The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    Despite the presence of primary health centres across Cross River, most lack the basic tools, staffing, and power required for safe childbirth, making a woman’s address a major determinant of survival. Evidence from national and state datasets shows a collapse in facility readiness. Without urgent investment in functionality and accountability, maternal deaths will remain unacceptably high. Anne Agbi, Ntakobong Otongaran and Udeh Onyebuchi report.

    At a small health centre in Biase, the light goes out just as a woman begins to push. The nurse steadies her hands and reaches for a phone to brighten the room. It is the third delivery of the night. The only light comes from a flickering rechargeable lamp.

    Across Cross River State, hundreds of primary health centres promise safe motherhood, but for many women, whether they survive childbirth depends less on care than on where they happen to live. In this state, a mother’s address can mean the difference between life and death. Cross River records an estimated eight hundred maternal deaths for every one hundred thousand live births, far above the national average and nearly twelve times the global target, revealing a stark reality: proximity to a facility does not guarantee safety when basic services fail.

    Scenes like this are common across the state, where primary health centres exist in every local government area but their ability to save lives is in doubt. An examination of data from CheckMyPHC, the MyPHC 2024 national report, and Nigeria’s most recent Demographic and Health Survey reveals a quiet collapse in basic readiness. Most centres are not equipped to provide skilled care, maintain steady electricity, or stock the supplies that turn ordinary deliveries into safe ones.

    From the hills of Obudu to the forest communities of Akamkpa, most residents live within a short distance of a primary health centre. But closeness does not mean safety. CheckMyPHC’s field data from 2024 show that fewer than four in ten facilities have a functional labour ward. Only twenty nine percent have delivery beds in usable condition. Barely one in five have a working suction machine to clear a newborn’s airway. In some districts, midwives deliver babies under torchlight. Only twenty two percent of centres have generators that function, and many solar installations funded by past donor projects have failed. A nurse in Biase said her clinic had been without power for months. “We use a rechargeable lantern during delivery,” she said. “When it goes off, we close shop.”

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    One health worker in Calabar who declined being named for fear of retribution described the network of health centres as “a system of buildings without functionality.” Without power or water, even skilled professionals are powerless against bleeding, infection, or obstructed labour which are the three leading causes of maternal death in Nigeria.

    The CheckMyPHC dataset offers the first real time view of labour ward readiness in Cross River. Each indicator represents the percentage of facilities that meet essential standards for safe delivery. Fewer than one in five centres have a functional delivery bed, running water, and consistent power supply combined. Only a third employs a trained birth attendant. Fewer than one in five operates twenty four hours a day.

    The MyPHC 2024 report places Cross River below the national average on every readiness indicator. Across Nigeria, thirty eight percent of primary health centres provide round the clock services. In Cross River, only nineteen percent do. National coverage for electricity and clean water stands at forty seven and forty three percent respectively. Cross River meets barely half of those figures.

    The shortage of skilled staff is another defining weakness. The latest Demographic and Health Survey shows that fifty four percent of births in Cross River are attended by trained health workers, compared with more than ninety percent in Lagos and Ekiti. The gap in survival rates follows the same pattern. Across Nigeria, skilled attendance at birth remains the single strongest predictor of maternal survival. Analysis of national data shows a direct link between professional care and death rates. Cross River falls in the lower half of this scale. Despite its relative peace and economic potential, the state’s maternal mortality ratio is higher than in some conflict affected northern regions.

    Inside the Worst Performing Local Government Areas

    Bakassi: Delivering under torchlights

    In Bakassi, several primary health centres score below minimum safety standards. At Ifiang Nsung PHC, inspectors documented broken doors, leaking roofs, missing medical records, and absent staff. Women bring rechargeable lamps as part of their delivery kits.

    Akpabuyo: Cold chain failure and emergency risks

    Peer reviewed studies and readiness data show that no PHC in Akpabuyo has basic airway equipment. Several lack refrigerators, making vaccines unusable. One nurse told researchers, “We pray nothing serious happens at night because we have nothing to save a life.”

    Ogoja: Long distances and no refrigeration

    In Ogoja’s Bansara PHC, vaccines cannot be stored because refrigerators do not work. Families sometimes walk kilometres only to be turned back on immunisation days.

    Odukpani and Akampa: Routine care collapsing

    Facilities in these LGAs report long drug stockout periods, leaking roofs, and near empty staff rosters. Women delay antenatal visits knowing they are unlikely to receive help.

    A report by Nigeria Health Watch found that more than seventy percent of maternal deaths nationwide result from preventable causes including postpartum bleeding, eclampsia, infection, and complications from unsafe delivery. These are the conditions that require trained personnel and functional tools. Yet CheckMyPHC’s data confirm that most Cross River facilities lack both.

    Less than a quarter of centres employ a trained midwife. Many rely entirely on community health extension workers who handle deliveries without supervision. In several local government areas, traditional birth attendants are still the first choice for pregnant women. They are trusted and accessible but rarely trained to manage complications.

    Distance adds another layer of danger. In the forested south and hilly north, many women travel ten to fifteen kilometres to reach a clinic. Bad roads and poor transport make the journey longer. National studies show that transport delays account for one quarter of maternal deaths in rural Nigeria. Without ambulances, families often use motorcycles or tricycles to carry women in labour. Some die on the way.

    Even those who reach a facility may find it closed at night or short of staff and medicines. These obstacles represent what public health experts call the three fatal delays: the delay in deciding to seek care, the delay in reaching it, and the delay in receiving it.

    Budget realities and systemic failures

    On paper, Cross River made what appears to be a substantial commitment to primary health care in its 2024 budget. The state allocated about N3billion to PHC-related capital projects, including N1.1 billion for the construction and renovation of ten comprehensive health centres, N600 million to equip facilities in four LGAs, and N500 million for Basic Health Care Provision Fund activities, alongside additional votes to upgrade PHCs and build new development centres. But this capital-heavy investment sits against a longer pattern of chronic underfunding of the health system itself.

    BudgIT’s fiscal review shows that in 2023, health received less than seven percent of total state spending, far below the Abuja Declaration target, with less than a third of that amount reaching primary care. Recurrent funding for drugs, power, water and maintenance remains extremely low. On average the state spends only about N2,500 per woman of reproductive age on supplies and operational needs each year. With most available resources absorbed by salaries, little is left to keep PHCs functional, stocked or safe. The result is a network of facilities that look supported on paper but remain unable to deliver care when women need it most.

    According to health experts at the Frontiers in Public Health, “Government spending on primary health care in many Nigerian states remains far below what is required to deliver even the most basic service package. Capital allocations alone do not translate into functionality without consistent investment in staff, commodities, maintenance and power.”

    Health workers at PHCs in Cross River report asking women to buy their own delivery kits before being admitted. For many families, that extra cost makes facility based delivery expensive. The Demographic and Health Survey notes that thirty eight percent of Nigerian women still give birth outside health facilities. In Cross River the number approaches half.

    Nigeria’s Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response system requires every health facility to report and review each maternal death within forty eight hours. In practice, only about half of Cross River’s primary centres submit such reports. Those that do rarely follow up on the findings. The MyPHC report calls this the country’s silent crisis. Without complete data, deaths remain invisible and accountability disappears.

    A monitoring officer in Calabar admitted that many facilities keep the forms untouched. “We have the papers,” she said quietly, “but they stay in a drawer.”

    In other states, evidence shows that progress is possible. In Ebonyi, a partnership between the government and a humanitarian group has produced model health centres that operate day and night with solar power, trained midwives, and stocked delivery rooms. Facility-based births there have increased by more than seventy percent. In Kebbi, local authorities now investigate every maternal death through a system called SEMCHIC, linking findings to immediate corrective action. The model has improved referral systems and emergency care within three years.

    These examples prove that when data drive decisions and money follows evidence, maternal deaths can decline sharply.

    For Cross River, the way forward is clear. The weakest centres must be rehabilitated and provided with reliable power and water. Every facility should have at least one trained midwife and a means of emergency transport. Community ward committees can monitor performance, track stock shortages, and hold local authorities accountable. Regular public reporting of maternal deaths and follow up actions would help sustain transparency and drive improvements.

    The experience of Cross River mirrors that of much of Nigeria. Infrastructure exists, yet functionality does not. Without skilled staff, electricity, clean water, and accountability, the promise of safe motherhood will remain out of reach.

    This story was produced by the Nation’s Health desk, supported by the Africa Data Hub and Orodata Science.

  • ‘I’d rather hawk groundnuts than do hookup’

    ‘I’d rather hawk groundnuts than do hookup’

    Assistant Editor, Jide Babalola in this piece, captures the story of final-year female varsity student who keeps faith with dignity in season of despair.

    Principle or convenience? For one 21-year-old female Nigerian undergraduate, that question isn’t theoretical. Forget the lecture hall; the most powerful lesson is being taught from a groundnut tray. While the path of least temptation beckons many of her generation, she has chosen a harder road – one paved not with quick cash, but with groundnuts and daily treks. It is a real-life drama where integrity wins the final act. Her story is a defiant answer to the pressures that ensnare so many.

    At dusk, when the sun loosens its grip on Abuja’s ring of suburbs and the road begins to glitter with brake lights, a young woman walks behind her mother with a tray balanced like a halo. Daily, the day’s sale of boiled groundnut is concluded with much sweat and toil under the sweltering Abuja sun but still, the rhythm of survival hums from her step. When you encounter her just before sundown, she smiles cautiously, makes her pitch, counts out small change. Then she slips her small phone back into her pocket and whispers the vow that has carried her through the hardest of seasons: “I’d rather hawk groundnuts than do hookup.”

    An Igarra from Auchi area of Edo State, her name is Deborah Lawani, 21, a final-year student of the University of Abuja. She is one of four children—two boys, two girls—raised by a mother who turned grief into a stall by the roadside. Their single room in Masaka, on the far edge of the Federal Capital Territory, holds a family of five and a stubborn hope that refuses to be evicted.

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    In an age when cynicism does brisk business—“This generation is lost,” people mutter—Deborah’s quiet orbit lays a modest ambush on despair. She is a reminder that moral courage often arrives without fanfare: a young woman walking a narrow path in a city where temptation dresses up as necessity and calls itself hustle.

    “The day my father left was the day I was writing Common Entrance examination towards getting into secondary school,” she recalls, voice steady, eyes briefly clouded. Long before then, memories of her primary school days had left scarring impact on her fragile mind. “He used to drink, he used to smoke. When my mother advised him, he beat her. One day he brought divorce papers. Maybe he thought she would fight, but she had already suffered enough.” The sentence lands with the weight of a Bible verse: after so much sorrow, some endings feel like mercy.

    Left with four children and very little else, her mother did what many unschooled women do to outrun hunger—she went out to the road to sell groundnuts. “That is how we have been living,” Deborah says. “I help her whenever there is a break from school. During the last two-week warning strike, I came back to hawk. Now that they’ve called it off, I will return to campus.”

    To watch her by the toll of evening traffic is to see the republic of the resilient at work: women who bend without breaking, men who bargain with a smile shaped by hardship, children who memorise the choreography of danger between bumpers and buses. Abuja is a city of glass towers and tin roofs, of new money and old hunger. If you listen closely, you hear the arithmetic of survival in the clatter of coins.

    On campus, Deborah’s life is another ledger—of odd jobs and dignity. “There is nothing I don’t do to support myself,” she says, not as apology but as mantra. “When students move into new accommodation, I clean and mop. Some people don’t know how to cook; I cook for them and they pay something. I make hair. I sell peppermint. I am not a lazy girl.”

    What emerges is not a sob story but a portrait of character, the thing the old philosophers insisted was formed by habit—choosing, one day after another, the harder right. Deborah speaks with the piety of someone who has discovered that faith is not only a church thing but a way of tying your life to a promise you cannot yet see. “I believe God will vindicate me and my mother,” she says. “I believe that when I am done with university, I can get a job and take care of my family.”

    There are other routes, of course. In Abuja, as in many cities, the euphemism “hookup” floats across conversations like a scented veil. It is the new code for what the old people, without apology, called prostitution, now packaged in the gloss of the smartphone era—fast, discreet, transactional. Many girls consider it, some do it, others justify it. Poverty, after all, is impatient; and the cost-of-living crisis has rearranged the moral furniture in many homes.

    Deborah has watched the drift with clear eyes, and she refuses it. “I have seen what other girls do,” she says. “But I will not sell my body. I will not let desperation carry me where I cannot return from. You don’t even know who these men really are. Some bring disease. Some have violence in their hands. Some girls get harmed, even killed. I tell my friends, ‘please, find something else to do. You can sell groundnuts like me. You can clean, you can cook, you can learn hair-making. Don’t let peer pressure decide your life.’”

    She says it simply, but something luminous sits behind her words: a belief in the dignity of labour as the old antidote to shame. It is the stubborn ethic our parents sang into us—work is the cure for worklessness—now spoken by a daughter who has watched her mother turn smoke and sand and nuts into a budget.

    There is, too, the psychology of a firstborn who understands that her choices whisper instructions to younger siblings. “We are four,” she says, “and I am the first. If I break, they break. So I must stand.” In the cramped economy of that room in Masaka, leadership is not a title; it is what you do with the little in your hands.

    Against the chorus that declares Gen Z a lost generation, her life suggests a different reading. Yes, there is excess and there is drift; but there is also grit, courtesy, and moral defiance. The internet can be a highway to ruin, but it has also taught a new generation to improvise, to monetise skill, to learn. If you listen to young Nigerians—really listen—you will find the kind who donate blood to strangers, who crowdfund school fees for classmates, who start small businesses between lectures and night class. Deborah belongs to that quiet company: ordinary heroes disguised as students.

    Her days have the measured rhythm of someone who has no time to waste. Lectures. Notes. A cleaning job in the evening. A hair appointment over the weekend. A small batch of peppermint to hawk to course mates who like the sweetness after a meal. And then, when school pauses for any reason, back to the roadside to help the woman who raised her from the ashes of a marriage.

    “Help me if you can,” she says with disarming directness, and then—because she is her mother’s daughter—she corrects herself. “If you choose to help my mother, I will be happiest. It is still me you are helping.”

    It is an unusual kind of ambition in a time of glittering self: to centre the parent first, to make caring for family the measure of achievement.  It took some fatherly reassurances to convince her about parting with her telephone number – 07048444313 – in case one or two readers of The Nation want to help her out.

    There is always the temptation, in stories like this, to make poverty a spectacle or to baptise suffering as a virtue. Deborah resists both. What she articulates is moral clarity under pressure. Not a saint’s perfection, but a young Nigerian’s stubborn insistence that her body is not for sale, that work – however humble – is better than a bargain that wounds the soul.

    Her resolve is also a quiet indictment of a society that too easily blames the young while underfunding schools, underpaying labour, and outsourcing hope. If more girls took this path, society would blossom. If society made this path less brutal, more girls could take it.

  • Applause, as Caverton unveils Nigeria’s first electric ferry boats

    Applause, as Caverton unveils Nigeria’s first electric ferry boats

    In what many have described as a game changer in the history of inland waterways in Nigeria, Caverton Marine, a proudly Nigerian company recently broke a jinx when it commenced the official demonstration of its pioneering electric vessel, the Electric Omibus. Gboyega Alaka, who was there, reports.

    He future berths in Lagos

    Olabode Makanjuola’s joy and sense of accomplishment was visible and infectious, as he welcomed a select group of journalists, government officials and maritime enthusiasts, Monday, and fielded questions at the Caverton heliport, Victoria Island exquisite lobby. And you could hardly blame him. As the Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Marine, it was an occasion to showcase the company’s latest accomplishment – the first ever electric passenger ferry on Lagos waters.

    It was a result of a 13-month extensive work and travelling by his carefully assembled team. The Electric OMIBUS is a passenger ferry designed to operate entirely on electric propulsion, eliminating carbon emissions and significantly reducing operational noise and maintenance costs, as against the traditional diesel-powered ferries.

    The Integrated Electric Propulsion of electric ferries were built for local waters. The prototype combines a Caverton-built FRP passenger hull with a modern electric propulsion package supplied by Explomar. The new ferry works with dual electric motors which provide strong acceleration and high-speed performance, powered by a modular lithium battery pack with a robust BMS and inverter system.

    Why Electric ferry?

    Electric ferry operations meaningfully change the economics of water transport. While electric systems require higher upfront investment, they eliminate fuel consumption, reduce mechanical maintenance, and improve operational reliability by removing engines, exhaust systems, and gearboxes.  These design changes also reduce the risk of onboard fire and fuel-related hazards. Early modelling also shows potential for major reductions in annual operating expenditure and a substantial cut in carbon emissions when compared with petrol ferries.  These outcomes align directly with Lagos State’s goals for safer mobility, climate resilience, and long-term cost savings.

    Caverton executed all integration and systems routing locally to ensure ease of maintenance and reliable scaling. The configuration reflects real Lagos route patterns – short-to-medium distances with predictable charging windows – making this platform ideal for metropolitan water transport.

    Historic step toward sustainability

    With the unveiling of the Omibus, the country’s first locally produced electric ferry, Caverton Marine has taken a historic step towards sustainable transportation in Nigeria. In collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Caverton Marine developed the boats in partnership with ExploMar (Suzhou) Energy Technology Co. Ltd, a company which produces high-power electric outboard systems in China following the signing of a strategic partnership in August 2024.

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    Makanjuola said, “It’s the demo week for the Omibus Electric Ferry, the first of its kind in Africa. We are particularly very proud because this is a Nigerian initiative with support from our friends from China. This is a Nigerian project, and it’s something that Nigerians should be proud of. The Omibus journey started about six years ago, basically in trying to address the challenges of water transportation in Lagos State, and generally see how we can improve the lives of average Lagosians in terms of commuting. We were set to task, and we decided to develop our first-ever 40-passenger electric ferry.

    “Upon successful construction of that ferry, we were commissioned by the Lagos State Government to build 25 ferries, of which 15 have already been delivered and are operational right now. Actually, if you look across to the Famolo Ferry Terminal, you’ll see some of those ferries lined up there. Today is not the time for long speeches; we have a nice presentation for you. As a friend said, it’s a case of see, hear, feel. When you go out there, you get to see the Omibus and experience it. You will not hear the sound of the electric engine, which, as far as I’m concerned, is the future of mobility in Nigeria. Electrification is not sustainability; it’s a part of sustainability and something we are very passionate about at Caverton Marine.”

    Makanjuola outlined the project’s three-year journey, beginning with Lagos State’s commitment to enhancing water transportation as an alternative to congested road networks. The session was the first in a series of 10 demo sessions through which journalists, marine experts, regulators, investors, among others, will be taken through the Omibus experience.

    Part of the takeaways was that the average four hours Lagosians spend commuting a distance of about 80 km by road can be covered in less than 40 minutes by ferries on water.

    In his remarks, Professor Busayo Fakinlede, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy commended Caverton Marine for the feat, noting that it underscores the company’s forward-looking credentials.  “It is a very big achievement to be able to move from rickety boats plying the waterways into more sustainable and more stable boats, fibre-reinforced plastic electric boats. This is a great leap, and it is the kind of initiative that the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, CON, has always championed in the sector. The ministry will continue to support such laudable systems that will lead to eradicating both mishaps in the country, and also, this is what we talk about when it comes to zero emissions,” he stated.

    In line with Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Agenda

    Makanjuola added, “We are a marine and aviation logistics company, and I have always been very passionate about water transportation. For the Lagos State Government, it is part of the THEMES Agenda, creating intermodal transportation, and we see water transportation as the final leg or the final piece of the puzzle. It’s a journey that we’ve been on for a long time. In fact, we have been working on it for five or six years. And altogether, we worked with administrations going all the way back to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu’s administration as Lagos State governor. We have been working to modernise water transportation to make it safe for Lagosians.

    “So, when the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu came and they were pushing this intermodal system with the rail networks, we took it upon ourselves that we needed to actually raise the bar for water transportation and actually now see how we can provide better, safer and more decent water transportation system in Lagos.”

    Kunmi Agbaje, the Project Manager, would go on to explain that the scheme was built on “Intentional engineering, which ensures fair distribution of weight for the ferries while prioritising safety, comfort and the environment.”

    Low Engine Noise, Environmentally-friendly

    “I always start with what I found to be very pleasing about the ferry. The electric ferry comes with low engine noise, which means passengers can actually have phone calls on their way to work. Another advantage is how it eliminates pilfering, which is sometimes the case with some of the local operators. They tell their bosses they are buying 50 litres but only 30 litres, which is not possible with an electric engine. Obviously, there are also issues regarding sustainability, cost savings, which means maintenance for electric cars is way lower over the course of 10 years, compared to petrol. So, you have a ferry with regular speed, suitable for passengers and can cover three hours, ultimately meaning greater safety, faster experience, yet quieter experience.”

     Agbaje added that the ferry, a variation to a 30-seater instead of a 40-seater due to the weight, means lighter boats in the end and reached 33 knots from sea trial while the battery weighs 750 kilos.

    Jonathan Wang, the Executive Director of Explomar, a Chinese company that builds engines for high performance electric boats, said the engines are built to last and can run for about three hours on one charge. To solve the infrastructure problem of charging, he added that there are different chargers of different specifications, ranging from 7KW to 120KW, with ferries installed with a smart control and monitoring system similar to modern EV dashboards for real-time battery health, route range, and emergency alerts.

  • From makers to markets: French Embassy holds conference on recycling

    From makers to markets: French Embassy holds conference on recycling

    Designers, entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators, and sustainability advocates recently gathered at Impact Hub, Lagos for a conference titled: From Makers to Markets: Building Circular Innovation – A Conversation with Marjory Houlbert.”

    Hosted by the Economic Department of the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the conference had French designer and researcher Marjory Houlbert, whose practice evolves at the intersection of circularity, collaborative making and material experimentation, delivering an insightful presentation grounded both in her experience within French fablabs and in the environmental realities of Lagos.

    Dedicated to rethinking the value of waste and exploring how circular innovation can take root in Lagos, the discussion also benefited from the participation of the French Tech Lagos community that supports collaboration between French and Nigerian tech innovators. Their presence reinforced the growing interest from Lagos’ entrepreneurial ecosystem in circular innovation and the potential for cross-border collaboration in design, material transformation and sustainable fabrication.

    Opening her talk with an overview of the city’s waste landscape, she highlighted that Lagos produces more than 13,500 tonnes of waste each day, with plastics (particularly LDPE, PP, PET and HDP) forming a significant part of the city’s highly available waste streams. Some of these plastics are recyclable, while others require more advanced transformation processes, creating both constraints and opportunities for makers and innovators.

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    Marjory went on to define what makes a fablab an essential catalyst for innovation. Drawing on examples from Fablab La Verrière and WoMa, she described these spaces as hybrid ecosystems where digital fabrication tools (such as CNC machines, 3D printers, presses, ovens and laser cutters) coexist with a vibrant community of designers, engineers, architects and researchers. Beyond the equipment, she insisted, the real strength of a fablab lies in its ability to connect diverse expertises, accelerating problem-solving and enabling makers to move from early concepts to reliable, market-ready prototypes. To illustrate this dynamic, she presented Flowlen, an air purification system born within WoMa. Through the combined contributions of a fabmanager, an electronics engineer, a developer and financial guidance, a simple concept evolved into a functional prototype capable of securing public funding and scaling toward industrial production. This example underscored the power of collaborative making: when a community’s knowledge and tools converge, makers can transform ideas into tangible solutions with real-world impact.

    Marjory then shifted to the topic of industrialisation, focusing on the case of Le Pavé, a French venture producing 100% recycled panels from HDPE and polystyrene recovered from recyclers such as Paprec, Veolia and Suez. She detailed the transformation process, from melting to pressing to forming large, solid panels used in furniture, interior design and everyday objects, while emphasising the crucial role of consistent waste streams and strong B2B partnerships. This example demonstrated how waste, when paired with technical expertise and industrial capacity, can become a viable and scalable material used across creative and architectural sectors.

    In the final part of her presentation, Marjory proposed a prospective model for a Lagos-based fablab, integrating local recyclers, existing facilities, digital fabrication tools and a dedicated fabmanager. Such an ecosystem, she argued, could allow Lagos makers to transform both plastic and organic waste into furniture, objects, textiles and new materials, creating local jobs, stimulating creative industries, and strengthening the city’s circular economy.

    The conference highlighted the growing collaboration between France and Nigeria in advancing sustainable and innovative approaches to design, fabrication and material transformation. By convening experts and local stakeholders around shared environmental challenges, the Embassy reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, creativity and Franco–Nigerian cooperation in the circular economy.

  • Why I want to become Awujale – Adekunle Hassan

    Why I want to become Awujale – Adekunle Hassan

    • By Tunde Olaleye

    Present myself for the highest royal stool in Ijebuland to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past Awujale and serve humanity. I believe I have the capacity, the competence, the character as well as the contact to bring transformational leadership, attract global partnerships, and maintain the cultural dignity of the throne.”

    With these words, Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Olubola Hassan proclaimed his ambition to mount the throne vacated on July 13, 2025 by the renowned monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona after reigning for 65 years.

    The dateline was Sunday, November 9, 2025 and members of the Jadiara branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House gathered at the historic Igboburo compound in Ijebu Ode to witness Dr Hassan’s formal declaration. The hall was packed with princes, princesses, chiefs, and community leaders. From the Aladeken of Oke Ako, Oba Adenola Osunsanmi, to the Baagbimo of Ijebuland, Professor Fassy Yusuf, and the head of the Jadiara royal family, Prince Akinola Odedina, the attendance reflected both tradition and a cautious hope for continuity.

    The stool of the Awujale is one of the most respected traditional positions in Nigeria. The late Oba Adetona transformed it into a symbol of dignity, reform, and modern governance. His legacy of education, institutional development, and cultural promotion has set a high standard that many believe only a well-prepared, well-exposed, and deeply rooted successor can sustain.

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    In his speech, Dr Hassan began with a request for a minute of silence in honour of Oba Adetona, noting the late monarch’s monumental contributions to Ijebuland and Nigeria. He spoke about his long relationship with the palace, his work within the Council of Otunbas, and his desire to build on the foundation laid by the late Awujale.

    “I present myself for the highest royal stool in Ijebuland to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past Awujale and serve humanity,” he said, promising to bring transformational leadership, attract global partnerships, and maintain the cultural dignity of the throne.

    Endorsements followed his declaration. Both Professor Fassy Yusuf and Prince Odedina described him as “most qualified,” highlighting his global exposure, professional accomplishments, and community service. The declaration made Hassan the first Ijebu prince to formally announce his interest, giving him a strong early presence in a race still taking shape.

    Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Hassan is a highly distinguished ophthalmic surgeon whose life and career reflect a rare blend of global medical excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, deep community commitment, and royal pedigree, qualities that position him not only as a respected son of Ijebuland but also as a potential bridge between tradition and modernity. Born on January 26, 1951, he pursued his early education at Ilesa Grammar School and Ijebu Muslim College (Ijebu-Ode), before earning his medical degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in 1976. He then underwent advanced training in ophthalmology abroad, including at the prestigious Western Infirmary, Glasgow (Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology) under internationally renowned mentors.

    On returning to Nigeria in 1993, Hassan founded the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, establishing by far the country’s first private postgraduate training institution for ophthalmologists, and later adding the Deseret Community Vision Institute in 2006. Through these institutions he not only provided world-class eye care to thousands but also trained scores of ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic nurses, and mid-level eye-care professionals, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and treat visual impairment. His surgical expertise spans complex subspecialties: vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma, anterior-segment surgery, cataract, and ocular plastic surgery, making him a pioneer of modern ophthalmic practice in Nigeria.

    But his influence extends far beyond medicine. Hassan has been recognized globally: he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow (UK), the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (UK), the West African College of Surgeons, and the Nigeria Institute of Cost Management. He served in high-level international ophthalmology bodies: including as President of the African Ophthalmology Council for several years, as a Board Member of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), as Regional Advocacy Coordinator (Africa) for ICO, and as a Council Member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB/WHO), leadership roles that underscore his global influence and commitment to public health. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to ophthalmic education, he became the first African and Nigerian to receive the prestigious ICO “Mark Tso Golden Apple Award.”

    Dr. Hassan’s leadership extends into corporate and institutional governance. Over the years he has held board positions in major institutions, including serving as a director at Diamond Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), and chairing boards such as those of Summit Healthcare Group, Deseret International Hospitals, and even the governing council of a major tertiary institution, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (Sagamu), demonstrating his administrative capacity, financial acumen, and institutional experience.

    On the community side, Hassan’s roots in Ijebuland have earned him deep respect. Over the years he has been honored with traditional chieftaincy titles including Otunba Obaruwa (Ba’amole) of Akile Ijebu and has been recognized by the then-Awujale of Ijebuland, in acknowledgment of his services, a testament to his standing among the Ijebu people. In 2025, he was appointed as the head (Olori Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, placing him squarely within the inner circle of Ijebuland’s traditional succession dynamics.

    Beyond titles and institutions, Hassan is regarded as a quiet philanthropist and servant-leader, someone committed to uplifting lives, especially through accessible eye care and social welfare programmes. His broad exposure, across continents, cultures, institutions, coupled with his deep understanding of both modern governance and traditional values, suggests a worldview that could harmonize development and heritage in Ijebuland.

    Hassan’s life story, one of global medical distinction, entrepreneurial and institutional leadership, community service, and authentic rootedness in Ijebu tradition, paints him as more than just an accomplished professional. He emerges as a figure who could bring prestige, modern development, compassion, and unifying leadership to the Awujale stool. In a time when traditional leadership increasingly demands the ability to navigate both heritage and contemporary challenges, his profile presents a compelling case for royal consideration.

    As Awujale, Hassan envisions a revitalised Ijebuland, one where heritage and tradition form the proud foundation for transformation; where culture, health, education, enterprise, and communal solidarity combine to elevate the welfare and dignity of every Ijebu man, woman and child. His vision is guided by four interlinked pillars: Health and Well-being; Education and Human Capital; Economic Opportunity & Infrastructure; Unity, Heritage & Good Governance.

    Hassan would seek to transform Ijebuland into a center of excellence for healthcare, starting with eye health, but expanding to comprehensive community health. Drawing on his founding of the Eye Foundation Hospital Group and recent endowment to the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) to establish eye-health training and research institutions, he would champion health infrastructure development across Ijebu communities. Under his reign, regular outreach programmes, preventative health campaigns, subsidised ophthalmic (and general) care, and rural health-worker training could become normalized, ensuring that even remote areas benefit from quality care, reducing avoidable blindness and improving general health outcomes.

    Believing that the future of Ijebuland lies in its human resources, Hassan would prioritise education at all levels, with a focus on health sciences, technical skills, and entrepreneurship. His philanthropic investment in higher-education institutions signals a commitment to training the next generation of professionals capable of leading Ijebu and Nigeria. He would use the royal platform to attract scholarships, build technical-training centres, promote research, and encourage diaspora professionals to return or invest, turning Ijebuland into a hub for talent development.

    Recognizing that modern traditional leadership must engage with governance realities, Dr. Hassan’s reign would aim to foster economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare. His corporate background and experience in institutional governance could help forge partnerships with government, private investors, and NGOs to build roads, support healthcare, education, and small-medium scale enterprises. With a renewed emphasis on public-private partnerships (as demonstrated through his medical institutions), he could channel resources to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and ensure equitable development across Ijebu communities.

    As Awujale, Hassan’s leadership would emphasize unity, inclusivity, and respect for Ijebu heritage. He would seek to strengthen communal bonds among the various towns, age-groups (regbe-regbe), diaspora, and ruling houses, promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and collective identity. Given the sensitive nature of succession dynamics (with multiple ruling houses eligible for the throne), he would champion fairness, transparency, and neutrality. His reign would aim to harmonize tradition with modern sensibilities, preserving festivals, customs and identity (such as supporting cultural events tied to the crown), while also promoting progressive governance and social justice.

    Finally, Hassan’s reign would be anchored on moral integrity, accountability, and forward-looking leadership. Drawing from his professional ethics, global exposure, philanthropic legacy, and administrative experience, he could lead the palace with dignity, transparency, and a development-oriented mindset. His global networks could be leveraged to attract investments, partnerships in health, education and infrastructure, putting Ijebuland on the map as a model of a modern, yet culturally grounded traditional kingdom.

  • Creative leaders, industry experts converge as FSDH celebrates fifth anniversary of WIBI

    Creative leaders, industry experts converge as FSDH celebrates fifth anniversary of WIBI

    In line with its commitment to championing women’s economic advancement in Nigeria, FSDH Merchant Bank has reaffirmed its leadership role with the successful hosting of the 2025 Women in Business Initiative (WIBI) Summit.

    The milestone fifth edition, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together hundreds of female entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, creatives, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders to celebrate women who continue to drive growth, innovation, and resilience across the economy.

    Themed, ‘Empowered – Celebrating Women in Motion,’ this year’s summit highlighted the real progress and persistent challenges shaping the female economy, while spotlighting FSDH’s expanding footprint in enabling women-led growth.

    Delivering her opening remarks, Bukola Smith, Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to removing structural barriers for women and creating pathways to sustainable economic inclusion.

    “WIBI was built on the belief that when women are equipped with the right systems, knowledge, and support, entire economies shift. Five years on, we are seeing that transformation play out, not just in individual success stories, but in the confidence, collaboration, and ambition now shaping our community. This year’s focus on the creative economy reinforces our commitment to backing women in sectors that define culture, influence markets, and shape Nigeria’s future,” she said.

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    This year’s keynote address was delivered by veteran actress, award-winning producer, and business leader Joke Silva, whose presence brought both depth and authenticity to the day’s conversations.

    Drawing from her decades-long career in Nigeria’s creative industry, she spoke passionately about the importance of resilience, reinvention, and emotional intelligence as tools for navigating and excelling in an evolving economy.

    Her message resonated strongly with emerging entrepreneurs, creatives, and corporate professionals seeking to build sustainable legacies, even as she emphasized the need for proper training and skills development to prepare young talents for global competitiveness.

    “Today, FSDH celebrates five years of impact for women in business — five years of grace, growth, and undeniable progress. Across history, women have stood as beacons of excellence in every industry, and their stories continue to inspire us to push boundaries and create room for even more women to rise. Nigeria is blessed with a large pool of young talent, particularly within the creative industry, which has the potential to absorb and empower thousands. However, the reality remains that while current training initiatives provide exposure, they often fall short in delivering the depth of skills required for global competitiveness,” she said.

    Joke added that “What is needed now is intentional selection, targeted skilling, and accelerated capacity building, so that young women and all creative talents are fully equipped to thrive, lead, and compete on the global stage.”

    The panel session featured a dynamic lineup of thought leaders who unpacked the realities facing women in business today. Jide Sipe, Group Head of Brand Transformation and Digital Marketing at the Bank of Industry, brought a development finance perspective, emphasizing the role of structured funding and capacity building in scaling women-led ventures. Award-winning filmmaker and producer Biodun Stephen provided insight into the creative and technical challenges facing women in film and media, underscoring the need for stronger institutional support for creatives.

    While sharing thoughts during the panel session, Blessing Obasi-Nze, an actress and CEO of Desperanza Media, shared the story of how she came to the limelight and her evolution since then, adding that young creative talents should focus on being original, authentic, and consistent in their pursuit of success. The session was moderated by TV host and media personality Olive Emodi, who guided a rich, high-energy discussion on leadership, brand-building, access and the shifting economic landscape for women.

    Across the conversations, a recurring theme emerged: women are not only participating more actively in Nigeria’s economic narrative—they are driving its next growth curve. From entrepreneurship and digital innovation to creative exports and corporate leadership, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ingenuity. The WIBI Summit offered both a mirror and a megaphone for these stories, amplifying their visibility and providing a platform for meaningful dialogue.

    While speaking to the measurable impact of FSDH’s Women in Business Desk, Stella-Marie Omogbai, Executive Director, FSDH Merchant Bank, stated that over the past five years, the Bank had disbursed more than $3.9 million (₦3 billion+) in loans to women-led businesses, working closely with partners such as BOI, IFC, AGF, and WEAV Capital to deliver blended financial solutions and targeted interventions.

    “Our capacity-building programmes—including the Women Business Impact Programme delivered with the Enterprise Development Centre, the Female Founders Growth Programme run in collaboration with IFC and WEAV, and the WIBI Coaching Programme—have provided training, mentorship, and market access to over 500 women-led SMEs. With more than 2,000 women engaged across summits, masterclasses, coaching cohorts, and accelerator programmes, WIBI continues to serve as one of the country’s most influential platforms for female enterprise development,” she said.

    Throughout the event, speakers emphasized that unlocking the potential of the creative economy requires more than episodic support. It demands structural reforms, patient capital, industry collaboration, and platforms that recognize women as economic powerhouses—not just beneficiaries. FSDH’s approach, combining access to finance, capacity-building, market access, and community, was widely commended by panelists and participants alike.

    The energy across the summit reflected not only celebration but momentum, even as the WIBI platform awarded outstanding women in business across different industries. Participants expressed optimism about the future, citing improved access to information, shifts in social norms, and institutional support as enablers of women’s economic mobility. Many described the 2025 edition as the most inspiring and strategic yet, particularly as it marked the fifth anniversary of WIBI’s journey.

    With the successful hosting of the 2025 Summit, FSDH Merchant Bank continues to deepen its influence and reaffirm its commitment to gender-focused development, a commitment that aligns with both national and global ambitions to drive inclusive growth. As the Bank prepares for the next wave of interventions, the underlying message from the day was clear: when women are empowered, entire economies shift.

  • Excitement, worries, as rice price drops ahead of Christmas

    Excitement, worries, as rice price drops ahead of Christmas

    The price of rice, the staple food and soul of any party, and the most sought-after grain in Nigeria at one point, remained relatively high compared to what it was years before. However, to everyone’s pleasant amazement, the price has gradually and consistently been dropping.

    About ten to twelve years ago, Nigerians were purchasing a 50kg bag of long grain foreign rice for between N10,000 and N12,000. That sounds like a mirage or almost impossible. However, to the consternation of everyone, the price began to rise and reached approximately N100,000 by December 2024, when demand was at its peak due to the Christmas celebrations.

    Happily, from early this year, when the demand dropped, the price started reducing to about N90,000-N86,000. Just about two months ago, Funmi Ayomide said she bought a 50kg bag of long grain foreign rice for N86,000 at the Ogba Retail market in Lagos.

    Just as people were anticipating a surge in the price due to the Christmas and Yuletide seasons, which come with a lot of celebrations, and rice meals being the most popular food in the events, the price surprisingly came down.

    A caterer, Miss Alice Ayomide, said the same rice she bought for N86,000 two months ago, now sells for N60,000 at the same place. Currently, 50kg bags of local rice in Lagos sell for between N40,000 and N59,000, while long-grain imported rice sells for between N53,000 and N65,000. However, in areas outside Lagos, 50kg of local rice sells even lower than N40,000.

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    The price fall has been linked to many market forces. Investigations revealed that there have been increased imports due to loose border controls and policy changes, allowing more imports, particularly from India, after its export ban was lifted. Rice from there has flooded the market.

    The typical October-December harvest period also contributed to a rise in local supply, increasing competition and lowering prices.

    A rice farmer and dealer who pleaded anonymity attributed the price drop to the reopening of land borders, which has allowed increased inflow of rice from neighbouring rice-producing countries. He said the development has caused a flooding of the market with both imported and locally produced rice, leading to a temporary fall in prices.

    A trader at the Oyingbo Market attributed the development to improved supply and reduced market stockpiles. He said that the government’s renewed support for local farmers and improved distribution channels contributed to the glut.

    However, consumers are joyful with the majority of them already stockpiling ahead of Christmas and the Yuletide season.

    Mrs Ngozi Iheanacho said the price drop was timely. “At least many households will be able to celebrate the Christmas season with enough food.”

    “I just thank God for this fall in price. Usually, many people fix weddings, burials and other events during this period, mostly because you are sure to do your parties without the distraction of rain. Jollof rice is the most popular meal served at such parties,” said Chinelo Owa.

    “We have a burial and a marriage in December. We are not taking chances; we have already bought all the rice we will need for the occasions because the price may rise again. This is Nigeria, you cannot guarantee anything.”

    Mrs Oluwaseun Alade said she hoped the prices would remain low to enable people to enjoy their Christmas. “Rice is essential during Christmas and the New Year. This drop, if sustained, means more families can celebrate without worry,” she said.

    However, the fear that the price will go up again before Christmas is prompting people to stockpile. Some churches and organisations that engage in welfare activities have started stockpiling rice, as this is the most preferred gift for the majority of households.

    One of the Anglican churches told its welfare department to start purchasing rice that will be shared with the less-privileged people during the Christmas season before the price goes up again.

    Many organisations are also doing the same now. Mrs Miriam Udoh, a rice dealer at Iddo Market, Lagos, said that a lot of banks have placed orders for hundreds of bags of rice. “Some of these people did not give out rice as gifts last year because of the high price, but we are witnessing a surge in demand for the product

    “Three different banks on the Island paid me for 300 bags of 50kg long grain rice. The smaller organisations ask traders to bag the rice in 25kg and 10kg bags. We are really happy as the decline in price has increased the demand for rice.”

    A visibly excited Mama Jumbo, as she is fondly called at the popular rice market at Daleko, Mushin, said she had been getting increased orders from organisations than she did since the last previous years. “Last year, only very few organisations ordered rice. Even those that did asked us to re-bag the 50kg bags to 25kg, 12kg and 10kg bags, but this year, they are buying much.”

    However, while consumers and a few traders are happy, some other traders are complaining. “Alhaji Ibrahim at the Iddo Market said that the recent crash in the price has left many traders struggling to recover their investments.

    He said that some traders are selling at a loss. “I bought several bags at N80,000 and N85,000 early this year, and now I have to sell them for as low as N65,000. The fall came suddenly, and it is tough on some of us.”

    Speaking further, he said that the government needs to be intentional in stabilising the price of rice in the country through regular support to local farmers to boost the supply chain.

    Many families last year could not really celebrate Christmas as they would have wanted because of the high price of rice and other food items, but this Christmas is already looking rosy, with rice prices and prices of vegetable oil seeming to be coming down.

  • Wikimedia celebrates News Central TV, MD

    Wikimedia celebrates News Central TV, MD

    News Central Television and its Managing Director & Editor-in-Chief, Kayode Akintemi, have been honoured by Wikimedia at the Nigeria Wikimedia Community Distinguished Awards (NWCDA) 2025, held recently.

     Wikimedia, the global organization behind some of the world’s most widely used knowledge platforms, is deepening its footprint in Nigeria.

    With thousands of local volunteers documenting the country’s culture, history and identity, the group held a major awards ceremony in Lagos to celebrate outstanding contributors, including media organizations and industry leaders.

    The awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to the advancement of open knowledge, digital literacy, and community empowerment, recognized News Central for its exceptional role in amplifying credible information, promoting media transparency, and supporting Wikimedia’s mission of accessible, freely-shared knowledge across Africa.

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    Akintemi received a special leadership award for his unwavering commitment to promoting fact-based storytelling, fostering newsroom excellence, and championing partnerships that strengthen the ecosystem of open knowledge and responsible digital media. Accepting the honor on behalf of the organization, Akintemi expressed deep appreciation to Wikimedia and the Nigerian Wikimedia community for the recognition.

     “We are truly humbled by this award. At News Central, we believe in the transformative power of information and the responsibility that comes with telling stories with truth and depth. This recognition reinforces our commitment to supporting free knowledge initiatives and building stronger bridges between journalism and the Wikimedia ecosystem,” he stated.

    Wikimedia organisers praised News Central for its contributions to public enlightenment, its support for research-driven reporting, and its readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote digital education, fact-checking, and knowledge sharing across the continent. Under Akintemi’s leadership, News Central has continued to champion innovation in media practice, youth empowerment, and the responsible use of digital tools. The station’s focus on accuracy, transparency, and public service journalism aligns strongly with Wikimedia’s global vision of expanding access to reliable information. The award also highlights News Central’s growing role in supporting literacy and digital engagement in communities across Nigeria programming, editorial policies, and partnerships designed to elevate African narratives and ensure public access to verified information.

  • Vineyard Christian ministries unveils line-up for 2025 word conference

    Vineyard Christian ministries unveils line-up for 2025 word conference

    The Presiding Bishop of Vineyard Christian Ministries, Bishop John Osa-Oni, has announced full preparations for the church’s annual Word Conference, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, December 3 to Sunday, December 7 at the ministry’s headquarters on Osolo Way, off the International Airport Road, Lagos.

    Speaking during a media parley, Bishop Osa-Oni described the conference as “an auspicious moment to wrap up the year and redirect believers back to the power of the spoken Word.”

    He revealed that this year’s edition will feature an impressive line-up of prominent ministers from around the world. 

    Among them is the renowned evangelical leader and Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, whom he described as “a cherished friend of over 40 years.” 

    Also expected is Dr. Dean Brown, a Jamaican-born American Bible teacher and graduate of Rhema Bible Institute, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    Bishop Mon Igbinosa, former chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Edo State chapter, is also billed to minister. Osa-Oni noted that Igbinosa, widely respected for his teachings on Christian marriage, has been married for nearly 50 years.

    Bishop Osa-Oni and other in-house ministers, including his wife, Rev. Mrs. Enitan Osa-Oni, will also speak at the five-day programme, which will feature daily morning and evening sessions.

    Emphasising the theme of the conference, the bishop stressed that the Word of God remains the foundation for spiritual transformation and societal renewal.

    He said, “In Genesis 1, God created the world with the Word. Without the Word, nothing exists. We are justified by the words we speak. We are what we say.”

    Quoting several scriptures including Matthew 12, Acts 20:32, Psalm 68:11, and Proverbs 18:21, the bishop explained that both individuals and nations rise or fall on the strength of the words they consistently declare.

    He added, “The reason many people remain small in life is because of what they keep saying. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. If you don’t speak the right word, your world cannot change.”

    Oni further stressed that the 2025 Word Conference is intended to “reposition believers to speak life, faith, and victory, especially as the nation prepares to enter 2026.”

    While noting that the conference does not operate with a single theme, he revealed that Saturday’s session will focus on Christian marriage under the sub-theme “Fix It.”

    He explained that marriage crises often stem from wrong foundations, misplaced priorities, and lack of shared values.

    Reflecting on past editions of the conference, Bishop Oni recounted several testimonies, including miraculous healings and couples who conceived after long periods of waiting.

    He said participants should expect an atmosphere of God’s presence, deep teaching, and supernatural encounters.

    “Where the Word is, the presence of God is. God’s Word can fix anything. Anything the Word cannot fix does not exist,” he declared.

  • Church of Nigeria inaugurates missionary diocese of Oyo South

    Church of Nigeria inaugurates missionary diocese of Oyo South

    • …enthrones Familoni Pioneer Bishop

    The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has inaugurated the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South and enthroned its pioneer bishop, The Right Reverend Dr Olufemi Familoni, at a historic service at the Cathedral Church of St. John’s Akinmoorin, Oyo State.

    Presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, the ceremony drew over 40 Bishops and Archbishops of the Church, Government representatives, traditional rulers, and hundreds of Anglican faithful from across the country.

    With the inauguration, Oyo South became the 167th Diocese of the Church of Nigeria.

    The Primate’s official proclamation was received with great excitement by members of the congregation, who described the development as a significant milestone for the Church and the surrounding communities.

    In his inaugural sermon, Bishop Familoni called on Christians to remain prayerful and courageous despite the security challenges affecting parts of the country.

     He also urged the government at all levels to intensify efforts toward protecting citizens and restoring peace.

    “Our vision for the new Diocese is to shine the light of Christ by touching lives with support for the less privileged and the needy. We are being driven by the zeal and purposefulness of God, just like the biblical Abraham, who was told by God to leave his comfort zone and then became the father of nations.”

    Bishop Familoni affirmed that the new Diocese will prioritise missionary outreach, youth development, and collaboration with traditional institutions.

    He also pledged to strengthen community engagement and support programmes targeted at vulnerable groups.

    According to members of the Diocese, the creation of Oyo South is a strategic step toward bringing the Church’s pastoral, spiritual, and social services closer to communities within the Akinmoorin, Awe, Fiditi, Jobele, and Ilora axis of Oyo State.

    The colourful service featured hymns, prayers, thanksgiving, and the traditional rites of enthronement, marking the beginning of a new phase of ministry in Oyo South.