By Sunday Emmanuel

“To build a healthier, more informed, and comfortable community in Independence Hall by promoting proactive hygiene practices and addressing the pressing health needs of residents.” — Simeon Oladeji Ayomikun

Elections are more than just hype and politics; they are about choosing leaders who are capable of representing the interests of the people they serve.

Whether you are politically inclined or not, you have probably, at one point, wished that someone you love, respect, or admire would win a competition or an election.

This is how many students feel during election periods. Whether you have voted before or not, you likely have a preferred candidate.

During the 2025/2026 electoral process at the Great Independence Hall of Residence, Simeon Oladeji Ayomikun contested for the office of Health Commissioner and defeated Bankole Caleb (C-Sharp) to emerge victorious.

His vision is to build a healthier, more informed, and comfortable community in Independence Hall by promoting proactive hygiene practices and addressing the pressing health needs of residents.

To fully understand the scope of this office, it is important to examine the constitutional responsibilities of the Health Commissioner.

According to the hall’s constitution, the Health Commissioner is responsible for managing all health-related affairs of the hall, maintaining sanitary conditions, supervising health facilities, monitoring cleanliness, and ensuring the welfare of Katangites in matters relating to hygiene and public health.

These constitutional provisions make the office not only administrative but also essential to the overall well-being of residents.

In line with these responsibilities, Simeon outlined eight key plans for Katangites: the Know Your Health Committee Initiative, Reduction of Foul Smells from Toilets, Health Day Initiative, Mental Health Support Drive, Fumigation of Reading Rooms, Sexual Health and Preventive Initiative, Promotion of Gym and Healthy Lifestyle Habits, and Operation Clean-up Katanga 2.0.

Know Your Health Committee Initiative

According to Simeon, many freshers are unaware of the members of the Health Committee.

He noted that this gap limits effective communication and delays timely health interventions.

To address this concern, he promised to introduce the Know Your Health Committee Initiative, focusing on visibility, accessibility, and effective communication.

“This initiative will involve proper introductions during orientation activities and gyration, periodic awareness posts on hall platforms, and encouraging direct engagement between residents and members of the Health Committee,” he said.

Reduction of Foul Smells from Toilets

Simeon also pledged to tackle the persistent foul odour from the hall’s toilets.

He acknowledged that completely eliminating the problem may not be immediately achievable but said deliberate steps could significantly reduce it.

As part of his strategy, he plans to collaborate with floor representatives across all blocks.

“I will work hand in hand with floor representatives in each block to monitor toilet use and hygiene, ensuring that responsibility is manageable.”

He also proposed that residents on each floor contribute ₦100 each toward purchasing durable padlocks.

“To further enhance responsibility, residents on each floor will collectively contribute a small and affordable fee of ₦100 per person for the purchase of durable padlocks.”

However, beyond the padlock proposal, the manifesto does not clearly outline additional measures for tackling persistent toilet odours. The purchase of padlocks has also been a recurring proposal by floor representatives in previous administrations.

Health Day Initiative

Another notable proposal in his manifesto is the introduction of a Health Day programme within the hall.

The event would feature health talks, medical check-ups, blood pressure screening, and consultations with healthcare professionals.

According to him, the initiative would be implemented in collaboration with health organisations and relevant medical bodies to improve awareness of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices.

While the proposal outlines the activities to be carried out, it does not specify a timeline or implementation framework.

Mental Health Support Drive

Simeon also proposed a Mental Health Support Drive aimed at addressing the emotional well-being of residents, particularly during academically demanding periods.

“Mental health challenges are often ignored until they become overwhelming. Students will be encouraged to seek help early when necessary,” he said.

According to him, the initiative will include awareness campaigns through flyers and collaboration with the University’s Student Affairs, Career Development and Counselling Centre.

Fumigation of Reading Rooms

Simeon also promised to work closely with the Hall Management to ensure that the reading rooms are properly fumigated at the beginning of every session.

According to him, the fumigation exercise will reduce insect bites and the risk of related diseases.

“This will help reduce the risk of insect bites and related diseases. A healthier living space supports both academic focus and overall well-being,” he said.

Sexual Health and Preventive Initiative

As part of his plans to promote the sexual well-being of Katangites, Simeon intends to distribute condoms and raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections.

“In recognition of the importance of preventive healthcare, this initiative will be implemented through the sharing of general health tips and specific health materials, including condoms. Preventive measures will also be promoted through platforms such as the Indy Public Address System and WhatsApp groups,” he said.

He added that the initiative aims to promote personal responsibility, reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and support the overall health and safety of residents in line with accepted public health principles.

Like several other proposals in the manifesto, however, no clear implementation timeline was provided.

Promoting Gym and Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Simeon also promised to encourage residents to adopt healthier lifestyles by promoting regular physical exercise and increased use of the hall’s gym facilities.

“Residents will be educated on the health benefits of physical activity, and more students will be motivated to participate in fitness and wellness activities,” he said.

However, the manifesto does not explain how participation in these activities would be encouraged or sustained.

Operation Clean-up Katanga 2.0

Simeon also pledged to continue the sanitation initiative introduced by the previous administration through Operation Clean-up Katanga 2.0.

“The continuation will promote regular clean-up activities and proper waste disposal, helping to create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable living environment for all,” he said.

As his tenure progresses, attention will remain on how effectively these promises are implemented and translated into measurable improvements in sanitation, healthcare awareness, and the overall welfare of Katangites.