At my direction, following the visit of a high-level Federal Government delegation that I sent to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, I have approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
Troubling Developments from the citadel of learning.
The reason Universities are regarded as an ivory tower is because its seen as centres for pure, isolated intellectual thought. It's therefore worrisome when they are increasingly pressured to operate outside this norm.
Today, I was scheduled to be at Obafemi Awolowo University at 9am prompt to deliver a keynote lecture, before proceeding to Ibadan for the opposition parties' political summit scheduled to commence at 12noon. The invitation was extended to me several months ago, and adequate preparations had been made. Regrettably, I received the news that the event would no longer be held in the University as planned.
While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than ten times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians. My alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was not excluded. The family of one of the renowned UNN Vice Chancellor late Professor Frank Ndili had planned an annual lecture on his behalf and the inaugural lecture was to be delivered, but on the scheduled date it was cancelled by the University authority.
These are not merely personal inconveniences; they raise deeper questions about the kind of environment we are nurturing in our country. Universities are meant to be centres of learning, open dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas. When platforms for constructive engagement are repeatedly constrained, it reflects a worrying shift away from these ideals.
This concern becomes even more pronounced when viewed against my engagements across the world, where I have been privileged to speak and interact freely with students and scholars in respected institutions. In the past 24 months, I have delivered lectures in notable universities globally including Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Chicago University, University of Pennsylvania, Imperial College, to name a few. Those environments continue to demonstrate openness to dialogue, critical thinking, and shared learning, values that should equally define our own institutions.
We must ask ourselves: what kind of nation are we building if spaces meant for intellectual engagement are gradually shrinking? A country’s progress is anchored on its ability to encourage knowledge, debate, and the contest of ideas, not restrict them.
Nigeria must work towards becoming a place where ideas thrive, where knowledge is shared without fear, and where our institutions uphold the principles they were established to protect.
A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO
You’ve chosen to be a weapon against Baddy of Lasu, I noticed all you have been doing is to spread distractions and baseless rubbish while people are trying to donate. Just continue to observe but one thing is for sure, the funds will be completed, the surgery will happen, and it will be successful right before your eyes.
I don't think people appreciate Nigeria's maternal mortality risk enough that's why this surprises them.
We account for almost 30% of all global maternal deaths despite having only about 2.6% of the world's population.
A Nigerian woman has a 1 : 25 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes, for comparison, the risk in developed countries is 1 :4900.
This equates to approximately 205 women dying every day, or one woman every seven minutes.
If there's a high rate of maternal mortality, it almost always follows with a high rate of perinatal/under 5 mortality.
Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries to be pregnant, give birth, or be a newborn/infant.
These are systemic issues that we can't wish away. If we like, we can continue to focus on petty tribal/ethnic conflicts instead of holding our leaders accountable.
NHS doctor here, Rupert. If you'd checked your facts before this racist dogwhistle, you'd know that every NHS doctor can speak English - as proven by their IELTS proficiency (look it up... or are you just a populist hatemonger for whom facts don't matter?). Kindness may not solve everything, but my God the hate you spew is builds nothing, improves nothing, and only stokes division.
Ethical Language and Responsible Communication in Mental Health Reporting.
Language carries power. The way government communicates about mental health can either build understanding or deepen stigma. In the Lagos State Government’s post titled "Lagos Ministry Rescues Mentally Unstable Woman," several words, though unintended, were ethically wrong and socially insensitive.
1. "Mentally Unstable"
This phrase is outdated and stigmatizing. It defines the woman by her condition instead of her personhood.
Better alternative: "A woman experiencing a mental health crisis."
This person-first phrasing reflects dignity and aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006), which promotes respect, individuality, and autonomy.
2. "Rescues"
Using "rescues" makes the action sound like charity instead of public duty.
Better alternative: "Responds to a mental health emergency” or “provides intervention."
This language shows structured responsibility, in line with the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Action Plan (2013–2030).
3. "Filed a Complaint Against the Sun"
This wording breaches dignity and confidentiality by exposing a private symptom that invites ridicule.
Better alternative: "She appeared disoriented and expressed confusion, prompting concern for her wellbeing."
This is factual, respectful, and consistent with the UN Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Illness (1991).
4. "Rehabilitation Centre"
In Nigeria, this term can sound punitive.
Better alternative: "State-owned mental health and care facility."
This shows support and treatment rather than correction or custody.
5. Missing Rights-Based Language
The post should include an affirmation of inclusion and human rights.
Suggested addition: "This intervention reflects Lagos State’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness, inclusion, and the protection of every resident’s dignity."
Collaboration and Capacity Building:
To improve communication and reduce stigma, the Lagos State Government should strengthen partnerships with key advocacy groups such as the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), the Autism Parents Association International (APAI), and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). These organisations have ongoing public education and inclusion programmes that align with state and global priorities.
Recommendations:
Government communication must model respect, confidentiality, and professionalism. To achieve this:
1. Train press and social media officers on ethical and person-first language.
2. Review all mental-health-related content before release.
3. Maintain partnerships with mental health and disability advocacy groups for ongoing guidance.
By choosing words that preserve dignity and reflect human rights, Lagos State can lead by example and set a higher standard for mental health communication in Nigeria.
Thank you.
- @Jomilojju
My phone got inked while I was struggling to collect my phone from the man back cos I thought it’s was a thief at first..
@PoliceNG men doesn’t have a uniform on when he snatched my phone😡😡😡 wicked people..
@BenHundeyin tell your men to repair my phone for me or I won’t leave them alone..
I want justice and my phone must be repaired too for what they did to me..
Father,
Thank you for another day on this earth and thank you for all that I have. Help me to think less of myself and more of those near me. Help me to be a better partner, a better son and a better friend.
You are my foundation, You are my guide.
Place Your hand of protection over everyone I love, and fill their hearts with peace, strength, and love.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.