TEARS OF HOPE FOR A GREATER APGA AT THE AGULUZIGBO POLITICAL RUMBLE BY UMEH AND SOLUDO

04/05/21

Written By Joe C. Anatune

DANIELS G.O

TEARS OF HOPE FOR A GREATER APGA AT THE AGULUZIGBO POLITICAL RUMBLE BY UMEH AND SOLUDO

Senator Victor Umeh would have been a successful pugilist like Mohammed Ali, if he had not taken to an equally eventful and successful career in Politics. He has the build, he has the stamina, he can sting, he is nimble-footed and hilarious, and he can mesmerize. He is however, gentle on his victims. Above all, Ohamdike is bold and direct.

He displayed these attributes on May 2, 2021, when he hosted a grand reception for Soludo at his country home in Aguluzigbo. Umeh was in his best elements as a good host and as the institutional memory of APGA.

Boxing is direct sport, so Umeh told the cheering crowd that he was not following anyone’s body language. He said he has heard direct from the horse’s mouth and in one full deadly sucker punch, Umeh let the cat out of the bag. He said for sure that Soludo is the choice of the Leader of the party and that everyone who loves APGA is urged to key in. He counselled the other aspirants to rally round Soludo for the November 6, 2021 epic battle.

Umeh struck the same cord with Soludo, who had earlier postulated that this November election is consequential for APGA. He hit the nail on the head, when he made it clear that what APGA needs is somebody who will win the election and not necessarily the primary.

Ohamdike, who has over 40 other traditional titles which he humorously announced with a “Yes” as they were mentioned, said he is driven by the request made by the Great Ikemba, which was a clear assertion that APGA should not be allowed to die, but instead, should be the vehicle for the Igbos to negotiate their welfare and well-being in Nigeria. As the crowd cheered, his eyes gradually turned misty as he recounted hills and valleys he has passed through in his service to the party. Tears flowed endlessly from his eyes, and a once-bubbling event assumed a semblance of graveyard silence. Everyone wept. An emotion-laden Soludo, who couldn’t withhold his tears, joined Ohamdike in an embrace. They wept together. It took the manly interventions of Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu and few others to calm things down.

In his bid to wipe away Ohamdike’s tears and those of the others, Soludo assured he will not relent in ensuring that the wish of the Great Ikemba is fulfilled. He said he was in APGA for the good of the party, for the good of Anambra and for the good of Ndigbo.

May the tears of Ohamdike, Soludo and all who wept in anticipation of a glorious future for APGA at the Aguluzigbo Political Rumble be wiped away by a massive APGA victory in the November election with Soludo as the flag bearer. I can hear you say Amen!!

*Joe C. Anatune*
*Anatune writes from Awa in Orumba North LGA, Anambra State*

COVID-19 THIRD WAVE PREVENTION PROTOCOLS

03/05/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS STATEMENT ON COVID-19 THIRD WAVE PREVENTION PROTOCOLS

HIGHLIGHTS

· Lagos To Enforce Isolation and Testing Guidelines For Travelers

· To Closely Monitor Positive Cases to Detect Variants

LAGOS State is set to take steps to prevent another wave of COVID-19, following the flattening of the second wave. We are seeing a significant dip in the number of positive cases and deaths – going by the low occupancy rate in our isolation centers, reduction in the demand for oxygen and the positivity rate that has decreased from around an all-time high 35% in December 2020 to 1.5% as at April 2021.

The trigger for a third wave in Lagos is likely to be the importation of new COVID strains from inbound travelers. It is important to reiterate at this point that passengers are still required to be in receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test at least 72hours before departure to and landing in Lagos State, book and pay for their day 7 test either through the National portal nitp.ncdc.gov.ng and/or the Lagos State portal covid19.lagosstatebiobank.com. All passengers must have paid for their tests before arrival in Lagos State. Failure to do this will result in delays at the airport.

On the authority of Mr. Governor, who is the Incident Commander, immediate measures to fully enforce the protocol just announced by the Federal Government will be adopted for every inbound person which include banning entry to non-Nigerian passengers who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations. Nigerians and permanent residents of Nigeria who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival and all passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel rather than the previous 96 hours period. I have hence instructed that all these protocols would be made more stringent to protect the residents of Lagos State from an impending third wave. As part of these protocols, passengers are to mandatorily isolate for the required seven days and will be strictly monitored through phone calls by our EKOTELEMED platform and physical visits to the passengers’ homes by our surveillance teams.

Anyone found to have either broken this rule or supplied a fake phone number or address in a bid to escape the laid down protocols will be identified and made to mandatorily isolate at any of our government or Public Private Partnership isolation centers or identified hotels for 10 days at their cost, in addition to a stipulated fine.

As per current Federal Government regulations, the passports of the indigenous passengers will also be forwarded to the authorities for deactivation and foreigners may be subject to deportation. Passengers that are anxious to come out of isolation before day 7 will be given options for earlier testing. Whilst in isolation, passengers will have access to our healthcare professionals and will also have our COVID CarePacks delivered, if required – at no additional cost.

On the 5th of September 2020, the Federal Government reopened Nigeria airspace borders for flights into and out of Nigeria. However, the criteria for this were a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test done within 72 hours of boarding a plane to Nigeria and the registration and payment of another COVID-19 PCR test on the portal of the Federal Government to be done on day 7 after arrival in Nigeria. The passengers are also expected to isolate within the period of 7 days following which they can only be allowed to move freely on receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test. If the result is positive, passengers are requested to isolate for 14 days during which they are enrolled into our home based care strategy and have access to our healthcare professionals through our telemedicine platform, EKOTELEMED.

All the strides gained in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic will be lost if we do not protect our borders against the importation of new and mutant strains which may trigger the oncoming of a third wave. Currently, countries like India, Brazil, Argentina, Iraq, Qatar, Peru and Uruguay are being ravaged by a vicious third or fourth wave following a less active and insignificant second or third wave. The latest wave in India has been proven to be as a result of new mutant strains that have resulted in a dramatic increase in sickness and death for two weeks running. Whilst we commiserate with countries like this, it is important that we protect our environment and residents against this virus, especially as we have only less than 1% of our population that have received their first dose of the Oxford Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine similar to India that have about 8%.

Residents would also have access to our COVID CarePacks and if their conditions get worse, would be evacuated to one of our isolation centers for proper medical attention.

Lagos residents should not assume the worst is over by going on without adhering to any precautionary measures. Residents are still advised to stick to the laid down protocols of always wearing facemasks in public gatherings, washing of hands and maintaining social distancing, even after receiving the vaccine.

The commitment of the Incident Commander, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensuring herd immunity for residents through the vaccination is unshaken and, as a government, we are exploring strategies to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccines to achieve herd immunity for our population – in line with global trends.

International experience is demonstrating that vaccination is one of the strongest tenets of mitigation against successive waves in other countries. This would be done in conjunction with the Federal Government and following all approvals and validation by NAFDAC and all other relevant bodies.

We will improve our capacity to conduct additional analysis on all positive cases to assist us in determining the predominant strains in our environment. This, I am certain, will help us gather relevant analytic intelligence that is critical for planning and defining treatment protocols. We are also increasing our capacity to generate and manufacture oxygen.

All facilities have been placed on high alert to pick up early trends that may suggest a 3rdwave while we continue to improve all our systems for any eventuality.

The partnership between the Lagos State Government and the private sector in mitigating the second wave is well recognized and cannot be over emphasized. I, therefore, would like all stakeholders to embrace this partnership going forward because this is needed in the prevention of the third wave.

Signed

Prof. Akin Abayomi

Honourable Commissioner for Health

3rd May, 2021

*ANAMBRA 2021: SOLUDO IS THE APPLE AMONGST THE GLADIATORS*

03/05/21

Writer :Joe C Anatune

DANIELS G.O

*ANAMBRA 2021: SOLUDO IS THE APPLE AMONGST THE GLADIATORS*.

Let me shoot straight from the hip. Soludo is the most preferred and popular politician in Anambra today. Forget about those who spew their closeness to the grassroots as sobriquet to gain undue and unearned advantages when their actions have never impacted on the masses. Curiously, such politicians prance about mouthing proximity to the grassroot as unique their selling proposition (USP).

Unfortunately for them, the people have grown pass such spins. They know their true friends. They know and appreciate those who have used their positions to make their life better. The masses know those who by their real deeds have worked for them.

If truth must be told, Cee Cee Soludo is the foremost political brand in Anambra state today in the run up to Anambra 2021. He leads in the following indicators or parameters; name recognition, name recall, appeal, brand preference and brand loyalty. Indeed, he is so attractive like the apple. If you are in doubt, a simple pilot research will convince you.

To put things here in proper context, a brand refers to a person or product whose functional attributes and emotional features are so attractive to buyers to buy not once, not twice but over and over again. In Anambra, the Soludo’s brand gleefully called Soludo Solution has brand loyalists and brand believers that have morphed into the Soludo Brand Community(SBC) . The SBC keeps growing in geometric proportion. The underlying factors that propel the rapid expansion are not far-fetched.

At a supersonic reception hosted for Cee Cee Soludo, May 2, 2021 by Senator Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of APGA at his Aguluzoigbo country home, everybody that spoke pointed to these factors. One is that we are living in difficult times. The hangouts from Abuja are getting smaller and smaller. Two is the imperative for consolidation of the projects of the current government. Three is the need for somebody with the appeal or name that can galvanize Ndi Anambra to invest more massively in our homeland. Next is the profundities of the ideas for development of the aspirant. Not the least, APGA wants somebody with clout to win the Governorship election beyond winning the primaries.

Soludo perfectly fits the bill. He is one of the most sought after prodigious thinkers and exceptional doers of our time. He has local, national and international clouts to pull strings for the State and for our People when need be. He has done great things in past in similar and tough circumstances. So his records speak eloquently for him.

This is his time, a time when his person and ideas are most relevant. These explain why he is the most popular politician in Anambra State today and why people are making enormous sacrifices of their time, their talents and their treasures to ensure he becomes their next governor.

*Joe C Anatune*
Anatune writes from Awa in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State

SOLUDO: BEHOLD, THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE !

01/05/21

Written By Joe C. Anatune*

DANIELS G.O

*SOLUDO: BEHOLD, THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE*

This is one political catch-phrase that popped out organically. It grew like a shell. During random interviews, a couple of respondents said Soludo is their choice. One of them, John Okpala, beaming with effusive smiles, enthused: “I am the people, male or female, young and old, rich and poor. Solution is my choice.” Grinning, John went on, “this is a tough world, where adversities are the order of the day; where negative changes occur in split seconds. For me, Soludo is that thinker and doer who looks at solutions instead of problems. He is my choice. Indeed, he is our Choice.”

We reminisced on John’s well-considered declaration, as we established our presence across the state, including the nooks and crannies of our beloved homeland. Everywhere we visited, people told us the same thing – that Soludo is their choice. This came as no surprise, because before he decided and accepted to run, the people demanded he should run. Why?

In all he has done, whether at the village, community, state, national or international levels, Soludo has always stood for the people. He deploys public policies to improve the lot of the people whenever God gifts him the opportunity to do so. On a private basis, he uses his time, treasure and talents to help people move up in their stations in life. The consequence is that a grateful people who have noticed his loyalty, love and profound care for them are asking him to lead them after the tenure of Governor Obiano. They are standing for him, because he has earned their love and trust.

Secondly, Soludo is in touch with the people. His rural village upbringing and such related underpinnings enable him to see things from all angles.

The good news is that in today’s Anambra, he is the political figure with the highest grassroots rating, followership, appeal, name recognition and name recall. There are 24 self-funded pressure groups and counting, drumming support for his candidacy.

Beyond that, even his foes admit that he is the best man for the job, given the uncertain times we live in. Across demographics and party divides, the consensus is that Soludo is the preferred and most qualified candidate for the fast approaching November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship election.

So, if you see billboards or posters in your neighborhood proclaiming boldly that Soludo is “The People’s Choice”, be rest assured that what you are seeing is the collective voice of the people, which is the voice of God.

It is a message of triumph over adversity, happiness over sadness and plenty over want. But you have to do your part and play your various roles as either APGA members or as electorates, by doing the needful on June 23 and November 6, 2021.

Cheers.

*Joe C. Anatune*

PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR TOTAL WELLBEING,LAGOS LAUNCHES HELP LINE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE SUPPORT

30/04/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS LAUNCHES HELP LINE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE SUPPORT

…Constructs a Mental Health Institute with 1,500 Bed Psychiatric Hospital, Rehabilitation Centre

Lagos State Government has launched a mental health helpline tagged ‘The Lagos Lifeline’; which is a tele-Mental Health service that provides Lagos residents with access to psychosocial support, counselling and psychotherapy services free of charge through a dedicated line – 0909000MIND or 0909000646.

Speaking today at the formal launch of the facility, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi said the Lagos Lifeline is a Mental Health Crisis Management service designed to bridge the gap in the availability of mental health service.

“The Lagos Lifeline provides a bridge to meet various challenges militating against access to mental health services including, the incidence of suicidal attempts, poor access to mental health services for patients in hard-to-reach areas, Stigma to Mental Health Issues and patients who need treatment, poor access to information and referral to neighboring health facilities providing mental health services and poor linkages for mental health support for victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence”, Abayomi stated.

He noted that the objective of the Lagos Lifeline is geared towards providing improved access to simple diagnostic, counselling, and referral services for Lagosians, either as first point-of-call, or for follow-up care.

While stating that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made mental health a priority, the Commissioner averred that this is evident in government’s implementation activities targeted at increasing access to mental health care at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health infrastructure.

Abayomi disclosed that the State Government has conceptualized a Mental Health Institute with a capacity for 500 bed psychiatric hospital and 1000 bed rehabilitation Centre at Ketu Ejirin in furtherance of its efforts to improve access to mental health services.

He said: “To make sure that we pick up mental health early, we are refurbishing our psychiatric wards in our general hospitals and in our tertiary hospital at LASUTH, and going beyond that, we have currently designed and conceptualized probably the largest mental health institute in Nigeria; it will be 500 bed psychiatric hospital coupled with 1000 bed for rehabilitation.

“It was originally scheduled to be built in Majidun but it will be too big for Majidun, so we had to move it to Ketu-Ejirin where we have a lot of space. It is going to be on 15 hectares of land, we are currently reclaiming the lands.

We have appointed the contractors, work will start this year and it will become the focal point of our mental health strategy where we will provide Lagosians with access to mental health services and train persons who are skilled in recognizing and treating mental health”.

The Commissioner hinted that the state government will expend resources to address mental health issues particularly as it affects emerging issues of stress, anxiety, stigmatization and mental health disorders associated with a mega city like Lagos.

While noting that mental health is one of the disciplines in health that has been neglected, Abayomi averred that the present administration is trying to make up for the neglect by investing in infrastructure and human resource development to manage and address mental health issues.

“So while we plan to commemorate this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we will keep going with a lot of energy. We will ensure that we develop the human resources that are able to manage mental disorders, more importantly create the opportunity to detect tell-tale science very early and treat them before they become serious problems, and at the end, just making life easier for Lagosians will go a long way to easing mental disorder, mental stress and mental anxiety”, he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye said the COVID19 pandemic and its ensuing response including the lockdown strategy brought to fore some health issues that are linked to mental health prompting the need for improved access to mental health services

He said: “The Ministry of Health recognized early that there is a reason to strengthen our mental health program and our mental health response and this is what led to the setup of the Lagos Lifeline. We have a team of dedicated staff led by Dr Ajumale who has been extremely committed to this process to help set up the help line”.

Explaining how the Lifeline works, Ogboye said “we have people who have been trained in responding to callers. People call in and speak with one of our trained Lifeline counselors who find out what the challenges are and provide help as required.

“Sometimes the Lifeline contact ends with that single conversation and sometimes it requires further engagement. The Lifeline counselors are volunteers and they sometimes reach back to people or take calls back again from people. There is a back and front that resolves issues and sometimes we refer specific mental health issues to mental professionals for further engagement and management”.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the Lifeline is a 24hours service that has linkage to a much bigger program and services for mental health in Lagos state.

Also speaking, the Head Special Projects and State Mental Health Desk Officer, Dr. Tolu Ajomale explained that the goals of the Lifeline are to: provide Psychological First Aid and Social Support service, alleviate the strain on existing public health resources by creating a coordination point to refer patients for appropriate care and serve as a Mental Health campaign Feedback system.

Other goals according to him are to: create valuable data points that can be used to track prevalence and cycle of care for Mental Health in Lagos State, access to mental health services for patients in hard-to-reach areas, improve linkages for victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Suicidal Threats and Emergency Medical Services.

“The Lifeline will also provide the opportunity to improve training and access to skill development in Mental Health for Staff, Volunteers, and Interns; create a partnership Hub for Multinationals, Corporate Organizations and NGOs with interests in Mental Health; evaluate the acceptance of Telehealth in wider Healthcare Space and serve as an advocacy Hub to improve uptake of State health programs including Health Insurance and information dissemination during epidemics.

“The service will be running 24hrs, it has multiple access points, you can also book appointments via email to speak with a counselor and we also have good networks with private providers as well.

“We have different kinds of calls that will be coming in over the couple of weeks because we have been testing the service; we have people with mood disorder, suicidal ideations, substance abuse. Parents have called on behalf of their children as well to ask and speak about some of these issues and to seek help regarding them. So we are much honoured to launch this service and to increase the scope of its delivery”, Ajomale said.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

29th April, 2021

LAGOS STATE…IN HARVEST OF PROJECTS AS SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS CRITICAL MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

29/04/21

DANIELS.G.O

HARVEST OF PROJECTS AS SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS CRITICAL MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

….Breaks Ground for New Ones

· Ground Breaking for150-Bed New Massey Street Children’s Hospital

· Ground Breaking for 24 Units Doctors’ Quarters

· Launch of Oxygen Plant at Gbagada GH

· Launch of Triage and Oxygen Centre at Gbagada GH

· Launch of the Headquarters of the State Blood Transfusion Service at Gbagada GH

The Governor Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, today commissioned some critical health infrastructure and performed ground breaking for new ones as part of activities marking his second year anniversary in office and in fulfilment of his Greater Lagos agenda.

Projects launched by the Governor include, the Oxygen Plant built in partnership with Total; Triage and Oxygen Centre, championed by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Clinton Access Initiative; and the New Multi-purpose Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service Headquarters, all located inside Gbagada General Hospital.

Sanwo-Olu also performed a ground breaking ceremony to signal the commencement of construction of new medical infrastructure projects, including; the new 150-bed Massey Street Children Hospital located at Adeniji Adele area of Lagos Island and a New Doctors’ Quarters to be located inside the Gbagada General Hospital.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital, the Governor said the construction of the facility, billed to be the biggest Children’s Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa when completed, reflects his administration’s unwavering determination to bridge all gaps in the health sector.

He said: “As a responsive government, we identified the inadequacy of present Massey Street Children’s Hospital to continue to meet the needs of a megacity with a population of 22 million people. The hospital was established in 1914 as the First General Outpatient Clinic and Referral Centre in Lagos State, and was converted to a full-fledged Pediatrics Hospital in 1961.

“As a result of the steady and increasing number of patients who daily throng the hospital to access medical services, the capacity has been overstretched and must be urgently upgraded to provide quality service to patients.

“Guided by the Second Pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda which encompasses Health and the Environment, we are rebuilding, remodeling and repositioning the Massey Children’s Hospital into a 7-Storey, 150-bed, Ultra-Modern and fit-for-purpose Pediatrics Programmed and Emergency General Hospital.”

According to the Governor, the new and well-equipped Massey Children’s Hospital when completed will provide secondary integrated care services and acute care to both inpatients and outpatients in line with international best practices and also help to engender significant reduction in infant and maternal mortality.

He added that the project, like others he had commissioned, are an integral part of the Greater Lagos Vision adding that it presents another unique opportunity to advance the cause of Lagos State and improve the overall wellbeing of Lagosians.

“At the inception of this administration, we promised you lasting and audacious reforms in critical sectors, which we encapsulated in our T.HE.M.E.S Agenda. I am proud to say that in the last two years, we have walked the talk, by not only initiating people-centred policies but by resiliently implementing projects that enhance the collective wellbeing of our people.

“We are honoured by the trust reposed in us and we will continue to seek new opportunities to respond to the infrastructure needs of Lagosians: This Government is driven by the desire to build a formidable and equitable State with productive and healthy citizens.

“We firmly believe that, when completed, these projects will positively impact the lives of the good people and residents of Lagos State including those who work and do business on this part of Lagos Island”, Sanwo-Olu stated.

Also speaking at Gbagada General Hospital before launching completed medical infrastructures projects which includes Oxygen Plant, Triage and Oxygen Centre, and the New Blood Transfusion Service Headquarters and breaking ground for the proposed Doctors’ Quarters, the Governor said provision of quality healthcare that guarantees comfort and longevity is a fundamental pillar of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S developmental agenda. Sanwo-Olu added that he will continue to implement audacious reforms in the health sector because the continued well being of Lagosians is non-negotiable.

He said: “These facilities: the new Blood Transfusion Service Office, the Oxygen Plant and the Oxygen Triage Centre are vital projects that will scale up our most recent achievements in the healthcare sector.

“I am thrilled that these facilities are being commissioned alongside the groundbreaking of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/ Chevron Doctor’s 24-unit quarters, a corporate social responsibility project of both organizations”.

Governor noted that the Gbagada Oxygen and Triage Center is an essential part of our COVID-19 Management Response Strategy and one of the 10 Permanent Triage and Oxygen Centers constructed across Lagos to provide swift Emergency Oxygen Therapy to those who require it.

“Each of these centers is equipped with beds, oxygen concentrators, thermometers, drugs, and consumables. The centers are managed by qualified medical personnel who have previously worked at the isolation centers across the State.

“Although these critical facilities were set up to effectively address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become a crucial part of our health infrastructure that will cater to health challenges that may not be related to COVID-19”, Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Governor also explained that the Blood Transfusion Service Office is also a critical facility that will enhance the capacity of medical personnel to manage emergency situations that require blood transfusion.

“With this new facility and through voluntary blood donation, we will increase our capacity to meet the estimated 220,000 units of blood required for a population of over 22 million people.

“As we prepare to celebrate the second anniversary of this Administration, we are more determined than ever before to raise the standard and quality of our healthcare system to meet the healthcare needs of all Lagosians.

“We will continue to ensure that all Lagosians have access to quality healthcare irrespective of their socio-economic status. Although there is still so much to be done, I am proud of the considerable progress we have made in the last two years”, Sanwo-Olu stated.

Earlier in his Address at the events, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi said the health of Lagosians is a priority to the present administration, hence the need for medical transformation of medical infrastructure through refurbishment of existing health facilities and building of new fit-for-purpose medical structures with attention on low energy consumption, easy maintenance, Infection Prevention Control, and staff and patient comfort.

Abayomi disclosed that the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital will be the first product of the medical blueprint strategy championed by the Governor for transforming the State’s healthcare infrastructures.

He said: “The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ministry of Physical Planning, Lands Bureau, Water Corporation and other line Ministries and Agencies on this grand project

“The building is sitting on 4000 square meters, it is on a site of 14000 square meters and will be 150 beds, multidisciplinary specialist paediatric hospital probably the only one of its kind in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This hospital will take care of the welfare of children in Lagos as the old Massey Street has been doing. The facility is designed to treat all diseases that affects our children, to make sure we have healthy young children that will contribute to the economy of Lagos State”.

Speaking during the commission and ground-breaking event at Gbagada General Hospital, Abayomi said the State government is working systematically to rehabilitate Gbagada General Hospital adding that commissioned projects are part of the rehabilitation plan.

“There’s a lot of work to be done within the main hospital but these are allied facilities that we need to put in place. Notwithstanding we have a master plan for Gbagada therefore we plead with all staff doctors and staff in the hospital to be patient”, he said.

The Commissioner said the newly commissioned projects will improve the Lagos State COVID19 resilience, especially the Oxygen plant and the Triage and Oxygen Centre that will help greatly in case management and sample collection.

“To address the issues around shortage of blood in Lagos, we have repurposed the Gbagada Centre of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service initially developed for COVID19 response and has made it the headquarters of blood transfusion service in Lagos

“Our strategy has been to invest in permanent facilities rather than temporary, so we can repurpose as the need is required.The comfort of our health workers is very necessary for quality and better healthcare delivery in Lagos hence the need for international standard staff quarters in our hospitals

“Moving forward, all new projects must have staff quarters and we should also retrospectively go backwards to our big hospitals that don’t have staff quarters to rectify the situation which is the reason for this project, essentially to make our staff comfortable and retard the brain drain out of Nigeria especially in Lagos State”, He stated.

Signed.

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

28th April, 2021

FROM THE WILLINGLY WORKING WILLIE TO SOLUDO THE SOLUTION, ANAMBRA WILL REMAIN A HUGE CONSTRUCTION SITE

27/04/21

WRITTEN BY JOE C. ANATUNE

PUBLISHER :DANIELS G.O

*FROM THE WILLINGLY WORKING WILLIE TO SOLUDO THE SOLUTION, ANAMBRA WILL REMAIN A HUGE CONSTRUCTION SITE*

Imageries can be ennobling to the mind. Imagine the beauty of Anambra State with the three key legacy projects of Governor Willie Obiano in operation. In the same vein, visualise the multiplier effect of the International Airport, the International Conference Centre and the Sports Stadium. Imagine again, their rub-offs on youth employment that will reduce youth agitations and deepen security gains, which will continue to impact positively on the State’s economy.

Obviously, the current APGA administration in Anambra has upped the ante by its performance, since it took over the machinery of governance in the past 15 years.

Members of the party, now have a crucial decision to make by way of choosing a flag bearer in the Anambra 2021 governorship election, who will ensure that the party retains its coveted position in the state, in addition to maintaining its reputation as an excellent performer in delivering the dividends of democracy. The two should be the critical factors that will be uppermost in the minds of the delegates for the June 23, 2021 primaries and the rank and file of the party, as preparations for the November 6, 2021 Governorship election hots up.

Indeed, one man has the Solutions to resolve the identified issues for the party. Let us show instead of telling.

When Prof. Chukwuma Soludo anchored the conceptualisation and production of the NEEDS document and its state-based SEEDS counterpart, he identified undercapitalisation as the key reason why our banks were not playing their roles as economic drivers. Their services were sloppy too.

When he took over the mantle of leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he, in a record time of 18 months, strengthened the capital base of the banks through capital injections, mergers and acquisitions. The banks became strong, stable and reliable and are today playing their desired roles in economic development, while at same time, delighting their customers with world class convenient financial services.

There is a parallel here. Soludo heads the Anambra 50 years development planning committee set up by Obiano. As a desirable successor to Obiano, he will be better placed to implement the recommendations of that Committee that will build on what is on ground and catapult the state to a Smart Megacity that will be the most livable, safest, happiest and most prosperous in Africa.

This onward march, if you get our drift, will ensure that Anambra remains a construction site, which in this context, is a metaphor for rapid economic development.

Therefore, and viewed from all angles, Soludo is without doubt, the Game Changer for APGA and the People’s Choice to enhance their quality of life and happiness. He has the Solutions to make us triumph as a party and as Ndi Anambra.

*Joe C. Anatune*

More Than 700,000 Malaria Cases Reported Annually In Lagos. 657,154 Patients With Malaria Seen In Both Private & Public Health Facilities In 2020…Prof Abayomi

26/04/21

DANIELS G. O

PRESS STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE 2021 WORLD MALARIA DAY IN LAGOS STATE

Every 25th April, World Malaria Day (WMD) is commemorated to create massive awareness on the global burden of malaria and to mobilize support for the Roll Back Malaria strategies. World Malaria Day presents opportunity for state and non-state stakeholders to renew commitment to malaria elimination.

The theme for 2021 World Malaria Day commemoration is “Zero Malaria – Draw the line against malaria’’ with the slogan; “Stand up–Take Action” is apt in view of the collective responsibilities of stakeholders at all levels; including community actors in reducing the scourge of malaria.

Malaria has plagued humanity since ancient times and continues to haunt nearly 50% of the world’s population. According to World Malaria Report 2020, there was an estimated 229 million cases of malaria globally in 2019 from 87 malaria endemic countries with Sub-Saharan Africa contributing 215 million representing 94% of global malaria cases. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 51% of malaria cases globally with 27% of prevalence cases in Nigeria. The prevalence rate in other countries are as follows: Democratic Republic of the Congo (12%), Uganda (5%), Mozambique (4%) and Niger (3%).

In 2019, there was an estimated 409,000 deaths from malaria globally. 95% of these deaths occurred in 31 countries with disturbing statistics of 51% global fatalities distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa countries as follows: Nigeria (23%), Democratic Republic of Congo (11%), United Republic of Tanzania (5%), Mozambique (4%), Niger (4%) and Burkina Faso (4%).

In Lagos State, malaria accounts for more than 70% of outpatient in the public health facilities. More than 700,000 malaria cases are reported annually. 657,154 patients with malaria were seen in both private and public health facilities in 2020. Malaria is prevalent in the vulnerable groups – children under 5 years and pregnant women where the infection can be profoundly more severe.

The topography and ecological features of Lagos State; the vast coastal terrain, rapid urbanization and poor drainages are major predisposing factors that contribute to transmission of malaria all year round.

Over the years, the Government of Lagos State has demonstrated continued commitment to the control of malaria through:

1. Promotion of Long–Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) utilization.

2. Prevention of malaria in pregnancy using Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine.

3. Prompt diagnosis in public health facilities using malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) kits or microscopy.

4. Effective case management with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy drugs (ACTs) for patients diagnosed with malaria.

5. Awareness and Sensitization activities on malaria.

6. Procurement and Supply of antimalarial drugs and commodities to the State health facilities

7. Health System Strengthening and Operational Research.

There has been marked reduction in the cases of malaria globally (between 2010 and 2019 with decline from 71 to 57 cases per 1,000 population at risk). Nigeria has recorded decline in malaria cases (from 42% in 2010 to 27% in 2015 and 23% in 2018). The National Malaria Indicator Survey conducted in 2015, Lagos State Malaria Indicator Survey conducted in 2017 and National Demographic and Health Survey revealed that the prevalence of malaria is low in Lagos State. Although malaria prevalence is low in Lagos State, the burden is still high as over 700,000 persons are diagnosed with the disease annually.

It is therefore germane that we Stand up and Take Action against malaria. By taking actions, we would be curbing the spread of the disease. It is essential that we prevent malaria by sleeping inside Long–Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). This is particularly important for the vulnerable groups –pregnant women and children under 5 years old. Pregnant women are also encouraged to take Sulphadoxine Pyimethamine to prevent malaria in pregnancy from 2nd trimester.

Before using Artemisinin – based Combination Therapy (ACTs) for treatment of fever, diagnosis either using malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) kit or a microscope must be done. This is because not all fevers are caused by malaria. Diagnosis of patients with fever using microscopy or mRDT kit prior to treatment of the disease improves the overall management of patients with fever. This is also very important at this time as people infected with SARS–CoV–2 virus which causes COVID–19 manifest symptoms like malaria. The distinction between malaria and COVID–19 is made only after proper diagnosis using appropriate test kits.

Thus, testing for malaria is essential as it helps to reduce unnecessary use of antimalarial drugs thereby preventing the emergence and spread of drug resistance and to ensure that antimalarial drugs are reserved for those suffering from the disease. It is also imperative that all malaria cases diagnosed are recorded in the appropriate data tools to ensure that all cases of malaria in the State are duly reported.

Emphasis on collective action is also placed on environmental management which includes effective refuse disposal and waste management, covering of water storage containers, clearing of gutters, dredging of canals and channels among others. Unkempt and dirty environment serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes; hence proper maintenance and management of the environment would prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

I therefore wish to implore everyone to remain committed to collective efforts towards effective malaria control in Lagos State. Our individual and collective roles at ensuring clean environment as well as the use of preventive antimalaria measures as well as appropriate diagnosis prior to treatment cannot be overemphasized.

I wish to further reiterate that the War Against Malaria (WAM) is one that must be won. Lagos State Government is committed to the fight against malaria. We must therefore participate and support government at all levels in ensuring the success of the campaign against malaria. This can be achieved when we “Draw the line against malaria’’ and “Stand up to Take all necessary Action”.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Ajumose Gbogbo Wa Ni.

Signed

Prof Akin Abayomi
Honourable Commissioner for Health

THE OBIANO WONDER: LET’S UPHOLD IT

25/04/21

WRITER: Joe C. Anatune

PUBLISHER DANIELS G.O

Everywhere you meet two or more Ndi Anambra, chances are high that they would be discussing the landmark event billed for April 30, 2021 to mark the first landing of a commercial aircraft at the Anambra International Cargo Airport. They will also be discussing Soludo and others in regard to the November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship elections.

We refer this rare feat of airport construction as: “The Obiano Wonder,” because many have never ceased to wonder how His Excellency pulled this one off in such a short period of time and without any loan, despite having little funds at his disposal. It is not a publicity stunt as naysayers sought to portray earlier. It is a fantastic reality that is making us proud and imbuing us with psychological upliftment.

Across the globe, Ndi Anambra will pause to celebrate this achievement, and salute and cheer Governor Obiano whose place in history is already assured.

So why this almost intoxicating exhilaration? Primarily, Obiano, by pulling this one off, has integrated Anambra State into the global village with all the spin-off benefits. It will spur tourism, engender economic activities and growth, create jobs, push up internally generated revenue and generally improve the standard of living.

However, with no intention of spoiling the celebration of our collective great ennobling moment, it is important we spend some time to think about what needs to be done to uphold this promising future as Obiano’s tenure is grinding to a most glorious end. Indeed, it is imperative that we beam our searchlights on who can consolidate the benefits accruable from the airport project and his other legacy projects, in addition but not limited to his immensely successful security initiative, which has been the precursor to the burgeoning economic trends in the state.

In this regard, it is a common knowledge that majority of Ndi Anambra are clamouring for Cee Cee Soludo. As CEO of National Planning Commission and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Soludo anchored the NEEDS document and its state-based counterpart; SEEDS, in addition to setting up Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). His visionary policies got us unprecedented debt forgiveness, created massive job openings and polled finance for funding huge infrastructural development across Africa. It is generally agreed that Anambra will be in a good, tried and tested hands with Soludo taking over the mantle of leadership from Obiano as he will be in a familiar turf to consolidate Obiano’s stellar achievements for the benefit of all. APGA members are gearing up to do the needful and so are the great majority of Ndi Anambra.

For now, “The Obiano Wonder” is so sweet, so ennobling and so exciting to regale. We can’t wait!!

*Joe C. Anatune*

NOW THAT APGA 2021 GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES AND GUIDELINES TIMETABLE ARE OUT, WHAT NEXT ?

23/04/21

Written By Joe C. Anatune*

DANIELS G.O

*NOW THAT APGA 2021 GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES AND GUIDELINES TIMETABLE ARE OUT, WHAT NEXT?*

They made a mountain out of a molehill with their jaundiced prism of how a party flag bearer emerges in a political party. They poured undeserved vituperations on Governor Willie Obiano, the Dr. Victor Oye-led APGA leadership and Cee Cee Soludo in a bid to rave up unmerited sympathy and emotions to their veiled cause. They alleged that these great fellows have cut a deal and that there will be no primaries by APGA. They engaged all manners of spin doctors to spew rumours and lies that the party ticket had been compromised and sold after their massive inducements got them nowhere. And they told such lies with bareface bravadoes, threatening in the process, fire and brimstone. They should apologise openly.

Even when Soludo came out in the open to canvass for free, fair and credible primaries conducted under option A4, they stuck to their ‘tales by moonlight.’

Unfazed, vindicated and guided by democratic ethos, Soludo continued with his consultations of the rank and file of the party, stressing the need for unity, togetherness and cohesion as the party gears up for the November 6, 2021 governorship election, and as important ingredients for outstanding victory.

Amazed, many informed analysts have curiously kept pondering on how they came by the fantasy that there was not going to be primaries when such conditions were eloquently enshrined in the party’s constitution and the electoral law. It is obviously not ignorance, but perhaps the fear to come to the arena and compete along democratic standards. Another commentator derisively attributed it to the Soludo fear factor.

So now that the timetable and guidelines are out, what is next?

Our arm chair politicians are most likely going to continue to heat up the system as that appears to be their only trump card. They are yet to come to grips that power belongs to the people and not the money in their pockets nor their propensity to cause or engineer violence.

On the other hand, Cee Cee Soludo has mapped out and begun a massive state wide tour of all wards and local government formations of the party. In all these, he is buoyed and encouraged by the massive goodwill and love Ndi Anambra in APGA and outside of it are showering on him. Everywhere he goes, he listens, takes copious notes and offers Solutions that bring smiles to the faces of all. Men, women, boys and girls struggle to shake hands with him, hug him and assure him of their support. He inspires hope and pure joy.

Soludo’s campaign is premised on contestations of ideas and values with a view to improving quality of life. He frowns at the do or die brand of politics, notwithstanding the fact that there was a near fatal attempt at his life and those of his supporters, plus the unfortunate murder of three of his security aides.

Soludo has put the distress behind him and is working hard for victory at the primaries. Party faithfuls are massively lining up behind him in love and belief in his ability to win the governorship election, so he can consolidate the good works of Obiano.

On June 23, 2021, they will choose him to fly the flag of their cherished party in the November 6, 2021 governorship election, because they know he is the people’s choice, nay the choice of Ndi Anambra.

*Joe C. Anatune*