Adebisi Applauds Wasilat Adegoke's Outstanding Service, Celebrates Her Birthday

**Describes Her as a Dedicated, Selfless and Distinguished Public Servant

The Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports and Deputy Chief Whip, Honourable Yusuf Adebisi, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Wasilat Adegoke, describing her as a dedicated, selfless and distinguished public servant whose leadership has transformed the Ministry of Youth and Sports into a vibrant and result-oriented institution.

In a goodwill message issued to commemorate her birthday, Honourable Adebisi commended the Commissioner for her unwavering commitment to youth development and sports advancement across Oyo State, noting that her innovative programmes and people-centred initiatives have repositioned the ministry from a previously moribund state to one that is now active, impactful and widely admired.

According to Adebisi, Hon. Adegoke has demonstrated exceptional leadership by introducing programmes that continue to empower young people, promote sporting excellence and create opportunities for the growth and development of youths across the state.

He further acknowledged the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing policies and programmes that positively impact the lives of young people, assuring the Commissioner of the continued support of the House Committee on Youth and Sports.

"On behalf of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, I congratulate Hon. Wasilat Adegoke on this special occasion. Your passion, resilience and commitment to public service are worthy of commendation. May Almighty God bless you with many more years in good health, abundant wisdom, greater accomplishments and continued strength to serve Oyo State and humanity," Adebisi prayed.

He wished the Commissioner a joyous celebration and many more years of impactful service to the people of Oyo State.

Hon. Gowin Ikuru Felicitates Gov. Sanwo-Olu on 61st Birthday, Hails His Performance

The Senatorial Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for Delta Central, Hon. Gowin Ikuru, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

In a goodwill message, Ikuru described Governor Sanwo-Olu as one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria, commending his leadership style and developmental strides in Lagos State.

He noted that the governor's commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and the welfare of the people has earned him admiration across the country.

Hon. Ikuru used the occasion to pray for Governor Sanwo-Olu, asking God to grant him good health, divine wisdom, strength, and many more fruitful years in service to the nation.

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I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his 61st birthday. He is one of the performing governors in Nigeria, and I pray that God Almighty will continue to preserve him, bless him with sound health, and grant him many more years to celebrate in happiness and fulfilment," Ikuru said.

Lagos Hosts Ethiopian Delegation to Deepen Sustainable Financing and Development Cooperation

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDGs), has hosted a high-level delegation from Ethiopia on a sub-national exchange visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on sustainable development financing and the implementation of Nigeria’s Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF).

The visit, which brought together development financing and economic planning experts from both countries, focused on sharing best practices, fostering partnerships, and exploring innovative approaches to financing sustainable development initiatives.

Welcoming the Ethiopian delegation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs, Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi, emphasized the importance of peer learning and strategic partnerships among African nations in addressing development financing challenges.

She reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to sound fiscal management, innovative financing mechanisms, and strategic partnerships that support the delivery of critical infrastructure and social development programmes.

According to Sarumi, the Integrated National Financing Framework provides a practical platform for aligning public expenditure with sustainable development priorities while ensuring measurable impact on citizens.

“Lagos State remains committed to the fiscal discipline, innovation, and partnerships required to bridge financing gaps and accelerate development outcomes. The Integrated National Financing Framework offers a structured approach for aligning our budgetary priorities with global sustainability targets while ensuring measurable impact for our citizens,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian delegation, its Head, Mr. Solomon Tesfasilassie, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its hospitality and willingness to share governance and financing experiences.

Tesfasilassie noted that Ethiopia is keen to learn from Nigeria’s sub-national financing strategies as it seeks to strengthen its own development financing architecture. He also commended Lagos State’s efforts in promoting economic resilience and sustainable urban development.

In a goodwill message, the Technical Adviser to the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Dr. Bala Yunusa, highlighted the significance of knowledge exchange and regional cooperation in tackling emerging development challenges across Africa.

He stressed that stronger collaboration between national and sub-national governments is essential for unlocking innovative financing opportunities and accelerating sustainable development across the continent. Yunusa also conveyed the Federal Government’s appreciation to Lagos State for hosting the exchange programme.

The multi-day engagement featured technical sessions, policy dialogues, and inter-ministerial reviews designed to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences in development financing.

The programme further strengthened bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to advancing the goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063 through sustainable financing, resilient institutions, and inclusive economic growth.

Enough Is Enough: Prophet Godwin Ikuru Vows Divine Judgment Against Kidnappers

 The founder of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for Delta Central, Prophet Godwin Ikuru, you has vowed to invoke divine fire against kidnappers operating in Nigeria if they refuse to abandon their criminal activities.

Speaking in a video message released in Lagos, Prophet Ikuru expressed deep concern over the growing wave of kidnappings and insecurity across the country, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.

The cleric warned that those involved in kidnapping, including their sponsors and collaborators, would face divine judgment if they fail to repent and desist from their actions.

According to him, the continued abduction of innocent Nigerians has brought untold hardship, fear, and pain to families and communities across the nation.

Prophet Ikuru said he was prepared to engage in spiritual warfare against those behind the menace, stressing that enough is enough and that Nigerians deserve to live in peace and security.

He urged citizens to remain prayerful and support efforts aimed at tackling insecurity while calling on government authorities and security agencies to intensify the fight against criminal elements.

His remarks come amid increasing concerns over cases of kidnapping and violent crimes reported in different parts of the country.

Ikuru Triumphs In SDP Primary Lands Delta Central Senatorial Ticket

Prophet Dr. Godwin Ikuru, founder of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry in Lagos, has emerged as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Delta Central Senatorial District following the party’s primary election.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Delta State SDP Electoral Committee, Hon. Osasuyi Amadasun, after the conclusion of the primary held to select the party’s flag bearer for the forthcoming senatorial election.

According to Amadasun, three aspirants initially expressed interest in contesting for the party’s ticket. 

However, one of the contenders later stepped down and threw his support behind Dr. Ikuru, leaving him in a two-man race with Hon. Lucky O.O. Ukueku.

At the end of the voting process, Dr. Ikuru secured 70 votes to defeat Ukueku and clinch the SDP ticket for the Delta Central Senatorial District.

The victory positions Dr. Ikuru as the party’s candidate for the upcoming senatorial election, where he will seek to represent Delta Central in the National Assembly.

World Food Safety Day: SoTLAN Advocates Stronger Food Safety Regulations, Laboratory Investments

The Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN) has called for stronger science-driven food safety interventions, stricter regulatory compliance, and increased investment in laboratory systems to tackle the persistent burden of foodborne diseases in Nigeria

 

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Bolawa Gbolahan, to mark World Food Safety Day 2026, the Society said unsafe food continues to pose a significant public health and economic challenge, affecting millions of Nigerians annually through microbial contamination, poor food handling practices, chemical adulteration, and weak adherence to food safety standards.

According to the Society, this year’s observance provides an opportunity to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on practical, evidence-based solutions that can protect public health, strengthen food systems, and boost consumer confidence across the country.

SoTLAN noted that food contamination risks occur at multiple stages of the food value chain, including agricultural production, processing, transportation, storage, retail distribution, and household consumption. It stressed that addressing these risks requires coordinated action among regulators, food producers, laboratory professionals, vendors, policymakers, and consumers.

The Society expressed concern over the continued presence of aflatoxins in staple foods such as maize, groundnuts, and other agricultural commodities. It warned that these naturally occurring toxins have been linked to chronic health conditions, including liver disease and impaired growth in children, while also reducing agricultural productivity and limiting export opportunities.

Gbolahan also raised concerns about the misuse of hazardous chemicals in food preservation and storage, as well as the illegal application of pesticides and other harmful substances in food handling. He said such practices pose serious health risks to consumers and undermine national food safety efforts.

The Society further emphasized the need to integrate small-scale food vendors, roadside food operators, and micro-caterers into Nigeria’s food safety framework, noting that they serve millions of Nigerians daily and are critical stakeholders in achieving safer food outcomes nationwide.

Among the measures recommended by SoTLAN are sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers, maintaining proper hygiene standards, ensuring access to clean water, conducting routine medical screenings for food handlers, and participating in compliance programmes organized by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Speaking on the role of science in food safety management, Gbolahan said food safety must remain a national priority because of its direct impact on public health, economic growth, and consumer confidence.

“Food safety is not merely a regulatory obligation. It is a public health imperative, an economic necessity, and a national development priority. As Public Analysts and laboratory professionals, we stand at the frontline of protecting consumers through scientific evidence, accurate testing, and professional integrity,” he said.

He explained that Public Analysts, who are licensed professionals under the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), provide critical scientific evidence for regulatory decisions, food safety investigations, product certification, export validation, and enforcement actions.

According to him, laboratory professionals play a crucial role in detecting aflatoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, adulterants, and other contaminants that threaten food quality and public health. 

Through laboratory testing and analytical verification, they help identify contaminants, detect food fraud, monitor compliance, and support consumer protection initiatives.

The Society maintained that improving laboratory infrastructure and strengthening the capacity of Public Analysts would enhance consumer confidence, facilitate regulatory compliance, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international agricultural markets.

SoTLAN also highlighted its partnership with IPAN in advancing national food safety objectives. While IPAN serves as the statutory professional body responsible for regulating and licensing Public Analysts, 

SoTLAN functions as a professional association promoting quality assurance, laboratory best practices, professional development, and evidence-based solutions to national challenges.

As the world commemorates World Food Safety Day 2026, the Society reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe food, protect consumers, and strengthen Nigeria’s food safety system through science, professionalism, and effective regulation.

The Society called on government agencies, industry stakeholders, development partners, food business operators, and consumers to work together in translating scientific knowledge into practical actions that ensure safe food for all Nigerians.

World Food Safety Day is observed annually on June 7 to raise awareness and inspire action aimed at preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne risks. The global observance is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

ACHI Advocates Joint Action on Public Health and National Security

The Abiodun Health Care Initiative (ACHI) has called for urgent, coordinated action among government agencies, verified non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and development partners to strengthen Africa’s response to Ebola and other re-emerging deadly diseases, while also addressing gaps in Nigeria’s primary healthcare delivery and security challenges.

The initiative expressed concern over the reported resurgence of Ebola in parts of Africa, warning that weak coordination, misinformation, and fragmented response systems could undermine containment efforts if not urgently addressed. ACHI stressed that government institutions alone cannot effectively manage complex and recurring public health emergencies without structured collaboration with credible and verified NGOs operating at both national and grassroots levels.

Beyond epidemic preparedness, ACHI highlighted persistent weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare access system, noting that many households still lack access to basic essential medicines, including common malaria drugs, despite malaria remaining one of the country’s most widespread health burdens. The initiative described this as a critical gap in primary healthcare delivery that requires expanded partnership and sustained intervention.

According to ACHI, stakeholders must go beyond emergency disease response and prioritize everyday healthcare needs, especially in rural and underserved communities where access to basic treatment remains limited. The organization called on partners to extend their services beyond conventional scopes, ensuring that essential medicines and healthcare outreach are more widely available.

“Health security is not only about responding to outbreaks like Ebola; it is also about ensuring that families can access basic treatment when they fall sick. Many homes still struggle to get simple malaria drugs, and this must change through stronger partnerships,” the initiative stated.

In a related appeal, ACHI also called for the safe and immediate return of the abducted pupils and teachers from Ogbomoso and Oriire Local Government areas of Oyo State, expressing deep concern over the rising insecurity affecting schools and communities.

The initiative urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen the national security architecture, emphasizing the need for more proactive intelligence, rapid response systems, and improved protection of vulnerable populations, particularly schoolchildren and educators.

ACHI stressed that insecurity and public health challenges are interconnected, noting that communities cannot thrive or remain productive in an environment where fear and instability persist.

The organization further called on civil society groups, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to intensify support for verified NGOs working in both health and humanitarian response sectors, ensuring that interventions reach those most in need.

ACHI reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for stronger health systems, improved access to essential medicines, and a safer society where both health and security are prioritized as foundations for national development.