Ex-Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola Appointed to Board of Global Health Organization

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, the former governor of Lagos State and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria (RTSL Nigeria), a renowned international public health entity.

This announcement was officially made by RTSL Nigeria on Friday. The organization is globally recognized for its unwavering efforts in curbing cardiovascular diseases and mitigating the spread of epidemics across the world.

RTSL Nigeria established its Nigerian office in Abuja in 2022. The organization works collaboratively with national governments and local communities to address some of the most lethal health threats facing the world today, reinforcing public health systems and ensuring swift epidemic response.

Speaking on this significant appointment, Dr. Tom Frieden, who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Resolve to Save Lives, expressed immense enthusiasm about Fashola joining the board. He stated,

“We are elated to have Mr. Fashola on the Board of Directors of RTSL Nigeria. His over two decades of dedicated public service in Nigeria have clearly showcased his deep-seated commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and livelihoods of Nigerians.”

Fashola, who holds the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has a distinguished career in public service. Prior to his tenure as Minister of Power, Works, and Housing under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Fashola notably served as the Chief of Staff in Lagos State. He was later elected as the Governor of Lagos State, a role he held from 2007 until 2015.

His leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria remains a standout achievement, earning him both local and international acclaim. His effective handling of the crisis led to his recognition with the esteemed Stephen J. Solarz Award by the International Crisis Group, an honor bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to global peace and security.

Upon his appointment, Fashola expressed his gratitude and eagerness to contribute to the organization’s life-saving mission. He remarked,

“It is a great honor to join the board of Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria. I am committed to advancing the organization’s mission to reduce preventable deaths caused by cardiovascular illnesses and infectious disease outbreaks.”

Ibrahim Abubakar, another distinguished member of the RTSL Nigeria board and Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences at University College London, also praised the inclusion of Fashola. He emphasized that Fashola’s vast governance experience and his proven leadership during public health emergencies would be invaluable to the board’s strategic initiatives.

RTSL Nigeria continues to bolster its impact by drawing on the expertise of seasoned leaders like Fashola, further strengthening its capacity to prevent health crises and promote public health sustainability in Nigeria and beyond.