…pushes for expanded laboratories, botanical gardens and strategic research to harness Nigeria’s rich plant resources for healthcare and economic growth

An organic chemist at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Adebisi Olonisakin, has charged the government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen investment in research that explores the known and undiscovered health and industrial potentials of plant secondary metabolites, in order for Africa to evolve organic, home-grown methods of tackling health challenges if it must preserve its population and safeguard its economy.

He made the call on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, while delivering the university’s 57th inaugural lecture titled “Nature’s Pharmacy: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Secondary Metabolites.”

He further advocated sustainable governance principles, the encouragement of conservation efforts and clubs, the establishment of botanical gardens, biotechnology research units, approval of complementary herbal medicine, and the provision of laboratory infrastructure and central analytical facilities as avenues to maximising the benefits of nature.

Prof. Olonisakin posited that “secondary metabolites are nature’s valuable compounds that have contributed significantly to human well-being, safety, and economic activities. These compounds have been a rich source of medicines, food additives, and other valuable products. Their diverse biological activities and potential applications make them an important area of research, offering new opportunities for improving human health and quality of life.”

He added that “the isolation of secondary metabolites from plants has led to the discovery of numerous bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and other industries. These compounds have shown promising results, making them attractive candidates for further research and development in order to uncover more of nature’s hidden treasures.”

Professor Olonisakin explained that secondary metabolites are natural compounds found in the leaves, roots, bark, and seeds of plants, which protect them from insects and infections. He added that scientists study these plant chemicals to produce drugs for treating illnesses.

While affirming that nature can be seen as a pharmacy because it provides healing substances, the organic chemist urged students and researchers to pay attention to local plants, noting that Nigeria is blessed with many medicinal plants whose properties are yet to be fully discovered and utilised to improve healthcare and boost the country’s economy.

Prof. Olonisakin noted that mosquito-borne viral diseases such as malaria continue to pose significant global health challenges, with increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides. This, he said, has created an urgent need for alternative vector-control strategies through further research and development of plant secondary metabolites.

He, however, stressed the need for intentional scientific research into beneficial and safe plant-derived compounds, noting that genetic and environmental factors significantly influence the efficacy and chemical composition of plant secondary metabolites.

The chemist highlighted some of the challenges associated with secondary metabolites research, including complicated extraction processes, low yields of secondary metabolites in source plants, compound instability, structural diversity, demanding purification techniques, and limitations in analytical techniques.

To address these challenges, Prof. Olonisakin called on the Nigerian government to adopt integrated management principles that include responsibility, scale matching, precaution, adaptive management, full cost allocation, and stakeholder participation. He added that large-scale botanical gardens should be established in all Nigerian states to conserve and manage useful plants effectively.

He also urged relevant stakeholders to encourage the establishment of conservation awareness groups and clubs from primary schools to universities, as well as across local communities.

While presenting the inaugural lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described Prof. Olonisakin as a distinguished scholar whose work sits at the intersection of tradition and science, as well as nature and human well-being. 

He commended him for his unwavering commitment to solution-driven research that advances knowledge within the university and benefits society at large.

Popular medical doctor, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

In a statement released on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Dr Ikubese congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters on concluding a period characterised by fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

He noted that Eid-el-Fitr represents a season rooted in thanksgiving to Allah and the celebration of discipline, charity, compassion, unity and renewed faith, all of which were demonstrated during the fasting period.

According to him, the values imbibed during Ramadan should not be confined to the holy month but sustained in daily living for the overall benefit of humanity.

Dr Ikubese therefore urged Muslims to continue reflecting these virtues in their personal and communal lives, stressing the importance of fostering harmony and compassion within society.

He also expressed hope that the Eid celebration would usher in divine blessings in every home, bringing peace, joy and spiritual fulfilment to families.

The statement concluded with goodwill wishes to Muslim faithful as they celebrate the festival, with Dr Ikubese praying for continued blessings and unity among adherents.

…calls for tolerance, academic focus, and sustained peace within university community

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has extended his warm felicitations to the Muslim community, staff, and students of the university on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a message released by the University’s Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit, Prof. Ige congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. 

He described the festival as a symbol of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah.

Prof. Ige emphasised that the virtues of self-discipline, charity, and compassion, which are deeply entrenched in the teachings of Ramadan, should extend beyond the month and be reflected in the daily lives of all staff and students. 

He urged members of the university community to use the occasion to foster greater understanding, tolerance, and unity among people of all faiths.

“As we celebrate this significant day, I call on all staff and students to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan—patience, piety, and perseverance. These are the values that build character and strengthen our university community,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

The VC further encouraged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and to shun any act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the institution. 

Prof. Ige reassured the university community of the management’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for learning, research, and character development.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a happy and peaceful Eid celebration, Prof. Ige prayed that the blessings of the season translate into progress and success for the entire Adekunle Ajasin University community.

He also prayed for the continued peace and development of the state and the nation.

Signed:

Victor A. Akinpelumi

Deputy Registrar,Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit/Head, Radio AAUA 90.3FM Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit/Head, Radio AAUA 90.3FM Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

A distinguished researcher in the field of Organic Chemistry, Prof. Adebisi Olonisakin, is set to deliver the 57th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The lecture, entitled “Nature’s Pharmacy: Unlocking the Secrets of Plant Secondary Metabolites,” is scheduled to hold at the University Multipurpose Hall.

In a statement, the Chairman of Ceremonies and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture is slated for 2:00 p.m., while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Prof. Olonisakin’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology (Hons) degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 1994. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Ibadan in 1999 and completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2007.

He joined the staff of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2011 as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Sciences and has since risen through the ranks to become a Professor in 2018. His administrative competence has been demonstrated through various roles within the institution. 

These include Acting Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences; Sub-Dean of the Postgraduate School; Director of the General Studies Unit; Acting Director of the Centre for Diploma and Pre-Degree Studies; and Chairman of the Student Union Election Committee, the Technical Committee on Admissions, and the Internal Assessment and Evaluation Committee, among others.

A prolific academic, he has authored 61 published research articles, with three others currently under review. He has also attended and presented papers at 21 conferences, both locally and internationally, including in Ghana and India.

Prof. Olonisakin’s experience outside Adekunle Ajasin University includes serving as an External Examiner for M.Sc., PhD, and undergraduate programmes in the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences at several Nigerian universities. 

These include the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Achievers University, Owo; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Bowen University, Iwo; and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. He has also served as an External Assessor for Reader and Professor positions in many Nigerian universities, as well as a reviewer for both national and international scientific journals.

A testament to his academic distinction, the don has received several grants and postdoctoral fellowships. These include the AAUA Research Grant (2012–2013, 2024–2025); the TETFund Research Grant (2018–2019); the NSUK-ETF Research Grant (2010–2011); and a fellowship from The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy, hosted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India (2013–2014). He also participated in the Pan-African Chemistry Network Congress in Accra, Ghana, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge (2017).

Prof. Olonisakin is a member of several professional bodies, including the Science Association of Nigeria, the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, the Society of Essential Oils Distillers and Analysts of Nigeria, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

An economic expert and Commissioner of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, Olugbuyiro Akinola, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s tax reforms, saying the impactful measures are already strengthening government revenue and creating the resources needed to fund critical infrastructure and welfare programmes for Nigerians.

Akinola, who is also a legal practitioner with over two decades of experience in commercial, banking, and oil and gas transactions, stated this during an interview with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to him, the reforms have significantly improved revenue generation, with tax revenue now contributing a larger share of government income than oil and gas for the first time in Nigeria’s history.

He explained that Nigerians are now encouraged by seeing how their taxes are being judiciously utilised for their benefit and for the development of the country.

Akinola further noted that the increase in tax revenue is enabling the Federal Government to fund major infrastructure projects across the country as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope development agenda.

He cited several ongoing road construction projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and other major corridors such as Badagry–Sokoto, Enugu–Onitsha–Owerri–Port Harcourt, as well as road networks linking Ore, Ondo, Akure, Itaogbolu, Iju and Ikere.

“The taxpayer now understands the tax process better, and through that, it has increased our revenue. For the first time in the history of this country, under this administration, tax revenue now accounts for about 68 per cent of our public revenue,” he said.

According to him, these projects are being made possible because more taxpayers and corporate organisations are now complying with tax laws following several landmark rulings of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

“We have recorded repeated decisions of the Tax Appeal Tribunal across the country in which huge sums have been awarded against companies that previously failed to pay taxes such as stamp duty, value-added tax, and withholding tax. They are now paying,” he said.

Akinola, a leading aspirant for Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency seat in House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said sustained reforms and public cooperation are essential to achieving long-term economic stability in the country..

He added that the funds generated from improved compliance are being channelled into infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives.

“When we get this money, it allows the government to develop social infrastructure and social welfare programmes for the people of Nigeria. That is the impact of the Tax Appeal Tribunal,” he said.

On whether Nigeria’s tax laws address emerging sectors such as the digital economy, Akinola said recent reforms initiated by the administration are designed to capture digital businesses operating in the country.

He explained that the reforms have introduced measures to tax multinational digital companies with a significant digital presence in Nigeria.

Akinola also noted that the reforms are designed to reduce the tax burden on the poor while focusing more on wealthy individuals and large corporations.

“When we talk about the digital economy, there are many companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft that are not physically resident in Nigeria but operate within our digital space. The law now captures companies with a digital presence in Nigeria so that transactions conducted within our territory can be taxed,” he said.

“For the first time in our history, we have a wholesale reform affecting all our tax processes, reducing the tax burden on the poor to the barest minimum. In fact, many of the poorest citizens do not pay tax at all, while the system now focuses on the wealthy and large corporations to fund infrastructure and welfare programmes,” he explained.

Speaking on how the government can strengthen public confidence in the tax system, Akinola emphasised the need for comprehensive tax education across the country.

He proposed the establishment of a national institute dedicated to tax education to improve citizens’ understanding of tax obligations and the benefits of compliance.

“We need an institute of tax education that will go from door to door, educating people about tax. Many people believe that when the government asks them to pay tax, it is trying to make life difficult for them,” he said.

He added that tax education should also be incorporated into the nation’s school curriculum so that citizens grow up understanding the importance of taxation.

“When everyone faithfully pays tax, the government will have a pool of resources to invest back into society—into security, education, healthcare, energy, and other services that the government must provide,” he said.

Akinola further expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms by President Tinubu will strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system, enhance infrastructure development, and improve national security.

A Professor of Applied Social and Environmental Psychology at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba Akoko, Oluyinka Ojedokun, has posited that all environmental problems, ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to waste management and urban pollution, are caused by human behaviour and collective action. 

He recommended what he called ‘Responsible Environmental Behaviour’ as the solution.

Delivering the institution’s 56th inaugural lecture titled, “God Made the Earth, Humans Made the Town,” on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Prof. Ojedokun advocated for action to achieve a balanced ecosystem. He called on governments and stakeholders to prioritise environmental education programmes that not only raise awareness about the dangers of pollution, but also actively promote responsible behaviour among Nigerians.

According to him, humanity’s source is the Earth, and it remains the foundation of our survival. “Therefore, we cannot afford the continued degradation of the environment,” he said, emphasising the urgent need for adopting responsible behaviours.

The don highlighted this approach as a preventive strategy that encourages individuals to act more responsibly toward the environment by influencing behavioural change, rather than relying solely on campaigns that focus on attitudinal shifts.

“Responsible environmental behaviour, by its very nature, demands a future-oriented mindset, requiring individuals to incur small present costs, such as effort, inconveniences, or restraint, in exchange for benefits that are largely deferred and collective, in order to safeguard environmental conditions for future outcomes,” he explained.

He noted that environmentally responsible behaviour does not occur by chance. “Rather, it is shaped by the dynamic interplay of attitudes, self-concept, self-efficacy, personality, future time perspective, emotional processes such as eco-anxiety, and the social and institutional environments within which individuals act,” the lecturer stated.

Prof. Ojedokun urged universities, schools, and community organisations to design environmental education programmes that go beyond raising awareness. He recommended that such programmes focus on habit interruption, deliberate action, and the influence of social norms, employing goal-setting, scenario-based workshops, and visual cues to connect present actions with long-term outcomes.

Recommending stricter measures to curb environmental degradation through behavioural change, he urged researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to adopt a Littering Prevention Behaviour Scale (LPBS) and Littering Attitude Scale (LAS) to assess, monitor, and evaluate interventions. He noted that evidence from these tools should guide policy, programme design, and targeted interventions to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

He further suggested involving social and environmental psychologists in designing interventions aimed at enhancing environmental self-efficacy, fostering positive self-concept and altruism, and developing residents’ and students’ self-monitoring and self-regulation skills.

According to him, a multi-sectoral approach is essential for achieving lasting change. He stressed that government and local authorities should provide accessible waste disposal facilities, clear signage, and consistent enforcement of anti-littering laws, while also integrating psychosocial insights into public sanitation campaigns and combining infrastructure, enforcement, and education for sustainable impact.

He also called on community leaders, NGOs, and civil society organisations to facilitate participatory programmes that mobilise residents to take part in clean-up drives and peer-monitoring, as well as reinforce anti-littering norms through local awareness initiatives.

Turning to the private sector, Prof. Ojedokun urged waste management companies to improve the accessibility and reliability of waste services, integrate behavioural insights into service design, and partner with educational and government stakeholders to enhance collection, sorting, and recycling services while incentivising proper disposal.

Presenting the inaugural lecturer earlier, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Olugbenga Ige, commended Prof. Ojedokun for his outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and community service. He noted that the lecture’s focus on environmental responsibility reflects the university’s commitment to producing knowledge that benefits society.

The rivers that many Nigerians depend on for drinking, cooking, and bathing are being systematically poisoned by industrial and urban waste, a university don has warned, declaring that “our existence is being threatened” by continuous exposure to avoidable pollution.

Professor Isaac Ayodele Ololade of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, issued the stark warning on Tuesday while delivering the institution’s 55th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Environmental Chemistry: The Science Behind a Healthier Planet.”

Drawing on years of research into important rivers across southwestern Nigeria, the professor revealed that both direct contact with and consumption of water from these polluted sources pose significant cancer risks. “Both dermal and ingestion routes are practically significant in the carcinogenic risk assessment to human health in all the rivers investigated in our studies,” he explained. “Hence, attention should be paid to the domestic use of these rivers for cooking and recreational activities, including swimming, to limit exposure to the pollutants.”

He added: “Based on the results of our several studies on important rivers within southwestern Nigeria and the dependence of many on river resources, either directly or indirectly, I can say authoritatively that our existence is being threatened because of continuous exposure to avoidable risks.”

Prof. Ololade called for urgent implementation of a zero-discharge policy, saying, “The current data suggest that it is high time to take appropriate steps toward the protection of our water resources. Moreover, the zero-discharge policy has to be implemented to reduce contamination of our river bodies. The current unfriendly attitude towards the safe and productive use of our water resources, including unlimited and unregulated direct point sources of pollution, may not provide the appropriate conditions that can protect and support marine protection that encourages recreation, tourism, and sustainable development.”

To underscore the human toll of environmental neglect, the professor presented shocking evidence from auto mechanics in Ondo State. Blood and urine tests conducted on the workers showed “unacceptably high levels of carcinogenic matter” and the presence of toxic metals, which he attributed to the improper disposal of workshop waste. 

He advised that every auto mechanic workshop should be strictly monitored and recommended urgent measures, including the segregation of wastes using designated containers, the development of spill response plans, the training of mechanics and apprentices on spill procedures, and the regular monitoring of workshop environments for air quality.

To tackle the devastating health and environmental hazards posed by unchecked waste disposal, the professor called for a multi-pronged approach from governments at all levels. He listed several key measures, including the enactment and strict enforcement of regulations, heavy fines and penalties for offenders, and an aggressive public awareness campaign to encourage responsible habits.

He also advocated for a total ban on single-use plastics, the provision of adequate waste bins, and the creation of robust recycling programmes for paper and plastics. Investment in modern landfills with proper containment systems was also crucial, he said, warning against open landfills that “slowly poison soil and water.” 

Prof. Ololade further recommended the use of waste-to-wealth initiatives, such as incineration, to reduce waste volume and generate power, as well as the deployment of digital platforms to optimise waste collection routes and track waste more efficiently.

The inaugural lecturer, however, acknowledged that developing countries like Nigeria face significant hurdles in ensuring a waste-free environment. He identified inadequate funding, a lack of infrastructure, and a shortage of trained staff to manage complex waste systems as major obstacles, noting also that no single solution works effectively, requiring a combination of strategies, and that securing funding for advanced technologies and ongoing maintenance remains a persistent challenge.

Despite these difficulties, Prof. Ololade ended his lecture on a note of cautious optimism, urging collective action from citizens, communities, and governments. “As we confront the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, the vision of a pollution-free world feels increasingly distant,” he said. “However, through collective efforts and innovative solutions, this ideal can shift from being a mere fantasy to a tangible goal. By prioritising sustainable practices, embracing renewable energy, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, we have the power to transform our reality.”

He concluded: “It’s time to ask ourselves: can we make a pollution-free environment a reality? The answer lies in our hands. Let’s commit to making it happen.”

Speaking while introducing the inaugural lecturer, the Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described Prof. Ololade as a consummate academic and researcher who is well-regarded both nationally and internationally, and whose work has brought positive global attention to the institution. 

The Vice Chancellor added that the university’s inaugural lecture series aims to give professors the platform to showcase their research to society, with a view to bringing improvement and development to the wider community through novel ideas.

A renowned scholar of Applied Social and Environmental Psychology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Oluyinka Ojedokun, will deliver the university’s 56th inaugural lecture on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The lecture, entitled “God Made the Earth, Humans Made the Town,” will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall at 2pm. Guests are expected to be seated by 1:30pm.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, it was confirmed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.

Prof. Ojedokun began his academic career in 1998, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He obtained a Master’s degree in Social and Personality Psychology from the same institution in 2002, followed by a PhD in Social and Personality Psychology, also from the University of Ibadan, in 2009.

He joined the staff of Adekunle Ajasin University as a Lecturer I in the Department of Pure and Applied Psychology in 2010 and steadily rose through the ranks to be appointed as a Professor in 2019.

Beyond research and teaching, the professor has served the institution in several capacities at various times, including Acting Head of Department, Coordinator of Postgraduate Academic Programmes, and Departmental Seminar Coordinator. His administrative roles have also included Editor of Social & Management Scientists, Pre-Degree Coordinator for the Social and Management Sciences, and Chairman of the FSMS Journal Club.

A prolific researcher, Prof. Ojedokun has authored 75 published articles, contributed to 13 books, and served as editor of two others. He has attended and presented papers at 16 conferences both locally and internationally, in countries such as South Africa, Thailand, Norway, Uganda, Turkey, and the Netherlands.

Prof. Ojedokun’s professional experience beyond his home university includes serving as External Examiner at the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, and in the Department of Public Health and Family Medicine at the University of Cape Town, both in South Africa. He is also an External Moderator at the University of the Western Cape, a Research Associate at the University of Pretoria, an Article Editor for SAGE Open Journal, and an Overseas Associate Editor for the Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Entrepreneurial Research (APJMER).

In recognition of his distinguished contribution to research, Prof. Ojedokun has received several prestigious grants, fellowships, and awards. These include research grants and a laureateship from the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (2017–2018), a research grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (2016–2017), and a post-doctoral fellowship at North-West University, South Africa (2013–2015).

He holds membership in several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association for Psychological Science (APS), and the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD). He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Positive Psychology Association of Nigeria (POPAN) and the Nigerian Association of Social Psychologists (NASP).

* PBAT Mandate Elders’ Forum Calls on President Tinubu to Address Factional Crisis Following Controversial Congress, Citing Lack of Elders input, parallel Congresses in Wards

* Forum Lauds BTO Over Care for Senior Citizens

* Beneficiaries Mobilise Support for Tinubu

The PBAT Mandate Elders’ Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has lampooned the recently conducted ward congress of the party in the state. According to the forum, the ward congress exposed a subtle division within the party, warning that, if not urgently addressed, it could create a permanent split.

Speaking at the health outreach of the forum on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the facilitator of the forum, Elder Demola Ijabiyi,recalled that the directive of the national secretariat of the party was to return the current executive members of the party through consensus.

Over 600 elderly persons across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State  benefited from another round of free medical outreach organised by the forum.

He particularly lauded the sponsor of the health outreach and Minister of Interior, Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his sustained commitment to the welfare and quality healthcare of senior citizens in the state.

“We are basically here to advance the cause of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and therefore, anything that can affect it or anything that has bearing with it, we have to address it.

“And that means that we cannot ignore what happened in our ward congress where we had parallel congresses in most of the wards.

“We have already written a memo to Mr President on what to be done on it. And we are well briefed here that we expect that the President will do something to address the situation in Ondo State.

“If addressed, it will not create a permanent division within the party. But right now, that’s what the ward congress has created, division.

“We are not happy. We are disheartened about it because the congress was organised and implemented without the input of elders.

“It is like imposing all those people on us as leaders. But the matter has been brought before the President, who is the national leader of our party, and we believe that he will take action on it. And we are very confident that we act on that memo,” he stated.

According to him, there was no visible division in the party before the congress but mere rumours of a dichotomy existing between the state governor and the Minister of Interior, Dr Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.

He added that the elders in the party at the state level were not aware of any fight between the duo, because both parties would often say there was no fight between them.

“As far as we elders are concerned here, we are not aware of it. So we didn’t go into it, because if you ask the minister , he will say there’s nothing between me and the governor.

“But the ward congress has brought everything out. We are not sure what is really happening. But everything has come out in the ward congress whereby the party now became divided into two,” he stated.

On his part, the Vice Chairman of the forum, Elder Olorunnibe Stephen, noted that the monthly meetings of the forum were aimed at addressing the medical needs of the elderly, a programme sponsored by Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“One of the outcomes is that they will leave here happier because we have done something to improve their health. The second purpose is to brief ourselves on what is happening in Ondo State, particularly within our party. You can see how many elders, both men and women, are seated here today. So far, over 2,000 elders across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State have benefited from the free medical care. I want to specially thank Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his initiative and care for the elders.”

“For today’s session, we have about four health programmes for the elders: sugar test, cholesterol, blood pressure, and prostate exams, and there are medications being provided to them. After the tests, we will take care of those with borderline results,” he said.

He stressed that the initiative, spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, has brought together a team of medical professionals to offer crucial services to over 600 senior citizens in the state today. The medical team, which includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians, conducted a series of health checks to ensure that the elderly residents received the attention they needed.

The medical team carried out important tests, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar level checks. Additionally, the elderly were tested for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a crucial indicator of prostate health. “It is essential to address these health issues early, especially for those at risk of conditions like prostate cancer or hypertension,” said Stephen.

The Vice Chairman noted that the free screening process helped detect health problems before they became severe, ensuring that the elderly were given timely medical care.

One of the major health concerns highlighted during the event was cholesterol, a condition that leads to fat buildup in the blood vessels, restricting blood flow and causing high blood pressure. This condition, if left untreated, can result in serious complications such as strokes. “We are here to ensure that people with dangerously high cholesterol levels receive the necessary care,” he explained.

He added that the sponsor had also gone a step further by providing referrals to specialists when needed, including neurologists to treat severe cases of prostate enlargement and cancer.

Beyond medical treatments, he explained that the initiative also included health education for the elderly. Professional health educators have been recruited to educate them on important topics such as exercise, disease prevention, and safety in the home.

 According to him, this educational aspect is crucial, as many elderly people suffer from home accidents, often caused by slippery floors or falls. This programme aims to reduce such risks by equipping senior citizens with the knowledge they need to live safely and healthily.

Looking ahead, he noted that the forum, under the leadership of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will continue to focus on elderly health concerns. “Next month, we will address another health concern related to old age,” he said, assuring that the sponsor of the programme would continue to prioritise the care and well-being of the elderly, ensuring that older citizens can live with dignity, supported by a comprehensive healthcare system that addresses their unique needs.

Also speaking, Assistant Secretary of the forum, Mrs. Bukky Oludero, noted that the forum had impacted the lives of elders in the state for the past year. Oludero said that the forum provided members with access to medical specialists to cater to their health needs, helping them live longer.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Olorunfemi Beke and Ojo Andrew, appreciated the organisers of the free healthcare and prayed for long life and good health for them. The elders concluded by reiterating their unwavering support for President Tinubu, stating that they are confident he will guide the country toward progress and unity, both within the APC and across the nation.

All is now set for the 55th inaugural lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, as Professor Isaac Ayodele Ololade, a distinguished scholar of Environmental Chemistry in the Department of Chemical Sciences, prepares to deliver the institution’s latest instalment in its series of frontier-pushing academic lectures.

The lecture, which promises to be an intellectually stimulating exploration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, is titled “Environmental Chemistry: The Science Behind a Healthier Planet,” and is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the University Multipurpose Hall.

In a statement, the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event as Chairman of the occasion. The programme is slated to commence promptly at 2:00 p.m., while guests, dignitaries, and members of the university community are expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Professor Ololade began his academic journey in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Ibadan.

 He obtained a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from the same institution in 2001. In 2008, he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Chemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He subsequently completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Chemistry at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the auspices of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011.

Upon joining Adekunle Ajasin University in 2001 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Sciences, Professor Ololade progressed steadily through the academic ranks to attain the position of Professor in 2017. Throughout his career, he has been actively engaged in teaching, cutting-edge research, postgraduate supervision, mentoring, and academic advisory responsibilities.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Professor Ololade has rendered distinguished administrative service to the University. His leadership portfolio includes serving as Dean of the Faculty of Science, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, Director of the University Central Research Laboratory, Chairman of the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Committee, Acting Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences, Sub-dean of the Faculty of Science, Coordinator of the Faculty of Science Research Laboratory, Chairman of the Business Committee of Senate on Centre for Basic and Part-Time Studies, as well as Departmental Postgraduate and Seminar Coordinator.

A prolific scholar of international standard, Professor Ololade has authored ninety-six peer-reviewed research articles in reputable local and international journals. He has attended and presented papers at numerous conferences in Nigeria and abroad, including China, Egypt, Italy, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. He has also participated in numerous research initiatives, with several completed studies under review and additional research projects in progress.

In recognition of his academic distinction, Professor Ololade has received several prestigious grants and awards, including the TETFund Institution-Based Research Intervention Fund in 2016, the International Foundation for Science Research Grants in 2012 and 2016, the Adekunle Ajasin University Research Grant Award in 2012, the Chinese Academy of Sciences–Third World Academy of Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2010, the Education Tax Fund Staff Training and Development Award in 2004, and the Travel Grant by the Pan-Africa Network and Royal Society of Chemistry in 2012.

 He has also received a certificate of appreciation for his role on the Scientific Committee of the Second Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration.

He is a member of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He is also a Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences–Third World Academy of Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship.