Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for unified efforts to combat malaria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitisation Programme,’ he reiterated the need for persistent action to achieve a malaria-free Lagos. Digital Innovation in Malaria Eradication The newly launched initiative aims to revolutionize malaria control through digital advancements and public-private partnerships. With the presence of Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the program sets a roadmap to eliminate malaria using technology-driven interventions. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the severe economic and social consequences of malaria, stressing its impact on productivity, household incomes, and education. He emphasized that malaria eradication is not just a health priority but a crucial step in boosting Lagos State’s economy. Call for Accurate Diagnosis and Public Awareness Governor Sanwo-Olu urged residents to embrace a “test-before-treatment” approach, cautioning against self-diagnosis and improper malaria treatment. He commended the integration of digital tools in the program, which will facilitate real-time tracking of malaria cases, ensuring efficient interventions. Additionally, he praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health for its transparency and data-driven strategies aimed at achieving the 2025 malaria elimination target. He also encouraged Lagosians to become advocates, spreading awareness about malaria prevention and the significance of accurate diagnosis. Minister of Health Applauds Lagos’ Leadership in Malaria Control Dr. Iziaq Salako lauded Lagos State for its proactive measures in malaria management, aligning with the Federal Ministry of Health’s ‘Rethinking Malaria’ initiative. He noted that Lagos boasts the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2% infection rate as per the 2021 survey. The minister emphasized the importance of integrating digital health solutions to enhance malaria case management and improve treatment accuracy. He also underscored the private sector’s role in healthcare, noting that over half of Nigerians initially seek treatment from private health facilities. Strengthening public-private partnerships, he argued, is essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and ensure effective malaria treatment. Commissioner for Health Highlights Strategic Interventions Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, detailed the progress made in malaria control, attributing the success to strategic interventions and digital health tracking. He highlighted that while Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases, Lagos has reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, moving towards the malaria pre-elimination phase. He further stressed the importance of sustained efforts in early diagnosis, vector control, and public education. By integrating digital tools into healthcare services, Lagos can ensure accurate diagnosis, prevent drug resistance, and optimize malaria treatment outcomes. WHO and World Bank Endorse Lagos’ Malaria Fight Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, commended Lagos’ leadership in urban malaria control, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interventions. He acknowledged that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria-related deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority. Similarly, Dr. Ndiame Diop, Country Director for the World Bank in Nigeria, highlighted the economic burden of malaria. He noted that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. He stressed the need for increased funding and community-led initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs, which currently stand at 95%. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Malaria Eradication Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), emphasized the significance of leveraging digital technology for malaria surveillance. He praised Lagos State for integrating real-time data collection, which will enhance intervention strategies and improve healthcare responses. With collaborative efforts from the government, international organizations, and private entities, Lagos is on track to becoming Nigeria’s first malaria pre-elimination state. This milestone signals a significant step towards achieving national and global malaria eradication goals. World Health Organization – Malaria READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
IntroductionLagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, shared insights on key developments in Lagos during a recent TVC interview. Topics ranged from tax reform bills and infrastructural advancements to local government autonomy and food security. Here’s a detailed overview of his remarks. Transforming Lagos State: A Resilient Vision for 2025 Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized leveraging lessons from 2024’s economic challenges to reshape Lagos in 2025. He highlighted Lagos as not only Nigeria’s economic hub but also a growing entertainment capital for sub-Saharan Africa, attracting both local and international audiences. Key focus areas include creating opportunities for residents and enhancing socioeconomic development. Boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Sanwo-Olu underlined the importance of structured events in Lagos to attract tourism and investments. A year-long calendar of activities—spanning fashion, arts, digital economy, and cultural showcases—is planned to help visitors and investors organize their trips. The governor also stressed private-sector collaboration to expand the hospitality industry, ensuring adequate infrastructure for seamless visitor experiences. Planned Initiatives: Tax Reform Bills: Educating and Convincing Stakeholders Initially, many governors were skeptical of the Tax Reform Bills. However, Sanwo-Olu confirmed that awareness efforts have led to widespread acceptance. The reforms promise a more equitable revenue distribution among federal, state, and local governments. Key Points on Tax Reforms: Sanwo-Olu debunked misconceptions that the reforms favor Lagos disproportionately, clarifying that the state also faces challenges in implementation. Infrastructure Projects: Fourth Mainland Bridge and More The governor shared updates on infrastructural projects like the Fourth Mainland Bridge, valued at $2 billion. Despite funding constraints, creative financial models are being explored to ensure project sustainability without overburdening Lagos’ debt profile. Other ongoing projects include: Advancing Food Security in Lagos To address food sufficiency, Lagos is developing Africa’s largest food logistics hub in Ketu-Ejinrin. Expected to launch mid-2025, this hub will enhance food storage, distribution, and affordability. Ongoing Projects: Local Government Autonomy and Collaboration Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos’ compliance with local government autonomy. Funds allocated to local governments remain untouched, fostering independent decision-making and project execution. Highlights include: He also clarified that Lagos’ Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will remain operational, playing a pivotal role in grassroots development. Conclusion: A Vision for Inclusive Growth Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is committed to driving Lagos toward economic resilience, social equity, and sustainable growth. Through tax reforms, strategic infrastructure projects, and public-private partnerships, Lagosians can look forward to transformative development in 2025. READ ASO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Kindly Share:
Abdulrahman Lekki, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, passed away.According to Naija News, the Lagos State Head of Service’s office made the announcement of Lekki’s passing in a succinct statement on Wednesday.The statement claims that Lekki passed away in the early hours of this morning following a brief illness. According to the announcement, “After a brief illness, Mr. Abdulrahman Lekki, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, passed away suddenly in the early hours of this morning, October 30, 2024, with complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah,” the Head of Service said. “May his soul find eternal peace.” “Funeral plans will be revealed later.” Lagos Government: Governor Sanwo-Olu Did Not Take the EFCC to CourtThe Lagos State Government, meantime, has denied rumors that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has filed a lawsuit against the EFCC. READ ALSO According to reports, Sanwo-Olu sued the EFCC, claiming that he had been threatened with arrest, incarceration, and prosecution after his time as governor ended. Sanwo-Olu’s attorney, Darlington Ozurumba, filed the lawsuit, which is an enforcement action for fundamental rights, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Ozurumba declared during a court hearing on Tuesday that a revised file had taken the place of the original originating summons. He attested that the fresh court records had been delivered to the EFCC, even though EFCC lawyers According to Hadiza Afegbua, she has not yet received them, and the court file did not contain the proof of service. For additional consideration, Justice Abdulmalik postponed the case until November 11. However, in a statement to Naija News, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro (SAN) stated that Sanwo-Olu never sued or asked a lawyer to bring a lawsuit on his behalf on the aforementioned issue. He claims that the Lagos State Government is now looking into how the case got started without the government’s knowledge.
Kindly Share:
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has refuted reports that his administration sued the EFCC to stop a planned prosecution after he left office. In a statement, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro clarified that the EFCC is not looking into the governor. According to a previous report, Governor Sanwo-Olu has sued the EFCC for harassment before Federal High Court Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has refrained from suing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over purported intentions to detain and charge him following his term in office.Sanwo-Olu reportedly filed a lawsuit to enforce fundamental rights before Federal Judge Joyce Abdulmalik. High Court in Abuja via Darlington Ozurumba, his attorney. Sanwo-Olu never gave permission for a lawyer to bring the lawsuit on his behalf, according to Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.Twitter Why doesn’t Sanwo-Olu oppose the EFCC? Pedro stressed that, considering his constitutional immunity and the fact that he has over three years left in office, the governor does not need to brief a lawyer on this issue, according to Daily Trust.Pedro said that the EFCC has never invited Sanwo-Olu or threatened to arrest any of his employees, and that the agency is not looking into the matter. READ ALSO How the complaint was filed without their knowledge is currently being looked into by the Lagos State administration. Pedro commended Sanwo-Olu for providing excellent service and managing public resources, claiming that when he steps down in May 2027, he has nothing to be afraid of. Petro emphasizes that Sanwo-Olu is committed to providing high-quality governance and that his goal of bettering the lives of Lagosians is unshakeable. To prevent deceiving the public, the governor’s administration advised the media to exercise caution while disseminating news.
