By David Owei,Bayelsa

The School of Postgraduate Studies Auditorium, Federal University Otuoke (FUO), was filled to capacity on Friday, July 17, 2026, as students, staff, management, alumni, distinguished academics, medical professionals, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the sterling leadership, academic excellence, and enduring legacy of the immediate past 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, at the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration.

Organised by the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the event underscored the Faculty’s commitment to immortalising a leader whose visionary administration laid a strong foundation for academic growth, institutional excellence, and the development of the Faculty.

The event was chaired by Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), who was ably represented.

The Chairman’s representative commended the University and Faculty for institutionalising an annual lecture in honour of Professor Adias, describing the initiative as a noble tradition that celebrates visionary leadership while promoting intellectual discourse.

He noted that Professor Adias’ remarkable contributions to higher education and human capital development have earned him a permanent place in the history of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta and the nation at large.

The highlight of the occasion was a thought-provoking public lecture delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Dr James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on the theme:

“Beyond the Bench: Medical Laboratory Scientists as Key Players in Nigeria’s Fight Against Preventable Deaths.”

Dr. Omietinmi stressed that Medical Laboratory Scientists are indispensable partners in modern healthcare delivery, emphasizing that accurate laboratory diagnosis remains the bedrock of effective treatment, disease surveillance, and preventive healthcare.

He observed that many avoidable deaths in Nigeria result from delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and the underutilisation of Medical Laboratory Scientists in healthcare policy and decision-making.

According to him:

“strengthening laboratory services, investing in modern diagnostic technologies, continuous professional training, and integrating Medical Laboratory Scientists into national health planning would significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes across the country.”

He challenged governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners to accord laboratory medicine the priority it deserves in achieving universal health coverage.

Host of the event, Professor Eni-yimini Solomon Agoro, who doubles as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, described Professor Teddy Charles Adias as an exceptional administrator, accomplished scholar, and compassionate mentor whose visionary leadership contributed immensely to the establishment and rapid growth of the Faculty.

Prof. Agoro explained that the annual lecture and birthday celebration were conceived not merely to honour the celebrant but to sustain his ideals of excellence, innovation, discipline, and service to humanity.

The Chief Host, and Fourth Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Prof. Promise Mebine, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chris Onyema, lauded his predecessor, Professor Adias for his unwavering support for the Varsity, College and the Faculty during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

He stated that the remarkable achievements recorded by the Faculty today are directly linked to the enabling environment created under Professor Adias’ administration, adding that the annual lecture would continue to inspire future generations of scholars and professionals as the new College of Medical Sciences was named after him to honour his legacies not just in FUO, but in the Medical profession at large.

The atmosphere became even more emotional as Professor Teddy Charles Adias arrived with his wife, Dame Lolo Charles Adias, to a resounding standing ovation from the audience. Visibly overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown by the University community, Dame Lolo Charles Adias was almost lost for words as she witnessed the outpouring of love, heartfelt tributes, and goodwill messages in honour of her husband.

One after another, distinguished guests, senior academics, professional colleagues, former associates, students, and protégés extolled Professor Adias’ virtues, describing him as a transformational leader, bridge-builder, institution builder, and mentor whose legacy continues to inspire excellence across the University community.

They praised his humility, accessibility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to academic development and staff welfare.

In his response, Professor Teddy Charles Adias expressed profound gratitude to the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the Dean, the University management, staff, students, and all guests for the remarkable honour bestowed upon him.

The celebrant described the recognition as deeply humbling and encouraged members of the University community to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, scholarship, and selfless service.

He urged Medical Laboratory Scientists to continue advancing the profession through research, professionalism, and ethical practice for the benefit of society.

The celebration reached its climax with the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of goodwill messages and commemorative gifts, cultural entertainment, musical performances, and a sumptuous reception attended by guests from within and outside the University community.

The successful hosting of the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration further reaffirmed the enduring impact of Professor Adias’ leadership and the determination of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science to preserve his legacy as a symbol of visionary leadership, academic excellence, and service to humanity.

By Our Correspondent

Experts at the 9th All Africa Conference on Animal Agriculture in Abuja have called on African countries to reduce dependence on imported animal genetic materials and strengthen farm-based training for youths to unlock opportunities in the livestock sector.

They said the continent must prioritise practical education, financing and technology to make agriculture attractive to young people and drive economic growth.

A member of the Presidential Livestock Implementation Committee, Professor Demo Kalla, said Nigerian youths represent the country’s greatest asset and must be harnessed through productive opportunities in livestock.

“Our youthful population is our greatest asset, but it is, on the other hand, a keg of gunpowder waiting to happen to us if we do not harness their creativity, their talents, and their energies and direct them towards productive means,” he said.

Professor Kalla said the livestock sector offers youth opportunities beyond traditional farming, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, animal tracking, agribusiness, processing, logistics and engineering.

“This conference was designed to bring the youth together to think of animal agriculture not only as a means of livelihood but also as a gold mine that has not been tapped. It is a multi-trillion-dollar economy that is awaiting being unfolded,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of animal-source foods like milk, meat and eggs to Nigeria’s nutritional security.

Another panelist from Ghana, Professor Kawu Domako, said African governments must introduce agriculture at the basic education level and create youth-focused financing schemes with grants and affordable loans.

“We need to create a conducive environment to let agriculture become attractive to young people. It can be a small grant, but as they start and they succeed, we can give them a top-up grant,” he said.

Professor Domako noted that many young farmers rely on personal savings because they lack collateral and access to credit, while the absence of guaranteed markets also exposes them to financial risks.

He added that despite abundant fertile land, Africa still imports basic food commodities and must prioritise food production and support for young agri-entrepreneurs.

The 4-day conference brought together stakeholders across Africa to discuss strategies for transforming animal agriculture into a competitive and youth-driven sector.

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The Niger State Child Rights Protection Agency says it has recorded at least 192 cases involving children between November 2025 and June 2026, including rape, maltreatment, child trafficking, forced marriage, abandonment and denial of child maintenance.

The Director-General of the Agency, Hajiya Ummul Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen in Minna.

She said the agency, which has the responsibility of protecting the rights and interests of children across the state’s 25 Local Government Areas, had continued to intervene in cases of abuse and other violations despite numerous challenges.

Hajiya Unmul Mohammed, who assumed office in November 2025, said 30 cases were recorded in November, 31 in February, 30 in March, 40 in April, 27 in May and 30 in June.

She explained that the cases involved child maintenance, maltreatment, missing children, forced marriage, rape, child abandonment, denial of pregnancy and paternity, among others.

According to her, the agency has also handled cases of child trafficking, domestic servitude, street hawking and children being taken away under the guise of seeking Islamic education.

She cited the case of a child identified as Umaru, who was brought from Agai to Minna for Islamic studies but was found in an inadequate learning environment.

The agency, she said, intervened and the child’s father and another person connected to the case are now facing prosecution.

The Director-General also disclosed that the agency recently facilitated the return of a missing child to her parents in another state, while another young girl brought from Jos to Niger State to work as a domestic servant was returned to her family.

She said the agency had equally intervened in cases involving children from Wushishi, Kontagora and other parts of the state.

Hajiya Unmul stressed the importance of public sensitisation, particularly in rural communities where, according to her, many parents and children remain unaware of children’s rights.

She said the agency had embarked on sensitisation visits to schools, including schools in Dutsen-Kura and Maitumbi, urging teachers and school authorities to report suspected cases of physical or psychological abuse.

She said the response from schools had been encouraging, citing an instance where a school reported a father who allegedly assaulted his daughter.

The Director-General identified inadequate mobility as one of the agency’s major challenges, explaining that many victims and complainants were vulnerable people who could not afford transportation required for follow-up services.

She said she had abolished charges previously imposed for filing complaints at the agency, stressing that victims could now come forward and lodge complaints without paying.

However, she appealed for more vehicles and logistical support to enable officials to reach communities across the state.

Niger State, she noted, is vast, making mobility crucial to the effective discharge of the agency’s responsibilities.

She said the agency currently had desk offices in Bida, Suleja and one other location, but expressed the desire to establish functional desks in more Local Government Areas so that complaints could be received closer to affected communities.

Hajiya Ummul attributed the rising cases of child abuse and gender-based violence largely to poverty and ignorance.

She said many parents, unable to provide for their children, send them away to work as domestic servants, exposing them to possible abuse and exploitation.

She also called for greater parental responsibility, warning that parents who neglect their children would face legal consequences.

According to her, the agency recently rescued 19 children found at mining sites, with the youngest reportedly about eight years old.

She said the parents of the children were located and made to undertake bonds of five million naira for each child as a deterrent against sending them back to mining sites.

The Director-General further disclosed that the agency’s medical unit had referred several children to hospitals for treatment and medical examinations following cases of suspected rape, physical abuse, injuries and other forms of maltreatment.

She said the agency had referred about 15 cases for medical attention since May 2026, with many of the affected children aged between nine and 16.

On prosecution, Hajiya Ummul said several cases were currently before different courts in the state, including cases of rape and attempted rape, while the agency continued to monitor and follow up the proceedings.

She said her previous experience in the judiciary had helped her maintain a cordial working relationship with judicial officers and other stakeholders in pursuing justice for abused children.

The Director-General commended the Niger State Government for its support, particularly Governor Umar Mohammed Bago and the First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Bago, for their interest in issues concerning children and gender-based violence.

She also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

However, she called on traditional rulers, Local Government Councils, philanthropists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to join the government in combating child abuse and trafficking.

She particularly stressed the need for sustained sensitisation campaigns in rural areas, saying the government alone could not solve the problem.

“We have to work together. These are our children and they are our responsibility,” she said.

Hajiya Ummul said the agency would continue to protect the rights and interests of every child in Niger State and would not hesitate to take legal action against parents or other persons found to be violating those rights.