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The Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region (BCCC-Africa) has organised a workshop for students of the University of Ibadan to train them on how to create awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and solutions to the menace when they proceed to their compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme across the country, and for serving corps member currently enrolled in the scheme.

The workshop tagged, ‘Accelerating Community Awareness on Plastic Waste through Interventions with Students and Graduates of Tertiary Institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria,’ is a continuation of a project which commenced earlier this year. Earlier on June 18, BCCC-Africa held a one-day Inception Workshop for a project titled: ‘Accelerating community awareness on plastic waste through interventions with students and graduates of tertiary educational institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria,’ on the campus of the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State.

The BCCC-Africa Executive Director, Professor Percy Onianwa, at the project inception, noted that ‘Nigerian students and youth corps members have never before been utilised in this manner for any community awareness raising programme. The scheme has a high potential for a wide reach within the country. The trainees are also likely to carry on with awareness-building activities even beyond the lifespan of this project.’

He added, ‘The project is being executed by the BCCC-Africa, with funding provided by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions through its third Small Grants Programme (SGP-3) on Plastic Wastes.’

The project aims to engage about 450 final-year students of the University of Ibadan (UI), and 450 final-year students of The Polytechnic Ibadan, and also work with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members that are already deployed to serve in the metropolitan city of Ibadan.

The project will also develop educational materials that are suitable for awareness raising and outreach programmes on plastic waste in Nigeria and build the capacities of higher academic institutions’ students and NYSC members for the purpose of engaging them in community awareness through advocating activities on plastic waste and management.

The intensive full day programme held on Saturday, September 20, for students of UI could be broadly divided into two parts, namely ‘problems’ and ‘solutions’ to the plastic waste challenge in Nigeria. The first part with the broad topic of ‘Plastics, Plastic Wastes, Plastic Pollution,’ took them through sub-topics including: ‘Nature of Plastics/Plastic Waste/Single-Use Plastics’, ‘Microplastics and Chemicals in Plastics’, ‘Plastic Pollution: Health Hazards of Plastic Wastes’.

The second part of the session on ‘Managing Plastic Wastes’ dealt with sub-topics including Sorting, Collection and Recycling. Mr Victor Okunola, a recycler from Plastic Edge, said that recycling can become a viable source of income. Professors Adie and Ipeaiyeda spoke on ‘Alternatives to Plastics’ that are less harmful to the environment, such as bamboo, liquid wood and substances that can be added to make plastic biodegradable.

Mr Rafiu Akorede of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment, who spoke on the topic: ‘Managing Plastics in Ibadan,’ mentioned strategies the state government is using for waste management, including decentralised waste collection through waste management consultants, public awareness and advocacy and promoting reusable items.

The ‘Role of Extended Producer Responsibility in Managing Plastic Waste in Nigeria’ was handled by Agharese Onaghise of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA).

Before she spoke, Prof Onianwa noted that the economics of waste management has changed with the increase in the cost of managing dumpsites. He added that one of the ways to cope with this challenge is the extended producer responsibility.

Onaghise said FBRA, established in 2018, with just four members, now has about 47, adding that the organisation empowers Nigerian industries to manage plastic waste effectively.

Speaking about their experiences, Happiness Abiodun, a 400-level student in the Department of Chemistry, said the workshop was indeed insightful, as she not only learned about the activities of BCCC-Africa but also discovered how plastics can be harmful to the environment, despite their usefulness.

She added, ‘I am grateful to BCCC-Africa and all the speakers for teaching us how to enlighten secondary school students and market women on plastics recycling.’

She said she planned to use her upcoming national service year (NYSC) to initiate a group of corps members that would embark on an enlightenment campaign to students and market women. ‘I also plan to introduce clubs in secondary schools that will focus on plastic recycling, and also bring in resource persons to teach them. Secondary school students are well-exposed these days, and I believe they will catch the message quickly,’ she added.

David Adewale, a Geology student of the university, said he was now fully aware of the need to reduce the usage of plastics due to its impact on the environment. ‘I understand that there are alternatives to plastics.

BCCC-Africa also conducted another session of the same workshop on Thursday, September 25, for corps members currently enrolled in the NYSC scheme for the same purpose of creating awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and how to manage it.

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After the session, Babalola Sunday, a corps member serving in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, described the session as educative. ‘I understood what BCCC-Africa stands for and its functions. I now understand the dangers of plastic pollution, and we can help to save the situation.’

Ayomide Hannah, another corps member, thanked BCCC-Africa for the opportunity to attend training on plastic waste. ‘I learned about the history and objectives of BCCC-Africa, particularly its role in protecting human health from hazardous waste.

‘The sessions emphasised the hazards of plastic pollution on land and in aquatic environments, supported with statistics, and also explored existing policies and management strategies. I was especially encouraged to create awareness by communicating plastic waste issues to people of all ages.’

About 1,000 residents of Sepeteri, Saki East local government area of Oyo state have benefited from a non-governmental organization, Enablers Diaspora Grassroots Support Outreach (EDGSO), free medical and food support.

The NGO’s President, Mrs Ayoyinka Wilson, at the annual free medical outreach on Monday, said that the exercise was aimed at touching lives and giving back to the community.

Wilson, a registered nurse in the United Kingdom, stated that beneficiaries of the free medical check-ups and treatment include the poor, the aged, and individuals who could not afford paying for their treatments.

According to her, EDGSO has no political affiliation, therefore, its programmes and gesture to the public has no political undertone.

The president urged beneficiaries to take their health issues seriously, always endeavour to use their drugs rightly and shun self-medication.

‘Our target is to take care of as many people as possible. We are treating all participants and giving them multivitamins, paracetamol and other essential drugs.

‘Apart from drugs, we are giving foodstuffs, clothes, shoes and household essentials to the people,’ she said.

Wilson stated that plans had been concluded to extend this year’s medical outreach to other communities in Lagelu and Olorunsogo local government areas of the state.

Also, the Life Patron of EDGSO, Dr Junaid Ogundiran lauded members and other sponsors of the NGO for allowing Sepeteri to be among the selected centres for 2025 outreach.

Ogundiran who is also an indigene of Sepeteri ,added that the visits of the NGO to Sepeteri over the years had contributed to wellbeing of the residents.

Speaking, a 69-year-old beneficiary, Mr Musibau Oladokun, commended the foundation and appealed to other kind-hearted Nigerians to emulate its gesture.

Another beneficiary of the initiative,Mrs Janet Faniyi, said she was given necessary drugs and foodstuffs after a comprehensive test had been conducting on her, adding that she was also given necessary medical advice.

The outreach services included checking blood pressure, health education on chronic and preventive diseases as well as free medical check-ups.

Other services rendered at the outreach included: free distribution of basic medications, sensitisation on eating and living healthy, and awareness of dementia and memory loss.

JOHN Pepper Clark, one of Nigeria’s finest poets and writers, once captured the city of Ibadan in a poem whose relevance endures because of its vivid imagery. Yet, years later, critics still debate his intent: was it an ode of admiration or a subtle rebuke of the city’s sprawling chaos? Clark had lived in Ibadan during his years as a student at the University of Ibadan, and from that experience came the unforgettable line describing the city as ‘rust and gold scattered among seven hills.’ But Ibadan cannot be confined to a single stanza or reduced to a handful of lines. Ibadan embodies resilience forged over centuries, a culture that refuses to fade, and triumphs deeply woven into its history. And on September 26, 2025, those enduring qualities converged once more, as Ibadan stepped forth not as a relic of the past, but as a living monument of cultural grandeur and historical majesty. As a true son of Ibadan, I did not merely hear about the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; I lived it. I watched in wonder as people trooped in their thousands toward Mapo Hill, the heartbeat of our city. From Mokola to Beere, from Bodija to Oja’ba, the human tide was unrelenting. Men in flowing agbada, women shimmering in aso oke, and children with excitement shining in their eyes all moved like pilgrims to a sacred ground. I could hear the drums before I saw them, their deep bass reverberating through my chest. The flutes pierced the air with melodies that seemed to summon our ancestors. And as I stood among the throng, I felt the weight of history pressing gently on my shoulders.

The air itself carried a festive seriousness. I caught the scent of fried akara and roasted corn from roadside sellers mixing with the heavy perfume of newly starched lace. Traders had abandoned their wares to dance. Young men climbed rooftops to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Elderly women ululated with joy, their voices rising above the drums, testifying that this was no ordinary gathering. In every face I saw, whether that of a taxi driver in faded ankara, or a business magnate in embroidered agbada-there was pride. Pride that Ibadan was once again the stage on which history was being written. It was in this river of humanity, with the city’s seven hills watching silently in the background, that Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. And in that moment, I knew J.P. Clark’s Ibadan was not just a poetic vision. It was flesh, blood, and spirit. It was us. From Mokola to Beere, from Bodija to Oja’ba, the streets of Ibadan throbbed with music, drumming, and dancing. Hundreds of guests and thousands of residents adorned in vibrant aso ebi and rich Yoruba attires converged on Mapo Hall, the symbolic heart of the city, to witness history. Political leaders, businessmen, traditional rulers, and religious figures made the pilgrimage. The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, touched down in Ibadan for the ceremony, joined by the Sultan of Sokoto, former governors of the Southwest, and an array of other dignitaries.

The event was colourful and remarkably organized, with cultural displays showcasing the depth of Ibadan’s heritage. Yet, in the middle of all that grandeur, someone thought it wise to hire Alhaji Taye Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, as the guest performer. I remember shaking my head in disbelief. The same Taye Currency whose son happens to be a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Trust Nigerians, the internet did not forgive. Social media buzzed, with many Ibadan indigenes wondering aloud how his controversial and often abrasive lyrics, dripping with insults and bravado, qualified him to serenade a coronation of such magnitude. I chuckled at the absurdity. Ibadan has birthed musical icons of grace and depth-voices that could have matched the dignity of the throne. Where were they? Why must we settle for a performer whose artistry belongs more to street carnivals than to royal coronations? But in fairness, not even Taye’s lyrical fireworks could sully the occasion. Ibadan rose above the noise, as it always does, living up to its rich and indomitable history.

The uniqueness of Ibadan transcends culture and politics. This is the city of many firsts. The first television station in Africa. The first university in Nigeria, the first skyscraper in West Africa. It has long been the crucible of Yoruba politics, the headquarters of Western Nigeria, and the seat of daring experimentation in governance and culture. To be an Ibadan man is to carry that boldness in your bones. And as I watched the coronation unfold, I could feel that pride ripple across the crowd.Oba Ladoja’s journey to the throne has been long and eventful. Born on September 25, 1944, he turned 81 just a day before his coronation. His rise was neither abrupt nor accidental; he climbed the sacred 23 chieftaincy rungs of the Olubadan succession system, a unique and orderly structure that is perhaps the most transparent in Yorubaland. For over 32 years, Ladoja advanced step by step, bearing titles from Jagun Olubadan to Osi, then Otun Olubadan, before finally ascending as the 44th Olubadan. This system-predictable, seniority-based, and rotational-has long been praised as a model of peaceful traditional succession.

His story, however, is not merely that of a traditional chief. A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium, fluent in French, and a seasoned businessman, Ladoja built a successful career in oil, gas, and shipping before entering politics. And when he did, he entered with courage.From 2003 to 2007, he served as the governor of Oyo State, a tenure marked by both reforms and turbulence. I remember those days well. My late father was working as a civil servant in the Oyo State House of Assembly. He admired Ladoja deeply, calling him a man of principle in a time of political compromise. But politics in Ibadan is never without fire. In 2006, when President Olusegun Obasanjo pursued a controversial third term, Ladoja stood firmly against it. That defiance set off a chain reaction. With the machinery of the presidency, the police, and Lamidi Adedibu-the aristocratic strongman of Oyo politics-arrayed against him, Ladoja was impeached. It was less about governance than about power, ambition, and betrayal. He fought, and the courts restored him. That tempest deepened his resilience, but it also showed me, even as a younger man then, how fragile power can be.

And fragility was in the air at the coronation too. Some of the very men who shaped Ladoja’s political story are no longer alive. Lamidi Adedibu is gone.

Alao-Akala, his deputy turned rival, has also passed. Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, whose controversial 2017 chieftaincy review Ladoja successfully challenged in court, is no longer here either.

And closest to my heart, my own father, who never stopped admiring Ladoja, was not alive to see this day. That absence cut me deeply.

It reminds me of Achebe’s timeless words in Things Fall Apart: ‘Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.’ Power, fame, and fortune all bow to the transience of life. We are all headed toward the same end. And if that is so, then leaders-political or traditional-must rule with conscience, empathy, and humanity. Leadership without those virtues is a betrayal of the fleeting gift of life.

What made Oba Ladoja’s coronation especially meaningful was not just the grandeur of the ceremony but the love that the people of Ibadan poured out for him. From taxi ranks to clubhouses, from churches to football viewing centers, everywhere I went, people spoke of him with affection. They even gave him a name-Ilufemiloye-‘the city wants me on the throne.’ There can be no higher endorsement for a monarch than the genuine affection of his people.

As I stood there, watching Kabiyesi take his rightful place, I found myself whispering a prayer. That he wears the crown with dignity, class, and empathy. That he resists the temptations of scandal, sycophancy, and noise that so often cloud traditional thrones today. I have seen how he handled politics-with diplomacy, moderation, and bridge-building. Now, as king, he must embody those virtues even more. If he rules with fairness and compassion, I have no doubt that Ibadan will follow him with loyalty and respect.

The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja was more than an event. It was Ibadan reaffirming its eternal grandeur. Though modernity has dulled the edges of monarchy, the Olubadan remains a symbol of history, tradition, and unity.

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As the drums faded and the last fireworks lit up the night sky, I walked away from Mapo with my heart full. For once, politics, history, and tradition had merged into harmony. And there he was-Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ilufemiloye-sitting on the ancient throne of the Olubadan, his aura matching the grandeur of the city itself.

May he reign in wisdom, compassion, and peace. And may we, his people, never forget that power is transient, but dignity, service, and love endure.

Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Olori (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup, has endorsed ‘Leading in a Storm’, the latest book by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

Olori Haastrup, who is also the Olori of Ijesaland and wife of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, described the work as an indispensable guide for leaders navigating crises.

She made the endorsement on Monday, calling the book a ‘potent compass for leadership in times of uncertainty, instability, and disruption.’

‘In times of crisis, we do not need more rhetoric – we need clarity, resilience, humility, and steadiness of mind. ‘Leading in a Storm’ offers those virtues in disciplined form,’ she said.

The book, which examines how leaders can survive and thrive in turbulent conditions, presents interconnected principles, including situational intelligence, calm confidence, sense-making, flexibility, and effective communication. Drawing on examples from Nigeria and Africa, Peterside highlights the tools required to lead institutions and communities when normal systems are shaken.

Olori Haastrup’s endorsement is seen as particularly significant. As the Chairman of STOAN, she plays a key role in Nigeria’s maritime and port operations, an industry often tested by global shocks and local challenges.

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By aligning with the author’s message, she underscored the book’s practical value beyond theory, stressing its importance for both corporate and national leadership.

The public presentation of ‘Leading in a Storm’ will take place in Lagos on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The event will also feature the launch of another book by Peterside, ‘Beneath the Surface’, a collection of essays reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges and opportunities.

THE wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has described cancer as a ‘generational threat’ that continues to claim the lives of many women in Nigeria every year.

Mrs Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, made this statement on Wednesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed every October.

She expressed concern about the rising cases of breast cancer and other forms of the disease.

According to her, early detection remains the most effective method for treating and reducing the impact of breast cancer.

‘The statistics are alarming, but we can all play a part in reducing the impact.The two major steps are to learn how to perform self-examinations regularly and to undergo periodic screenings at reputable hospitals,’ she said.

Soludo noted that although October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the commitment to combating the disease should extend beyond this commemorative period.

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‘We must do more as concerned stakeholders to raise awareness and extend cancer education to every community,’ she added.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting healthy living among women through her pet project, the Healthy Living Initiative, which focuses on wellness education, nutrition, and preventive healthcare.

Gbenga Akingbulere, a leading figure in secure software engineering, has been honoured with the prestigious NOVA Award at the United Nations for his outstanding work in digital security and inclusive innovation.

The award was presented during the Beyond Beijing 30 Summit, organised by Sanicle Cloud in partnership with UNA Nigeria, the UNESCO Centre for Peace, and other global organisations.

The recognition celebrates professionals who use technology to promote equity, safety, and social progress. For Gbenga, it represents both an honour and a reminder of his mission to build systems people can trust.

‘Technology should never just be smart, it should be safe, fair, and human-centred,’ he said. ‘That has been my guiding principle from day one.’

Over the years, Gbenga has led major projects that support banking and cybersecurity operations across various regions. One of his key contributions includes the development of a modular core banking system now used by financial institutions in multiple countries. The platform enhances financial access and operational efficiency while helping institutions deliver faster, safer, and more transparent services.

He also directed the creation of a digital tax payment platform for a Central African government, a project that simplified how citizens and businesses pay taxes while improving transparency and accountability in revenue management. ‘Innovation means little if it does not solve real problems for real people,’ Gbenga said. ‘Our work is most meaningful when it helps citizens trust the systems that serve them.’

Another notable achievement under his leadership is an advanced anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing solution adopted by a leading African payment processor.

The system uses artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to monitor millions of transactions daily, helping financial institutions detect potential threats more efficiently and reduce false alerts. By automating compliance processes it has strengthened transparency and reliability in the financial technology sector.

Beyond his technical expertise, Gbenga is deeply committed to mentorship and youth empowerment. He has trained and supported many young developers, especially women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

His mentorship programs have encouraged many to pursue innovation-driven paths in technology and leadership. ‘I have learned that innovation only scales when opportunity does,’ he said. ‘If girls can see themselves in technology early, they will start building solutions we have not even imagined yet.’

Gbenga’s work continues to reflect his belief that technology should improve lives, not just systems. His approach combines innovation with empathy, proving that technical excellence and human values can coexist. Whether developing advanced security solutions or guiding emerging tech leaders, he continues to show that technology built with integrity can both protect data and empower people.

His recognition at the United Nations stands as a testament to his vision that true innovation can secure systems while strengthening society.

Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Oladimeji Ismail Raji, has said that the educational policies of the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde are people-oriented and have influenced an array of achievements in the education sector.

The NUT boss who stated on Sunday at the 2025 edition of the World Teachers’ Day’ celebration of the Oyo State wing held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Ibadan described the annual event as not just symbolic but historic, saying it provides a global platform to reflect on the invaluable contributions of teachers and recognition of their tireless impacts in nation building.

He added that it also draws attention to the challenges and prospects within the teaching profession for a timely retooling through a collaborative recasting which he noted this year’s theme was positioned to address.

Comrade Raji spoke on Sunday at the 2025 edition of the world teachers’ Day’ celebration of the Oyo State wing held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Ibadan.

While he noted that this year’s edition of the annual event was particularly significant to him as it coincides with the winding up of his tenure as the chairman, he said, it was a moment to reflect and give an account of stewardship, reflect on collective engagements, struggles and rejoice at the modest achievement that had been recorded in the last three and half years.

He highlighted some of the achievements his tenure had witness to include recruitment of 20,000 teachers into Oyo State’s public primary and secondary schools, by the Governor Seyi Makinde, to curtail the noticeable shortage of teachers in schools; career progression through promotion of teachers and salary upgrade, improved welfare of staff, prompt salary payment of teachers, upward review of car and housing loans, infrastructure provision, integration of qualified primary schools teachers into full employment grid of TESCOM, among others.

‘While we celebrate our achievements, we must not lose sight of the challenges that persist such as inadequate funding of education, infrastructure deficits and the need for continuous capacity development of teachers,’ he stated.

He also requested the need to expedite action on approving the long-standing request of teachers seeking inter zonal transfer from other part of the state to Ibadan; approving the request of the remaining ‘secondment teachers’ who are yet to be fully integrated into TESCOM’s employment grid, hastening up of release of running grants to school heads and fulfillment of the promise a bus for the union by the governor, among others.

He appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his people-oriented policies that were education-driven, which he said culminated into the array of achievements and for elongating his tenure to make it conveniently complete his four years mandate in office.

Delivering this year’s anniversary lecture on the theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ the director of Career Development and Counselling Centre, University of Ibadan, Professor Adebayo Oluwole, the topic ‘resonates deeply within the context of the evolving educational landscape as it carries profound significance as we stand at a critical juncture in our journey as educators, not just in Nigeria, but globally.’

He said that in the face of numerous challenges and opportunities, the teaching profession must be re-envisioned as a space where collaboration, collective growth, and shared responsibility are the pillars upon which the future of education is built.

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He therefore charged educators not to work in isolation, but rather together as a team, learn from each other, and collectively shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.

‘Gone are the days when teachers were simply seen as transmitters of knowledge. Today, the role of a teacher extends far beyond delivering content in the classroom. We are mentors, counselors, facilitators, and guides who equip students with not just knowledge, but also the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world, he noted.

Stakeholders in the nation’s transportation industry will on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025 discuss issues bothering on Nigeria’s transport infrastructure at the upcoming Justnet maiden summit holding at the Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.

The summit with the theme: ‘Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure: Innovation for a Sustainable Future’ is being organised by JustAlive Communications Limited, Publishers of JustNet News, an online news reporting platform with major interest in transportation modes – Aviation, Maritime, Waterways, Rail and Road.

A statement signed by the Managing Director of JustAlive Communications Ltd, Mrs Pearl Ngwama, stated that the idea behind the summit is to gather experts, professionals and policymakers in the total gamut of the transportation sector to have a holistic look at the nation’s Transport Sector with a view to x-raying the infrastructure aspects.

Mrs Ngwama explained that the one-day summit will crisscross the Aviation, Maritime, Waterways, Road and Railway industries in Nigeria.

‘This summit will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, best industry practices and standards, and proffer innovative solutions to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s transport infrastructure’, she said.

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Ngwama explained that the summit is a way of contributing to the development of the transport and logistics sector of the economy.

Transportation is a catalyst to the development of every economy considering its importance and enormous contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the global economy.

A significant milestone in agricultural innovation and climate resilience was celebrated today with the inaugural harvest of greenhouse grown cucumbers from the greenhouse facility farm at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), achieved by Kogi ACRESAL Project, through collaboration with the Federal University Lokoja.

The event, held at the University’s Faculty of Agriculture, featured a high-profile delegation of government officials, underscoring the administration’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development, especially in the area of greenhouse produce.

His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD. Farouk.

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Also in attendance were Hon. Jubril Abu, Member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency and Chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Environment, alongside his Lokoja counterpart.

Speaking as the Governor’s representative, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to agricultural and environmental sustainability.

‘Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is deeply proud of the collaboration between the state, through ACReSAL, and Federal University Lokoja.

‘This greenhouse is a tangible example of our commitment to climate-smart agriculture. We are cultivating a new generation of farmers and equipping them with the tools to ensure food sustainability for Kogi State and Nigeria,’ Engr. Oluwasegun said.

In her keynote address, Barrister Ladi Jatto – OON, Project Coordinator, Kogi State ACReSAL, expressed profound joy and gratitude for this achievement.

‘It is with great joy and gratitude that I stand before you today at this landmark occasion-the official harvesting of our greenhouse-grown cucumber.

‘This moment is more than just the culmination of a planting cycle; it is a testament to what collaboration, innovation, and vision can achieve,’ stated Barr. Jatto.

She highlighted the Project’s transformative impact, explaining, ‘When we embarked on this journey months ago, we saw beyond the seeds and soil. We envisioned a future where sustainable agriculture thrives within academic institutions, where students learn not just from textbooks, but from hands-on experience, and where our University becomes a beacon of climate-smart farming in Nigeria.’

She expressed her gratitude to Kogi State Government for the ongoing agricultural revolution where farmers are supported. She further appreciated the World Bank (lenders) and the ACReSAL National office for their continuous support and guidance.

Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, detailed ACReSAL’s comprehensive support while praising the harvest as a symbol of institutional and communal progress in greenhouse produce efforts.

‘Today’s harvest symbolides growth, resilience, and productivity. We are particularly grateful to Kogi State Government through Kogi ACReSAL for their transformative contributions, which include supporting 30 farmers through land preparation of 30 hectares, provision of improved seeds including 300kg of maize and 250kg of sorghum, establishment of a university orchard with over 3,200 seedlings, donation of 9,000 seedlings for campus beautification, and the construction of this greenhouse facility with irrigation. This represents not only the fruits of the soil but also the fruits of dedication and a shared vision,’ Professor Akinwumi stated.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the initiative has created ‘a golden opportunity for our students to engage in all-year-round vegetable production, providing practical, hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice. It aligns perfectly with our University’s mission of promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods based on greenhouse produce.’

Hon. Jubril Abu, in his dual role as Ajaokuta Constituency Representative and Chairman of the House Oversight Committee on Environment, commended the Project as a model of strategic partnership. He emphasised the Project’s technical excellence and environmental benefits, pledging continued legislative support for the expansion of such climate-resilient initiatives.

The event concluded with an invitation from Barr. Jatto for attendees to tour the greenhouse, interact with student farmers, and savor the fresh produce-a fitting celebration of a promising new chapter in agricultural education and sustainable production in Nigeria.

IN a report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), it was reported that at the end of 2024, there were 123.2 million displaced people globally. 73.5 million of these individuals were internally displaced persons, 42.7 million were refugees, and 8.4 million were asylum seekers. The UN Refugee Agency raises the alarm that displacement has nearly doubled in the past ten years. This crisis is even more disastrous for children, who make up 29 per cent of the world population but 40 per cent of all forcibly displaced people globally.

Here in Nigeria, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre reported that there were 3.4 million internally displaced people at the end of 2024. According to UNICEF, about 1.9 million people are displaced in Northeast Nigeria alone, and sixty per cent of these people are children. Over the past decade, the number of people affected by conflicts, disasters such as floods and droughts, insurgency, artificial disasters, and public crises has increased significantly.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 1.3 million people were affected by floods in 34 states in Nigeria in 2024. In the fire at Afriland Towers in September 2025, 10 people were reported dead and 25 people were injured. The Ibaji tragic boat accident was also reported to have led to the death of over 30 people, with multiple people missing. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also reported that 278 people were kidnapped in April 2025.

To spotlight the critical need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for individuals and communities who have been affected by all these crises, the theme for World Mental Health Day this year is ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.’ World Mental Health Day, celebrated every 10th of October, is a day for global mental health education and advocacy. This year, the focus is on mobilising support for people who are struggling due to humanitarian crises and emergencies.

Impact of Humanitarian Crises and Emergencies on Mental Health

Crises are often traumatic events that cause people to experience intense fear, uncertainty, and extreme stress. They often experience fatigue, exhaustion, feelings of sorrow, hopelessness, irritability, and anger, and sleep challenges. Another source of emotional distress is grief from the loss of loved ones, identities, and life achievements. This leads to psychological distress among victims, resulting in a mental health crisis for these individuals. Persons who have pre-existing mental health conditions often experience an exacerbation of symptoms, putting them at more risk.

Beyond the trauma of the emergency, individuals are also exposed to socioeconomic stressors. In conflict regions around the world, it is the intense fear and struggle for survival, for personal safety as well as for basic necessities of life. These concerns are often compounded by personal tragedies, loss of loved ones, uncertainties and heightened feelings of vulnerability.

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All over the world, from the northeast (Boko Haram) to the northwest (bandits) to unknown gunmen in the southeast and kidnappings across north-central and southwest Nigeria, the emotional impact and trauma can be devastating. For people in Gaza, as well as Ukraine, it is the hunger and the uncertainties and the anxiety of where to get the necessities of life. Individuals whose loved ones have been kidnapped are often thrown into financial turmoil by paying ransom. When people are displaced due to conflicts, floods, and other crises, they become financially incapacitated through the loss of their breadwinners and/or sources of income. All these are major stressors that negatively impact people’s mental health.

In many countries like Nigeria, mental health access is already limited, even in normal times. During emergencies, the demand for mental health services exponentially increases without the necessary facilities and human capital to satisfy them. Presently, only two in 10 Nigerians have access to mental health services, representing a treatment gap of 80 per cent. Thus, during emergencies and crises, access to mental health services for the most vulnerable becomes even worse.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for All: A Communal Effort

As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, individuals, stakeholders, professionals, and the government must increase their commitment to fostering optimal mental health for all. We must mobilize efforts to provide mental health and psychosocial support for all individuals affected by humanitarian and personal crises. As individuals, we must also create and maintain communities of support for ourselves and people around us.

Collaboration between major stakeholders is important now more than ever. During the Maiduguri Flood crisis, the Asido Foundation partnered with the Centre for Health Ethics, Law, and Development (CHELD), and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Maiduguri, to provide mental health and psychosocial support to all affected individuals. Collaborations like these, when combined with a robust government implementation of the Mental Health Act and other relevant policies, will improve mental health for all. Happy World Mental Health Day.