THE DIGESTABLE

By Idris Katib Final-year students of the prestigious Crescent University, Abeokuta have topped the 2026 edition of Florence Nightingale Essay and Speech Contest held among nursing institutions in Ogun State.  Two students of Crescent University finished in the top five at the final stage of the competition, with Roqeebat Onigbanjo coming second while Aishat Jubril placed fourth position respectively.  Students from twelve institutions offering nursing in Ogun State submitted entries for the contest.  In all, thirty-three essays were shortlisted as Roqeebah Onigbanjo from Crescent University scored the highest points at this stage. Following a quiz competition, 29 contestants advanced to the semifinal.   With this performance, Roqeebat Onigbanjo has been selected as one of the best two students to represent Ogun State at the zonal stage of the contest this year.  Crescent University, Abeokuta is the only institution with two contestants in the last five. Ot...

  A major player in the nation’s real estate business, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, has congratulated former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, for being recognized and honoured with the award of a Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Ed.) degree honoris causa in Political Science. The award given by the Nigeria’s premier education university – Tai Solarin University of Education (TASFUED), will be presented to Aremo Osoba at the institution’s 17th convocation ceremony today at its Ijagun campus, off Ijebu – Ode. Other two other exceptional Nigerians are the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun l will also be awarded Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Ed.) degrees, honoris causas in Childhood Education and Education Management respectively. While Congratulating Aremo Osoba on the honour, Adeyemo who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, said the award was well deserved, describing the recipient elder statesman as one of...

  The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State Chapter, has inaugurated its newly elected executives to pilot the affairs of the institute for the next two years. The 19th investiture of the Chairman and inauguration of the executive committee took place at the Providence Event Centre, Abiola Way, Abeokuta. In his inaugural address, the Chairman, Tpl. Olusola Odukoya, said the role of town planners has become increasingly critical as cities and towns confront challenges such as rapid urbanisation, infrastructure deficits, climate change, environmental degradation and insecurity. He outlined the key focus areas of the new administration to include professional development, enhanced institutional visibility and advocacy, promotion of ethical practice and professional unity, improvement of the institute’s secretariat and infrastructure, as well as the strengthening of partnerships and community impact initiatives. Tpl. Odukoya called for the guidance, cooperation and act...

  The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has appointed Cape Verdean referee Leónidas Lenine Barbosa Da Graca to officiate the CAF Champions League Group A, Matchday Four encounter between Rivers United of Nigeria and Power Dynamos of Zambia. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kickoff set for 5 p.m Barbosa Da Graca will be assisted by fellow Cape Verdeans Delgado Fernandes Wilson Jorge and Ricardo Oliveira Sanca of Guinea-Bissau, while Aldair Alsau Lopes Grabe, also from Guinea-Bissau, will serve as the fourth official. Rivers United will be hoping to secure a crucial result as the group stage action intensifies. The Pride of Rivers had only secured one point from 3 matches.

  The Ogun State First Lady and Founder of the Ajose Foundation, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has officially flagged off the 2026 Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign, aimed at immunising about three million children across the state. The campaign, organised through the National and State Primary Healthcare Development Boards in collaboration with international partners, commenced at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.  Key partners supporting the initiative include UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and FENET. The vaccination exercise targets children aged nine months to 14 years, while routine immunisation services will continue for infants between nine and 15 months. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mrs. Abiodun emphasised that measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases with serious health consequences, including pneumonia, brain damage, blindness and deafness.  She added that rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to misca...

As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter, has announced plans to honour Governor Dapo Abiodun, former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, and several other distinguished individuals and corporate organizations for their contributions to sports development and the growth of the state. The awards ceremony, which is one of the highlight events of the Ogun @50 celebrations, is aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements, long-term commitment, and strategic support for sports and youth development within and outside the state. According to the organizers, Governor Abiodun is being honoured for his administration’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and the revitalization of major sporting facilities across Ogun State.  Under his leadership, the state has hosted several national and international sporting events, reinforcing its status as a major spor...

  The leadership of the Mass Communication Students Association, MACOSA, Crescent University, Abeokuta, has called on students to uphold integrity and shun all forms of examination malpractice. In a statement signed by the Executives and released from the office of the Public Relations officer,  Yosola Adeleke, the association encourages students to approach their examinations with confidence, proper preparation, and a positive mindset. The Statement urges Students to be punctual, come along with all required examination materials, and strictly adhere to all laid-down examination rules and guidelines. The Representative of the part time students who is also the Vice President of the Association, Samuel Ogunyinka, emphasises the need for all the  part time students to complete all necessary registrations before the commencement of the examination this weekend to avoid disturbances. The Association describes examination malpractice in any form as unacceptable, noting that i...

  Nigerian medical doctor, Dr. Festus Oluseye Babarinde, has received the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award in the United States, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to volunteerism, public service, and healthcare delivery for underserved communities in Nigeria and the diaspora. Dr. Babarinde was honoured at the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Ceremony held at the Chevy Chase Auditorium, Johns Hopkins Hospital, on the East Baltimore campus.  The annual ceremony celebrates individuals whose work embodies the ideals of equity, compassion, service, and social justice championed by the late civil rights leader. He received the award alongside professors and senior research fellows from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to community health, medical education, and human capacity development in both Nigeria and the United States. Currently an intern at the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical ...

The Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, has announced the introduction of newly approved academic programmes in the institution following approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Speaking at the 21st Matriculation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, Prof. Gbajabiamila disclosed that the university has commenced Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree programmes in Software Engineering and Cybersecurity.  He assured students and parents that all academic programmes offered by the university are fully accredited by the NUC and relevant professional bodies. The Vice-Chancellor also cautioned newly admitted students to shun cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, violence, and other social vices, warning that such acts could lead to expulsion from the university. In a remark, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Adesegun Ajibola, expressed gratitude to parents for trusting the institution’s vision...

  A member of the House of Representatives representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Honorable Afolabi Moruf Afuape has congratulated a respected progressive-minded leader, Alhaji Moshood Akinyẹle, popularly known as Americo, on the occasion of his 70th birthday,  In a congratulatory message, Hon. Afolabi Moruf Afuape, described the celebrant as a man whose seventy years reflect wisdom gained through experience, strength built by perseverance, and leadership guided by foresight. He praised Alhaji Akinyẹle’s commitment to purposeful leadership, noting his ability to embrace progress while remaining firmly rooted in values that promote unity, fairness, and both political and communal development.  The lawmaker added that the celebrant’s leadership style continues to transcend generations through his willingness to listen, adapt, and inspire positive change without losing sight of shared cultural heritage. Hon Afuape acknowledged Alhaji Akinyẹle’s calm counsel, since...

  Christians have been encouraged to change their attitude to enable them to enjoy the best of God in 2026. Pastor Francis Kehinde of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Throne of Grace Parish, Olorunsogo, Abeokuta made the call in a sermon entitled " There is room for Change" Pastor Kehinde said that there was the need for the faithful to change their spiritual life through consistent prayer and reading of the word of God and be  positive minded in their thinking in 2026. He emphasized the need for Christians to shun old attitude, noting that such act could hinder the fulfillment of God's promises this year. While advising the faithful to desist from act of procrastination especially in the execution of their plans for the year, Pastor Kehinde stressed the need for them to manage their time efficiently for productive ventures.

  The leadership of the Proactive Remo Ita Oba Sagamu Farmers Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited has announced a shift in the date for Remo Farmers' Day celebration from 10th to 24th January, 2026.  According to the President, Mrs Solomon T. E., the decision to reschedule the event was reached after careful consideration of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the organizing committee.  She noted that while the adjustment was not made lightly, it was deemed necessary to ensure that the celebration achieves its intended purpose and impact. The President  assured all esteemed guests, partners, and stakeholders that all planned activities, programmes, and arrangements remain unchanged, with only the event date adjusted accordingly. She expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience the postponement may cause and deeply appreciated the understanding, patience, and continued support of all stakeholders.  The President expressed optimi...

The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has pledged support for a 32-year-old mother of five, Mrs. Esther Shaibu, who was reportedly abandoned by her husband after giving birth to triplets. Mrs. Abiodun made the promise during a visit to Iperu General Hospital in Ikenne Local Government Area, where the triplets were delivered on January 2, 2026.  She assured that the state government would support the family’s immediate needs and explore long-term economic assistance. The First Lady also commended the Federal Government’s free maternal healthcare programme in general hospitals, describing it as a major relief for expectant mothers across the country. She praised the medical team at the hospital, led by Consultant Gynecologist, Dr. Olukayode Taiwo, for their professionalism and quality care, which ensured the survival of the babies, weighing 2.4 kilograms, 1.5 kilograms and 1.08 kilograms at birth. Mrs. Abiodun emphasized the importance of early antenatal care, particul...

  The Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, has urged staff of the board to embrace love and unity as they begin the journey of the year 2026. Evangelist Ifede gave the charge during the annual interfaith prayer session organised by the board to mark the beginning of the new year at the Board Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He encouraged members of staff to always call one another to order whenever issues arise that might affect individuals or the collective progress of the board. The SUBEB Chairman attributed the achievements recorded by the board in 2025 to the cooperation, dedication and commitment of the Permanent Members, management and staff, urging them to intensify their efforts in 2026 to position the board among the best in the country. “What we have achieved in 2025 must be child’s play. In 2026, we are going to move SUBEB to a greater height,” he said. Evangelist Ifede also congratulated the newly appointed Headteache...

  The Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, described the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, as a quintessential leader, a pillar of administrative excellence, and a trailblazer for women in governance. In a congratulatory message, Hon Balogun extended his heartfelt felicitations to the Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, as she marks her landmark 60th birthday anniversary. He noted that Engr. Salako-Oyedele’s entry into the diamond age is a testament to a life dedicated to the service of humanity and the strategic development of the Gateway State.  The Commissioner  lauded her unwavering loyalty and the harmonious working relationship she maintains with the Executive Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, which has been instrumental to the successes of the "Building Our Future Together" agenda. "On behalf of the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives, I join the people of Ogun State and well-wishers across the globe to ce...

  Ogun State Government has engaged four hundred and forty-eight OgunTeach interns to boost manpower in public primary schools, particularly in rural communities. The engagement and posting letters were presented to the successful applicants at the State Universal Basic Education Board Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Presenting the letters, the Chairman of SUBEB, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, said the recruitment was targeted at addressing the shortage of teachers in rural schools.  He warned the interns against seeking redeployment, stressing that anyone who does so would be replaced immediately. Evangelist Ifede directed the interns to resume duty without delay, noting that failure to report promptly would attract automatic replacement.  He also advised them to submit their assumption-of-duty documents early to avoid delay in salary processing. The SUBEB chairman charged the interns to be disciplined, dedicated and work harmoniously with their headteachers, adding that...

The New Year brought celebration to Ogun State as the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, welcomed the first babies of 2026.  The state's first "Baby of the Year," a healthy boy, was born at Batoro Community Health Centre in Sagamu at 12:01 AM. Mrs. Abiodun emphasized the importance of honoring new life and advocated for maternal health, urging mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding. She was joined by top health officials, including Dr. Yinka Elemide and Dr. Elijah Ogunsola. The First Lady recognized other New Year babies at General Hospital Obafemi Owode and Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital Abeokuta, presenting gifts to families. Parents expressed gratitude, while the Olu of Owode-Egba praised the government's commitment to maternal and child health. In a remark, the Olu of Owode-Egba, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, lauded the state government's provision of ambulances to local governments, calling it vital for safe deliveries. 

  The Cherubim and Seraphim Church Unification Campus Fellowship, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Chapter popularly known as MAPOLY ISOKAN, Heirs of God Chapel is set to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a week-long programme of activities scheduled for September 7–13, 2026. The anniversary celebration with the  theme “Enlarge My Coast” (1 Chronicles 4:10), is a prophetic call for expansion, divine favour, and renewed influence, as the fellowship reflects on three decades of God’s faithfulness, spiritual growth, leadership development, and community transformation. According to the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Elder Brother Ogo Odubote, the week long anniversary will feature a variety of spiritually enriching and socially impactful programmes, including a Community Outreach and Empowerment Initiatives , reaching communities through gospel mission and medical support, and empowerment projects. Elder Brother Odubote listed other programmes designed for t...