LSACA EXTENDS FREE HIV TESTING, PREVENTION SERVICES TO LASU STUDENTS
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has extended the free HIV-Testing and Prevention Services to over 1000 Lagos State University students as part of the government’s efforts to stall the spread of HIV in the State.
Addressing students at the Ojo campus of the University, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, stated that the outreach is targeted at youths which the State Bureau of Statistics estimated at 43% of the total population of Lagos State.
She explained that the group is highly vulnerable to HIV infection due to their low-risk perception with HIV prevalence of 1.7 % in females and 0.7% amongst male of age 15 – 49 years, noting, however, that Ojo LGA has the third-highest HIV prevalence (2.5%) in the State, according to the National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey report (NAIIS 2018).
Dr. Adeleke said, “To achieve the mandate of HIV prevention in the State, these targeted interventions were strategically designed to attain the global epidemic control of HIV/AIDS, through the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets by 2025”.
This, according to her, means that “95% of the people living with HIV should know their HIV status, 95% of HIV positive individuals should be initiated on antiretroviral (ART) drugs and 95% of individuals on antiretroviral (ART) drugs should achieve viral suppression. The achievement of the 95-95-95 initiative is a key step towards the eradication of new infections by the year 2030”.
The LSACA CEO opined that the outreach provided students the opportunity to know their HIV status and adopt positive behavioural change, stating that those that tested positive for HIV shall be referred to the HIV treatment facilities in the State, where they would be initiated on antiretroviral drugs to attain the third 95% – viral suppression, which will lead to achieving U=U (Undetectable viral loads = Untransmittable virus).
She emphasised the importance of HIV counselling services for lifestyle modification on safe sex practices and HIV prevention with Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials as well as free distribution of condoms.
While noting that the HIV Self-Testing pack will be deployed with practical demonstration to increase the HIV testing services uptake by youths and residents in the area, Adeleke said the agency will adhere strictly to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) COVID-19 protocols as demonstrated by the counsellor testers, who were fully kitted in their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Appreciating the government for the laudable initiative, the Dean of Student Affairs in the institution, Dr. Tajudeen Olumoko, promised to continue enlightening the students on HIV prevention, while expressing concern that Ojo Local Government has the third-highest HIV prevalence in the State.
The President of the Lagos State University Students Union, Mr. Abdul-Basit Ashade, promised to sustain the sensitisation amongst the students on different platforms in the School and appealed to the Agency not to make the programme a one-off event.
SANWO-OLU TO UNVEIL ICONIC PROJECTS AT SECOND ANNIVERSARY- GBENGA OMOTOSO
How far has Governor Sanwo-Olu gone in his journey to A Greater Lagos? This is the main question that will be answered as the administration marks its second year anniversary as from Tuesday, April 27. Mr. Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat mounted the saddle on May 29, 2019.
A series of activities have been put together to showcase the administration’s performance and impact on Lagosians. But it will not be all about what has been achieved; Sanwo-Olu will be offering Lagosians a glimpse into the future, which he often refers to as #A Greater Lagos. He will be unveiling new projects, which the administration will build to make life more comfortable for the citizenry.
The mid-term report will begin with briefings by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government rendering accounts of their achievements in the past two years.
Events of the second-year anniversary include media interviews and interaction of key members of the Lagos State Executive Council, including Dr. Hamzat, the media and various segments of society.
Mr. Governor will unveil iconic projects in the Health, Education, Transportation, Housing and other sectors, besides the various infrastructure projects that have been completed during his tenure.
The ground-breaking of the New Massey Street Children’s hospital, which is billed to be the biggest in Africa, will be performed by Mr. Governor. New schools and housing units will be commissioned.
Since taking the oath of office, Governor Sanwo-Olu has commissioned roads across the State, such as the Tedi-Muwo Road and Link Bridge at the Lagos-Ogun State boundary that cuts across Alimoso and Agbado-Oke Odo; the 1.4km dual carriage Pen Cinema Bridge; the 13.68 kilometres Oshodi-Abule-Egba BRT corridor; 31 networks of roads in Ojokoro LCDA as well as six junction improvement projects to tackle traffic congestion under the Traffic Management Intervention Plan.
In Lekki, the Government is building the Regional Road and the Lekki-Epe Expressway. In Ikorodu, work is progressing on Agric-Isawo Road; Bola Tinubu-Igbogbo-Imota Road; Ijede Road; Oba Sekumade Road in Ipakodo; and Itamaga to Ewu Elepe Town.
No less than 3,500 housing units have been delivered with thousands more to be completed before the end of the second quarter.
Major strides are also visible in water transportation as an alternative means of commuting passengers to reduce pressure on road infrastructure across the five divisions of Lagos State. No less than 15 jetties are in various stages of completion at the Ijede Waterfront and Offin in Ikorodu; Marina Waterfront, VIP Chalet, Apaa and Isalu Ajido in Badagry; Oke-Ira Nla and Takwa Bay, Eti-Osa; Liverpool Road in Apapa; Ebute-Ero on Lagos Island; Mile 2; Ijegun-Egba and Ilashe in Ojo; Ito-Omu in Epe, as well as Ilado in Amuwo Odofin.
Mr. Governor has just performed the ground-breaking of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line Project to complement the 29km Blue Line Project, which has reached 93% completion stage. Phase One of the project will be delivered in the last quarter of year 2022 to convey passengers from Okokomaiko to Marina.
In social intervention, over 38,000 residents are beneficiaries of programmes that provide empowerment for youths and succour to other residents through agriculture; healthcare and grants for women in rural areas. There are many who have graduated from the State’s 19 Skills Acquisition projects. These figures exclude the residents who enjoyed free treatment in public hospitals during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Smart City Project is on. About 3000km of fibre-optic cables are being laid in the first phase of the project, which will be 6,000km when completed. It will provide faster and more reliable internet that will improve education, security and commerce to boost the attainment of a 21st Century Economy.
Schools, hospitals, security agencies and members of the public can hook up to the internet connectivity to advance teaching and learning; consultation and treatment of patients as well as surveillance of crime and traffic violations across the State. Besides, thousands of cameras will be installed to check crime.
The recent acquisition of body cameras for security and traffic monitoring is an innovative approach to monitoring, identifying and checkmating criminals.
Governor Sanwo-Olu will round off the second year anniversary events by engaging the media, captains of industry and other stakeholders at an interactive session on May 28 when he will deliver a state of the State address.
Gbenga Omotoso
HC, Information & Strategy
LAGOS TRAFFIC RADIO ENDS STAFF RETREAT, ISSUES COMMUNIQUE
Staff and Management of Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM have resolved to embrace conflict management and understanding as key tools towards maintaining cordial relationships and better productivity as a winning team in the new normal.
This was part of the recommendations contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day General Retreat organised by the Station with the theme “Rekindling the Workforce for Effective Performance in the New Normal”.
According to a statement issued by the General Manager of the Station, Mr. Tayo Akanle, the communiqué also identified synergy and good working relationships among various departments, having the right mindset, positive attitude and encouragement of regular medical checks for members of staff as a way to also increase productivity in the new normal.
He said members of staff were exposed to lectures taken by seasoned resources persons such as Mr. Henry Shofowora, who delivered the first paper titled “Building Resilience for High Performance Team in the New Normal”, emphasising that building a resilience workforce requires training, debriefing, work culture, guides and checklist, skills and focus, goal direction and feedback.
“Another Topic: “Rekindling the Workforce for Effective Performance in the New Normal – A Safety and Health Perspective”, was delivered by the Director-General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, who was represented by a Director in the Agency, Mr. Taiwo Akinoso”, the General Manager added.
Akanle outlined other presentations, such as “Team Building: Together We Achieve More” and “Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle” delivered by Mr. Gbobaniyi Olusola of StreSERT Services Limited and Dr. Abiola Anibaba respectively, describing teamwork as a collaborative effort of a group or team to work together in order to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way, just as healthy habits are activities or behaviours that benefit physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.
He averred that at the end of the two-day Retreat the participants had taken part in activities and learnt from case studies presented by facilitators to drive home the subject matter, especially on resilience, teamwork, safety and good health as tools for effectiveness in the new normal.
The General Manager submitted that the presentations gave participants more insights into the concept and theories of team building and resilience, and laid great emphasises on the words of former professional basketball player, Michael Jordan, which says “Talent Wins Games, Teamwork Wins Championships”.
LAGOS STRIVES TO MAKE TEACHING, LEARNING FUN – COMMISSIONER
The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, has expressed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to make teaching and learning fun for students and teachers in the State Public Schools.
The Commissioner, who stated this at a capacity building programme organised by the State Government in partnership with British Council and held at Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi for teachers and schools principals, reiterated the State Government’s commitment towards revitalising the education sector and ensuring teachers are trained continuously for enhanced productivity, performance and complete development of pupils.
Mrs. Adefisayo averred that the initiative is a transformative plan of the government towards exposing the teachers to core skills and international best practices that will aid effective teaching processes and create better strategies towards problem-solving and enabling the students to enjoy classroom activities.
“This programme will help the teachers adopt means of actively engaging the students to creatively strategise and proffer solutions to their classroom related duties, making learning very easy and fun for them”, she stated.
The Commissioner, therefore, charged the participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the government and adhere to the various innovative strategies learned from the training to enhance service delivery in their respective classrooms.
Earlier in his addres. s, the Project Manager (Schools Education) British Council, Mr. Jatau John, expressed optimism that the teachers will effectively utilise the knowledge derived from the programme in their respective classrooms, adding that their commitment and zeal towards learning 21st Century skills is quite impressive.
He opined that after the training, teachers are expected to engage the learners to think critically and proffer solutions to global issues, making them develop skills that are relevant to the needs of the society while commending the various proactive measures and investments of the State Government in the educational system.
Appreciating the State Government on behalf of other participants, the Principal, Badagry Senior Grammar School, Mr. Ibitoye Ibikunle stressed that the programme was of great importance as they have acquired new methods of imparting knowledge and engaging the students actively in modern and digital skills towards a better future.
Ibitoye said the participants were highly motivated by the various sessions and ready to utilise the knowledge they have garnered in the classroom.
SANWO-OLU CALLS FOR PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
… Commissions Four Solar Powered Boreholes in Kosofe
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, called for a sustainable environment during his commissioning of four solar-powered boreholes at various locations in Kosofe Local Government Area of the State, as part of constituency projects of the Member, Federal House of Representatives representing Kosofe, Mr. Rotimi Agunsoye.
The Governor, represented at the commissioning by the Permanent Secretary, Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye, called on Lagosians to continually support the State government in its efforts to promote safe, healthy and sustainable environment in the State.
He said the newly commissioned projects would address the gaps and challenges that traders and residents face in accessing safe and clean water in Kosofe Local Government Area of the State.
Sanwo-Olu commended the initiator of the projects, Mr. Rotimi Agunsoye for his thoughtfulness and the successful completion of the projects, stressing that they would go a long way in improving the sanitation and hygiene in the market spaces and areas.
“Water is life and a basic need. We are impressed by this effort and would continue to seek and carry out initiatives to address other challenges faced by residents across the State”, he said.
The Governor, however, urged the market associations and residents of the communities to take ownership of the projects, adding they must ensure the protection and preservation of the projects as collective property.
Earlier in his remarks, Agunsoye said the projects would improve the sanitation conditions and create an atmosphere for healthy living for all residents in the area.
He pointed out that Sustainable Development Goal No 6 is about clean water and sanitation for all, noting that of all the Sustainable Development Goals, the provision of clean and affordable water to all is strongly linked to many other goals, especially in the Health and Environment sector.
The lawmaker added that it was a deliberate decision to make the projects solar powered to prevent endless wait for electricity before residents get access to water.
The representative of the Olojota of Ojota and Baba Loja of Binukonu Ultra-Modern Market, Mr. Akintola Balogun expressed appreciation to the donor of the projects and promised that the projects will be adequately protected and preserved.
The projects commissioned by the Governor, supported by other dignitaries, include a 45,000 litres Solar-Powered Borehole system located at Binukonu Ultra-Modern Market, along Ogudu Road, Ojota; 4,000 litres Solar-Powered Borehole system located at Aladura, Anthony Village; 4,000 litres Solar-Powered Borehole system located at Orisigun Central Mosque Ketu and 45,000 litres Solar-Powered Borehole system located at the Mile 12 International Market.
LAGOS ATHLETES APPLAUD WELFARE PACKAGES FOR EDO 2020
Lagos State contingent to the recently concluded 20th National Sports Festival is full of praises to the State Government as well as the Management and Staff of Lagos State Sports Commission for the welfare package put in place before and during the Edo 2020 Games.
Speaking on behalf of other Athletes during a ‘Thank You’ reception held for Team Lagos at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Wednesday, Captain of the Team, Hammed Koleosho said that the welfare package for Team Lagos representatives at Edo Games was outstanding when compared to previous sports festivals.
The team captain expressed the athletes’ appreciation to the Management, from the Executive Chairman, Sola Aiyepeku, the Director-General, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, Board Members and Management Staff for paying attention to the wellbeing of athletes, describing it as excellent.
He said, “I want to thank the Lagos State Sports Commission for the welfare given to us at the Games. The allowances were paid on time. We did not lack anything and more importantly, the encouragement also gave us the spirit to fight on, even in the face of some unruly behaviours by some States’ contingents at the festival. The kit and welfare packages were all also wonderful”.
“When putting our outing in Edo and that of Abuja 2018 Games on a scale of comparison, I can say that we did well at the Edo 2020 because we were three gold medals short of what we got in Abuja even with a smaller number of Athletes to the Edo Festival, while we were with a full contingent to Abuja festival”, the Captain said.
In his response, the Chairman of the Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, commended the athletes for the fifth position, adding that they were worthy Ambassadors of Lagos State despite some challenges during the build-up to the Games, the performance of Team Lagos in Edo is worth celebrating.
The Director-General, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, assured the athletes that the Commission would improve on its operations, with lessons from the Edo 2020, to build and strengthen the athletes ahead of the 21st National Sports Festival which Delta State will host next year.
LASG TO PRIORITISE MITIGATION, ADAPTATION INITIATIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE FOR ALL PROJECTS
… Holds Two-Day, Virtual Pre-Climate Change Workshop
The Lagos State Government has affirmed its readiness to continue prioritising mitigation and adaptation initiatives on climate change for all projects.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, who stated this during a pre-Climate Change virtual workshop organised by the government, added that the State has been greatly impacted by climate change with varying climatic hazards due to its geographic location and features.
He recalled that the State Government had institutionalised the summit as the principal vehicle for disseminating climate change information but the programme was stagnated due to some policy shift in the past.
Bello said that the resuscitation of the summit has now been made possible under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who envisioned its importance in sustaining the leadership position of the State in climate action.
He disclosed that Lagos is on course to delivering her Climate Action Plan in a few months as the document is currently being reviewed by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and their technical partners.
“Globally, cities have made pledges to ensure that global temperatures do not increase beyond 2º Celsius and, in a bid, to fulfill these pledges, it is now imperative for cities to develop Climate Action Plans which will help chart the city’s course towards decarbonisation”, the Commissioner said.
He revealed that the theme for the virtual summit ‘Harnessing the Power of Lagos State for Climate Change and Sustainable Financing’, gives room to begin to think about how the crucial elements required to implement climate actions can be fostered across various sectors and how to attain sustainable financing as a State in funding some of the initiatives that are in the pipeline.
According to him, the State Government cannot deny the fact that the population, topography and geography of Lagos makes it very vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, stressing that right mitigation and adaptation actions would make the State become resilient to the climatic hazards and impacts.
Bello said that protecting the environment should be a collective responsibility of all sectors of the economy as the State journey to become a low carbon economy and harness the opportunities provided by climate change.
He, however, noted that safeguarding the environment is a collective responsibility of both the citizens and the government.
Speaking on the effects of COVID-19 and climate change, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said there has been an increase in human population all over the world which has affected the environment and the movement of pathogens from their natural hosts to human beings.
He said deforestation and continuous damaging of nature, through pollution of the air and toxicity of freshwater, has forced the animals to move closer to human habitation thereby making humans more vulnerable to the various pathogens.
Abayomi, therefore, urged everyone to desist from actions that could damage the environment and loss of biodiversity as human beings can only be as healthy as the environment they live in.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye, said the two-day, pre-summit virtual workshop is to bring to the front burner the matters of climate change as an integral component of economic growth and environmental recovery plan.
She said the importance of laying bare climate change issues for our active participation cannot be overemphasised as the State, over the years, played host to important personalities and stakeholders locally and internationally through the institutionalised annual Climate Change Summit, which was a principal tool for disseminating and managing Climate Change information in the State and the country at large.
Odeneye noted that the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration has intrinsically tied in the SDGs/LSDP and resilience strategy in addressing the global problem with local solution, adding that the geographical location and topography of our dear State leave us with no option but to act urgently.
LAGOS STRIVES TO MAKE TEACHING, LEARNING FUN – COMMISSIONER
The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, has expressed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to make teaching and learning fun for students and teachers in the State Public Schools.
The Commissioner, who stated this at a capacity building programme organised by the State Government in partnership with British Council and held at Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi for teachers and schools principals, reiterated the State Government’s commitment towards revitalising the education sector and ensuring teachers are trained continuously for enhanced productivity, performance and complete development of pupils.
Mrs. Adefisayo averred that the initiative is a transformative plan of the government towards exposing the teachers to core skills and international best practices that will aid effective teaching processes and create better strategies towards problem-solving and enabling the students to enjoy classroom activities.
“This programme will help the teachers adopt means of actively engaging the students to creatively strategise and proffer solutions to their classroom related duties, making learning very easy and fun for them”, she stated.
The Commissioner, therefore, charged the participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the government and adhere to the various innovative strategies learned from the training to enhance service delivery in their respective classrooms.
Earlier in his address, the Project Manager (Schools Education) British Council, Mr. Jatau John, expressed optimism that the teachers will effectively utilise the knowledge derived from the programme in their respective classrooms, adding that their commitment and zeal towards learning 21st Century skills is quite impressive.
He opined that after the training, teachers are expected to engage the learners to think critically and proffer solutions to global issues, making them develop skills that are relevant to the needs of the society while commending the various proactive measures and investments of the State Government in the educational system.
Appreciating the State Government on behalf of other participants, the Principal, Badagry Senior Grammar School, Mr. Ibitoye Ibikunle stressed that the programme was of great importance as they have acquired new methods of imparting knowledge and engaging the students actively in modern and digital skills towards a better future.
Ibitoye said the participants were highly motivated by the various sessions and ready to utilise the knowledge they have garnered in the classroom.
LAGOS BOOSTS WATER TRANSPORTATION, OPENS UP MORE FERRY ROUTES
In order to boost water transportation in the State, the Lagos State Government has opened up four new navigable ferry routes to complement existing routes in the last one year.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Arc. Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of the second year in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
According to the Commissioner, the State Government is mindful of the importance of good ferry routes for safe and successful water transportation, which necessitated the Government’s continuous opening of new water routes to complement the existing ones.
He noted that part of the Ministry’s mandate is the provision of navigable ferry routes in Lagos waters for smooth sailing of bigger boats, hence the need for channelisation of all identifiable ferry routes in the State to improve water transportation.
His words: “The channelisation, which involves dredging of ferry routes, creating a path of 40-metre width and four-metre minimum depth to accommodate bigger boat movement includes the channelisation of 4km ferry route from Mile 2 to Marina already in use, channelisation of 6.4km ferry route from Ebute (Ikorodu) – Ilaje (Falomo), 10.3km route from Ojo to Badagry and 4.10km Ilaje (Bariga) to white-sand in Oyingbo which are almost completed”.
“The new routes are to complement the existing ones, namely, Ipakodo (Ikorodu) to Addax/five cowries in Falomo; Ipakodo (Ikorodu) to CMS/Marina; and Badore (Tarzan) to Ijede; Ebute Ojo to Liverpool to CMS/Marina. Others are Mile 2 – Liverpool- CMS/Marina, Baiyeku (Ikorodu) to Oke-Ira Nla to Badore in Ajah and Ilaje to Bariga to Ebute Ero and CMS”, he added.
Arc. Abdullahi added that with the new routes more people are now embracing water transportation business and travels which would, in turn, improve commercial activities in those areas, save travel time and improve the general wellbeing of the people
To further improve safety on the waterways and also free the waterways of wreckage and debris, prevent erosion and degradation of the shorelines, the Commissioner said the State Government, through his Ministry, has removed four abandoned wrecked ships, debris and unwanted objects found on the waterways.
He added that 15 new reinforced concrete jetties located at various riverine areas of the State would also be commissioned for the use of the citizens of the State before the end of the year to further boost the water transportation system.
The Commissioner, therefore, urged Lagosians to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the Government and make use of all the water infrastructure available for transportation.
LASG SEEKS GLOBAL ATTENTION ON MEDICAL WELLNESS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
… Partners Initiator Of Eko Wellness Fair To Stage Virtual Expo On Mental Health
The Lagos State Government has promised to leverage medical wellness as one of the platforms for drawing the attention of both local and international tourists to communities Lagos State.
While addressing a Press Conference on Lagos State Mental Health Month and Eko Wellness Fair, held in Lagos on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said that the Ministry decided to partner the organiser of the event as a way of deepening awareness about medical wellness and making it a vehicle to promote tourism activities.
Akinbile-Yussuf mentioned that the initiative aligned with the ‘Wellness Tourism’ segment of the State’s Tourism Master Plan developed by the Ministry to provide a pathway for sustainable tourism activities in the State.
She said: “The importance of Wellness Tourism cuts across all nations of the world, because Wellness Tourism attracts tourists from developed and developing nations, it increases the economy of not only the developed countries but also developing nations like ours”.
Speaking on the focus of the event, the Commissioner averred that the need to pay cursory attention to mental health globally cannot be overemphasised, considering the devastating effects of the ravaging Coronavirus and its attendant effects on the mental wellbeing of the populace.
Noting that unlike in the developed climes where mental wellness is considered a normal phenomenon, Mrs. Akinbile-Yussuf decried the unwillingness of most Nigerians to come to terms with the reality of their mental state of health and seek timely medical attention.
On her part, the initiator and Project Manager of the Eko Wellness Fair who is also a Holistic Wellness Coach, Oyin Talabi said, “The events of 2020 to date have tested our physical immunity, mental resilience and faith in ways we still do not fully comprehend. Although Nigerians and Africans at large are not falling sick physically as predicted by international health indices, we are falling sick mentally”.
She maintained that the incidents of mental health crisis are rapidly and steadily rising among all demographics in Nigeria, considering several issues which the residents are left to contend with daily, particularly among the working class.
While quoting the 2017 World Health Organisation report, which revealed that one in four Nigerians suffer from some sort of mental health disorder, the Convener of Eko Wellness Fair described the figure as alarming and a development that needs urgent attention.
“This is why the theme for the 6th edition of the Eko Wellness Fair is “My Mental Health Matters: For Our Collective Prosperity”, she asserted.
According to her, the fair is part of the Lagos State Mental Health Month for May organised by the State Ministry of Health and will hold virtually from 1st of May to the 7th of May, 2021 on all social media handles of Eko Wellness Fair.
She explained that the virtual fair includes workshops by high-level Nigerian Psychotherapists and Holistic Wellness Practitioners, cooking demonstrations of healthier food alternatives, art and therapy stimulations and online shopping of healthy foods and lifestyle products by proudly Nigerian businesses.
Talabi, urged interested persons to attend the fair by visiting www.ekowellness.net to register or join the live sessions on Facebook and Youtube pages @ekowellnessfair.
She appreciated the State Government for partnering with her organisation on the initiative and acknowledging the roles of Tourism Wellness in enhancing the development of domestic tourism.
LASUTH RECEIVES PPE DONATIONS FROM HEALTH EMERGENCY INITIATIVE
The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), in collaboration with Spectranet, has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to support the efforts of the facility in eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
Receiving the items from HEI, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo said that “Mr. Paschal and his organisation have been partnering with LASUTH for a long time. The organisation had supported the hospital significantly during the first phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic”.
The CMD lamented the loss of some staff during the first and second waves of the pandemic, emphasising that the hospital is about to venture into the use of rapid test kits to ensure better protection of its health workers.
Professor Fabamwo also informed the HEI team that the organisation’s name would be added to the hospital’s roll of honour which is situated at the isolation bay area and reserved for LASUTH’s major benefactors.
In his response, the Executive Director of HEI, Mr. Paschal Achunine, stated that the team has been supporting the State government-owned health facilities but LASUTH has always been given priority.
He said, “Asides from the donation of PPEs, the organisation has other initiatives such as the provision of financial aid to indigent patients in the hospital”.
Mr. Achunine thanked the CMD for granting the team audience despite the short notice given, adding that the organisation would also venture into pre-hospital care which is very important to the healthcare system.
He explained that after a proper needs assessment, the Health Emergency Initiative, in collaboration with Spectranet, deemed it essential to donate nylon aprons, surgical facemasks, shoe covers and latex gloves to the hospital.
OPD SECURES N1.5 MILLION COMPENSATION FOR CLIENT
… As Court Also Orders Payment of Six Years’ Salary Arrears to Victim
The Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has secured a favourable landmark judgment and compensation in a case involving its client, Muraina Taiwo and Nahman Construction Ltd.
According to the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins, Justice Mustapha Tijani of National Industrial Court, Lagos Division, has ordered the defendant, Nahman Construction Ltd to pay the sum of N1.5 million to its former employee, Muraina Taiwo, as compensation for trauma and pains suffered.
He added that the Court also ordered the defendant to pay the claimant`s salary from August 2015 to the date of judgment delivery.
The Director explained that the claimant, Muraina Taiwo, was a casual labourer at the defendant’s construction site at the Landmark Event Centre, where he had an accident in September 2015. He was rushed to the hospital and surgery was carried out on his leg after the payment of the hospital bills by the defendant.
Dr. Martins said the defendant refused to pay for a second surgery on the claimant after he was informed by the hospital that another round of surgery was required to correct the injury to his knees, adding that stoppage of the claimant’s salary, despite non-termination of his employment, compounded his situation.
“In a bid to seek redress and justice, the claimant hired a lawyer that filed the matter in court in 2016, but the lawyer stopped coming to the court due to unpaid bills. The claimant`s case was on the verge of being struck out by the Court, when it was referred to the Office of the Public Defender to avail him free legal services”, the Director explained.
“The OPD, in line with its statutory responsibility of defending the rights of defenceless residents of the State, swiftly deployed some of its best hands to represent the claimant and sought for various reliefs in court on the claimant’s behalf. It was the tenacity, discipline and uncommon professionalism exhibited by the OPD Counsels during the hearing that resulted in the favourable judgment for Muraina Taiwo”, Martins asserted.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the case despite the fact that the claimant’s case was referred to OPD at short notice for free legal assistance, the Director enjoined Lagos residents to always take advantage of the free legal services to protect their rights.
He urged employees having any dispute with their employers on issues bordering on compensation, gratuity, non-remittance of pension and wrongful termination of contract of employment to come forward for free legal assistance and representation.
LAGOS DEVELOPS STRATEGIES ON ‘ONE HEALTH’ PARADIGM TO PREVENT BIOSECURITY THREATS
The Lagos State Government is developing strategies to sanitise the environment from biosecurity threats through employing the “One Health” paradigm to achieve the Health and Environment mandate of the present administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this on Thursday at a training workshop on ‘One Health’ paradigm organised for stakeholders drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), stated that the plan is to create a synergy amongst relevant MDAs, particularly Health, the Environment and Agriculture, to protect man and the environment from biosecurity threats.
In his presentation titled “Loss of Biodiversity: A Biosecurity Concern”, the Commissioner averred that the interconnectivity between man, animals and their shared environment calls for serious concern and response from the government, as well as relevant stakeholders, in order to address emerging health and environmental issues to prevent and effectively manage emerging infectious diseases which are out to ravage mankind.
He explained that the present administration deliberately put Health and Environment together in the second pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda in recognition of the connection between both and in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendation.
Abayomi added that the health of man is highly dependent on the health of the environment he lives in, stressing that a healthy environment will produce a healthy population which is the ultimate goal of any responsible government.
“Biosecurity road map is a very complex road map and essentially, it is hinged on what we call the ‘One Health’ paradigm. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are not operating in silos and this is why the Ministry of Health is working with its sister agencies like the Ministries of the Environment, Agriculture, Physical Planning and Justice to define a strategy moving forward and that strategy is based on the concept that we are only as healthy as our environment”, Dr. Abayomi said.
The Commissioner explained further that the ‘One Health’ paradigm requires all agencies to come together to create a healthy environment, noting that this synergy is not isolated to Lagos or Nigeria alone.
His words: “The ‘One Health’ paradigm involves all agencies coming together to create a healthy environment. It is not isolated to Lagos or Nigeria, it is a global phenomenon and we must promote it globally. We are trying to adopt the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Convention on the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of the environment”.
Noting that the Paradigm training was borne out of the need to upscale the State Government’s preparedness against future biosecurity threats, especially in the light of the lessons learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Abayomi stressed that Lagos is working towards the prevention of biological threats as against cure and would rather spend more time and resources in the prevention of a pandemic than manage it.
He, however, urged all agencies to work together in achieving a safe environment as it is the Ministry of Health that deals with the consequences of the inability to protect and keep the environment healthy.
“We do not want to witness a pandemic, we will rather spend our time and resources in preventing it. The Ministry of Health deals with the consequences of biosecurity threats and this is why we need to work across agencies to protect the State from biological shock. We should be dealing with prevention instead of the after effect”, he said.
LASEMA VISITS LASUTH, SEEKS COLLABORATION ON EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has paid a visit to the management of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in a bid to further strengthen the working relationship with the hospital.
In his remarks during the visit, the leader of the team and Head of Medical Unit of the Agency, Dr. Yazeed Omotayo, stated that LASEMA was seeking to collaborate with LASUTH in order to strengthen the referral system.
Omotayo added that LASEMA would want local emergency committees constituted to ensure ambulances are available in all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas as well as other government facilities in the State for quick response to emergencies.
Responding, the Acting Director of Clinical Services and Training, Dr. Adebowale Adekoya, who represented the Chief Medical Director, Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, said the hospital was passionate about emergency services and ready to collaborate with LASEMA not just to manage disaster, but to ensure that everyone including caregivers is safe.
Speaking in the same vein, the Coordinator of Medical Emergency Unit, Dr. Oluwaseyi Oladimeji, advised the Agency to call the LASUTH emergency Unit ahead of bringing patients to the hospital, so that appropriate preparations will be made.
The Coordinator of Surgical Emergency, Dr. Samuel Idowu, also enjoined LASEMA to limit cases being brought to LASUTH to those patients with head and chest injuries, stressing that all other cases with fractures could be treated in other emergency centres.
The Director of Hospital Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Kehinde Gbajumo, thanked the team for visiting and suggested the need for a help centre for LASEMA in the hospital.
Other management team members in attendance include the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Adebola Aina and Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Titilope Alaka.
LAGOS TASKS HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ON SAFE BLOOD TRANSFUSION PRACTICES
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi has tasked all health workers and stakeholders in the blood transfusion chain on the need to strictly adhere to safe blood transfusion practices and ensure patient safety in procedures.
Abayomi gave the advice over the weekend during a virtual workshop on Safe Blood Transfusion Practices organised by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) for healthcare professionals in private and public health facilities.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Oshikomaiya, noted that a wide range of errors which may occur at various stages and process of transfusion must be avoided in view of the need for patient safety and wellbeing in transfusion services.
He said, “Blood safety and patient safety in transfusion service is a topic that cannot be overemphasised, which is why the Lagos State Government, through LSBTS, is working with the World Health Organisation to improve access to safe blood for transfusions and promote blood safety”.
“We initiated this training as a capacity-building mechanism for all cadres of health professionals involved in blood transfusion chain to recognise and prevent errors in blood transfusion process and ensure that only safe blood is made available for transfusion in our health facilities”, Abayomi said.
He explained that safe blood transfusion practices involve all activities in the blood donation chain: blood collection from low-risk, regular, voluntary unpaid donors as well as testing, processing, storage and distribution of blood to actual transfusion.
Revealing that LSBTS is focusing on four key areas to achieve safe blood transfusion services, Prof. Abayomi said they include centrally coordinated blood transfusion service, collection of blood exclusively from voluntary donors, testing of all blood for compatibility and transfusion-transmissible infections, as well as reduction of unnecessary transfusions.
The Commissioner added that LSBTS will continue to train health workers involved in the blood transfusion chain on safe and good clinical transfusion practices, stressing that the Agency has over the years trained health workers on documentation, quality assessment and rational use of blood and blood products to reduce unnecessary transfusions and minimise the risks associated with transfusion.
“LSBTS, governed by the national blood policy and the Lagos State legislation, promotes uniform implementation of standards and consistency in the quality and safety of blood and blood products”, Abayomi stated.
Speaking in the same vein, a Consultant Haematologist and Blood Transfusion Specialist, Dr. C.O Muyiwa, urged health workers to properly utilise blood component and also avoid unnecessary and inappropriate blood transfusion.
She averred that transfusion services must always be in tune with standard operating procedures and protocols in order to ensure safety in the blood transfusion chain.
Participants at the virtual training included core medical workers in private and public health facilities, medical laboratory scientists, phlebotomist, operators of private blood banks, donor drive organisers and regulatory agencies.
LAGOS, UAE TO CONSTRUCT CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTRE IN ALIMOSHO
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with United Arab Emirates (UAE), has concluded plans to construct a world-class Lagos Cultural Heritage Centre in Ijon, Ayobo-Ipaja, Alimosho.
The State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who revealed this during an inspection visit to the proposed project site, noted that the project will boost economic activities of the host community and its environs.
The Commissioner described the proposed project as one of the landmark investments of the present administration in the tourism industry, observing that it will strategically thrive and boost economic prosperity and further increase the Internal Generated Revenue of the State in particular.
“As we are all aware that Lagos represents excellence in all sectors of human endeavour, we will continue to maintain this standard towards achieving the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration”, she added.
She further disclosed that the centre will nurture the expression of the ways of Lagos, especially the host community, Ijon, that will be passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values.
Also speaking, the Economic and Media Researcher, Lagos Consulate-General of UAE, Hashim Ali Abdalla, expressed the readiness of his Country (UAE) to ensure the delivery of the cultural centre project in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
The Commissioner was on an inspection tour of the site along with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Solomon Saanu Bonu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments, Mrs. Solape Hammond and Executive Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Mr. Shakiru Yusuf as well as Consular and Citizens Affairs, Lagos Consulate-General of UAE, Muhammed Basheer Raji.
LAGOS, MAC89 HOLD 7TH ANNUAL FASHION EXHIBITION
The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in collaboration with Mac89 Xperience Fashion, has held the 7th Annual Fashion Exhibition show with the theme “Keep Moving”, and aimed at expressing fashion through Nigeria styles and designs.
The State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, in her address at the event, stated that the show was a result of the government’s support for vocational training and up-skilling of youths.
She said that Lagos, through its Skills Acquisition Centres spread across the State, has been creating jobs and employers of labour, just as it continued to invest in unemployed youths through the sustainable development programmes of the Ministry to equip them for the rapidly changing dynamics in the labour market.
Disclosing that some unemployed youths who were beneficiaries of the sustainable development programmes collaborated with the Ministry to organise the show, the Commissioner added that the exhibition was geared towards showcasing their creativity in the art of fashion and design of new products.
Arobieke stressed that the State Government supported the fashion exhibition to avail the budding fashion designers the needed support and encouragement, while leveraging on the platform to expose their artistic talent in the fashion industry.
While noting that the Fashion Show will also enable participants to continually sharpen their skills, serve as mentors to upcoming young ones as well as provide employment opportunities to others, she expressed her appreciation to Mac89 Xperience and others for putting the show together.
The Commissioner also applauded the launching of a Mobile Application called “DND” (Design Next Door), which was built to connect local designers to the Global Market by making it easier, safer and convenient for users to buy fabric, choose or submit designed styles, body measurement and get garment delivery to doorsteps in few clicks.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, said the Fashion Exhibition show was a manifestation of the government’s continued investment and interest in formulating policies to support and advance the course of youths as future leaders by promoting grassroots entrepreneurship.
She said part of the proceeds from the events will be used to establish training centres for the “TRAIN UP A TEEN” initiative as well as support the Fashion Industry to further inspire the production of more “Made in Nigeria” clothing and use of African Print Fabrics that are applicable to day-to-day fashion.
Expressing his gratitude to the State government, the Creative Director of Mac89, Mr. Michael Ikediashi, said there is a greater hope and bright future for grassroots entrepreneurs as Mac89 Fashion Xperience has become a successful tool for promoting, creating wealth and sustaining productive entrepreneurs in the State with the massive support from the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.
Highlights of the event included the showcase of runway designs and presentation of gifts, industrial Machines and mannequins to some designers
LASEPA SET TO MARK YEAR 2021 INTERNATIONAL NOISE AWARENESS DAY WITH WEBINAR
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) will join the rest of the world on Wednesday, 28th of April to celebrate the year 2021 International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) in line with its “Less Noise, More Sense” advocacy campaign.
A statement issued by the General Manager of the Agency, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said the yearly event is to sensitise and encourage people to initiate action on bothersome noise at work, home and social circles to promote healthy living and a peaceful environment.
Dr. Fasawe said that the theme for the Y2021 International Noise Day “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health”, is a true manifestation of the concerns and resolve of the Agency to ensure a peaceful, ambient and sustainable environment.
According to her, the day would be marked with a webinar session, which would be attended by relevant stakeholders and victims of noise pollution, who will be sharing their personal experiences with the participants.
While maintaining that the primary objective of marking the Day is to educate the general public on the impact of noise on hearing, health and quality of life, Dr. Fasawe enjoined the public to participate in the Webinar Session through the link, , which can also be found on the Agency’s website and social media handles.
LASG TAKES ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN TO MILE 2
… Seeks Voluntary Compliance With Traffic Rules, Regulations
In a bid to ensure that all professional drivers are well-schooled in the art of driving, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has organised an Advocacy Campaign for Professional Drivers registered under the umbrella of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mile 2 branch.
In her address at the event held at ECOMOG Motor Park, Mile 2 on Tuesday, the General Manager of the Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, stated that the safety of drivers and other road users is paramount to the State Government, hence the training was organised towards ensuring the safety of the motoring public and sanity on the roads.
She noted that if Safety and Road Culture is to be maintained on Lagos Roads, obeying traffic rules and regulations must be a basic requirement for professional drivers, stressing that all vehicle owners must also embrace proper car maintenance culture and consideration for other road users.
On the need for LASDRI training and recertification, Tiamiyu said that every professional driver is required to be alive to their responsibility and learn new concepts in their profession, adding that they must visit any of the Institute’s service platforms to learn new skills and key in into technicalities involved in the art of driving.
The General Manager, who was represented at the event by a Deputy Director in the Institute, Engineer Kayode Oladosu, however, informed the participants that LASDRI has factored their busy schedule into consideration, as such, the Agency can be invited by any organisation or association to conduct on-site training for their professional drivers so that they do not violate the law.
Appreciating the Lagos State Government for training professional drivers in the State, Assistant Branch Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Branch ‘C’ Amuwo Odofin, Comrade Adewale Adeyemi pledged the Union’s commitment towards improving the safety of lives and property on Lagos roads, promising that the branch will always liaise with the Institute for future training sessions.
A total number of 85 professional drivers were trained at the Advocacy Campaign.
