NYSC Charges Corps Members on Election Duties as Camp Closes in Osun

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Osun State, has officially concluded the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course with a low-key closing ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, marking the end of the three-week training programme for corps members deployed to the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Kubiangha, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation exercise and commended their discipline, resilience, cooperation, and active participation throughout their stay in camp. He explained that the orientation course was deliberately designed to prepare corps members for the realities of national service, describing it as a foundation for nation-building, leadership development, and civic responsibility.

Kubiangha highlighted key components of the programme, including paramilitary drills, leadership training, security awareness lectures, citizenship and civic education, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. According to him, these modules were structured to equip corps members with practical knowledge, discipline, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive beyond their service year. He urged participants not to abandon the SAED programme after leaving camp, encouraging them to take advantage of post-camp training opportunities across their local government areas to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

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The Coordinator advised corps members to settle quickly into their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) and perform their duties with professionalism, diligence, and integrity. He stressed the importance of punctuality, dedication to duty, respect for authority, and ethical conduct, noting that the behaviour of corps members plays a vital role in shaping the public image of the NYSC scheme.

He also encouraged corps members to actively participate in Community Development Service (CDS), describing it as a key platform for identifying and addressing challenges within host communities through impactful projects. Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, he reminded corps members of their expected role as ad-hoc electoral officials, urging them to remain neutral, professional, and law-abiding throughout the electoral process. He warned against partisan involvement, adding that corps members must avoid any activity that could compromise their safety or the credibility of the election.

Kubiangha cautioned corps members to remain security conscious, avoid unauthorized travel, and respect the customs and traditions of their host communities. He also warned against the misuse of social media, urging them to avoid spreading fake news, misinformation, and inflammatory content that could damage the reputation of the NYSC scheme. Corps members were further advised to maintain regular communication with NYSC officials at their places of deployment.

A highlight of the event was a donation by members of the Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS), who presented a newly fabricated metal door to the OBS studio as part of efforts to improve camp facilities. The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals and agencies for their contributions to the success of the orientation programme. Award recipients included ASP Oluwaseun Deborah as Best Collaborating Agency Representative, Staff Sergeant Bukar Mallam as Best Collaborating Camp Officer, and James Augustine as Best Camp Official (Non-Staff). NYSC staff members honoured included Mr. Waheed Ajayi (Deputy Camp Director), Miss Akinsanmi Kikelomo (Head of ICT), and Mrs. Catherine Otemuyiwa (Head of Information and Public Relations Unit).

On behalf of the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, the State Coordinator formally declared the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course closed, wishing corps members safe journeys to their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) and a successful service year ahead.

NYSC Charges Corps Members on Election Duties as Camp Closes in Osun

AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review

The African Infectious Disease Multidisciplinary Research and Grant (AFIDMURG) has successfully trained more than 150 infectious disease experts, researchers, academicians, laboratorians, policymakers and postgraduate students from Africa and other continents during a virtual workshop on systematic review reporting and infectious disease research.

The workshop, held on May 7, 2026, focused on strengthening Africa’s research capacity, improving evidence-based scientific reporting and enhancing preparedness against emerging and endemic infectious diseases across the continent.

Participants at the training came from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, reflecting the growing international interest in collaborative infectious disease research involving Africa.

AFIDMURG, established in 2020, was founded with the vision of connecting African infectious disease experts and multidisciplinary researchers to solve communal health challenges linked to endemic and emerging diseases affecting the continent.

Speaking during the workshop themed “Step-by-Step Approach to a Systematic Review,” the Founder and Director of AFIDMURG, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adeyemi Anjorin, stressed the urgent need to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global infectious disease data and scientific research.

Dr. Anjorin, the immediate past Head of the Department of Microbiology at Lagos State University, noted that infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death globally, citing illnesses such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, Lassa fever, Mpox and Ebola.

According to him, Africa must improve the quality and speed of infectious disease reporting and publication through globally recognised scientific tools such as systematic reviews.

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“The battle against infectious diseases requires experts to be well equipped, hence the need for capacity building with correct instruments like systematic review to integrate African data into the world database,” he said.

Dr. Anjorin, who also serves on several international scientific and virology networks, explained that AFIDMURG intends to train researchers in areas such as disease surveillance, grant writing, pandemic prevention, artificial intelligence applications and practical research skills.

He added that the organisation aims to foster collaboration among African scientists globally while strengthening local and international partnerships in infectious disease research.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Muhabat Raji of Alfaisal University, Riyadh, highlighted the growing importance of systematic reviews in evidence-based research, public health policy and clinical decision-making.

She explained that systematic reviews offer a structured and transparent approach to synthesising scientific literature, thereby improving the reliability and credibility of research findings.

Dr. Raji urged researchers to adhere to ethical standards and globally accepted reporting guidelines while conducting systematic reviews to ensure impactful and internationally relevant studies.

She also encouraged young researchers and academics to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration and continuously develop their skills in research methodologies and digital research tools.

According to her, systematic reviews not only identify knowledge gaps but also contribute significantly to policy formulation, academic development and improved healthcare practices.

The guest speaker, Prof. Ismail Ayoade Odetokun of the University of Ilorin, delivered detailed practical sessions explaining the concept and processes involved in conducting systematic reviews.

He guided participants through major stages including topic selection, research question formulation, literature search strategies, data extraction and analysis of findings.

Prof. Odetokun also discussed common challenges associated with systematic reviews and advised researchers to maintain methodological rigor, objectivity and accuracy during scientific investigations.

The virtual workshop was moderated by Emmanuel Oyinloye of Hanover Medical School, Germany, who coordinated discussions and facilitated interaction between speakers and participants throughout the event.

In his closing remarks, Oyinloye summarised key lessons from the workshop and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in future academic and scientific research projects.

AFIDMURG disclosed that its overarching mission is to foster infectious disease multidisciplinary collaborations among Africans globally, collect and analyse disease outbreak data, secure research grants and publish timely scientific findings on infectious diseases affecting Africa.

The organisation also highlighted some of its previous Pan-African studies on COVID-19, vaccine surveillance and Mpox outbreaks published in international journals including PLOS One, Tropical Medicine and International Health, Vaccines, PAMJ and COVID.

AFIDMURG further announced that it remains open to infectious disease experts and researchers interested in collaborative research, grant development and public health initiatives across Africa and beyond.

AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review

Virgo International Sensitises Intending Pilgrims Ahead of 2026 Hajj

The Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, has led practical training sessions for intending pilgrims as Virgo International Limited intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The training, held during the company’s pre-Hajj seminar at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, focused on educating pilgrims on the rites, conduct and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Ajijolakewu

Virgo International, a licensed Hajj and Umrah operator, also announced the commencement of its 2026 Hajj airlift operations, with the first batch of diasporan pilgrims departing on May 16, while the second batch is scheduled to leave on May 17. The company added that airlift of Nigerian pilgrims would begin on May 19.

Addressing the participants, Justice Kamaldeen urged intending pilgrims to purify their intentions and remain conscious of the spiritual essence of Hajj throughout the journey.

The seminar featured lectures and practical demonstrations by notable Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Dr. Kamaldeen Ajijolakewu, Sheikh Dr. Uthman Abdulhameed and Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who educated pilgrims on the ethics, endurance and discipline required during Hajj.

Justice Kamaldeen

One of the lecturers, Sheikh Ajijolakewu, cautioned pilgrims against treating the pilgrimage as a social outing, stressing that Hajj demands patience, sacrifice and total obedience to Allah.

During a practical session, Dr. Abdulhameed explained the proper method of wearing the ihram, especially for pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu, where Umrah is observed before the commencement of Hajj rites.

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Participants were also taken through demonstrations of Tawaf and other rituals using a symbolic representation of the Kaaba to provide clearer understanding of the exercise.

Dr. Sanusi during one of the the practical sessions

The organisers said the seminar was designed to prepare pilgrims mentally, spiritually and physically ahead of their departure to the Holy Land.

Many of the intending pilgrims described the training as enlightening and practical, noting that the sessions helped simplify the procedures and expectations associated with Hajj.

Special prayers were later offered for the success of the pilgrims, the organisers and the 2026 Hajj operations.

Dr. Uthman

Chairman of Virgo International Limited, Mallam Nafiu Abdulrahman, who addressed participants virtually, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing seamless and spiritually rewarding Hajj and Umrah services.

He stated that the company has spent more than two decades in the travel and pilgrimage industry and remains committed to professionalism, hospitality and quality service delivery to pilgrims across the world.

Abdulrahman further noted that Virgo International is registered with the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators of Nigeria and licensed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to conduct Hajj and Umrah operations.

Virgo International Sensitises Intending Pilgrims Ahead of 2026 Hajj