OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

OYEBANJI’S INFRASTRUCTURE SURGE WINS HEARTS AS EKITI COMMUNITIES RALLY FOR SECOND TERM Residents across communities in have once again applauded the sweeping infrastructural strides of Governor , describing his administration as impactful and people-centered. Individuals and groups who spoke during the Ekiti Project Tour expressed deep satisfaction over the visible transformation recorded across towns and rural settlements, noting that development has reached the grassroots. In Igbemo, farmers and business owners commended the construction of critical road networks linking Ikole-Isaba-Ikoyi-Igbemo and Ikole-Ara-Isinbode, stressing that the projects have boosted economic activities and eased movement. The Onisin of Isinbode, Oba Barrister Adesoji Akinyemi Ona Oro III, while acknowledging the government’s efforts, appealed for the immediate deployment of a medical doctor to the Primary Health Centre in Isinbode Ekiti. Onisin on white cap At the General Hospital in Ilupeju Ekiti, me...

Free Health Care Registration Now Open Across Ekiti State If you live in Ekiti State and you or someone around you is pregnant, caring for a child under five, living with conditions like sickle cell, or elderly, this message is especially for you. These groups are considered most vulnerable, and the state has made provisions to ensure they get the care and attention they deserve without financial stress. Across all 177 wards in Ekiti State, Primary Health Care centres are open and ready to register eligible residents for this free health care programme. Please take advantage of this opportunity by visiting the nearest PHC to you, because early registration can make a real difference in protecting health and saving lives. Source: Omoluabi 

  The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has announced plans to establish a medical bay at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. The initiative, aimed at enhancing athlete welfare, is set to complement the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure and health services for athletes in the state. Dr. Tunde Ajayi, Chairman of the Red Cross Society’s Ekiti State chapter, revealed that the development is dedicated to the memory of the late Hon. Justice Lawrence Sunday Awe, a former branch chairman of the association. He also said that it was sponsored by the family of the late honourable justice. Speaking on the project, Dr. Ajayi explained, “The medical bay will be fully equipped with essential medical equipment to serve as a first point of aid for athletes during training and competitions. This gesture also aligns with our mission to support the well-being of our community.” In addition to the medical bay, Dr. Ajayi disclosed that the Red...

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported that children between the ages of 0-5 years are the most affected by the Mpox disease outbreak in Nigeria.  Out of the 48 confirmed cases recorded this year, the majority of those affected fall within this age group. The NCDC stated that Mpox spreads easily through contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.  In the latest update, eight new confirmed cases were recorded across five states, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in 2024 to 48. Since September 2017, a total of 4,685 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT, with 1,134 confirmed cases (24.2%) and 17 deaths. Males account for approximately 70% of those affected. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia, and asthenia, followed by a progressively developing rash. The NCDC urges citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

  Kidney disease is a growing health concern in Africa, with Nigeria being heavily impacted.  To mitigate its effects, it's essential to raise awareness, improve healthcare infrastructure, and promote preventive measures. Here are 10 ways to take care of your kidneys: 1. Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. 2. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 3. Limit Sodium and Sugar Intake: Excessive consumption can strain your kidneys. 4. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity maintains healthy blood flow and overall well-being. 5. Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage kidneys, so monitor and control it if necessary. 6. Don't Smoke: Smoking harms kidney function and overall health. 7. Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive consumption can strain kidneys. 8. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help kidneys function properly. 9. Manage Stress: High-stress levels can increase bl...

  The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a seven-day warning strike on Monday to demand the immediate rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor who has been held captive by kidnappers for nearly eight months.  The strike, which affected hospitals nationwide, left countless patients stranded and healthcare services severely disrupted. In Abuja, patients at the Federal Medical Centre and the National Hospital experienced significant delays, with many expressing frustration and distress over missed appointments and prolonged waiting times.  Sarah Adamu, a diabetic patient, lamented the uncertainty surrounding her long-awaited appointment, while Mrs. Aisha Abdul, a retired civil servant, worried about the impact of the strike on her urgent medical needs. Despite the disruption, consultants, house officers, and other healthcare workers were left to manage patient care in the absence of resident doctors.  Dr. Tayo Haastrup, spokesperson fo...

  Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been declared a public health emergency, with nearly all recorded cases and over 450 deaths occurring in the country.  Children under 10 are disproportionately affected, with 75% of cases seen at a clinic in Munigi being in this age group. The clinic has treated 310 cases since June, with no fatalities due to early treatment. However, a hospital 80km away has seen eight deaths, all under the age of five. Overcrowding and poor sanitation in camps for displaced people have contributed to the spread of the disease.  Health workers are educating people on symptoms and prevention, but vaccines are not yet available in the country. Distribution of vaccines will be limited, and health experts emphasize the importance of improving hygiene practices to reduce transmission.  Affected communities are calling for medicine, soap, and protective measures to prevent further infection. The outbreak is of a new strain, Clade 1b,...

  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 40 confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) out of 830 suspected cases in the country, with no fatalities recorded thus far.  Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) due to a 160% increase in cases this year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria Country Representative, Walter Mulombo, announced that Nigeria will receive a donation of Mpox vaccine doses from the United States Government.  He emphasized that Nigeria is at moderate risk of a disease outbreak. At a joint WHO National Mpox briefing in Abuja, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris stated that the current use of two laboratories for confirmation of suspected cases is inadequate.  To address this, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the African Center for Genomics will be added to the network. Dr. Idris assured that th...

  The Nigeria Health Commissioners' Forum (NHCF) has urged for strengthened control measures to combat the spread of infectious diseases, such as monkeypox, cholera, and diphtheria, which have been reported in some states. In light of the Supreme Court's judgment granting autonomy to local governments, the forum established a committee to develop a roadmap for enhancing primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. The commissioners commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and investing in the healthcare system, which will help mitigate the exodus of medical doctors to foreign countries. The commissioners reiterated their commitment to preparedness, surveillance, and response measures to contain outbreaks effectively. They also acknowledged the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and resolved to prioritize NCDs in state health agendas. The forum emphasized the need for innovative strategies to...

A journalist who is also a native of Ondo state Adebayo Aransiola has berated the unprofessional conduct of the members of staff of Mother and Child Hospital in Ondo city. Aransi who gave an account of his experience when he visited the health facility revealed that patients were neglected and charged unnecessary payments for services that were meant to be free. He made this known in an open letter posted on his Facebook account, to the governor of Ondo State Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The letter; "Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, I am writing to bring to the attention of your government, a deeply concerning experience I had during my recent visit to Mother and Child Hospital in Ondo City.  As a citizen who has always had great respect for our healthcare system, I was disheartened by the attitudes and practices of some of the hospital staff, which I believe undermine the core values of the health institution and the well-being of the patients that the hospital serves. ÀRÁNSÍỌLÁ On the day o...