The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) wishes to inform members of the public of the existence of a fake LinkedIn account impersonating the Director-General of the Institute, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa.

The fraudulent account has been used to send misleading messages, including offers relating to procurement, contracts, or other forms of business engagement. The Institute wishes to clarify that all official engagements with vendors, contractors, partners, and members of the public are conducted strictly through recognised institutional channels and not through unsolicited social media messages.

NIMR further states that Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa maintains only one official LinkedIn account under his full name. Any other LinkedIn or social media account claiming to represent him, including accounts operating under name variations, is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the Director-General or the Institute.

Members of the public are advised to disregard, avoid engagement with, and report such impersonating accounts to the relevant social media platforms.

The Institute is taking appropriate steps to address this misrepresentation and to protect the public from potential fraud.

The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, his management and research team paid a visit to the Delta State Ministry of Health, the office of the Secretary to the Delta State government while on a visit to NIMR outstation at Asaba on the 8th November, 2024.

The research dissemination meeting with the Delta State Ministry of Health and other health institutions was on enhancing One – Health Surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases related to climate change in West Africa Region.

The meeting was attended by the NIMR team led by Prof. J.O Obafunwa, DG-NIMR, Mr N.N Bitrus, Director of Administration, Prof. R.A Audu , Deputy-Director General and team lead for the One Health Research Consortium (Senegal and Nigeria Team), Dr Adedapo Adeogun, Chief Research Scientist, the Delta State Ministry of Health team, comprising of Dr Christian Tetsola, Director of Public Health Delta State MOH, Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board , Dr (Mrs) Mildred Igumbor, Delta State Epidemiologist, Prof. Ehi Igumbor, a member of the Research team, Dr Reagan, WHO representative, Mr Obinna, NIMR Asaba outstation administrator, and others.

The team also visited the office of the Secretary to the State Government of Delta State and was received by the SSG, Mr Kingsley Emu.