By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved ₦45 million for the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to intensify the fight against HIV/AIDS across the state.
Speaking through his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, at the OYSACA Conference Room in Agodi, Ibadan, the governor emphasized that the funding, along with the recent approval of HIV test kits, will strengthen the agency’s capacity to curb the spread of the virus.
At the event, prominent figures including Chief (Dr.) Saka Balogun, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja, Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke, Hon. Wale Saminu, and Hon. Shina Peller were officially inaugurated as OYSACA Ambassadors. Makinde described them as “champions of change” who will use their influence to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support the state’s health initiatives.
“Our ambassadors are not just representatives. They are voices for the voiceless and catalysts for a more inclusive and compassionate society,”
the governor stated, reaffirming that health remains a central pillar of his administration’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
The chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, praised the governor’s proactive approach, noting that the funds would enable the agency to reach high-risk populations and provide life-saving services more effectively. He commended development partners such as Global Fund, APIN, and Society for Family Health for their consistent support.
The newly inaugurated ambassadors pledged to use their platforms to mobilize communities, fight stigma, and push the message of HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
This latest move by the Oyo State Government underscores a broader push to strengthen public health and reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state.
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Full Statement
Dear colleagues, e kasan. Kindly find below a statement on OYACA and the inauguration of its ambassadors. Thank you for your kind consideration.
Press Release
Makinde Approves ₦45 Million for Control of HIV/AIDS
…inaugurates OYSACA Ambassadors
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has approved the sum of ₦45 million for the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to further curb the spreading of HIV/AIDS across the state.
The governor, spoke through his Deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal disclosed this on recently at the inauguration ceremony of OYSACA Ambassadors, held at the OYSACA Conference Room, Agodi,Ibadan.
He explained that the funds alongside the recent approval of the purchase of HIV test kits are targeted at strengthening Agency’s capacity to combat the epidemic.
The Governor, while inaugurating the ambassadors, including, Chief (Dr.) Saka Balogun; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; Hon. Wale Saminu and Hon. Shina Peller, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving public health and reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state.
He said that the ambassadors, who were carefully selected will assist in raising awareness and support the government in its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the state.
He congratulated the newly appointed Ambassadors and admonished them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“The inauguration of these ambassadors marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.
“As an ambassador, you are not just a representative; you are the champions of change, you are the voices for those who have been silent, the beacon of hope for those in darkness, and the catalyst in a more inclusive and compassionate society.
“Your roles will inspire truth, promote education, and ultimately save lives.
“I commend OYSACA for these initiatives, which underscore the importance of community engagement and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and ensuring everyone has access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
“The governor put a man of experience, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, in charge of this agency. We sought him because of his tremendous experience in the area of healthcare deliveries, not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria.
“And to give effect to the assignment given to him, the Government has recently approved the purchase of HIV/AIDS test kits so that it will aid or assist the ambassadors we are inaugurating today. Secondly, the Government has just approved the release of 45 million naira to the agency for furtherance of the activities of the agency.
“As we embark on the journey together, let us work tirelessly to ensure that our efforts yield tangible results that will leave no one behind. Let us strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health and where those living with HIV/AIDS are supported and embraced The present administration has made health one of the pillars since the first term and also as part of the sustainable development program in the Omituntun 2.0.
“The ambassadors are carefully selected; it is not just a random picking to be our ambassador to drive this project, and I thank you for accepting to serve.
“They are eminent personalities who have impacted our society positively, and we want them to barely give more to the society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji commended the governor’s proactive approach, stressing that the funds would enhance the agency’s capacity to reach high-risk populations and deliver life-saving services more effectively.
He said the inauguration of the Ambassadors was a new chapter in the annals of the agency to seek further cooperation between the government and distinguished individuals to enhance the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.
He appreciated the commissioner for health, all the development partners, Global Fund, APIN, Society for Family Health, and a host of others for their various support for the agency.
The newly inaugurated Ambassadors pledged their support for the initiative, promising to use their platforms to educate, inform, and mobilize communities in the fight against stigma and the spread of the virus.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
August 21, 2025.
