Firm marks anniversary with free medical outreach in Ibadan

A firm, Online Health Company (OHealth), has commenced activities marking its fifth anniversary with a week-long programme dedicated to giving back to society through free medical checkups and minor surgeries.

A statement by media consultant to OHealth, Rotimi Agboluaje, operating under Cred 360 Media Limited, the celebration from 27-31 October will take place at the Brain Center Neuro-Critical and Rehabilitation Centre, Ibadan.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OHealth, Dr. Temitope Farombi, a consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and founder of the Brain Centre Neuro-Critical and Rehabilitation Centre, informed that the anniversary would focus on community health impact.

She said: ‘We are five. To mark this milestone, we are giving back to society with free medical checkups and minor surgical procedures. We are stretching out our healing hands to support people who otherwise might not have access to quality healthcare.’

She explained that the initiative aligns with OHealth’s mission of bridging healthcare access gaps in Nigeria through technology-driven and community-based interventions.

‘Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of the event through the OHealth mobile application, available on Apple Store, or via the company’s website.

‘The OHealth anniversary celebration is expected to feature volunteer medical professionals, health talks, diagnostic services, and public awareness campaigns on preventive healthcare.’

Abuja’s smart city vision driven by economic empowerment, others – Wike

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said Abuja’s ‘Smart City Vision’ is being driven by strategic investments across five key areas of urban mobility, sustainability, public safety, digital governance and economic empowerment.

Wike, who spoke at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), also disclosed that Abuja was actively collaborating with international agencies and private sector actors, including projects with JICA on Smart Water Metering, Chinese support for intelligence Traffic Lights, and ongoing ventures such as the Abuja City Walk and the Abuja Industrial Park.

These, he stressed, reflect Abuja’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and city-to-city exchanges to accelerate innovation.

The Minister had earlier met the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who also oversees the Political Affairs Office of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In a statement in Dubai by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike joined global Mayors and city leaders at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to highlight ‘Abuja’s bold steps toward becoming a world-class smart city.’

Apart from the FCT Minister, other speakers at the forum, which was moderated by the Lead of the Sustainable Urban Development Portfolio, UNESCWA, Dr Sukaina Al Nasrawi, were Director of Data and Statistics Planning and Governance, Digital Dubai Authority, Sara Al Zarooni, Executive Director of Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Future Foundation, Saeed Al Falasi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments, Crescent Enterprises, UAE, Tushar Singh Singhvi and Chief Sales Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa of Wilo Group, Lyman Tu.

Wike was accompanied to the event by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu; Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda; Director, Department of Development and Control, Mukhtar Galadima, Director Engineering Services, Engr Chuks Udeh and Director of Protocol, Sani Musa Daura.

The Minister underscored Abuja’s unique status as ‘a purpose-built and ever evolving capital with a clear master plan, vision, and mission anchored on service delivery to citizens.’

Noting that under the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Abuja’s ‘Smart City Vision’ was being driven by strategic investments across five key areas, Wike said; ‘Urban Mobility is about expansion of transportation networks, intelligent traffic systems, and public transport solutions to reduce congestion and enhance accessibility.

‘Sustainability is about smart waste management, renewable energy adoption, and waste-to-wealth initiatives aimed at a cleaner, greener environment.

‘Public Safety entails deployment of smart solar streetlights, CCTV surveillance, and rapid emergency response systems to improve security.

‘Digital Governance involves creation of platforms like the FCT Call Centre and digitized land registry to promote citizen engagement, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery.

‘Economic Empowerment bothers on creating jobs and attracting tech companies by expanding Abuja’s digital environment’.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of data in shaping opportunities for Abuja’s youth, referencing Nigeria’s upcoming National Employment Database in partnership with global development partners.

‘This system will match skills with job opportunities, guide targeted training, and support entrepreneurship programs led by the Abuja Enterprise Agency,’ he said.

Wike further reaffirmed that ‘Abuja’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city was not only about technology, but about placing citizens at the center of development – building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous environment for all’.

Religious, community leaders join FCTA’s drive to tackle immunisation non-compliance in Abuja

Religious and community leaders across the Federal Capital Territory have pledged their support to boost child immunisation and tackle rising cases of non-compliance, as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) intensifies efforts to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.

The engagement, coordinated through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), forms part of a renewed citywide campaign aimed at strengthening public awareness and improving compliance with the ongoing Measles-Rubella immunisation exercise under the Child Rights Act, 2003.

Building on the advocacy momentum, FCTA teams, led by the HSES Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, began field visits to places of worship across Abuja, starting with the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation on Friday, and continuing on Sunday at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

The outreach, she said, is part of a wider sensitisation drive to ensure that no child, whether in school, church, mosque, market, or playground is left unprotected.

In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to the Mandate Secretary, Bola Ajao, said faith leaders expressed strong support for the campaign during the visits.

The Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of MFM Wuye International Headquarters, Pastor Edwin Etomi, according to her, commended the FCT Minister for his commitment to child health, while Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, applauded the Administration’s renewed drive in public health advocacy.

The Mandate Secretary noted that the exercise is designed to be all-inclusive, engaging traditional rulers, community associations, NGOs, CSOs, and partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

Fasawe, who had earlier last week emphasised that immunisation in the FCT remains free, safe, and effective, warned that ignorance or misinformation must not be allowed to hinder any child’s access to life-saving vaccines.

‘We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,’ she stressed.

She disclosed that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every child fully vaccinated in public schools across the Territory.

To reinforce compliance, she said the Administration has begun enforcing provisions of the Child Rights Act against parents, guardians, or school owners who obstruct vaccination teams, stressing that the law mandates all institutions to ensure that every child is fully immunised.

According to her, FCTA teams have been deployed across districts, rural communities, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Parents, she added, have turned out in large numbers, encouraged by interactive sessions and gift distributions for children.

To sustain momentum, it was disclosed, the Secretariat had compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters, while mobilising 132 vaccination teams for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other partners.

2027: Edo REC urges citizens to partake in voter registration, get PVCs

The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, has called on all eligible persons to participate in the ongoing voter registration process and get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a thanksgiving at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to mark his elevation to the professorial rank, Onuoha described participation in voter registration as an important part of nation-building

Addressing friends and families at the event, he said active participation in the electoral process usually begins with voter registration, describing it as a civic duty that empowers citizens to choose their leaders and shape the nation’s future.

He said: ‘As we give thanks to God for His mercies, we must also play our part in building the Nigeria we desire.

‘The ongoing voter registration exercise provides every eligible Nigerian an opportunity to be part of the democratic process. I encourage everyone, especially young people, to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and be ready to vote when the time comes.’

Onuoha expressed gratitude to God for His grace and favour in his elevation to the prestigious rank of professor.

The REC, who also serves as a Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) and holder of the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) further thanked God for His continuous faithfulness throughout his journey in academia, public service, and faith.

He acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues, and the church community for their prayers and encouragement.

On his part, the Anglican Bishop of the Niger Delta North, Rev’d Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, commended Prof. Onuoha for his steadfast commitment to both spiritual and civic responsibilities.

The Anglican Bishop described him as ‘a shining example of a Christian academic who reflects integrity and excellence in public service.’

Family members, colleagues, and dignitaries from the academic and political spheres attended the celebration and offered goodwill messages.

Michael Blackson apologises to fiancée after welcoming baby with friend

Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson has apologised to his ex-fiancée Rada Cheang after he welcomed a baby with another woman, just two months after celebrating the birth of their son, Mikey.

Blackson expressed remorse on Instagram, stating that his actions caused immense pain and led to the loss of his relationship with Rada.

In his apology, Blackson revealed that even his twin sons and mother were unaware of the newborn until recently.

He emphasised his commitment to being a good father to his children, saying, ‘I’m going to be the best loving father in the world.’

He wrote: ‘Good Day to all my family, friends and fans. The last few months God has blessed me but in blessing me came a lot of pain.

‘Two months after Rada gave birth to little Mikey, a female friend I’ve known for over 5 yrs also gave birth to my son King Kweku Blackson. My two boys has brought so much joy to my life but also caused me to lose my fiancé Rada.

‘Mikey was born Tuesday june 17th 2025 and Kweku was Aug 6 2025. My apologies for waiting so long but i didn’t know how to do it. My older twin boys who are now 18 didn’t find out till last night and my own mom don’t even know. I love kids and i want to thank God for bringing me two more healthy boys.

‘My apologies to Rada and i hope she forgives me for the pain i’ve brought to her. I’m going to be the best loving father in the world.

‘To avoid turning into Nick Cannon or Elon Musk i’m only dating women that ran out of period or had a hysterectomy. swipe and meet Kweku’.

TETFund inaugurates N4.089bn remodelled senate building, law complex projects at IBB varsity

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the remodelled senate building and the faculty of law complex projects worth N4.089 billion at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBU, Lapai, Niger State.

The projects were executed under TETFund’s 2023 Special High Impact Intervention and 2020/2021 merged interventions.

The projects were constructed at N1,584,998,463.70 (Remodelled University Senate Building) and N2,504,381,517.61(Faculty of Law Complex) respectively.

Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony on Thursday in Lapai, Niger State, Chairman, TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, said that since 2011, TETFund has allocated N15.25 billion for infrastructure-related projects at IBB University, of which N13.04 billion has already been accessed.

Masari commended the university for the prudent utilisation of the funds.

The former governor of Katsina said: ‘We are convinced that the projects undertaken with these funds will continually impact the university’s mandate in facilitating teaching, learning, research and community service.’

The ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, lauded Niger State Government under Governor Umar Bago for its visible commitment to education, describing the administration’s support as ‘a key reason why the commissioning was possible.

He said the newly commissioned projects represented TETFund’s continued alignment with the Federal Government’s vision of modernising tertiary institutions, including interventions in sustainable power supply, medical training facilities, and ICT innovation.

Masari also lamented the suspension of foreign training for lecturers due to high foreign exchange rates and incidents of abscondment, assuring that local capacity-building and infrastructural investments will now take precedence.

‘We urge the university to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities. For our part, TETFund will sustain impactful interventions to make Nigerian institutions globally competitive,’ he stated.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, described the commissioning as a milestone in advancing Nigeria’s higher education, stressing that world-class infrastructure remains vital for academic excellence and innovation.

Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Babatunde Olajide, said: ‘These edifices are not just structures of brick and mortar; they are symbols of progress, opportunity and the future we envision for our youth and our nation.’

He commended the IBBU management and the Niger State Government for their collaboration and prudent utilisation of resources, urging staff and students to safeguard and maximise the new facilities for research, creativity, and service to humanity.

Governor Bago hailed the projects as ‘a factory for justice and leadership.’

Bago, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, described the Faculty of Law Complex as one of the largest in West Africa, with over 100 offices, an e-library, standard moot court, and inclusive facilities for persons with disabilities.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to expand tertiary education access through initiatives such as the IBB University Teaching Hospital, Abdulkadir University, Minna, and the newly established University of Agriculture and Climate Change, all designed to align education with Niger State’s development priorities.

‘Education remains the foundation upon which we build a prosperous and self-reliant Niger State,’ he said.

Vice – Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, lauded TETFund and the state government for their unwavering support, describing the commissioning as ‘a milestone in the university’s history and a national investment in the future of higher education.’

Suleiman disclosed that the remodelled Senate Building, now named the Abdulkadir Kure Senate Building, contains 70 offices, a 200-seat Senate Chamber, 50-seat Council Chamber, and 96,000-litre water reservoir, while the Faculty of Law Complex comprises 106 offices, lecture theatres, e-library, boardrooms, and a 450-seat moot court.

On the amount of constructing the Senate Building and the law faculty, he said: ‘The amount is N1,584,998,463.70, and the name of the consultant is Bill Marx Associate Limited. The purpose of this Senate Building is to provide conducive office accommodation for university staff and befitting meeting halls for Management, Senate, and Council members.

‘The cost of the project for the Faculty of Law stands at N2,504,381,517.61. It also started in 2023 and has been completed in 2025 and will be commissioned immediately after the Senate Building. The contractor is USALT Teleview Nigeria Limited, while the consultant is Studio International.’

Suleiman appealed to TETFund for additional support to construct a major student hostel, pledging continued transparency and accountability in managing the agency’s interventions.

Group mobilises two million votes for Tinubu, Uba in Kaduna

The 2 Million Votes Project, sponsored by the Dakaci Support Initiative in Kaduna State, has vowed to mobilise not less than two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sani Uba in 2027.

It reaffirmed commitment to what it described as the visionary leadership of Tinubu and Sani, saying their legacies must be sustained.

The group, in a statement, informed it has built a strong and organised political network committee to delivering the votes for the Tinubu-Uba Sani team in 2027.

This initiative stands firm in its belief that the leadership of men embodies the principles of continuity, progress, and transformational governance.

The movement’s mission extends beyond politics – it is driven by a shared vision of sustainable development, national unity, and empowerment for the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

Convener of the project Dr Sani Abdulkadir (Dakaci) said: ‘Our resolve remains strong. We are committed to advancing the legacies of President Tinubu and Senator Uba Sani – leaders whose vision and courage continue to shape a prosperous future for our nation.’

‘We remain steadfast in supporting this partnership for many more fruitful years, confident that their leadership will continue to strengthen governance, inspire progress, and promote lasting economic growth across Nigeria.’

Foundation trains students on smart waste, handwashing hygiene in Abuja

In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and personal hygiene among young learners, the Crux Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF) has trained pupils of Ryan Academy, Abuja, on smart waste management and handwashing hygiene under the theme ‘Clean Hands, Clean School, Clean Planet!’

The training, held at the school premises in FO1, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, brought together both primary and secondary school students for an interactive and educative session.

It aims to equip them with practical knowledge on environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and the importance of regular handwashing for good health.

Speaking during the session, Sharon Kanjuni, a member of the CRUX Environmental and Health Team, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

‘Smart students don’t just throw waste properly-they also keep their hands clean because dirty hands spread diseases,’ Sharon said while addressing the enthusiastic pupils.

The training featured lively activities, including storytelling, group competitions, and creative recycling exercises. Students learned how to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials-transforming used bottles and paper into pencil holders, flower vases, and other simple crafts.

In one of the engaging demonstrations led by Eswati Ikpi, Ademola Akinyele and Damola Opeyemi, some participants were brought forward depicting good and bad waste practices. The ‘Smart Waste Students’ the participants, which demonstrated proper disposal and handwashing, was celebrated as a model for healthy living.

The session also included a practical demonstration of the seven steps of handwashing, teaching students to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating, and after playing or handling waste. To make the exercise more fun, the pupils sang a catchy hygiene song and later recited a Hygiene Pledge, vowing to ‘wash hands with soap and water, keep the school clean, and protect the Earth every day.’

CRUX facilitators further encouraged Ryan Academy to establish a Smart Waste and Hygiene Club to sustain the lessons learned and promote peer-led environmental education.

The Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Engr. Koko Olumuyiwa, explained that the initiative is part of CRUX Foundation’s Smart Waste School + Hand Washing Hygiene Project, designed to instill lifelong habits that promote cleaner environments and healthier living.

‘CERADF was established to advance environmental rights, advocacy, implementation, and sustainable development across Africa. Our mission is to help mitigate pollution, tackle climate change, protect the environment, promote peace, and conserve natural resources for present and future generations,’ Olumuyiwa stated.

He added that the project reflects the foundation’s broader commitment to empowering young people with knowledge and skills to become active stewards of their environment.

Speaking after the exercise, the school’s Vice Principal, Mrs. Mariam Suleiman, commended the foundation for its impactful outreach.

‘The students have learned how to wash their hands properly and also realized that not all waste should be disposed of-some can actually be reused. We truly appreciate CRUX Foundation for bringing this vital awareness to our school,’ she said.

Foundation commissions new ward at HTS, unveils UBOMI medical, surgical outreach

Pistis Foundation today commissioned a newly constructed ward at the Hospital for Trauma and Surgery (HTS), expanding the hospital’s capacity to deliver free and subsidised healthcare to underserved communities.

The ward, donated and fully equipped by the foundation, was officially unveiled by its Board Chair, Godman Akinlabi, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility.

The new ward also marks the commencement of the 2025 UBOMI Medical and Surgical Outreach – a five-day programme offering free medical consultations, diagnostics, pharmacy support, dental and eye care, maternal health services, and select surgical procedures to individuals and families who cannot afford treatment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Akinlabi reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to bridge the gap between healthcare availability and accessibility.

‘UBOMI is designed to restore dignity and give vulnerable families access to the care they need without the fear of financial burden. This new ward is more than infrastructure – it is an answer to a pressing need in our communities and a practical demonstration of compassion in action,’ he said.

According to Leonard F. Thomas, Executive Director of Pistis Foundation, the project will have a lasting impact on community health outcomes.

‘This year, our focus is not just on treatment but on continuity of care. Beyond the outreach window, patients will receive follow-up support through our partner facility here at HTS. We are building a health access pipeline that ensures long-term wellbeing, especially for families who have been shut out of the healthcare system for years,’ Thomas stated.

The partnership with HTS will enable UBOMI to serve a larger volume of patients in a safe and well-equipped environment, ensuring continuity of care beyond the outreach period.

The five-day UBOMI Medical and Surgical Outreach is open to the public, with thousands of beneficiaries expected to access free and quality healthcare services during the programme.

Bambam, Teddy A raise awareness on cervical cancer

Actress Bamike Adenibuyan popularly known as Bambam, and husband Teddy A, have joined the fight against cervical cancer in a video posted on Instagram.

The couple emphasised the importance of awareness, early screening, and protection against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to life-threatening diseases.

As parents of two beautiful girls, Bambam and Teddy A expressed their desire for a future where their daughters can grow up healthy, empowered, and free from preventable illnesses.

They encouraged open conversations and action to protect each other, stressing that awareness saves lives.

Captioning the video, Bambam wrote: ‘Every two minutes, a woman somewhere loses her life to cervical cancer. Here at home in Nigeria, too many of those stories are our mothers, sisters, aunties, friends.

‘HPV is common. It often has no signs. And once some types of HPV stay in the body, it can lead to life-threatening disease.

But awareness, early screening and protection can save lives.

‘As parents raising two beautiful girls, this is personal. We want a future where our daughters can grow up healthy, empowered, and free from preventable illness.

‘This conversation isn’t just for hospitals or campaigns. It starts in our homes, with love, with courage, with information. Let’s talk and take action. Let’s protect each other. Awareness saves lives’.