HEPATITIS PREVENTION AND CONTROL: LAGOS TASKS RESIDENTS ON TESTING, VACCINATION AND TREATMENT

30/07/23

DANIELS O G

PRESS RELEASE

….Commemorates World Hepatitis Day with a Public Symposium 

Lagos State Government has once again appealed to citizens to prioritize presenting themselves for testing, vaccination and treatment against viral hepatitis, in order to prevent and eliminate the devastating consequences of the viral disease.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye who made this appeal recently at a Public Symposium organized by the State Ministry of Health to commemorate the Y2023 World Hepatitis Day in Lagos, noted that citizen’s commitment is important in the effort to prevent and eliminate disease in line with the 2030 WHO strategic target of reducing new hepatitis infection by 90 percent and deaths by 65 percent.

Ogboye explained that hepatitis is an infection of the liver that causes liver inflammation. He added that the disease is regarded as one of the deadliest infectious and killer diseases accounting for the deaths of over 1.4 million people every year.

In his words: “Globally Hepatitis remains one of the deadliest infectious and killer diseases which accounts for the death of over 1 .4 million people every year. One in every 12 persons worldwide is living with infection”.

Ogboye stated further that the Y2023 World Hepatitis Day Celebration, themed: “One Life, One Liver” is well thought out adding that the State government has been putting in place strategies geared towards preventive care, increased awareness and treatment of the disease in Lagos State.

“We are taking significant steps to mitigate the effect of hepatitis through our viral hepatitis prevention and control program which was launched in 2016. Through  this programme, we have rolled out capacity building and training for over 100 health workers selected across secondary and tertiary facilities in the state in addition to the screening and vaccination of health workers”, He said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the fight against the hepatitis is a collective responsibility of all citizens, stressing that residents should take advantage of the strategies put in place by the State Government for the prevention and control of hepatitis, and present themselves for screening, testing, treatment and vaccination, in order to help government achieve its prevention, early detection and management strategy against the disease.

“Today is a reminder of the urgency to end Hepatitis as a public health menace, especially through increased awareness, prevention, diagnosis and improving access to care and treatment. Residents are encouraged to present themselves for hepatitis screening, treatment and vaccination in order to help prevention, early detection and management”, He said.

According to him, screening, vaccination and treatment for Hepatitis B and C take place in the various outpatient departments of public healthcare facilities including the medical outpatients, ante-natal, surgical outpatient and pediatrics units amongst others.

Ogboye commended stakeholders for supporting the State Government in the fight against hepatitis, adding that government will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and citizens in the prevention and control of the disease whilst also implementing right strategies to eliminate the scourge of infections in the state.

Earlier, the State Viral Hepatitis Control Program Coordinator, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, explained that beyond the World Hepatitis day celebration, the State Ministry of Health has been constantly conducting community awareness sensitization in communities on the need for citizens to key into government’s prevention and control strategies including providing basic information on where and when to seek medical intervention against the deadly disease.

“One of the key things that the Lagos State Ministry of Health with the support of the World Health Organization and other partners is doing is so to create a synergy and ensure heightened awareness first among the health care workers and health professionals, and the public in order to ensure that basic knowledge about viral hepatitis permeates the public space”, She said.

Erinosho explained further that the fight against hepatitis requires the cooperation and support of all citizens as all individuals must seek to know their status and seek help immediately if needed stressing that this will go a long way in the prevention and elimination of the disease.

Dr. Anomneze , a Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist and Hematologist who was the guest speaker at the symposium stated that Chronic viral hepatitis is a major global health problem with more than 400 million patients chronically infected, causing over 1.4 million deaths per year.

Anomeneze stated further that Nigeria is one of the countries with a high burden of chronic viral Hepatitis with prevalence rates of 8.1% and 1.1% for Hepatitis B (HBV) Virus and C (HCV) respectively adding that about 20 million Nigerians are currently living with chronic viral hepatitis.

He explained that effective medications are available for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B just as they are available for other common chronic disorders such as hypertension and diabetics if they are diagnosed early. 

“Effective medications are available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B just as they are available for other common chronic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes so with early diagnosis and long term treatment, survival to old age is possible”.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

30th July, 2023

NIGERIA HAS TAKEN THE LEAD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING GLOBALLY………SAYS, PERM SEC, MINISTRY OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

30/07/23

GABRIEL OLADIPO D


The Federal Government of Nigeria has appraised the fight against human trafficking in the Country saying that with the support of stakeholders and partners, the creation of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has not only changed the image of the Country from the worst record but has effectively put the criminal elements on the check.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani – Gwarzo, mni, NPOM, stated this in a speech delivered at the Celebration and Award Ceremony organized in appreciation of individuals, corporate bodies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners and other Stakeholders whose support had contributed to modest achievements of the Agency since the past 20 years.
The event which took place at the A Class Park and Events Centre, Maitama, Abuja, climaxed the activities to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Agency and the 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Humanitarian, Mr. Charles Anielo, the Permanent Secretary, for the umpteen time, declared the Federal Government of Nigeria is extremely proud of the performances of NAPTIP adding that the Agency shall continue to receive the required support to fulfill its mandates.
He said, “ In July 2003 when the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act was assented to by the President, it became obvious that Nigeria had taken the lead in the League of Nations to frontally confronting the criminal elements involved in the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within and across our borders.
“Since then, with the support of stakeholders and development partners, not only has our image as a country changed from having the worst record of human trafficking, the criminal gangs involved in human. trafficking now think twice before they strike because they know NAPTIP, and other law enforcement agencies are diligently watching.
“For us as a Ministry mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria to supervise the Agency, we are very proud of the achievements of the Agency within these 20 years and we congratulate the Management and personnel of the Agency for the great strides. NAPTIP, I must say at this point has become the pride of Nigeria which we are very proud to market to other countries. No wonder, many countries now visit Nigeria regularly to understudy the NAPTIP Model with a view to establishing same in their countries.
“ We are here today to celebrate the modest accomplishment in the midst of myriad challenges; to celebrate 20 years of hard work; celebrate love and friendship; institutions, regional bodies, Development partners and individuals that have supported the government and people of Nigeria in this tough task of fighting human trafficking. This award you are receiving today is just a token of appreciation to reciprocate the love and understanding shown to us. What we have achieved in these 20 years could not have happened without you.
“Human trafficking knows no boundaries; it thrives in the shadows, exploiting vulnerabilities and preying on the marginalized and defenseless. Men, women, and children fall victim to its grasp, often subjected to unspeakable horrors and unimaginable suffering. They are robbed of their dreams, their hopes, and their right to live a life free from fear and exploitation.

“The numbers themselves are staggering. But behind these numbers are individual stories of pain and despair, stories that cry out for justice and compassion and it is our moral duty to heed these cries and stand united against this global injustice.
“It is for this reason that various administrations in Nigeria have always taken actions to demonstrate the required political will in the fight against human trafficking and providing necessary direction and support to NAPTIP and other critical stakeholders in a bid to make Nigeria a Human Trafficking and Violence Free Nation”, the Permanent Secretary said.
In her speech, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi, expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders who have worked with the Agency in the realization of its mandates since its creation and assured that despite the obvious challenges encountered routinely in the course of its operations, NAPTIP shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safer and better Nigeria.
The Director General who was elated with the turnout of guests at the ceremony said, “Today is a very special day not just for NAPTIP and Nigeria but for everyone invested in ensuring human trafficking is controlled and victims are secured across the world. So, we are very grateful to you for taking the time to join us to celebrate you.
“It’s been 20 years of growth, for NAPTIP in an ever-changing world. Our journey has been one of immense determination, resilience, and hope. In 20 years, we have seen the crime of human trafficking evolve in terms of the enormity, trends, and patterns. However, in the face of such adversity, we have found strength in collaboration and our collective spirit and determination have brought us this far.
“We have witnessed the incredible power of cooperation and the unwavering dedication of countless individuals who have come together to combat the injustice of human trafficking. Today we pay tribute to each and every person and we celebrate the numerous lives that have been transformed, the futures that have been rewritten, and the hope that has been restored.
“ I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the ones who came before me, my predecessors who dared to imagine a better world and had the vision, and courage to pioneer some initiatives that have been built upon over the years which have positioned NAPTIP where it is today. I salute you all.
“The endeavor of our implementing partners, the donor community, members of the Diplomatic Corp, civil society organizations, the academia, our sister law enforcement agencies, the Media, all stakeholders, and supporters, thank you for the many lives your actions have helped support and sustain. It is a testament to the power of collective action, reminding us that when we stand together, united in our purpose and driven by a common passion, there is no challenge too great to overcome. May life be kind to you, always.
“Since 2003, NAPTIP has progressed from its very first command in Benin -Edo State to offices in 32 states and a task force against human trafficking in 22 states. We have made progress in our criminal justice response with a significant increase in convictions (624 Convictions since the first conviction was secured in 2006; 80 convictions in 2022 the highest in a single year since the inception of NAPTIP and 48 convictions and counting in 2023) including for the first time the conviction of a law enforcement officer for human trafficking offences; prosecution of several mutual legal assistance cases and on the 8 of March 2023, the extradition of a high profile human trafficker to Italy to serve out her 13 years jail term.
“Our recent strategic partnership with Meta (owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) and the United States National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children has further enhanced the capacity of NAPTIP to tackle issues of online child exploitation.
“Nigeria is better poised to control and tackle human trafficking because of the collaborative efforts of everyone. Last year, with support from our supervising Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, not one but three policy documents targeted at revolutionizing the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, including the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2022-2026); were approved by the Federal Executive Council.
“To keep things current, for anyone who has noticed, we have rebranded our logo, which has already been mainstreamed. The rebranded logo represents a re-commitment from NAPTIP to protect all persons against human trafficking and violence against persons through people-centered access to justice,
“As I conclude, let me especially acknowledge our amazing partners that supported the week-long NAPTIP @20 Celebration and the 2023 world day against Trafficking in persons; Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, ICMPD, UNODC, Attorney-General Alliance for Africa, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Expertise France, Arik Air Limited, UNICEF & FIIAP. Thank you all for your consistent support to NAPTIP.
“Let me also especially thank the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo mni, NPOM, for being exemplary in public service.
“Finally, to all NAPTIP Officers, it is truly an honor and privilege to serve as your Director General. Thank you for trusting me and thank you for all the hard work. Together, we will continue to carry out our mandate through transparency and accountability. I take pride in saying that NAPTIP has some of the finest and extraordinary human beings who have worked against all the odds that occurred in these 20 years to make what seemed impossible possible.
“With the level of disturbing trends, we see across the country, there is this sense of exhaustion and that bait to just throw in the towel and cut our losses. Well, not on our watch! because our watch is defined by us not giving up and by working tirelessly to ensure a safer and better society. And as we embark upon the next chapter of our journey, let us not forget that there is still much work to be done. Despite our progress, human trafficking remains an ongoing threat and we hope to continue working with all our partners and stakeholders to design creative solutions for ways to better understand and tackle human trafficking” the Director General declared amidst cheers from dignitaries.
The ceremony witnessed goodwill messages from partners including the UN Resident Coordinator to Nigeria, the Ambassador of the European Union in Nigeria, the United States Embassy, and the British High Commission.
The keynote address was delivered by the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mrs. Carol Ndaguba, OON.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of the newly developed policy documents of the Agency which include the NAPTIP Disability Inclusion Policy, NAPTIP Service Charter, policy documents that have been transcribed into braille for the blind in collaboration with the disability commission, and a brief demonstration of our remodeled app called the Ireporter, and NAPTIP Learning Management System supported by the Canadian Government and lastly Audio-Visual Materials developed for use by the Blind and Deaf.

Adekoye Vincent
Press Officer
27th July 2023

PAUL DECLARES THAT JESUS, BY HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS, HAS MADE US “ALIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM, HAVING FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES.”

30/07/23

Apostle Paul’s letters provide a marvelous foundation in understanding the gospel of grace. That’s why, when it comes to reading the Bible, I always encourage new believers to begin with his letters. Many new believers like to start with the book of Revelation or Genesis, but get confused in the process because they lack the proper foundation to rightly divide the old and new covenants.

Have you noticed, for instance, that Paul never once mentioned the unpardonable sin in all his letters to the churches? If Christians could commit the unpardonable sin and lose their salvation, Paul should have mentioned it in every epistle that he wrote. But he didn’t. In fact, what he emphasized was our forgiveness. In today’s Scripture, for example, Paul declares that Jesus, by His death on the cross, has made us “alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” I have checked the original Greek word for all in this verse and guess what? “All” means all! Jesus, through His own blood, has forgiven you of all your sins, so there is no sin that is unpardonable! By one perfect sacrifice, He has cleansed you of the sins of your entire life, and you are now sealed with the promise of eternal life! You need to receive this good news that will establish your heart in His grace and give you the confidence that you are indeed irrevocably saved!

Beloved, God does not leave you wondering whether you are saved or not. He tells you outright that you are His and that nothing can ever separate you from His love—not even sin—because His Son’s blood is greater than your sin! Knowing that all your sins are forgiven is crucial for your health, peace of mind, wholeness, and wellness. The more you believe that all your sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus, the more you will become whole—body, soul, and spirit!

And should you ever doubt that God has forgiven you of all, all you have to do is open His Word. Read it and remind yourself how the price for “all trespasses” has been fully paid, the judgment executed, and every bit of condemnation against you already meted out on the body of Christ at the cross. Hallelujah! To establish your heart in the grace of God, meditate on such new covenant truths that exalt Jesus and His finished work. This is how you go from faith to faith and experience breakthrough upon breakthrough in all areas of life.

https://www.josephprince.com/meditate-devo/establish-your-heart-in-gods-grace

GOSPEL CORNER: GOD IS SAYING TO US, “I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH TO LET YOU MISS THE PURPOSE THAT I CREATED FOR YOU.

29/07/23

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

Today’s Scripture


“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
Acts 9:5, NIV

He Reaches Down
Saul was the worst persecutor of the early church. He went around having believers arrested and put in prison. He seemed to be unredeemable, but God loves to take people who look too far gone and bring them into their purpose and destiny. God came down and revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus, calling him in grace to come to faith. Saul became the apostle Paul and went on to write nearly half the books of the New Testament.

God is saying to us, “I love you too much to let you miss the purpose that I created for you. I sit enthroned on high, but I’m reaching down to get you into your calling.” He will go to great lengths to bring you into your destiny. You may feel as though you’ve missed it, but we serve a God who reaches down to redeem, to restore, to set you up as His chosen vessel. He’s not going to just bring you out. He’s going to promote you, give you influence, and cause you to shine.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving me and for never writing me off when I’ve been off course and failed. Thank You that You saw a chosen vessel in Saul when he was persecuting the church, and You’re going to use me as Your instrument as well. I believe You are bringing me into my destiny. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

PART TWO

People have asked me from time to time, “Pastor Prince, why is an understanding of the complete forgiveness of my sins so important for me to walk in God’s unmerited favor?”

This is a good question. Friend, when you don’t have a clear sense of your complete forgiveness, you will constantly be on an emotional seesaw. Sometimes, you feel that things between you and God are all right, but at other times, you don’t think that it is so. Sometimes, you feel confident that the Lord is with you to make you a success, but at other times, you feel like you blew it and the Lord will not help you until you confess your sin and make amends.

You will be in a constant cycle of feeling insecure, where you are always hopping in and out of God’s favor. All these feelings depend on how well you think you have performed, and ignore the cross of Jesus altogether. My friend, God does not evaluate you based on your behavior. He sees only Jesus’ perfect work. But because you do not believe that Jesus has indeed forgiven you of all your sins, you end up feeling like a total and complete hypocrite and failure.

I hope that you are beginning to see that understanding the complete forgiveness of your sins is not just for theologians. Thinking that your sins are not completely forgiven will fundamentally affect your relationship with Jesus. While He is all ready to bless you, give you favor and make you a success, unbelief in His finished work robs you of the ability to receive His goodness, His blessings, His unmerited favor, and His success in your life.

The cross of Jesus qualified you, but unbelief in the main clause of the new covenant disqualifies you. Meditate on what God says about your sins in the new covenant and free yourself to receive from Him today. The new covenant is based entirely on His unmerited favor. There is nothing for you to do, nothing for you to perform, nothing for you to accomplish. Your part in the new covenant is just to have faith in Jesus and to believe that you are totally forgiven and free to enjoy the new covenant blessings through His finished work!

https://www.josephprince.com/meditate-devo/why-a-revelation-of-your-forgiveness-is-so-important

BREAKING TINUBU APPROVES HEALTH WORKERS SALARIES REVIEW

29/07/23

SHINA JO

Nigeria’ s President, Bola Tinubu has approved the review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure , CONHESS for Health Professionals in the Federal Public Service with effect from  June 1, 2023.

This is contained in a  circular   dated 25h July 2023 and signed by the Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta.

The Circular which is attached with the new salary table, says All enquiries concerning the document should be directed to the National Salaries,
Incomes and Wages Commission.

The circular is addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, 
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers, 
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, 
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and 
Chairmen, Federal Commissions.

Others include the Federal Permanent Secretaries, 
Clerk of the National Assembly
Secretary, National Judicial Council
Secretary, Federal Judicial Services Commission, 
Directors-General and Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and
Governments-Owned Companies, 
Auditor-General for the Federation, 
Accountant-General of the Federation and the Director-General, Budget Ofice of the Federation

The Joint health Sector Unions, JOHESH is yet to react to the development.

The Demand for the adjustment of CONHESS has been a major reason for Struggle and industrial actions by the Health workers across the Country.

 IMPROVING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY: SANWO-OLU URGES HEALTH INSURANCE STAKEHOLDERS TO PARTNER LAGOS ON DOMESTICATION OF THE NHIA ACT

28/07/23

DANIELS O G


· Chairs Maiden Lagos Health Insurance Summit.


· Seeks Accelerated Universal Health Coverage for Residents
· Unveils Ilera-Eko Virtual Booth.


Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged critical stakeholders in the State health insurance value chain, including Health Management Organizations (HMOs), Health Care Providers, Corporate Organizations, Health Insurance Coverage Providers, Policy Makers and Employers of labour and Employees to support, Partners and Corporate with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to Domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority Act of May, 2022 and also ensure compliance with the provision of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) law.


Sanwo-Olu who stated this Thursday at the maiden Lagos State Health Insurance Summit which was held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, noted that the support of all stakeholders will help enable the State Government to guarantee the provision of basic Healthcare Services to citizens thereby improving their quality of life.


“At the inception of this administration, we made a commitment to improve the quality of life of our people and steer the State towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), where Lagosians will have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.


“These services include a full range of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. This is one of the major goals of the health and environment pillar of the T.H.M.E.S+ agenda, with the ‘plus’ representing the incorporation of an intensified focus on social inclusion, gender equality and youth development in these next four years”, He said.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye explained that his administration rode on the existing LSHS law to bring the promise of UHC to reality.

He added that the law makes it mandatory for all residents of Lagos to possess a health plan in order to have access to quality healthcare services thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses on health and ameliorating the financial hardship caused by payment of huge medical bills.


“This mandatory provision of the LSHS law was further reinforced when the Federal Government enacted the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act in May, 2022 and provided for the establishment and implementation of the mandatory Social Health Insurance schemes in all States of the Federation, in order to steer the country towards the attainment of universal health coverage.
“The domestication of the Act in Lagos State will enable the government to guarantee the provision of basic healthcare services to the citizens thereby improving their quality of life. To this end, I have issued an Executive Order for the commencement of the domestication of the NHIA Act and the implementation of LSHS.
This will make it possible for the Agency to engage with all key stakeholders and ensure that residents of Lagos State have access to quality and affordable healthcare services, thereby moving the State closer to the attainment to UHC”, the Governor said.


The Governor who also officially unveiled the Ilera-Eko virtual booth at the summit disclosed that his administration is implementing strategies geared towards digital healthcare coverage so that health services can be accessed remotely.
Sanwo-Olu explained further that the Ilera-Eko virtual booth is an initiative created by LASHMA in partnership with Sterling Bank to provide easy access to healthcare services in the State. by strategically locating 300 kiosks across the state.
He noted that 300 kiosks would be strategically placed in fixed locations within local government areas across Lagos State and manned by community health workers or registered nurses and mapped to a healthcare provider in case of emergencies, adding that virtual access to doctors would be provided using telemedicine 

while prescription would be taken to the nearest community pharmacy where medication will be dispensed. 
In his words: “The Ilera-Eko Virtual Booth, an initiative in partnership with Sterling Bank is created to provide easy access to healthcare in Lagos State with about 300 kiosks, called Ilera Eko Virtual Booths, would be strategically placed in fixed locations within a local government area. Ilera Eko Virtual Boots would be manned by a community health worker or registered nurse and mapped to a healthcare provider in cases of referral for emergencies or cases that cannot be handled at the booth”
The Governor explained that his administration recognizes that a sizable proportion of residents of the State may not be able to afford the LSHS plan, which is why the State Government has committed a minimum of one percent of the consolidated revenue fund as equity fund to the Lagos State Health Fund (LASHEF) to provide coverage for vulnerable groups to purchase the Ilera-Eko plan on their behalf.


Earlier, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Mrs. Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, expressed optimism that the maiden Health Insurance Summit will spur ideas and strategies that will help seamless access to quality healthcare services for citizens
In her words: “As a Medical professional and an advocate for quality healthcare service delivery, I am convinced that this forum will further spur various ideas and strategies poised at providing residents with access to needed health services; including prevention, promotion, treatment and rehabilitation of sufficient quality and ensuring the users are not exposed to financial hardship.
“To this end, I will like to applaud the Lagos State Health Management Agency for their continuous efforts and commitment in promoting, regulating, supervising proper administration of the Health Insurance Scheme, most especially in coming up with this laudable programme that serves as a veritable platform to discuss and dissect issues relating to health management and provide lasting solutions to its challenges”. 
The newly appointed Chairman of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) Governing Board, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe noted that the establishment of the Lagos State Health Scheme is a step in the right direction and an ideal model to ensure that Lagosians have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
Adedewe who expressed his delight to be present at the maiden Lagos State Health Insurance Summit, which he said is the first of its kind in Nigeria as his first official assignment as the Chairman of LASHMA, pledged his commitment to the goals and objectives of the agency.
“I have only just been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and this is my first official function in this role. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the privilege to serve the good people of Lagos State in this capacity. I would like to use this opportunity to also pledge my support to the noble objectives of the Agency”, He said. 
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba stated that the maiden edition of the Lagos State Health Insurance Summit will serve as a critical platform for exchanging ideas and fostering innovation towards achieving a universal healthcare coverage in the state.
Dr. Zamba explained further that the agency over the last three years has worked tirelessly in creating structures and Operationalization the social health plan implementation as part of strategies geared towards that achievement of a Universal healthcare coverage adding that the COVID-19 Pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructures and the pressing need for robust health insurance scheme.
While appreciating the effort of the organising committee for the successful organisation of the Maiden Health Insurance Summit, Zamba noted that the implementation of a social health insurance program is not to repress the private health insurance space but to complement each other in the attainment of a universal healthcare coverage.

It is important to emphasize that the implementation of a social health insurance program neither stifles nor represses the Private health insurance space as they both complement each other; in the spirit of Universal Health Coverage, by catering to different segments of the population. Succinctly put, we are allies working towards a common purpose; providing accessible, efficient, and high-quality healthcare to all residents of our dear State”, She said.

AM I NOW TRYING TO WIN THE APPROVAL OF HUMAN BEINGS, OR Of GOD? OR AM I TRYING TO PLEASE PEOPLE?

28/07/23

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10, NIV

Be the Best You Can Be
It’s easy for us to go into the proving mode, trying to outperform someone else, feeling less-than because you’re not like that person. All that’s going to do is wear you out and take your joy. You’re trying to prove something that you don’t have to prove. You’ve entered a race that you’re not competing in. Walk in your anointing. You already have God’s approval; you just need to walk in it. When God made you, He threw away the mold. He stepped back and said, “Look, another masterpiece.” You don’t have to keep up with other people. If you’re getting your value out of how you measure up to your peers, you’re going to live in this proving mode of working harder, trying to impress, and that’s a never-ending cycle. Get off that treadmill. You don’t have to be more popular than your friend, more athletic than your brother, or more successful than your cousin. That’s not your race. You’re not competing with them; you’re competing with yourself. Be the best you that you can be.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can come to You for all the approval and love that I need to live securely. Thank You that You call me a masterpiece and that I have no reason to prove my worth to anyone. I’m going to be the best I can be by Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

PART TWO

There is truly no other god who can rescue like our God. Whatever circumstances you might be thrown into, our Lord Jesus is the fourth man with you in the midst of the fire. Notice how He didn’t stand outside of the fire, but was in the fire together with the three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

This brings a whole new meaning for us when we read the verse, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6, boldface mine). Our Lord doesn’t deliver you from afar; He is with you in the midst of your adversity. Call upon Him and He will answer you. When Jesus is with you, nothing can harm you!

Don’t you just love how the Word of God describes the three friends when they came out of the furnace? They were in the fire, but it had absolutely no power over them. It did not even leave a trace of smoke on them! Now, that’s a beautiful picture of God’s divine protection!

Beloved, as you call upon the Lord in your day of trouble, my prayer for you is that the trial you are going through will have no power over you; it will not even leave a smell on you. Instead, I declare in Jesus’ name that you will walk out of that challenge in your life and the only smell on you will be the fragrance of the Lord Jesus (see 2 Cor. 2:14)! And as the people around you witness how the Lord delivers you, may they come to know His wonderful name and give Him praise. Instead of being negatively affected by whatever trial you might face, I pray that you will receive honor and promotion just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Amen!

https://www.josephprince.com/meditate-devo/no-smell-of-smoke-on-you

PRESIDENT TINUBU BEGS NIGERIANS TO BE PATIENT WITH HIS GOVERNMENT

28/07/23

SHINA JO

Amidst the Prevailing Economic Hardship,President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with his administration as it strives to reposition the nation’s economy.

Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youths at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa Abuja.

The President said he understood the current Economic Hardship in the country but insists it’s a process that is key to acheieving greatness

MINISTERIAL LIST A BALANCE OF POLITICIANS AND TECHNOCRATS— CHIEF OF STAFF

28/07/23

PRESS RELEASE

The Cheif of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila has described the Ministerial Nominees’ list presented to the National Assembly on Thursday as mix of Technocrats and Politicians, who have keyed into the vision and mission of President Bola Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila said this while speaking to Correspondents at the Presidential Villa shortly after he officially presented the list to the National Assembly.

The Cheif of Staff also explains why the President decided not to attach portfolios to the 28 Nominees.

He noted that the Nominees were carefully and thoroughly picked by the President which led to the delay in sending the list to the Lawmakers.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT TASKS HEALTH WORKERS ON CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND RESILIENCE BUILDING FOR IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY

27/07/23

SHINA JO

Lagos State Government has tasked its health care workers on improved health care delivery through continuous capacity development and building resilience around the current realities of the workplace.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye who stated this at the opening ceremony of a three-day State Continuing Medical Education programme organized by the Ministry of Health for health workers in Lagos State, explained that healthcare workers must learn how to build resilience and boost their capacities for a improved health service delivery.

Ogboye explained further that the Continuing Medical Education programme themed “Improving Quality of Healthcare Service Delivery” is well thought out to prepare health workers for the realities of the present day and keep them abreast of best practices in the health care delivery system.

“The Y2023 State Continuing Medical Education program with the theme: “Improving Quality Healthcare Delivery” was organized for health workers to boost their capacity and enhance effective service delivery in the health sector. The theme was carefully selected to set a landmark in providing quality health to the citizenry and I am particularly enthusiastic about the topics”, He said.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration in Lagos State recognizes the importance of human capital development in the attainment of universal healthcare coverage adding that Lagos is looking towards developing the capacities of health care workers alongside preserving both the  physical and mental health of its health workforce.

“Beyond teaching, our healthcare workers must build their capacities to provide good quality services. We are also trying to preserve their mental and physical health. It is quite important that the career is also being cared for because most times we look at health workers as just people who care for other people, but we have come to realize that doctors, nurses and other health workers are just as vulnerable as other members of the society”. He said.

While officially declaring Open the Y2023 State Continuing Medical Education programme, Ogboye noted that the State Government remains committed and determined to ensure best practice in health care delivery and will continue to insist that the environment for the dispensation of medical care should be suitable for the promotion