The Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Engr.  Abdul Jimoh has expressed profound sadness over the demise of Alhaja Afusat Sulu-Gambari Maiyaki, sister of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

This is contained in a condolence message, the Rector described the loss as a deep personal and collective tragedy, noting that the late Alhaja was a pillar of virtue and a beacon of grace whose contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate would forever be remembered.

“On behalf of the management, staff, and students of the institution, I extend the deepest sympathies to the entire royal family, particularly the Emir of Ilorin, during this time of immense grief.

“I acknowledged the late Alhaja Afusat’s exemplary life, characterized by devotion to family, community, and faith.

“I prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased Al-Jannah Firdaus,” he said.

The Rector further prayed for strength and fortitude for the Emir and all the family members, urging them to find solace in the legacies of love, unity, and religious piety that the deceased left behind.

The Kwara State Polytechnic Rector, Engr.  Abdul Jimoh has called on students to shun cultism and all other social vices that could tarnish their reputation and jeopardize their future prospects.

The Rector made the call as the institution marks a significant milestone in student governance.

Jimoh urged the students while declaring the Leadership Summit open.

The event was organized by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) as part of the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of students’ unionism in the institution.

The Rector commended SUG for conceiving the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would further sensitize students to the dangers and severe consequences of cultism and other social vices on campus.

He urged the student body to steadfastly shun all forms of criminal activities, emphasizing that such actions could disrupt the peace and academic environment of the institution and ultimately damage their future.

Jimoh said that the primary aim of the summit was to promote responsible leadership and discourage social vices among students.

“We are ensuring that the campus remains a safe and conducive space for learning and personal development,” he said.

In his remarks, the SUG President, Senator Maruf Ibrahim, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the history of students’ unionism at the Polytechnic.

He noted that true leadership is not merely about occupying positions of authority but a profound call to selfless service, accountability, and positive impact on the lives of others.

Ibrahim expressed profound appreciation to the Polytechnic management for its unwavering support and contributions toward the growth, stability, and success of the Students’ Union over the years, acknowledging their role in fostering a vibrant student community.

The summit, themed “From Potential to Purpose: Inspiring Leadership, Building the Future,” featured thought-provoking sessions aimed at equipping students with essential leadership skills, fostering character development, and instilling a sense of civic responsibility, while reinforcing the critical need for peaceful coexistence on campus.

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has advocated for the integration of mental health into the Primary Healthcare (PHC) system in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is the unanimous call by MWAN at the National Executive Council Meeting and Scientific Conference, Harmony 2026 organised in Ilorin.

The theme of the programme is entitled: “Mental Health and Well-being of Women Across the Life Course”

Speaking to newsmen at the sidelines of the programme, the National President of MWAN, Dr. Zainab Muhammad-Idris described the theme of the conference as apt and timely.

She observed that mental health is no longer a silent issue confined to “out clinics or councelling rooms.

“It is a public health priority, a human rights issue, and a development imperative that must be at the front burner.

“It influences how women learn, work, nurture families, contribute to society, and at the same time realize their full potential,” she said.

Muhammad-Idris stated that despite being the backbone of the families and communities, many women continue to carry invisible burdens.

She explained that women navigate gender inequities, financial pressures, insecurity , violence, discrimination, caregiving responsibilities and demanding professional expectations.

The MWAN President observed that they often place the needs of others above their own, adding that the result is an epidemic of silent suffering that tio frequently goes unnoticed, untreated, and largely unappreciated.

She called for strengthening of partnerships, influence policies, expanding of community based interventions, and investing in mentorship while ensuring that mental health becomes an integral part of every programme.

Also, in her address, the MWAN-Kwara President, Dr Omotayo Oyinloye, called for government at all tiers to integrate mental health into the PHC system.

She pointed out that this will reduce of distance in accessing Specialist Hospital to see a mental health specialist.

Oyinloye explained that primary healthcare physicians and medical officers can be equipped to recognize common mental health complications and treatment or ve able to refer the patient to the next level.

Similarly, she observed that mental health is central to health, productivity, family stability, and national development.

She, however, observed that across every stage of a woman’s life, mental health challenges of ten remain unnoticed, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.

“Many women silently bear the enormous emotional burdens, navigating struggles hidden behind their smiles , because society expects women to be perpetually resilient.

“As medical women, we understand that there is no health without mental health.

“We are uniquely positioned to not only diagnose and treat illness, but also to advocate for compassionate policies, reduce stigma, and ensure that women receive holistic care through every phase of life,” she said.

In her Keynote address, a Professor of Psychiatry, at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Mosunmola Tunde-Ayinmode stated that Nigeria has a huge burden of people with mental health.

According to her, one out of every four Nigerian bears the burden of mental health, and that, this is worsened by drugs and substance abuse.

Tunde-Ayinmode disclosed that migration or Japa syndrome of healthcare workers for greener pastures is a challenge as less than 250 psychiatrists are actively practising in Nigeria.

The expert pointed out that for human to function effectively, there must be physically, social and mental health, adding that if you neglect mental health, it will wreck the other two.

She therefore advise Nigerian Psychiatrists to utilise digital platform to give services to patients, adding that it is cheaper and accessible.

“Women are twice likely to have mental health challenges including anxieties and depression,” she said.

Tunde-Ayinmode noted that in Nigeria, there is the erroneous belief that it is only the people on street talking to themselves that have mental health issues.

She explained that it is one of the severe illness and that there are some people who are well dressed but going through mental health problem.

Tunde-Ayinmode therefore called for the implementation of the Mental Health Act in Nigeria, while also warning against stigmatization of patients due to cultural beliefs and ignorance.

The Igbomina National Students’ Union, University of Ilorin Chapter, has honoured the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Chief Abdulganiyu Kunle Akogun, for his contributions to the growth of the union and the Igbomina nation.

The honour was conferred on July 25, during INSU-Unilorin’s 25th Anniversary and Igbomina Day Celebration, held at the University Auditorium.

The Director, who also holds the traditional title of Chief Akogun of Oke-Ode Land, was recognised for what the union described as his “invaluable contributions to the progress of INSU in particular, and Igbomina at large.”

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the award ceremony, the director expressed gratitude to the union for considering him worthy of the honour. 

“I receive this honour with a sense of humility and gratitude.

“INSU-Unilorin has, for 25 years, been a home of excellence, discipline, and service for Igbomina sons and daughters.

“To be recognised by the very students whose future we are building is one of the proudest moments of my life. I dedicate this honour to all past and present leaders of INSU who laid the foundation we are celebrating today,” he said.

Akogun also charged the students to combine academic excellence with service, saying, “my advice to you, the leaders of tomorrow, is simple: let scholarship meet character.

“Excel in your books, but also invest in integrity, community service, and unity. The university will give you a degree, but INSU must give you identity and responsibility.

“Use this platform to mentor one another, speak up for your people with facts, and carry the Igbomina name with pride wherever you go,” he said.

The Director called for stronger solidarity among Igbomina people saying that, the strength of Igbomina lies in our oneness.

“As we mark this anniversary and Igbomina Day, let us move beyond town divisions and embrace a common agenda of education, enterprise, and development.

“Our youths are our greatest asset. If we stand together, support our students, and invest in our communities, the next 25 years will be even greater than the last. Igbomina must rise, and it will rise together,” he said.

The event was attended by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbimina, Sir Bisi Fakayode, and several Igbomina traditional rulers, among other dignitaries.

It featured cultural displays, awards, and reflections on 25 years of INSU-Unilorin’s impact on students from Igbomina land.