Courts Restricted From Entertaining Matters On Internal Affairs Of Political Parties – Katsina High Court Judge Rules

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April 15, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Katsina State High Court sitting in Dutsinma, Dutsinma Local Council of the State has ruled to decline jurisdiction in a legal action involving parties in the festering leadership and internal crises bedeviling the African Democratic Congress ADC.

The Source reports that the Honourable Justice AK Tukur had on April 7, 2026, in the wake of preparations for the ADC Ward and Local Council Congresses, granted an interim injunction restraining a faction loyal to the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC from going ahead with the Congresses on the strength of an ex-parte application brought by the faction-backed by Bala Nafiu Gombe

However, the Court has not only reversed itself, but dismissed the motion on notice, citing Section 83 of the amended 2026 Electoral Act as a major reason.

In his ruling , Justice Tukur argued that the Court lacks the legal authority to interfere in issues bordering on the internal and leadership affairs of political parties going by the provisions of Section 83 (5) of the Electoral Act ..

The motion was filed by Musa Usman Wamba ,the Katsina State Chapter Chairman of ADC, with respondents as Lawan Batagarawa, a former Minister of State for Defence, Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta, the ADC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

Yoruba Warlord, Gani Adams, Blames Insecurity In South West On Govt, To Address It

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Ayodele Oni

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April 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has criticised the politicization of recruitment into the various security outfits, saying competence has often been sacrificed for patronage, thereby weakening operational efficiency.

Adams also exonerated himself from the rising insecurity in the Southwest, insisting that he repeatedly warned political leaders about the looming crisis long before it escalated.

Adams spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he detailed a series of intelligence alerts, proposals, and engagements with state actors which he said were largely ignored.

He described the current security situation in the region as unprecedented, noting that the Southwest, once relatively stable, is now grappling with kidnapping, armed attacks, and killings.

According to him, the crisis developed gradually over time, particularly in agrarian and border communities, where early signs of infiltration by armed groups were evident but not addressed.

Adams pointed out that his warnings predated his installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo in 2018, recalling that he had raised concerns about movements of armed elements in parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa.

“If you want to blame anybody on the issue of insecurity in the Southwest, don’t blame me. I raised awareness and pushed for proactive measures before things got out of hand,” he said.

He added that intelligence reports at the time indicated a growing presence of non-state actors with sophisticated weapons, but the alerts were not taken seriously.

On calls for him to take decisive action as Aare Ona Kakanfo, Adams clarified that the role no longer carries the military authority it once had in pre-colonial times.

“I am not a ceremonial Aare, but we are operating under a modern state where security is controlled by government. You cannot just take independent security decisions without approval.”

He explained that unlike the historical structure under the old Oyo Empire, where the Aare had war powers, Nigeria’s current legal framework places security control in the hands of government authorities.

Adams warned that acting outside this structure could lead to legal consequences, including arrest or detention.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and grassroots security structures, noting that without official backing, expectations placed on traditional institutions would remain limited.

The Aare also revealed that he had written to Southwest governors shortly after assuming office, proposing a regional security summit. He said it took over a year before a coordinated response emerged, leading to the Ibadan conference that birthed the Amotekun Corps.

While acknowledging Amotekun as a significant initiative, Adams criticised its decentralised structure, arguing that the absence of a unified command weakened its effectiveness.

‘Security is not something you handle in isolation, especially when threats are interconnected,” he said.

He also pointed to uneven implementation across states, singling out Lagos State for not fully operationalising the outfit, while commending Oyo and Ondo states for stronger commitment.

“We are not lacking in manpower; what we lack is coordination and political will,” he said.

Bayelsan Medical Doctor Dies Of Complications After Giving Birth To Triplets

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 15, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Bayelsa State-based medical practitioner, Dr Ere Ogbachi, has passed on after giving birth to triplets.

Dr Ogbachi who died on Tuesday April 14, at the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, could not survive some complications she developed shortly after giving birth.

A statement from her family issued by her brother, Meshack Sintel, on his Facebook account on Wednesday, April 15, informed that the deceased medical officer was until her death, a Registrar at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital NDUTH and member of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA.

Dr Ogbachi who was said to have passed through same University on her way to becoming a medical doctor, according to the family, developed medical complications shortly after successfully delivering the triplets.

“She successfully gave birth to triplets at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri. Complications arose that eventually forced us to rush her to the Intensive Care Unit at FMC Yenagoa.

“We watched her struggling to live; we watched her gasping for breath; we watched how the team of doctors and other experts at FMC kept trying their best to revive her.

“The SP02 machine in the ICU began reading downwards from 70 to 50 ,and then to 0 .

” It was a painful experience. My beloved sister died at exactly 2:45 am on April 14 ,2026. A generation has been lost, and the Sintei family mourns”, the family statement reads.

However, the statement did not disclose the conditions of the newborn triplets.

Similarly, as at the time of reporting, the management of the NDUTH where she graduated from, worked with ,and died had not reacted officially to the unfortunate incident.

The incident is coming in quick succession to that involving a Kano mother of quintuplets, Hafsat Yusuf.

The Source reports that Hafsat who successfully delivered a set of quintuplets at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano on March 25, 2026, equally succumbed to complications, shortly after giving birth.

She was said to have died from bleeding, after all efforts to control the situation proved abortive.

Ekiti APC Gov. Campaign Kicks Off April 27

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Ayodele Oni

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April 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

After the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Federal High Court Abuja, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State, Chapter, is set to launch its Governorship campaign.

Director General of the campaign organization, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, announced on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti that the full campaign will kick off on April 27.

The governorship Election in the State has been fixed for June 20 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, “campaign has commenced at the grassroots level where our canvases move from door to door, street to street canvassing votes for our candidate. However, the campaign will be officially flagged off on April 27, 2026.

“Our campaign team is formidable. It draws membership from every senatorial district, every local government, every ward. We are ready for a clean, peaceful, and vigorous engagement with Ekiti people.

“Why April 27, you may want to ask? We are in order and not running late at all. We have been working. The last four years were the real campaign.

“Every commissioned road, every paid salary, every equipped hospital was campaigning for us. April 27 is just the formal flag-off under the INEC timetable. But BAO has been on the ballot of performance since Day One.

“Our instruction to party members is clear. Every APC member is an equal canvasser. No one is a spectator. This campaign is intra local government, intra ward, and intra unit. It must run without rancour. We will market our record and our plan, not abuse opponents.

“Our objective is for1@ APC to win for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in all the 177 Wards of Ekiti State. We are targeting a minimum of 500,000 votes. With discipline and hard work, it is achievable.”

The DG pointed out that achievements of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for over three years are enough as campaign issues .

“Four years ago, an APC Governor, His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi handed a clear mandate to his would-be successor, that he should surpass him in terms of performance.

“Gov Oyebanji accepted the challenge and the rest is history. He started the work with all his energy immediately after his inauguration.

“Roads have been fixed across all 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs. Our schools have been renovated, teachers get trained, and bursaries restored. Health centres now wear new look having been comprehensively renovated and well equipped and properly staffed.

“Ekiti is now ranked the most secured state in Nigeria. To mention just a few.

“On transparency, Ekiti scored 39 out of 39 in Q4 2025 and 100 out of 100 as a Progressive Performer in Q4 2024. We topped the 2026 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index.

“Food inflation in Ekiti is now the lowest in Nigeria. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is underway. Farm settlements are back.

“Women lead as Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service; and Accountant General of the State, and as chairperson of local government council, among others.”

Fed High Court Affirms Gov. Oyebanji’s Endorsement By Ekiti APC To Contest In June Election

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Ayodele Oni

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April 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was dully endorsed to contest the June 20 election by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Peter Lifu ruled in a case filed by Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi, a disqualified aspirant in the governorship primary against All Progressives Congress (APC) & 2Ors in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/222/25.

The plaintiff is challenging her disqualification in the primary election by APC and her exclusion in the revalidation of membership exercise.

The Court stated that the suit, by all standard, was not filed within 14 days of the date of the alleged disqualification.

“It took the plaintiff more than 27 days to file the suit. The suit is a pre- election matter. Any pre election matter not filed within the statutory period provided by the law is statute barred.”

Defendants had argued that the plaintiff is not their member on which the Court ruled against, her name having not been reflected in their register or members.

They argued further that the court has no jurisdiction to determine the membership of a political party as it is an internal affair and the sole responsibility of the political party to determine same.

According to defendants, no court can inquire into the issue of membership.

The court held that the issue as to whether or not the Plaintiff was qualified to contest bothers on membership and it is an internal affair of the political party.

The court further held that there’s no dispute worthy of the court’s intervention beteeen the plaintiff and the defendants, the suit is therefore non-justiciable and discloses no reasonable cause of action.

The suit was dismissed based on the above grounds in favour of the defendants.

NIMASA Boss Tasks NSDP Graduates On Professionalism

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James Orji

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April 15, 2026

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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has described beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) who recently obtained their Certificates of Competency (CoC) as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, noting their commendable character and professionalism.

Speaking during an engagement with the newly certified seafarers who paid him an appreciation visit in Lagos, the Dr. Mobereola commended their resilience and determination, having successfully navigated years of uncertainty to achieve professional certification.

He observed that while challenges can be perceived as obstacles, they can also serve as opportunities for growth, emphasizing that the officers chose the latter path. “You have weathered the storm; the future will be easier for you. We are proud of you,” the DG stated.

Dr. Mobereola further charged the Seafarers to remain disciplined and committed to excellence, urging them to serve as mentors to upcoming cadets within the maritime sector. He stressed that the Nigerian maritime industry requires their expertise and reaffirmed that Nigerian seafarers possess the capacity to compete favourably on the global stage, provided they remain consistent and professional.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, one of the officers, Edet Uttibe Michael, expressed profound appreciation to the NIMASA management for addressing their prolonged challenges. They recounted that after graduating from maritime institutions in Romania, they had remained without sea-time training and certification for about eight years.

According to him, the intervention of the current NIMASA management restored their hope and enabled them to realize their professional aspirations. He described the Director General as a compassionate and visionary leader who took decisive steps to resolve a longstanding issue that predated his tenure.

“We came to express our sincere appreciation for your magnanimity. You gave us hope and made our dreams come true,” Edet said.

Recently, NIMASA Management initiated strategic interventions to address the sea-time and CoC challenges for the NSDP beneficiaries.

This programme commenced in 2024 with the first batch of 40 cadets sent to Tyne Coast College, South Shields Marine School, United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in resolving the longstanding challenge. Out of this number, 34 cadets passed.

Tinubu: A Failed Governor Can’t Teach Me How To Run Govt

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James Orji

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April 15, 2026

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Rauf Aregbesola and President Bola Tinubu

The Presidency has lashed out at a former Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola over his remark that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a “scam”. The former governor made the assertion on Tuesday during the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress, ADC in Abuja, the nation’s capital which has now been rebuffed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Reacting on his verified X handle, the presidential spokesperson said Aregbesola has no enviable records as governor and minister, describing the former governor’s remark as the ranting of the ant.

Aregbesola had accuse the APC adminsitration under President Tinubu of failing Nigerians in so many areas, including the economy, security and others saying the president has failed woefully in all the promises he made to Nigerians before coming to office, assuring that this is what his party, the ADC will correct if they win the election next year.

He knocked President Tinubu for the high exchange rate of the naira to other global currencies, the deteriorating power supply in the country, the rise in the pump price of petrol, which he said has led to the rising cost of transportation, he described as very “prohibitive” for many Nigerians.

In spite of this, he explained that the administration continues to claim that it’s on top of the situation, when, in truth, things are getting worse.

“The government’s claim that the recent reduction in the exchange rate shows its mastery of economics is false,” the former governor said calling on Tinubu to resign from office.

Reacting, Onanuga said the former governor did not have a honest refleaction of himself as a public officer before criticising the president, citing, for instance that the civil servants in Osun state have nothing good to say about Aregbesola when he was governor because he failed to pay salary and pension, leaving many workers hungry.

“It is to Aregbesola’s infamy that Osun became known as a state receiving negative federal allocation and paying just 20 to 30 per cent of normal salaries. It was worse for pensioners in Aregbesola’s Osun State. Many pensioners who relied on their meagre monthly payments died because they were not paid at all,” Onanuga said.

According to him, the rot left by Aregnesola was so much that his successor, Gboyega Oyetola had to had to dedicate enough time to clean up the mess, and that the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke is also grappling with problems left by the former Minister.

As a minister, the presidency said, his tenure was marred by jailbreaks in correction centers across the country, saying the former governor lacks moral rights to criticise President Tinubu.

“During his four years, obtaining a Nigerian passport became a nightmarish process, and there were 15 major attacks on correctional facilities in Jos, Abolongo, Imo, Kabba, and Okitipupa, resulting in over 4,000 inmates escaping to join criminal elements.

“For someone who failed so woefully to secure our correctional centres and uphold his duties between 2019 and 2023, it is ironic that Aregbesola now seeks to lecture others on insecurity. Maybe he thinks the entire Nigerian population suffers from amnesia,” Onanuga said.

Fidelity Bank Empowers 100 women With Vocational Tools At “Give Her Power” Initiative

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James Orji

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April 15, 2026

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In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, empowering 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income.

The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The event, which was held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, featured the distribution of 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines to women engaged in microbusinesses across the state. It attracted market leaders, community stakeholders, and government officials, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye‑Oladapo.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin, reaffirmed that the Ogun outreach aligns with the Bank’s broader commitment to delivering practical, measurable empowerment interventions through the Give Her Power initiative.

“At Fidelity Bank, our approach to empowerment is simple; it must be practical, inclusive, and sustainable. When you empower a woman economically, the benefits extend to her family, her business, and the wider community. This outreach in Abeokuta is a continuation of the momentum created with the launch of the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative earlier in March,” Jemirin stated.

He explained that the “Give Her Power” initiative is anchored on HerFidelity, the Bank’s women-focused proposition, which provides financial literacy, business support, vocational training, mentorship, and wellness initiatives for women-led enterprises.

Jemirin further revealed that the bank had scaled its women-focused interventions nationwide, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines, the rollout of the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0, financial literacy sessions for girls, mentorship engagements, and hands-on skills training.

“This is more than a donation, it’s our vote of confidence in your ability to earn, grow, and create value within your communities,” he added, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.

Commending the initiative, the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adeleye-Oladapo, described the programme as a meaningful shift from symbolic celebrations to tangible empowerment.

“This initiative goes beyond celebrating International Women’s Day. It delivers real opportunities for transformation. When you empower a woman, you empower a family and, ultimately, society,” she stated.

She further praised Fidelity Bank for complementing the efforts of the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun in advancing women’s economic empowerment.

She urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment, stressing that the true value of the initiative lies in its long-term impact on livelihoods and community development.

The “Give Her Power” initiative stands out as a prime example of Fidelity Bank’s sustained commitment to building pathways for individuals to thrive, businesses to grow, and communities to prosper through inclusive empowerment programmes.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Presidency To Aregbesola: Reflect On Your Time In Public Office, Insists ADC Lacks Nat. Agenda

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Ayodele Oni

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April 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has reminded the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, of his failed eight years as Governor of Osun state and unproductive four years as Minister of Interior.

Reacting to comments by Aregbesola during the ADC convention that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s Government is a scam, the Presidency pointed out that the people of Osun State, especially, civil servants will not quickly forget the hardship they were subjected to due to prolonged non payment of salaries by the administration of Aregbesola.

Special Adviser of President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X, dismissed the ADC as a gathering of “desperate politicians” without a clear national agenda.

Aregbesola had described the APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “classic scam”.

But Onanuga, in response, wrote: “No, Rauf. The real scammers are the politicians inside the SPV called ADC.”

Onanuga accused Aregbesola of repeating opposition talking points and attempting to distort the Government’s record.

He said: “At the event, Aregbesola reportedly called on his former boss, mentor, and benefactor to resign, parroting the opposition’s warped narratives about the economy and orchestrated reports of terrorist attacks in some parts of the country.”

He also criticised Aregbesola for what he described as a refusal to reflect on his own time in public office.

“His eight years as governor of Osun State were characterised by unmitigated hardship for the people. Civil servants went unpaid for months, and pensioners suffered greatly.”

Speaking on Aregbesola tenure as Minister of Interior, Onanuga said: “During his four years, obtaining a Nigerian passport became a nightmarish process, and there were multiple jailbreaks, including the infamous Kuje prison escape.”

He argued that it was “ironic” for Aregbesola to now speak on insecurity, saying: “For someone who failed so woefully to secure our correctional centres, it is ironic that Aregbesola now seeks to lecture others on insecurity.”

Defending the current administration, Onanuga stated: “The Tinubu administration has never shied away from acknowledging that policy reforms have brought unintended consequences, but we have introduced numerous relief measures, including cash transfers and support for small businesses.”

He further added that economic indicators were improving under the reforms. “We have seen increased GDP, stronger foreign reserves, and a bullish stock market reflecting growing investor confidence.”

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam,” Onanuga insisted.

Alarming Mental Cases: Ondo Exco Approves New Psychiatric Hospital

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Ayodele Oni

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April 15, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Worried by the increase in cases of mental illness in Ondo state, government has concluded arrangement to build new psychiatric hospital in the State.

This was among decisions reached at this week’s meeting of the state executive council presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure on Tuesday.

The commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka, while briefing journalists, revealed that the council approved the construction of a new neuropsychiatric hospital, as well as the upgrading of the existing Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Akure.

According to him, the move was necessitated by the growing burden of mental health challenges and drug abuse, which has placed considerable pressure on existing facilities.

Ajaka noted that the current psychiatric hospital is overstretched, with patients often waiting for months for admission, adding that the new and upgraded facilities would provide modern treatment conditions and improved privacy.

The Council also has approved the construction of 500-bedded hospital buildings across the state, and infrastructure upgrade.

Dr Ajaka, stated that the government had embarked on a comprehensive expansion of healthcare infrastructure through the approval of several 100-bedded and 50-bedded hospital buildings.

He disclosed that the projects include 100-bedded hospital buildings in Ikare-Akoko, Ore and Okitipupa, as well as additional 100-bedded facilities for the state specialist hospital and another specialist hospital in Igbokoda.

Ajaka further announced that 50-bedded hospital buildings were approved for Irele and Igbokoda, alongside two general hospitals structured as “one-stop shop” facilities where laboratory, X-ray, consultation and pharmacy services would be provided within a single building.

He explained that the cumulative capacity of the approved projects stands at 500 beds, noting that the development is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services across the state.

According to him, the one-stop shop model is designed to streamline service delivery and eliminate the need for patients to move between different units before receiving treatment.

He added that the council approved a revised cost for the contributory health commission building to enable expansion, as well as the procurement and installation of modern medical equipment for the Government House clinic.

The commissioner further stated that plans were underway to install advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI and mammography machines, at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.

Alarming Mental Cases