By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged the three tiers of governments to increase investments in primary healthcare across Nigeria.At the event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter, to commemorate the 2025 World Family Doctors Day, in Abuja, Mahmoud emphasized the critical need to strengthen primary care systems to address the growing health challenges faced by communities.

Highlighting the theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” Mahmoud underscored the essential role family doctors play in supporting mental health and fostering resilience amidst global adversities such as climate change, social instability, and economic uncertainty.She described family doctors as frontline caregivers uniquely positioned to deliver continuous, person-centered care that promotes early intervention and holistic support.According to her; “Family doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing comprehensive care that nurtures mental wellness and builds resilience in individuals and communities.”She, however, praised their enduring relationships with patients as vital for proactively managing mental health issues and chronic diseases.Addressing the complex health landscape marked by pandemics, chronic illnesses, and mental health crises, Mahmoud reiterated that robust, accessible primary healthcare is more important than ever.She also canvassed for training, recruitment, and retention of family physicians-especially in underserved and hard-to-reach regions.The Minister stressed the importance of recognizing and valuing family medicine within health policy and practice frameworks to ensure sustainable health outcomes.She hailed family doctors as unsung heroes working tirelessly in clinics, rural health posts, urban centres, and conflict zones to deliver equitable healthcare.While welcoming participants, the chairperson of Society of Family Physicians, FCT-Keffi chapter, Dr. Blessing Chukwukelu, stated that Nigeria faces unique challenges, including limited access to mental health services, stigma, and shortage of mental health professionals.She observed that in view of these challenges, family doctors could bridge the gaps by conducting initial mental health screenings, raising awareness, and providing basic psychological support.Chukwukelu further noted that integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial, and family doctors could play a vital role in promoting mental wellness.She said; “As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of family medicine.”Recall that the date, May 19th, was chosen to align with the founding of WONCA in 1972, a landmark event that sought to unite and empower family medicine practitioners on a global scale.

From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has announced the second edition of the International Tourism Summit Oyo State (ITSOyoState2025), following the success of last year’s inaugural event.The 2025 edition will be held in July at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, and is poised to be a game-changer for tourism investment in Nigeria.

This year’s summit is not just a celebration of culture, it is a strategic investors’ gathering designed to present some high-impact tourism investment destinations to both local and international investors. The goal is to unlock public-private partnerships, secure long-term investments, and reposition Oyo State as Nigeria’s model for tourism-led economic transformation.With participation from foreign embassies, international and domestic tourism operators, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector, ITSOyoState2025 will feature:An exclusive Investment Roundtable where viable, government-backed tourism projects will be pitched directly to investors.Site visits to three heritage-rich destinations, including royal palaces and ecotourism hubs, providing first-hand exposure to investment-ready opportunities.A showcase of Oyo State’s renewed infrastructure, safety record, and regulatory environment, which are already driving increased tourist traffic and investor interest.Cultural exhibitions and curated networking opportunities to foster meaningful collaborations across sectors.Speaking on the significance of the summit, the organisers noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has deliberately positioned tourism as a pillar for diversifying the state’s economy. The state’s revamped road network, improved security architecture, streamlined policies, and digital investor support systems now make it one of the most attractive destinations for tourism investment in West Africa.A seven-member planning committee has been inaugurated, chaired by Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. Other members include Hon. Akinola Ojo, Commissioner for Finance; Dr Debo Akande, Executive Adviser (Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development); Dr Morohunkola Thomas, Director General, Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED); Tilewa Folami, Director General, Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media); Lolade Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) and Abigail Anaba, Chief Experience Officer, Slvr Wlf Digitale Ltd

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

A Member representing Orhionmwon East in the Edo House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Atu yesterday, emerged as Deputy Speaker of the House.Atu, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emergence followed resignation by the former Deputy Speaker, Maria Oligbi-EdekoConsequent upon Oligbi-Edoko’s resignation, the House Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West) moved that all the entitlement due to the office of the Deputy Speaker should be accorded her.

The motion was seconded by the minority leader Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North East 1, just as the motion was supported by other lawyers through voice votes.Meanwhile, the former Deputy Speaker who was elected on the platform of the PPD to represent Esan North-East Constituency II said she took the decision voluntarily due to the minority status of her party in the Assembly.The former Deputy Speaker added that she decided to step outside to allow justice, fairness, and equity resign supreme at the House.She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the Assembly.Lawmakers in the House took turns to shower accolades on Oligbi-Edeko following the announcement of her resignation.They praised her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.Many of the lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as deputy speaker.