ABH DECIDES 2025: Interview with Favour Okunowo, Health and Sanitation Minister Aspirant
Once again, the defining moment draws near- a time when Brownites choose leaders to serve in various capacities within the hall. With just a week to go, ABH Decides 2025 has stirred a buzz of anticipation, marked by ongoing electoral accreditation and a flood of campaign flyers keeping both candidates and voters on edge.
In the midst of the excitement, the ABH Press sat down with Mr. Favour Okunowo, a 400-level medical student and aspirant for the position of Health and Sanitation Minister.
In this interview, he highlights his vision for the hall in regards to health and sanitation and discusses his strategic plans towards achieving the vision.
Pressman: Please can you introduce yourself and the position you are contesting for.
Favour Okunowo: I am Okunowo Favour, a 400 level medical student and a devoted member of the Alexander Brown Hall. I am vying for the position of the Health and Sanitation Minister, popularly known as HSM.
Pressman: What is the purpose of your vying for this position and not other positions?
Favour Okunowo: As a resident of this great hall, I have been able to observe the state of the sanitary and health conditions of our hostel. The need for urgent attention and work on the health and sanitation needs of Brownites propelled me to run for the position of the Health and Sanitation Minister. Having served in the Health Committee in the almost concluding tenure, I desire to serve Brownites and make an impact in the capacity that I can. The Health and Sanitation Minister would be a great opportunity.
Pressman: You mentioned that you served in the Health Committee, What did you observe and what needs do you exactly want to address?
Favour Okunowo: I would begin by giving kudos to the almost concluding tenure. They have done well. However, I observed there was low level of communication between health committee members and Brownites. Most Brownites do not know the right measures for getting health services. It is even more disappointing when they do not know or recognize health committee members that they could approach for their needs consequently leading to delay in delivery of needed services.My vision stands on the platform of promoting inclusive healthcare by empowering all Brownites through knowledgeable awareness and ensuring they have access to the high quality healthcare and sanitation management measures that address their unique needs and promote optimal health conditions that they deserve in the hall.
Pressman: That’s very interesting. What strategies do you have in mind to achieve this vision if elected?
Favour Okunowo: As I earlier said, I’m advocating for an inclusive health and sanitation management. One of the strategies I have in mind it so build a more inclusive yet effective health committee by ensuring at least a member of each floor is in the health committee. Such members would be educated and trained to respond to health concerns based on their capacities or if, enable to handle can be directed to the Health and Sanitation Minister with ease for solutions. This would facilitate the access of every floor to the health services they deserve- quickly and efficiently.
In addition, I have plans to work with the Information Minister and floor representatives to aid health awareness to Brownites.Health committee members with their floor numbers would be properly introduced to every Brownite.
A Help Desk is also going to be made available for urgent and serious health concerns in the absence of availability of any Health Committee member.The First Aid box in the custody of the Health and Sanitation Minister would be made available to the needed health concern provided the right measures are followed to ensure accountability.
Furthermore, I aim to organize two comprehensive water tank cleaning sessions during my tenure, one at each semester, to maintain a high standard of hygiene and prevent the buildup of sediments, algae, and microbes in our water supply tanks.
Finally, I purpose to set up a structured cleaning system with clear roles and communication to maintain toilet hygiene and address issues promptly.
Pressman: Recently, there has been bad reports flying around concerning the poor hygienic state of the cafeteria and food served. Considering this falls in line within the responsibilities of the Health and Sanitation Minister, do you have any intentions to address this issue if elected?
Favour Okunowo: Yes, I do. In fact, It’s is quite an unfortunate occurrence and I empathize with Brownites for putting up with this. In this regard, I plan to closely work with the Social and Buttery Minister (SBM) to create structures and feasible measures to check sanitary practices.
I also have it in mind to conduct cafeteria checks every 3 months to ensure proper hygienic environment of food preparation and the cafeteria staff.
Speaking of cafeteria staff, I do have it in mind to discuss with them on the need for use of gloves, nose masks, caps and gowns
Pressman: Now that you’ve mentioned the need for proper clothing of the cafeteria staff, I would like to bring up the question of funding. Do you have any funding plans to aid actualisation of your goals if elected?
Favour Okunowo: First and foremost, I believe it depends on the budget that is allocated to the Health Committee. Beyond that, I plan to reach out to alumni for funds as well as source funds from willing Brownites.
Pressman: Have you had any previous experience in leadership or been involved in acts of service that assures Brownites of your ability to serve them well if elected?
Favour Okunowo: Yes I have. I was part of the organizing committee for the last tank washing exercise that we did. I have been involved in a couple of health outreaches as well. Outside of health matters, I have served as a director for the popular “Toppers Tutorial” and was once the Chairman heading the committee for a freshers get together at my church. Most of my experience serves to build a stronger character of teamwork, organization and leadership spirit in me.
Pressman: One of your campaign messages said you are going to “tackle waste management”. Is there any problem with the current method of waste management? and what measures or innovative methods do you have in mind to tackle waste management if elected?
Favour Okunowo: Yes. I have observed that most Brownites and hall cleaners face significant difficulty with properly disposing waste. For example, there are separate waste bins for biodegradable and non biodegradable materials, which most Brownites and cleaners don’t know about due to ignorance. Some waste bins are labelled ( and are simply ignored) and the others have no labels. In both cases, ignorance is the main actor. So, one of the ways I plan to address is to proper enlightenment of Brownites and hall cleaners alike on the proper use of the waste bins.I also plan to put waste bins in strategic places in the hall, in which the hall cleaners would be held accountable to.
Furthermore, I would strive to ensure timely waste disposal by the incinerator to prevent waste accumulation that could cause diseases and affect the health welfare of hall members.
Pressman: What health programs do you plan to create or do for Brownites if you are elected as Health and Sanitation Minister?
Favour Okunowo : The Health Welfare of all Brownites is my priority. I intend to create a Health talk awareness program. Concerning this, I intend to collaborate with the Hall Chairman and Information Minister for effective information dissemination and discuss further strategies. Also, I would strive to encourage fitness of all Brownites because we all know exercise is one of the main keys to better health. In this regard, I would check collaborate with the Sports and Defence Minister to create fitness programs that Brownites can be actively involved in with standby health safety measures in place.
Pressman: What makes you feel you are qualified for the position of the Health and Sanitation Minister? Why should Brownites vote you? Any parting words you would love to conclude with?
Favour Okunowo: I wish to emphasize that the health welfare of all Brownites is my priority. I’m advocating for an inclusive healthcare where every Brownite has a say in matters regarding the health and sanitation matters pertaining to them. Through strategic health awareness, I strongly believe that optimal health can be attained. I humbly seek to serve Brownites in this capacity and encourage them to trust and join me in achieving this vision.
Pressman: Thank you for your time. I wish you best of luck in your endeavours
Favour Okunowo: Thank you for having me. I appreciate it.
