LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REVIEWS, UPDATES AND LAUNCHES ESSENTIAL MEDICINES LIST FOR PREVALENT HEALTH CONDITIONS RESTATES COMMITMENT TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

15/08/23

PRESS RELEASE

PHOTO SPEAK

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS REVIEWS, UPDATES AND LAUNCHES ESSENTIAL MEDICINES LIST FOR PREVALENT HEALTH CONDITIONS

….Disseminates 3rd Edition and 1st Edition of Adult and Children LEML

….Restates Commitment to Universal Health Coverage 

Lagos State Government has reviewed, updated and launched new editions of the Lagos State Essential Medicines List (LEML) to help with the treatment of various medical conditions prevalent in the State and cater for basic healthcare needs of adults and children.

The launched LEML which includes the third edition of essential medicines list for adults and first edition of essential medicines list for children consists of essential medicines for management and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health services, mental health care, and emergency care.

Speaking today at the official launch and dissemination of the LEML to healthcare stakeholders in the State held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye explained that the new editions of LEML will satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the population.

He added that new essential medicines list were reviewed and developed with due regard to disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness which are intended to be available in the State health systems at all times, in appropriate dosage forms and assured quality.

Ogboye, who was represented by the Director Medical Administration, Training and Programs in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Funmilayo Shokunbi further explained that the review, development and launch of the State essential medicines list which was done in collaboration with the Smile for Mothers Programme, will provide a platform for policy makers, healthcare providers, public health program managers and implementing partners to determine and prioritize the medicine needs of Lagos State for the improvement of health outcomes.

In his words: “The launched essential medicines list reflects the latest updates and new additions to guide and inform the State’s medicines needs. This will help in promoting and achieving Universal Health Coverage as well as improve access to a full range of quality health care, where and when the need arises.

This document will also provide a platform for policy makers, healthcare providers, public health programs and implementing partners to determine and prioritize the medicine needs of the State for the improvement of health outcomes of the populace as well as guide the procurement of essential medicines in the state”.

The Permanent Secretary who noted that the State essential medicines list was last reviewed in year 2012, disclosed that the ever changing health needs of Lagos State necessitated the review and upgrade of the adult list into a third edition, and the development of the first edition for children list to meet the growing health needs of the State.

While officially unveiling the documents, Ogboye stated that the development of the lists involved a rigorous evaluation and an evidence based analysis which was carried out in collaboration with a diverse range of healthcare experts who provided insights in line with the working of the Year 2020 National Essential Medicines List (NEML).

“The Lagos State Essential Medicines List was last reviewed in 2012, numerous medicines have been added and some were marked for deletion in the edition to meet the ever-changing health needs of the State. The latest Lagos State Essential Medicines List was adapted and developed from the National Essential Medicines List in 2022”, He said.

The Permanent Secretary however assured that the State Government remains committed to ensuring it achieves the Universal Health Coverage goal stressing that the State Government will not relent in putting in place policies, programs and projects geared towards the provision of qualitative and sustainable health care delivery to achieve the UHC goal.

Earlier, the Director, Pharmaceutical Services,  Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Oyebisi Omolambe noted that the review, upgrade and launch of the State essential medicine list is geared towards the SDG goal 3.8,  which seeks to achieve access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

She appreciated the ‘Smiles for Mothers Programme’ and other relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the State Government in the realization of the comprehensive State essential medicines list, noting that the Lagos State government remains open to more productive collaborations geared towards strengthening the health system and improving  health outcomes for the citizenry.

“I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to ‘Smiles for Mothers Programme’ for their immense support towards the Smiles for Mothers Programme’ for their immense support towards the development of this new reviewed List (SEML). The Smiles for Mothers Programme has been instrumental to the realization of this great task. We seek your continuous support and collaboration in future as we continue in the journey of providing qualitative Health to the citizens of Lagos State”, She said.

Speaking in the same vein, the State Lead, ‘Smile for Mothers Programme’, Dr. Damilola Oyedele restated the commitment the Smile for Mothers program to support governments at  Federal and State  levels in the reduction of maternal mortality and mobility through partnerships that will create opportunities for the introduction of innovations that will positively impact health care delivery.

“We also want to use this opportunity to restate our commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government and the Government of Nigeria to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. We wish to continue to partner with the government to make policy changes to support the introduction of new innovations and continue building capacity of healthcare workers towards the goal of avoiding the death of women who are bringing life to the world”, She said.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

15th August, 2023

PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS NO PLAN TO INCREASE FUEL PRICE

15/08/23

SHINA JO

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that there would be no increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit.

This follows reports about a potential increase in petroleum pump prices, from the current ₦617 per litre to between ₦720 and ₦750 in the coming weeks.

In a Chat with State house correspondents on Tuesday, Special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity Ajuri Ngelale said no plans by the Tinubu administration to increase pump price.

While acknowledging inefficiencies in the midstream and downstream sectors, president Tinubu says there will be no reversal of the deregulation policy of the sector just as he maintains Nigeria’s pump prices remain the most affordable with neighboring West African countries

The President called for patience as the Nation navigates challenges and vowed to remain transparent about the issues, including foreign exchange illiquidity due to past mismanagement of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Retail has announced that it has no intention of increasing Petrol pump prices as mentioned in some quarters.


The retailer
assured it’s customers of selling quality product at most affordable prices at it’s retail stations nationwide.
Some Independent marketers had raised the possibility of an increase but NNPC .

Pump price increase
NNPC Retail says it is not contemplating such move.

GOSPEL CORNER : GOD PUTS YOU IN SITUATIONS THAT ARE WAY OVER YOUR HEAD TO SEE IF YOU’LL TRUST HIM AND SO HE CAN SHOW OUT IN YOUR LIFE.

15/08/23

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

The LORD said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”
Judges 6:16, NLT

The “No Sweat Anointing”
God reduced Gideon’s army to just three hundred men when they were facing an army of a 135,000 Midianites. I can hear Gideon saying, “God, this is impossible.” God puts you in situations that are way over your head to see if you’ll trust Him and so He can show out in your life.

God told Gideon, “I know you’re outnumbered, but you will defeat them as easily as if you were fighting one man.” When Gideon attacked in the night, the enemy got confused and they ended up destroying one another. Gideon didn’t even have to fight. They never even broke a sweat.

There’s something called a “no sweat anointing.” That’s when you’re up against a challenge that’s much bigger than you can handle, but you don’t have to make it happen. You just stay in faith and God does it for you. The sickness seems stronger, the addiction seems permanent, the people against you are more powerful. God is saying, “I will be with you. You’re going to defeat it like you’re fighting one man.”

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your promise to be with me in whatever I am up against. Thank You that I don’t have to strive or work to make it happen because You have put a ‘no sweat anointing’ on me. I believe that You will show out in my life as I trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

PART TWO

There are many believers who are defeated because they are struggling to qualify for God’s blessings through their own works. What you need to understand is that self-effort will rob you of reigning in life by God’s grace. You cannot earn your salvation, healing, or financial breakthrough by your own efforts. If the greatest miracle—being saved and made alive with Jesus—comes by grace through faith, and not by your works, how much more the lesser miracles, such as healing, provision, and restored marriages?

It is not about your work or performance, but Jesus’ work and performance. Only His work is a finished work. And not only did He sit down at the Father’s right hand, but today’s Scripture states that He also made us sit with Jesus! What does this mean? Well, my friend, “sitting down” in the Bible is a picture of the believer resting in the perfect and finished work of Jesus. Christ has finished all the work on the cross on your behalf and is now seated at the right hand of God. As it has all been accomplished on your behalf, this means that you can stop depending on your self-efforts to earn and qualify for God’s blessings in your life. You can sit down with Jesus at the Father’s right hand!

Now, listen carefully to what I am saying. I am not advocating a life of passiveness and laziness regarding the study of God’s Word, prayer, or worship. When it comes to success in your job, I’m also certainly not saying that you shouldn’t be diligent or seeking to develop your abilities. God’s grace does not make you lazy and unproductive. On the contrary, it makes you labor more abundantly for His glory. The apostle Paul, a preacher of God’s grace and the finished work of Jesus, said that he “labored more abundantly than they all” (1 Cor. 15:10). What you need to realize is, in the new covenant, God’s way is to bless you first, and the knowledge of His blessing then empowers you to labor more abundantly. In other words, we do not labor to be blessed, but rather we have the power to labor because we are already blessed. Can you see the different premise for laboring in the new covenant?

My friend, Jesus has accomplished everything for us on the cross. Our part is to trust in His perfect work. Receive with open arms His abundance of grace and His gift of righteousness, and sit down and begin to reign in life through Him. Today, let it be your prayer that you will stop trying to earn God’s grace and righteousness. Let the Holy Spirit teach you to start depending on Jesus’ finished work and to start receiving by His grace. This is God’s way to success, wholeness, and victorious living!

https://www.josephprince.com/meditate-devo/take-your-seat-and-begin-to-reign

NAFDAC CALLS FOR GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICE IN HOTELS, FOOD OUTLETS

14/08/23

PRESS RELEASE

DANIELS OG

National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has harped for good hygiene practices in hotels and other food outlets across the nation.


The agency stated that Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) are prerequisites for food safety in any food operation and food facility when adequately implemented


Speaking on the development, the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who made the assertion weekend during a stakeholder’s engagement with operators of hotels and Quick Service Restaurants, popularly called Eateries with the theme ‘’Safety and Quality of Food In Hotels and Eateries’’ in Lagos, said that GHP and GMP, when adequately implemented, would ensure that food prepared for customers is free of harmful micro-organisms that can cause harm and serious health issues if they contaminate the food.


The NAFDAC boss expressed grave concerns about health risks of non-communicable diseases associated with the consumption of foods high in salt, free sugars, saturated fats, and trans fatty acids, adding that ‘’also of concern is the misuse of food additives for enhancing the appearance of food, the colour, texture, taste, and shelf life.’’


She noted  with dismay that ‘’proliferation of many NCDs is related to the foods we eat including other poor health conditions, such as impaired growth and development, micronutrient deficiencies, non-communicable/ communicable diseases, and even mental illness.’’https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-8275938780454312&output=html&h=267&slotname=6415451415&adk=1934799490&adf=3406948802&pi=t.ma~as.6415451415&w=320&fwrn=7&lmt=1691992591&rafmt=11&format=320×267&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueprint.ng%2Fnafdac-harps-on-good-hygiene-practice-in-hotels-food-outlets%2F&host=ca-host-pub-2644536267352236&wgl=1&dt=1691992589267&bpp=6&bdt=9192&idt=1256&shv=r20230809&mjsv=m202308090102&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&prev_fmts=360×300%2C0x0%2C320x267&nras=1&correlator=5993182001912&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=587373632.1691992590&ga_sid=1691992591&ga_hid=1026036968&ga_fc=1&rplot=4&u_tz=60&u_his=1&u_h=820&u_w=360&u_ah=820&u_aw=360&u_cd=24&u_sd=2&dmc=4&adx=20&ady=2289&biw=360&bih=620&scr_x=0&scr_y=1856&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C31076733%2C31076838%2C31076924%2C44795910%2C44784478%2C31076963&oid=2&pvsid=3189865706142034&tmod=499072604&uas=3&nvt=1&scar=0&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C360%2C0%2C360%2C620%2C360%2C620&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CoeE%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=4&uci=a!4&fsb=1&xpc=mYcgK9X7YE&p=https%3A//www.blueprint.ng&dtd=2086


The DG said adhering to the provisions of GHP and GMP ensures that food prepared

The DG said adhering to the provisions of GHP and GMP ensures that food prepared is safe to eat and enables businesses to protect their reputation.

AKEREDOLU NOT YET BACK, STILL IN GERMANY SAYS AIDE

14/08/23

PRESS RELEASE

TOJA H U

Ondo State Government has debunked the video in Circulation suggesting the return of Governor of Rotimi Akeredolu to Nigeria.

Governor Akeredolu has been on Medical Vacation for about two months now to treat an undisclosed illness.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde Olatunde, in a statement made available to the Press on Sunday said the video in question, which is circulating, was captured during the Governor’s campaign tour in preparation for the last Presidential and National Assembly elections early this year.

The statement stated that Governor Akeredolu who is deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support,is eagerly looking forward to reuniting with the people of the sunshine state as soon as he is declared fit.

It further said that Governor Akeredolu is currently in Germany, focused on his full recovery.

“Our attendance has been drawn to a recent video circulating on social media, suggesting the return of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, from his medical vacation.

While we acknowledge the eagerness of the people of the state, as well as supporters and well-wishers from both within and outside the country to have the Governor back, we want to clarify that Governor Akeredolu is currently in Germany, focused on his full recovery.

Governor Akeredolu extends his deep appreciation to the citizens of Ondo State for their unwavering prayers and support. Their genuine concern and compassion have been instrumental in aiding his recovery journey.

Governor Akeredolu is eagerly looking forward to reuniting with the people of the sunshine state. He is deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support, and he can’t wait to continue working towards a brighter future for Ondo State.

GOSPEL CORNER: IT IS ABOUT HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH ALMIGHTY GOD.

14/08/23

DANIELS OG

Do you know what makes Christianity unique and gives it the power to free people from all fears, condemning thoughts, and addictions? Many of the world’s belief systems are governed by moral codes, rules, and laws. But Christianity is unique in that it is not about an impersonal list of dos and don’ts. It is about having a relationship with Almighty God. And it is God working in us and for us through this relationship that brings transformation in our lives.

Beloved, God is all about having a relationship with you today. The apostle John tells us that “the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Notice also that the law was given. This implies a sense of distance. In contrast, grace came! Grace is personal and came as a person—the person of Jesus Christ. The law is hard, cold, and impersonal. You cannot have a relationship with two tablets of stone. But grace is gentle and warm. Grace is not a teaching or doctrine. Grace is a person, and you can have a relationship with a person. God is not interested in mere obedience and submission. He is a God of love and He longs to have an intimate relationship with you.

Jesus came and died a cruel death on the cross, paying the full debt of sin with His own life so that you and I can reign in life today. His sacrifice fulfilled every requirement of the law perfectly on our behalf (Matt. 5:17, NIV). All that we were unable to do, He did on our behalf. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are made holy and righteous by His blood once and for all. You can enter into a relationship with Almighty God and come boldly into His presence without any guilt, condemnation, or expectation of punishment.

You see, when you have fulfilled your debt to the lender for the mortgage on your house, you stop sending in your monthly payments because the debt has already been fulfilled. If the lender sends you a letter demanding additional payment, all you have to do is produce the title deed to your home. In the same sense, the debt that you and I owed to the law has already been fulfilled by our Savior, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!

When the devil comes to accuse you with the law and shows you how you have fallen short and failed, turn your eyes away from yourself and point to the payment that Jesus made on the cross. Christ is your title deed, which is why you are called a “Christian” today. You are not your own. You have been purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. His blood, shed for you, is what makes your relationship with God secure. It is what gives you the basis to reach out and receive your freedom from your loving Savior today!

https://www.josephprince.com/meditate-devo/grace-is-a-person-not-a-doctrine

MANY ARRESTED AS NDLEA BUSTS 3 SYNDICATES IN LAGOS. RECOVERS 2.7 MILLION PILLS OF TRAMADOL, 62.29KG COCAINE, EPHEDRINE, LOUD SEIZES OVER 13 TONS OF SKUNK IN 4 STATES

13/08/23

PRESS RELEASE

OLADIPO DG

Three Major illicit Drugs Syndicates have been apprehended by Operatives of a special Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in an intelligence-led operations in Lagos State.

The Operation which led to the Arrest of a Baroness and Four other kingpins with multi-billion naira worth of Cocaine, Opioids and Loud recovered from their hideouts.

According to the NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the Female head of one of the Syndicates, Faith Ebele Nwankwo was arrested on Wednesday 9th August at her residence, House 6, C close, 3rd Avenue, Festac area of Lagos shortly after she returned from a Warehouse at Plot 3432 Sola Akinsola Street, Divine Estate, Amuwo Odofin where she loaded Eight Cartons of Tramadol 225mg into an unmarked white Honda Pilot SUV.


A search of her residence and the warehouse led to the recovery of Two Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (2,750,000) pills of tramaking, a brand of tramadol 225mg and 250mg packed in 39 cartons weighing 1,916 kilograms.

The drugs and the SUV were recovered while the suspect was taken into custody.

In another operation targeted at a group of transnational syndicate involved in importation, exportation, distribution, and dealing in Cocaine and Canadian Loud, operatives of the same Special Unit of the Agency on Friday 4th August tracked the drug syndicate to Atlantic Nominee Estate in Lekki- Ajah area of Lagos where a blue Toyota Highlander SUV was loaded with 8.49kg of cocaine and 10.3kg Canadian Loud for distribution by the duo of Urama Chinemelum Precious, 32, and Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade, 55. A follow-up operation at the residence of Chinemelum at House 7, Road 7, Lagra estate, Eti-Osa, Lagos led to the recovery of additional 18 blocks of Loud weighing 18.5kg.

The following day, Saturday 5th August, operatives of the Special Unit went after another syndicate involved in importation, distribution and diversion of ephedrine hydrochloride, a precursor chemical used for the production of methamphetamine, following intelligence that members of the cartel were planning to divert 25 kilograms of the substance.
Two members of the syndicate: Udeh Vincent Ogbonna, 53, and Okonkwo Ifeanyi Uzozie, 50, were arrested at a commercial bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos where they were attempting to send the concealed substance to the South East. A body search conducted on the two suspects led to the recovery of Three Thousand ($3,000) US Dollars found on Udeh Vincent Ogbonna.

In operations across four other states of Ogun, Ondo, Edo and Nasarawa, NDLEA operatives recovered over 13,391.8 kilograms of skunk. No fewer than 1,955kgs of the illicit substance packed in 139 jumbo bags and stored in the warehouse of a wanted notorious drug dealer, Lekan Jimoh (aka Konmo Konmo) in Ado Odo Ota area of Ogun state were recovered in the early hours of Saturday 12th August in collaboration with officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

In Ondo, Ogbu Paul Odey, 30; Daniel Osidi, 34; John Iyage, 41; Friday Simon, 28; and Friday James, 24, were arrested in connection with the seizure and/or destruction of over 10,325.5kgs of cannabis sativa in Iju and Ala forests, in Akure area of the state between Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th August.
While 22-year-old James Aga was arrested during the raid of an uncompleted building on the outskirts of Utese town in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State on Friday 11th August with 10kg skunk, 976kg of the same substance was recovered from the building in addition to the recovery of four motorcycles. In an earlier operation in Utese forest on Tuesday 8th August, at least 46.545kgs of skunk were recovered and 1.581146 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed
while two suspects: Onyelunisue Azuka, 48 and Abraham Ayomide, 30, were arrested.

LIn Nasarawa state, 49-year-old Umar Abdullahi, was arrested on Friday 11th August with 64.8kgs of cannabis sativa in Doma LGA, while NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, on Wednesday 9th August intercepted a 4.5kg consignment of Loud coming from the United States at a courier firm in Lagos.

FUEL SUBSIDY PALLIATIVES: LAGOS HOSPITALS OFFERS FREE HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS

13/08/23

PRESS RELEASE

ELIZA DD



FUEL SUBSIDY PALLIATIVES: LAGOS HOSPITALS OFFERS FREE ANTE-NATAL AND CHILD DELIVERY SERVICES



Lagos State General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres are currently providing free antenatal care and child delivery services to pregnant women resident in Lagos State as part of the rolled out relief measures announced by the State Government to cushion the hardship being faced by residents as a result of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.



Recall that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rising from the State’s Security Council meeting held on Monday, July 31, 2023, directed General Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres to offer free ante-natal care and child delivery services; normal and cesarean section, to expectant mothers as part of announced relief measures to ease burden of the fuel subsidy removal on Lagosian.



Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier mentioned that his directive to the Lagos State Government owned primary and secondary health facilities to offer the free medical services is geared towards ensuring that the health of families are taken care of while easing them of the worry of financial constraints and increasing access to quality health care delivery in Lagos State.



Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye who carried out a compliance monitoring visits regarding the directive to some State hospitals including the Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals over the weekend, noted that the implementation of the free ante-natal care and child delivery services as directed by the Governor will help improve maternal and child health indices in Lagos.



Ogboye who expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance to the free ante-natal and child delivery services in hospitals visited, explained that the Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration recognizing the prime place of maternal and child health in the society thoughtfully issued the directive for free medical intervention to pregnant women to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on expectant families.

In his words: “The Governor recognized that the cost of ante-natal care and child delivery services would add to the burden of fuel subsidy removal on cost of living for expectant parents, and this is why the Governor announced the free medical intervention as part of the rolled out measures to ease off the burden.

“I am impressed by the level of compliance to Mr. Governor’s free ante-natal and child delivery service directive at the health facilities visited. Having gone round the ANC clinics, post-delivery wards and baby nurseries at the Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals, it is heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of newly born and their parents.  

“I would like to thank the management of these hospitals and the health workers for quickly putting in place modalities and carrying out the Governor’s directive to the letter, this is an indication that all government institution are in sync regarding the harsh reality of fuel subsidy removal and the intervention to ameliorate the suffering of citizens”, He said.

The Permanent Secretary also assured of the State Government’s renewed commitment to put in place strategies geared towards the reduction and eradication of maternal, child and infant mortality as well as the general improvement in all maternal and child health indices.

Speaking in the same vein, the Medical Director of Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Dr. Bamidele Mustapha disclosed that the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital complied with the free health intervention almost immediately, with no fewer than 30 people already benefiting from free ante-natal and child delivery services including cesarean sections, at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Bamidele stated further that that the State Government has been very supportive and committed to the welfare and wellbeing of mothers and children especially with regards to quality, efficient and accessible health service delivery in the State adding that the provision of the free ante-natal services had put smiles on the faces of residents who originally could not afford the cost of delivery.

A beneficiary of the free child delivery service at the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Mrs Oluwademilade Mustapha who delivered a baby boy through caesarian section lauded the free medical service initiative of the State Government. She thanked the team of medical staff who attended to her noting however that the attitude of the nurses who attended to her were excellent contrary to the opinion she had before coming to the hospital.

“I am very happy with my experience in this hospital. My experience here is contrary to the rumors I have heard about nurses in government hospitals. Nurses here are friendly, they take good care of patients and all treatments have been free of charge. I thank the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for this opportunity” She said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Eniola Samuel, who was also delivered a baby boy at the General Hospital, Isolo thanked God and the team of medical staff at the facility for saving her life from the complications she encountered during childbirth. She expressed satisfaction at the quality of

Ogboye explained further that the free medical intervention initiative is an immediate priority directive by Governor Sanwo-Olu to cover the cost of ante-natal care including cost of registration and ANC clinics as well as normal and cesarean section child delivery services.  

“This intervention, an immediate priority decided by the State Government to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy and stabilize the conditions of the ordinary citizens, has further showed the State Government as a proactive and responsible Government with human face always willing and ready to make life bearable for citizens, particularly at this critical time. He said”

The Permanent Secretary noted that the free health intervention which seeks to increase access to quality maternal and child health services, is in line with the State Government’s Universal Health Coverage attainment drive.

He added that the Lagos State Government has over the years been putting in place various health strategies and initiatives geared towards providing succour to the poor and less privilege in the society who require health care services and cannot not afford the Cost such that no one is left behind in the drive to ensure access to health care delivery services in fulfilment of the UHC goal.

The Permanent Secretary also assured of the State Government’s renewed commitment to put in place strategies geared towards the reduction and eradication of maternal, child and infant mortality as well as the general improvement in all maternal and child health indices.

Speaking in the same vein, the Medical Director of Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Dr. Bamidele Mustapha disclosed that the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital complied with the free health intervention almost immediately, with no fewer than 30 people already benefiting from free ante-natal and child delivery services including cesarean sections, at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Bamidele stated further that that the State Government has been very supportive and committed to the welfare and wellbeing of mothers and children especially with regards to quality, efficient and accessible health service delivery in the State adding that the provision of the free ante-natal services had put smiles on the faces of residents who originally could not afford the cost of delivery.

A beneficiary of the free child delivery service at the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Mrs Oluwademilade Mustapha who delivered a baby boy through caesarian section lauded the free medical service initiative of the State Government. She thanked the team of medical staff who attended to her noting however that the attitude of the nurses who attended to her were excellent contrary to the opinion she had before coming to the hospital.

“I am very happy with my experience in this hospital. My experience here is contrary to the rumors I have heard about nurses in government hospitals. Nurses here are friendly, they take good care of patients and all treatments have been free of charge. I thank the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for this opportunity” She said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Eniola Samuel, who was also delivered a baby boy at the General Hospital, Isolo thanked God and the team of medical staff at the facility for saving her life from the complications she encountered during childbirth. She expressed satisfaction at the quality of healthcare she received free of charge. While appreciating the Governor of Lagos State for introducing the initiative, Samuel noted that the intervention helped save her life.

“I thank God Almighty for life, I appreciate God for using the doctors and nurses in this hospital to save my life. God empowered them to keep me alive despite the complications I encountered during child birth. I am also very surprised that up to this moment, I have not been made to pay for anything, and I have been told that I will not be charged for my treatment here. I really appreciate the Lagos State Government for this great opportunity” She said.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

13th August, 2023

NIGER COUP: NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR DEBUNKS VIRAL VIDEO

13/08/23

SHINA JO

Nigerian’s Ambassador to Niger has debunked purported video showing the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey was set ablaze by the Niger Pro coup protesters.

A statement signed by Ambassador, Litti Auwalu
Says the Chancery is well guarded by the Nigerien Military and Police

The statement reads: “It has been brought to our notice that fake videos showing the Torching of the Chancery Building in Niamey by protesters are circulating on various social media platforms.”

“The Embassy wishes to inform the general public that even though protesters tried to gain access to the Embassy on 30″ July 2023, the Nigerien Military and Police Authorities promptly curtailed the situation.

“At the moment, the Embassy is well guarded by the Nigerien Military and other Security Authorities. We reiterate that the videos are fake, and as such, the general public is enjoined to disregard such videos.”