. Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Hafeez Kingsway reaffirmed his commitment to advancing community wellness beyond campaign promises. “Healthcare should not be a privilege but a right accessible to every citizen, regardless of social or economic status. “This outreach is not just about giving out free drugs or conducting tests; it is about restoring hope, building a healthier community, and ensuring that even the most vulnerable have access to quality medical care.” He said. Beyond treating illnesses, the programme will also provide health education and professional counselling, guiding beneficiaries on lifestyle changes, preventive care, and the importance of follow-up support. Dr. Hafeez emphasized that the broader goal is to foster long-term wellness through continuous community engagement and accessible healthcare delivery. It would be recalled that Hon. Amuda Hafeez, through his foundation, had earlier organized a health outreach for political party leaders, including ward chairmen, women leaders, and other stakeholders in Akinyele State Constituency 1 — a gesture that earned him commendations from beneficiaries and community leaders alike.

FG Seeks $150bn to Fund Vaccine Procurement — Edun

  The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, on Wednesday announced that Nigeria is seeking to raise nearly $150bn to fund vaccine procurement for 2025 and 2026. Edun revealed this at the 2025 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector, themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing the Nigerian Health Sector to Light.” The Joint Annual Review is one of Nigeria’s most important accountability platforms for the health sector, convening stakeholders to review progress, assess performance, and align priorities for the year ahead. Edun said, “The health sector budget in 2025 rose by nearly 60 per cent, and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund has more than doubled from $31.5bn in 2024 to $298bn, nearly $299bn in 2026. “Similarly, with immunisation, we are actively seeking to raise additional funds, maybe around almost $150bn to cover vaccine procurement that is needed for 2025 and 2026. We also know that the budget for health is well over five per cent — 5.2 per cent of the national budget, up from just over three per cent a couple of years ago. So, health is being prioritised. “Our commitment is to close the gap between appropriation and the release of funds.” He added that it is crucial to maximise domestic resource mobilisation, as today’s world depends heavily on multilateral and global collective efforts. The minister, however, noted that reforms and funding would not be fully effective without the participation of state and local governments, urging them to increase spending on health and education to complement federal initiatives. On his part, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to reduce reliance on foreign aid, promote local solutions, and strengthen domestic production of medicines, vaccines, and health technologies. He added that the government aims to ensure state and local governments increase investments in health, education, water, sanitation, and nutrition. “This is consistent with the President’s ward-based development approach, which is perhaps the most practical strategy for lifting communities across Nigeria,” he said. The minister also highlighted innovative financing options under consideration. “We are exploring fiscal measures on sugar-sweetened beverages, public-private partnerships, and digital solutions that enhance transparency and accountability in the use of health funds. “By combining domestic resources, local engagement, and measurable outcomes, Nigeria is steadily building a health system that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the people it serves,” Pate said. He said the new initiatives build on tangible progress already achieved in the health sector. The minister noted that primary healthcare utilisation has surged from 10 million visits in the first quarter of 2024 to 45 million in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed public confidence. “Nearly half of women of reproductive age now use modern contraception, while vaccination coverage for measles, rubella, and the newly introduced HPV vaccine has met or exceeded national targets,” Pate said. He emphasised that these achievements are the result of a deliberate move away from donor-led programming. “All 36 states and the FCT now have operational plans aligned with the National Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. “Seventy-two per cent of states have functional mechanisms for non-communicable diseases, and all 774 local government areas now host National Health Fellows and Public Financial Management Officers, surpassing our targets,” he added.

2025 World Clean-Up Day: Oyo, UNICEF Champion Sustainable Fashion to Reduce Textile Waste

  The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the state. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need to sensitize residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling. He said “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society “Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.” He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities. Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors. “The fashion industry contributes about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 percent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented. Ashamu stressed that under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has made significant progress in improving waste collection and disposal systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. He added that the Ministry has intensified community engagement and environmental education to promote active citizen participation. In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability. “A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative support for environmental initiatives in the state. Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption. According to him, “Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the indiscriminate burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions. The event featured expert lectures, including Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo) who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.” Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended the event, pledging their commitment to a cleaner and greener Oyo State. In the same development, the Oyo State Government held a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness. Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise is designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment. In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, explained that the exercise is part of the broader campaign to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens. He noted that Oja-Oba was strategically chosen as both a commercial and cultural hub of Ibadan, urging market men and women to lead by example in maintaining cleanliness. Dr. Ojelabi revealed that Oyo State has improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, a feat he credited to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms. Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities. “Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted, “and Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”

Leaders Hail Amuda Hafeez’s Wellness Tour For Prioritizing Their Well-being

  The Akinyele Leaders Wellness Tour commenced on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with an impressive turnout, as beneficiaries commended the convener, Dr. Amuda Hafeez, for his commitment to promoting the well-being of political leaders and residents of Akinyele Constituency 1. Speaking with journalists at the event, Dr. Hafeez, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the Akinyele State Constituency 1 seat at the Oyo state House of Assembly explained that the initiative was conceived as a community-driven health outreach aimed at encouraging wellness, early medical intervention, and preventive healthcare among political leaders and residents across all wards in Akinyele Local Government Area. According to him, the motivation behind the programme is to ensure that those serving the people remain healthy and strong enough to continue delivering quality leadership. “We believe good governance starts with good health. By bringing healthcare closer to our leaders and communities, we are fostering a stronger and healthier Akinyele,” Dr. Hafeez stated. He added that the turnout for the opening day of the wellness tour was highly impressive, with numerous beneficiaries receiving free medical consultations, health checks, and essential drugs. “The response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed deep appreciation for the gesture and emphasized how timely and helpful it has been,” he said. Notable beneficiaries of the outreach included ward chairmen, women leaders, party elders, and community representatives, all of whom benefited from the medical attention and free medications provided by a team of healthcare professionals. Dr. Hafeez further disclosed that the wellness tour would continue on Sunday, with plans to extend the programme to all wards within the local government. “Our goal remains steadfast to reach every corner of Akinyele with accessible and compassionate healthcare,” he concluded.

Edun: Ailing Finance Minister Flown Abroad for Treatment

  The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has travelled to the United Kingdom to seek medical attention, multiple sources close to the development confirmed on Tuesday morning. The report, first published by Western Post, was confirmed by a source who had earlier told The PUNCH that the minister might seek medical attention abroad if the need arises. The source confirmed on Tuesday that the decision had now been made, saying, “It’s true, he has left already.” Edun left Abuja for Lagos on Monday night via a commercial flight. He later departed for London aboard a British Airways flight on the same night. Until his departure, Presidency officials who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday had maintained that Edun was recuperating at his Abuja residence under the care of Nigerian doctors. The sources said the minister had taken ill in recent days but dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated. Imisi Crowned Winner of BBNaija 10/10! Faith Disqualified — Emotional End to a 10/10 Season0:00 / 0:00 He later departed for London aboard a British Airways flight on the same night. Until his departure, Presidency officials who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday had maintained that Edun was recuperating at his Abuja residence under the care of Nigerian doctors. The sources said the minister had taken ill in recent days but dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated. One senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to the press on the matter, told The PUNCH that Edun’s condition was being monitored closely. “Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke. As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He’s not been flown anywhere,” the source had said on Sunday evening. The official, however, added that doctors might recommend foreign medical care if necessary, a decision that has now been made. Another aide familiar with the matter confirmed that Edun’s medical situation had prompted closer attention from the President but stressed that “there are no plans to replace him.” The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that the minister had fallen ill but was initially receiving treatment in Nigeria. “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said on Sunday. The Presidency had earlier debunked speculation that President Bola Tinubu was considering a replacement for the finance minister. However, it confirmed that the minister would miss this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. According to a statement by Onanuga, the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, would instead lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global finance meetings, which begin today, Tuesday, October 14. Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in the Tinubu administration’s economic reform drive, overseeing the removal of petrol subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rates, and fiscal measures aimed at stabilising the naira and curbing inflation. He served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004 and later co-founded investment banking firm Denham Management Limited. At the time of this report, the Ministry of Finance had yet to issue an official statement on the minister’s whereabouts.

NAFDAC Gives Nigerian Food Companies 18 Months to Cut Trans Fats

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has set an 18-month grace period, effectively giving food companies until early 2026 before facing full enforcement of regulations to eliminate industrially produced Trans-Fatty Acids (TFA). The initiative, launched as a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for TFA regulation, moves Nigeria from simply having the policy to enforcing its world-class standard: a regulatory limit of no more than two grams of industrially produced trans fat per 100 grams of total fat or oil. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised that the roadmap moves the country beyond policy creation to aggressive enforcement and implementation. This was contained in the NAFDAC DG’s keynote speech posted on the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. Adeyeye stressed the moral imperative of the Agency’s mission. “The removal of industrially produced trans fats from the food chain is not only a technical achievement, but a moral imperative. “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is possible, achievable, necessary, and urgent,” Adeyeye stated, calling for national collaboration. The moratorium period is designed to allow manufacturers to exhaust existing stock with outdated labels and reformulate their products to comply with the legal limit. NAFDAC’s action targets a dangerous dietary risk factor strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death globally. Adeyeye emphasised the significance of the move beyond technical compliance, noting, “The removal of industrially produced trans fats from the food chain is not only a technical achievement, but a moral imperative.” This aggressive step builds upon Nigeria’s existing reputation; the country was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2023 for adopting best-practice TFA elimination policies. The new roadmap is key to securing WHO validation of Nigeria’s full TFA elimination programme, establishing the nation as a regional leader in public health interventions.

Donate Blood, Save a Warrior

  How blood donation keeps sickle cell warriors alive and how the Noella Foundation is leading the fight Sickle cell disease is one of Nigeria’s most urgent yet overlooked health challenges. Each year, about 150,000 babies are born with the condition, the highest number in the world. Too many do not live to see their fifth birthday. For those who survive, life is a constant battle of painful crises, medical emergencies, and repeated hospital stays. For these patients, often called warriors for their resilience, blood is not optional. It is survival. And for the Noella Foundation, ensuring warriors have access to safe blood is central to our mission. Understanding Sickle Cell: The Silent Crisis Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that reshapes red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, they become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped. These cells block blood flow, die faster, and deprive the body of oxygen. The result is severe pain, infections, strokes, organ damage, and sometimes death. Warriors live with the unpredictability of crises that can strike at any moment, in classrooms, workplaces, or at home. Every episode carries the risk of being fatal. Among the most dangerous complications is severe anemia, when the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to survive. This is where blood transfusions make the difference. They replace damaged cells, ease pain, prevent strokes, and often pull a warrior back from the edge. For many, transfusions are not a temporary treatment. They are a lifeline that keeps them alive and functioning. Behind each warrior’s survival is often the unseen gift of someone’s donation. Donate Blood, Save a Warrior Statistics reveal the scale of the problem, but they only take on meaning when tied to human experience. Chinedu, a 12-year-old from Enugu, loves drawing superheroes. Yet, he spends more time in hospitals than at school. During one crisis, his blood levels dropped so dangerously low that doctors said he would not survive without a transfusion. A single pint of blood saved him. That donation meant he could return home, pick up his pencils, and continue chasing his dream of becoming an engineer (before the next hospital appointment, and hopefully there’s blood). Not all stories end with hope. Bisi, a 23-year-old graduate in Ibadan, collapsed during a job interview. Doctors searched desperately for blood, but the bank was empty. By the time her family found a donor, it was too late. Her life was cut short not only by sickle cell but also by the shortage of blood. These two stories underline the thin line between life and death that warriors walk every day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives because it can be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets. For warriors, the red cells are most critical. When a crisis strikes, time matters. Without available stock, families waste precious hours searching while their loved one fades away. This tragedy is preventable if more Nigerians commit to regular voluntary donations. Voluntary donors also build a safer and more reliable system. Their blood is screened in advance, reducing risks and ensuring quality. Sporadic donations during emergencies are never enough for warriors who need blood repeatedly. Unlike food or money, blood cannot be manufactured. It must come from one person to another, from you to them. How You Can Help The Noella Foundation is committed to tackling sickle cell disease by raising awareness, driving advocacy, and working with hospitals and communities to improve access to safe blood. But this mission cannot be achieved without you. Here is how you can help: Donate blood regularly: The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has centers nationwide. Teaching hospitals and some private facilities also run drives. Know the requirements: Donors must be 18–60 years old, weigh at least 50kg, and be in good health. Understand the process: The actual donation takes less than 15 minutes, and your body naturally replenishes the blood within weeks. Men can donate every three months, women every four. Spread awareness: Help correct the myths. Donating blood does not make you permanently weak or shorten your life. Research even shows health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease. Organise or support drives: Workplaces, schools, and religious groups can partner with NBTS and the Noella Foundation to bring blood closer to warriors who need it. Support advocacy: Push for stronger policies and funding that expand blood services and reduce the stigma around sickle cell. A Call to Action Every day, warriors across Nigeria wake up to battles most of us will never face. But resilience alone cannot fill a blood bank. Hope lies in knowing blood will be available when they need it. When you donate, you are giving more than a pint. You are giving Chinedu another chance to draw superheroes, a graduate like Bisi, the future she deserved, a mother and father the chance to raise their children, and countless others the chance to see another sunrise. The Noella Foundation believes no warrior should die because blood was not available. This is our mission, but it can only be achieved with your support. Today, we pass a simple message: Donate blood. Save a warrior. Save a father. Save a mother. Save a child. Save a life

Oyo College of Nursing Launches 4 New Faculties

  The Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan, has inaugurated four new Faculties designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education and actualise the collegiate status of the institution The inauguration held on Tuesday, marked a significant step in nursing education at the institution, elevating former Departments of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health within the College to standalone faculties of Medical Surgical; Maternal & Child Health; Public Health and Community Care, and Psychiatric and Mental Health. The Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, said this elevation, recognizes the college’s long-standing contributions to nursing education and the growing demand for its programs. She asserted that the new framework in the college marks a significant milestone for the institution and the nursing profession in Nigeria. Dr. Owolabi, therefore, urged the new deans of faculties to work assiduously towards the attainment of world-class products from the college. She appreciated the Heads of Departments, who are now Deans of faculty, for their effectiveness and commitment to the progress of the college. While commending the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration, the Provost said the institution had initiated steps to commence degree programmes in collaboration with the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso She challenged the deans of faculties to foster nursing education, stressing that the different courses offered must be a tool for advancing the healthcare profession. She added, “This development is expected to foster growth and expansion of the nursing program in the College, benefiting both the college and the broader healthcare sector in Nigeria and globally.” The Pro-Chancellor, LAUTECH, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, in his keynote address, described the inauguration as a historic and groundbreaking development. He praised the Oyo State College of Nursing’s bold step to infuse new faculties and departments into its academic system. He explained that the College’s bold restructuring filled a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s nursing education, particularly among Colleges of Nursing in the country. “With this inauguration of new faculties, the College will witness a turning point in nursing education and practice,” he said. Commending the Provost for her doggedness, he said that Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi has redefined resilience as an administrator. He reaffirmed LAUTECH’s commitment to supporting the college’s dream to award degree programmes so as to align with global standards and best professional practices.