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Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu Says Lagos Public, Private Schools Can Reopen Sept 21, But Gym, Cinemas to Wait

    Sanwo-Olu Says Lagos Public, Private Schools Can Reopen Sept 21, But Gym, Cinemas to Wait

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has granted permission for the re-opening of basic and secondary schools, although with a note of caution to private proprietors and public administrators.

    Sanwo-Olu, who stated this during a briefing on Saturday, ordered the resumption of all public and private schools from September 21, but only pupils in Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary School Two (SSS 2) are allowed to resume for physical classes in public schools.

    The governor also granted permission for the immediate reopening of cinemas and gyms, but with a maximum of 33 per cent occupancy, noting that there must be a minimum of two empty seats between occupied seats in the cinemas.

    Sanwo-Olu Announces Resumption Dates for Academic Session in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu said the public schools’ resumption would allow the JSS 3 students to revise and prepare for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) slated for October 12, adding that students in SSS 2 would use the period to prepare for their transitional exams to SSS 3.

    Unlike the resumption schedule for the public schools, the governor permitted all levels of class in private schools to resume, but with strong advice to private school owners to consider implementing a staggered daily resumption schedule and classes on alternate days during the week.

    But, all pre-primary school classes, including nursery, daycare centres and kindergarten, in both public and private schools are not permitted to open.

    According to him, “It has become necessary to issue clarifications regarding the resumption of schools, in order to clear any confusion that may have arisen since the resumption date was announced. Public Schools will adopt a phased protocol for resumption of physical classes. Students in JSS 3 and SSS 2 in public schools in Lagos are to resume physical classes from September 21.

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    “In the same vein, all private primary and secondary schools are permitted to resume from September 21. We have strongly advised school owners and managers to put safety first and open in phases similar to the announced schedule for public schools.

    “School owners and managers are advised to seriously consider implementing a staggered daily resumption schedule, classes on alternate days during the week, and utilisation of distance learning methods as a complement to physical classes. All pre-primary – nursery, daycare and kindergarten – classes and schools in both public and private schools must remain closed.”

    The governor said all re-opened schools must comply with safety protocols and hygiene guidelines as instructed by Lagos State Government through the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA). He said the department would monitor and evaluate schools’ preparedness.

    He said: “For all other public school classes in primary school and JSS 1, JSS 2, and SSS 1, announcements for resumption will be made as soon as the State Government is satisfied that all necessary resumption protocols have been put in place.

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    “In the meantime, these yet-to-resume classes in public schools are expected to continue their lessons on our various distance learning platforms (online, radio, television and WhatsApp) pending the announcement of dates for physical resumption.”

    From next week, Sanwo-Olu said all primary and secondary schools in the state that have more than two-storey structures would be subjected to integrity test to ensure the safety of pupils. He spoke against the backdrop of the Saturday collapse of Excel Secondary School – a private school – in Ejigbo area of the state.

    The school, Sanwo-Olu observed, flouted the state’s structural regulations, resulting in its collapse. He directed the complete demolition of the failed structure, while directing Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to embark on integrity test on all schools’ structures.

    In the case of gyms, the governor said there must be constant disinfection of machines and equipment throughout the day.

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    He said Lagos State Government would be taking definite decisions on the reopening of night-clubs, bars, event centres, spas and public parks next month, warning that dire consequences awaited those in this category that may want to flout the restrictive order.

    During the briefing, Sanwo-Olu further eased the restrictions on houses of worships, permitting observation of daily prayers in mosques and granting mid-week services in churches.

    He said: “As regards our places of worship, we are now also permitting the mosques to resume their five times a day prayers; and in the case of churches, they are now also permitted to resume their mid-week services. We must not forget that the Coronavirus pandemic is still very much with us, and we must therefore strive to prioritise the safety of all our children, teachers, parents, and the entire society.”

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    Since resumption of international flights, Sanwo-Olu said his administration has worked closely with the Federal Government and the Port Health Authority to monitor all flights arriving and departing the state.

    He said Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos recorded a total of 50 flights since September 5, carrying a total of 8,000 passengers.

    “Despite this inbound volume of passengers, the number of COVID-19 positive still remains on the downward trend at under five per cent,” he said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Hamzat at 56

    Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Hamzat at 56

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, who clocked 56 on Saturday, describing him as a reliable, trust worthy and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos Agenda of the incumbent administration.

    Sanwo-Olu also lauded Hamzat’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last 17 years, saying he has all along used his position as commissioner in different ministries and now the number two citizen of the Centre of Excellence to bring about positive change to the state and the country at large.

    “Happy 56th birthday to my reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos Agenda of our administration.

    “You made great achievements as Commissioner for Science and Technology between 2005 and 2011 as well as Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure.

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    “During your tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology, you enforced the application of modern technology in the state’s ministries, thus changing the face of data and record keeping in Lagos and at the same time eliminating the trend of state ghost workers.

    “In execution of your mandate as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, your ministry completed several key projects for Lagos State in the mega-city era. Your achievements in the ministry were well recognised as you emerged winner of the fifth edition of the Lagos State Man of the Year Awards in September 2013.

    “We cherish your contributions to party politics and governance in our dear state. You are a worthy ambassador and champion in the blend of technocracy and politics. As a true democrat and progressive politician, you have remained steadfast in the progressive camp.

    “As you celebrate your 56th birthday, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    Meanwhile, in the spirit of social distancing and in line with the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 safety protocols, the deputy governor has said he would mark his birthday anniversary with his family, adding that he would still perform his official duty.

    He thanked God for His mercy and promised to re-dedicate himself to the service of humanity.

    He said: “To Almighty Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

    “Another September 19th has come to remind me to always count my blessings, to not take anything for granted. To work like no one is watching, to serve selflessly, to be giving of myself, to impact the lives of the people I have chosen to serve, to leave my footprints in the sands of time, to be humble yet firm, and to work hand in hand with my conscience at all times.

    “I am grateful for the grace and favour bestowed upon me by Almighty Allah.

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    “To my family for their love and support, and to everyone for their belief in the Sanwoolu/Hamzat administration. I say Thank You.

    “In the spirit of social distancing and in line with the COVID-19 safety measures, I would spend my birthday with my family, and working.

    “Thank you all once again, and God bless.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu Visits Scene of Helicopter Crash in Lagos, Promises to Rebuild Affected Buildings

    Sanwo-Olu Visits Scene of Helicopter Crash in Lagos, Promises to Rebuild Affected Buildings

    “I am here to do a real on the-spot-assessment and I have seen things for myself. We thank God that as painful as the incident might be, the damage was not beyond what we have witnessed. We are pained by the death of the three people on board but we thank God because it could have been worse than that.

    “The affected buildings are residential homes that have citizens living there. As at the exact time the helicopter crash happened, a lot of people were not in the premises and even the elderly people that were around and in their rooms.

    “But as God would have it, nothing in term of fatality happened to people on the ground. So, we need to thank God. If not, fatality may have been a lot more than what we are talking about.

    “As you can see the people affected are senior citizens; they are people in their 80s and 70s that I have come to condole with and also thank God for them.

    “We have seen the level of destruction and damages. Tests will be conducted to understand the integrity of the buildings and once that is ascertained today or tomorrow, we will start work with the federal agencies.

    “We will start the reconstruction and renovation of the places affected by the crash; the rooms, walls, tents and ensure that we quickly bring respite to the senior citizens that have been affected.

    “From Monday, we will start rebuilding the damaged structure and also assist in any areas the owners of the buildings need our assistance. We will also assist the senior citizens wherever they need help. We know that the incident has had some impact on them. We will give them whatever support we can give them to reduce their psychological, physical and emotion hardship, which may have been caused by the incident.

    “We would be doing that for them as a government. The whole essence of governance is to ensure that once your citizens are affected like this, government need to rise up.

    “I want commend all our frontline workers, all the emergency staff that turned up yesterday with citizens in the neigbourhood that turned out in large number to help.”

    With these words, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Saturday expressed empathy when he visited the site of the helicopter crash at Salvation Road in Opebi area of the state 24 hours after the incident to assess the damage of the crash.

    Speaking to journalists after inspecting the crash site and meeting with the owners of the affected properties, Sanwo-Olu promised that Lagos State Government would carry out integrity tests on the buildings and do necessary repairs and assist the affected families.

    A Bell 206 Helicopter, belonging to Quorum Aviation, from Port Harcourt, Rivers State with two crew members and a passenger had Friday crashed in between two residential buildings in the Opebi area of Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with the families of the three people that lost their loved ones during the crash and prayed God to comfort the families of the deceased.

    Reacting to the governor’s visit, residents of the area thanked Sanwo-olu for visiting the crash site and expressed gratitude to God that when the helicopter crashed, there was no fuel in it.

    They appreciated several government agencies for making quick response to the crash site and clearing the place.

    In her address, one of owners of the affected buildings, a 77-year-old woman, Oluwayemisi Oluwole, said the repairs promised by the governor should be done quickly for her to be able to move back into her residence.

    “I thank God for what happened because there was nobody in the apartment affected by the crash. We thank God that the helicopter didn’t land on top of the house. We thank God that there was no fuel in the helicopter when it landed.

    “I hope somebody will come and assess the degree of the damage and that should be done quickly because I have not entered the house since yesterday because I have been banned from entering the house.

    “Since yesterday a lot of people came here without observing any COVID-19 protocols. In my house now, I can count 20 face masks on the floor. So, I want to appeal to government to come and help us to sanitise the place. I am very happy that you (governor) have blood that you know something happened to your subjects and you decided to visit them. Your reign will be sweet in Jesus name,” she said.

    In his reaction, Sesan Kuyoro also thanked government agencies for making quick response to the crash site, adding that their response showed the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to welfare of the citizens of the state.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

    Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

    Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

    Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

    The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

    “I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

    “Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

    “Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

    “There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

    On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

    “A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

    “He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

    “Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

    “He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

    “So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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    “I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

    “I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

  • Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

    Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

    Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

    Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

    The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

    “I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

    “Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

    “Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

    “There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

    On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

    “A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

    “He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

    “Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

    “He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

    “So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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    “I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

    “I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

  • Sanwo-Olu reverses Lagos Land Use Charge, waives ₦5b potential penalty revenue

    Sanwo-Olu reverses Lagos Land Use Charge, waives ₦5b potential penalty revenue

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-Lagos State Government Wednesday reversed the rate of Land Use Charge to pre-2018 and upheld the 2018 method of valuation.

    It would be recalled that former Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode, had in 2018 introduced the controversial increase in Land Use Charge which generated uproar in the state.

    Reversing the charge on Wednesday, the Sanwo-Olu administration explained that the decision for the review was to reduce the financial pressure on Lagosians relating to land use.

    “In 2018, there was an increase in Land Use Charge rate as well as the method of valuation of properties, this shock had a sporadic increase in Land Use Charge payable by property owners.

    “In view of the aforementioned, the current administration decided to review the Land Use Charge law by reversing the rate of Land Use Charge to pre-2018 while upholding the 2018 method of valuation,” Sanwo-Olu said, in a statement by his Commissioner for Finance, Rabiu Olowo.

    With this development, the state government said penalties for Land Use Charge for Year 2017, 2018 and 2019 have also been waived.

    “This translates to N5,752,168,411.03 potential revenue waived by the state.
    In additional to the re- introduction of the 15 per cent early payment discount, an additional COVID-19 incentive of 10 per cent will be granted on the total amount payable. This makes the total discount for early payment 25 per cent if payment is made before due date.

    “The penalty for obstruction of officials and damage to property identification plague has been reduced from N250,000 to N100,000.

    “The penalty for inciting a person to refuse to pay LUC has been reduced from N250,000 to N100,000.

    “The 2020 LUC Law introduced a 10 per cent and 20 per cent special relief for vacant properties and open empty land, respectively,” the statement added.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Gov. Sanwo-Olu commissions first indigenous medical face mask factory in Lagos

    Gov. Sanwo-Olu commissions first indigenous medical face mask factory in Lagos

    The first indigenous medically graded face mask manufacturing company has opened in Lagos State.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, opened the O-Care Medical Face Mask factory in Odofin Park Estate, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the State, saying the development was timely.

    The factory is a subsidiary of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, a local manufacturer of medical equipment, such as respirator, ventilator, hand gloves and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

    The O-Care face mask is said to be the first certified medical face mask locally produced in Nigeria in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

    The Governor said the idea of setting up the factory was necessitated by the shortage of medically treated PPEs experienced in the wake of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He said he was personally elated by the development, in that the first indigenous face mask production factory was built in Lagos.

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    He said: “I am personally excited to attend this event, because Lagos is recording another first for a good cause. The establishment of the first indigenous factory producing certified medical face masks represents the can-do spirit of Nigerians. As a Government that supports fresh and progressive ideas, we will continue to celebrate and encourage good innovation.

    “Mr. Orakpor deserves commendation because he has not let the pandemic affect his investment drive in bringing about new business and products to fit our own environment. This is part of the narratives we are pushing as government. We can be the enabler for investors to set up businesses.

    “If wearing of face masks must be accepted as a new normal, we must be able to strategically domesticate solutions that can provide ready market for our people. The opening of the factory is a confirmation of what we stand for as a Government. We must be the catalyst to nurture ideas and support business.”

    The Governor disclosed that the State Government had started to work out modalities for the creation of economic zone for healthcare delivery to drive more investments to the sector.

    He said the Government was looking at a long-term loan facility for operators in the health sector to achieve local production of scarce medical equipment and materials.

    The Governor hailed the factory owner’s audacity and resilience in investing his capital for the production of medical face mask, which he described as the most sought after product in this period of public health crisis.

    To encourage the manufacturer, Sanwo-Olu procured 250,000 pieces of the O-Care face mask from the first production batch. He said the materials would be distributed to medical and emergency workers on the frontline.

    Managing Director of Transgreen Nigeria Limited, Mr. Cyprian Orakpo, said the idea of setting up the company was born out of the embarrassing situation the nation found itself with the absence of local manufacturers of medical face masks in the country.

    Orakpo said medical PPEs had become objects of national security, especially in the period when there is not curative vaccine to stop the spread of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that scarcity of the products could spell doom for the nation if there’s no local manufacturer.

    He said: “In this time when the use of medical face mask is highly recommended, we have risen to the occasion to fill the void in medically certified face mask production to contribute our quota in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and to promote health security in the country.”

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    The O-Care face mask is developed with three layers that offer substantial protection against dust, airborne viruses and bacteria. Its nose clip provides comfort for breathing and gives low respiratory resistance.

    An official of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Kola Jinadu, who represented the agency’s Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the company must be commended for the initiative, which he also described as “timely”.

    In showing appreciation to the Governor for his support, the owner of the factory donated 30,000 medical face masks to the State Government. Sanwo-Olu ordered that the face masks be donated to Secondary School pupils who will be taking their examination from next week.

    Photo:

     

  • Managing COVID-19 Patients: Cost from N100k to N1m daily – Lagos reaffirms 

    Managing COVID-19 Patients: Cost from N100k to N1m daily – Lagos reaffirms 

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Friday clarified various costs in managing different cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, re-admitting that the state government is spending between N100,000 and N1 million to manage infected people in isolation centres on daily basis.

    In an attempt to offer “clarification and correction” to areas that the Sanwo-Olu administration described as “insufficiently appreciated and incorrectly portrayed by some members of the press, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, explained that between N500,000 and N1,000,000 is being expended daily on not more than 200 out of 2,490 patients on admission at the intensive care units.

    In reference to a press conference addressed by Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, on July 23, Omotoso said it costs the state government approximately N100,000 per day for a non-complicated COVID-19 admission.

    “The Honourable Commissioner (for Health) gave an indication of the considerations factored into the costing of intensive care, including ventilation, dialysis, intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and other high and intensive care requirements, depending on the complications of the case.

    “He went on to estimate the cost of intensive care, which usually requires a longer period of admission, and may range between N500,000 to N1,000,000 per day.

    “Unfortunately, certain sections of the press chose to latch on to the figure of N1,000,000 and disregarded the painstaking context that had been provided by Prof. Abayomi. That figure was the upper end of a band and, just as importantly, it applied to no more than 200 out of 2,490 admissions, majority of whom recovered. That means the balance of 2,290 non complicated admissions each cost around N100,000 per day,” Omotoso readmitted.

    On the the perceived inefficiencies in testing and reporting protocols, Omotoso explained that the number of tests being conducted presently when compared to what the Sanwo-Olu administration did in the early stages of the pandemic has shown incredibly significant growth.

    “Alongside that has come certain challenges. We are not where we want to be, but it would be unfair not to acknowledge the tremendous progress that has been made by the state. With rapid growth has come glitches, which we recognise and are striving to overcome.

    “Refining and improving on our testing protocols is a process rather than an event and we recognise the challenges and are actively engaged in addressing them,” the commissioner noted.

    Read the full text of the statement below:

    “On Thursday July 23, 2020, Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi, addressed a press conference at which he spoke on several facets of the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the conference, he took questions.

    “It has become evident from the subsequent reporting of the Honourable Commissioner’s comments and answers that there are misunderstandings that require clarification and correction. This Press Release is intended to do so.

    “The areas that were insufficiently appreciated and incorrectly portrayed by some members of the press are:
    • the perceived inefficiencies in testing and reporting protocols: and
    • the cost of caring for patients in our isolation centres.

    “Testing protocols – The number of tests being conducted presently when compared to what we did in the early stages of the pandemic has shown incredibly significant growth.

    “Alongside that has come certain challenges. We are not where we want to be, but it would be unfair not to acknowledge the tremendous progress that has been made by the State. With rapid growth has come glitches, which we recognise and are striving to overcome.

    “Refining and improving on our testing protocols is a process rather than an event and we recognise the challenges and are actively engaged in addressing them.

    “Cost of Care –The Honourable Commissioner, in the interest of transparency, offered a window onto the economics of COVID-19 care and, regrettably, some Reporters misunderstood his comments. While we commend the role of the press in probing into the application of public funds, we look up to them to be balanced and accurate their reporting.

    “It is clear that N1,000,000 sounds more sensational than N100,000, but we must not allow sincerity to be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism. What the Honourable Commissioner sought to communicate was the range of symptom manifestations of the Corona virus – from mild and moderate to severe and critical. He explained that the cost of treating these manifestations vary, considerably. In summary, he said this about the cost of COVID-19 care:
    Every case is different and it is very difficult to calculate exactly how much managing a COVID-19 patient would cost, but what is clear to us is that when you add up the expenses of maintaining the facility, infrastructure, human resources, feeding and consumables, it costs the government approximately 100,000 naira per day for a non-complicated COVID-19 admission.
    Of the 13,835 positive cases identified in Lagos thus far, about 18% equivalent to 2,490 have been admitted into the State’s isolation centres. Of all these patients admitted – about 7% were severe and 1% was critical; that is 8% of total admissions.

    “The Honourable Commissioner gave an indication of the considerations factored into the costing of intensive care, including ventilation, dialysis, intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and other high and intensive care requirements, depending on the complications of the case. He went on to estimate the cost of intensive care, which usually requires a longer period of admission, and may range between N500,000 to N1,000,000 per day.

    “Unfortunately, certain sections of the press chose to latch on to the figure of N1,000,000 and disregarded the painstaking context that had been provided by Prof. Abayomi. That figure was the upper end of a band and, just as importantly, it applied to no more than 200 out of 2,490 admissions, majority of whom recovered. That means the balance of 2,290 non complicated admissions each cost around N100,000 per day.

    “The Lagos State’s COVID-19 response cannot succeed without the active support and co-operation of the press and we continue to seek that support in the war against this Corona virus. We do not ask them to hide anything, but we do ask them to err on the side of full, fair and factual reporting.

    “Together we shall defeat this virus!

    By Idowu Sowunmi

  • COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu explains N1m daily per patient

    COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu explains N1m daily per patient

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Thursday explained how it’s spending between N100,000 and N1 million daily on each of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) patient in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu, speaking through his Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, at a media briefing, disclosed that for mild and moderate cases, Lagos State Government spends averagely about N100,000 daily.

    He added that it costs the Sanwo-Olu administration between N500,000 and N1 million to manage a patient with a serious case.

    While the commissioner explained that it would be extremely difficult to calculate the exact amount expends on each COVID-19 patient by the Sanwo-Olu administration to manage the deadly virus, he noted that what he provided was a rough estimate.

    He said the estimated cost factored in treatment, cost of feeding, accommodation and the services provided by the healthcare givers, among others.

    Meanwhile, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has disclosed that it would disburse N100 million each to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to boost their response against COVID-19.

    This was disclosed on Thursday by the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, during the briefing by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

    The minister explained that the funds would be made available to the states through the Regional Diseases Surveillance Enhancement (REDISSE) Project, saying REDISSE Project was initiated by the World Bank to cover all countries in the ECOWAS sub-region as a consequence of the 2014‒2015 West Africa Ebola crisis.

    Lagos State Government also revealed that about 2,036 COVID-19 patients have not been picked from the community in the last two weeks, due to preference for home treatment, logistic issues, wrong information provided in their forms and inability to reach such patients because their phones were switched off.

    The Sanwo-Olu administration has also reiterated that the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for COVID-19 testing in Lagos remains illegal until the state could validate that the kits actually work.

    Abayomi explained that RDT kits have a very high risk of giving false positive or negative results which could be traumatising for citizens.

    “In the event that a false-positive result is given, a potentially negative person will be subjected to trauma, isolation and treatment like a positive patient. And in the event that a false negative is given, a potentially positive person is allowed to continue to roam freely in the community regardless of his positive status and as a result, the use of RDT kits is illegal until Lagos State can validate RDT kits that actually work,” the commissioner said.

    He explained that the Sanwo-Olu administration had considered the use of RDT kits as part of the strategies to expand its testing capacity, but noted, however, that none of RDT kits submitted for validation passed the required test.

    “In order to expand our testing capacity, we considered the use of RDT kits and to facilitate the quick validation of the RDT kits and reduce the barrier of entry for proposed manufacturers and suppliers of RDT kits, Mr. Governor paid the validation fees for the RDT kits.

    “However, upon review of several RDT kits that were submitted for validation, we can report that none of the RDT kits passed the validation exercise,” Abayomi disclosed.

    While noting that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not declared any RDT kit useful for public use, Abayomi added that it’s also illegal for private health facilities to test or manage COVID-19 cases without proper accreditation and validation by the regulatory authorities.

    “It has come to our attention that several laboratories and health facilities are testing and managing COVID patients without proper accreditation and validation by the regulatory authorities. Two laboratories were sealed as a result of this. We will continue to closely monitor all facilities that partake in these illegal activities and endanger the lives of all residents of Lagos State and instigate punitive measures to ensure they desist from such activities,” the commissioner said.

    Disclosing that only seven private laboratories were already accredited by the Sanwo-Olu administration, he maintained that the second phase of accreditation and validation of laboratories would be conducted when the demand arises.

    Abayomi added that Lagos State Government has also only accredited three private facilities and is currently in the process of accrediting more, including general practitioners and small clinics, that are interested in partaking in the soon to be launched community-based and home-based care programme.

    “It is important to reiterate that the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency and Lagos State Government has adopted a central planning approach to managing its response,” he noted.

    Assuring that plans are in top gear by the Sanwo-Olu administration to scale up sample collection at the 20 local government areas to include the 37 local council development areas in order to improve the efficiency of sample collection in the community, Abayomi disclosed that residents would have access to free oxygen therapy at some of the centres, if required, while arrangements would be made to transfer such a person to a COVID-19 centre.

    Abayomi hinted that Lagos State Government would in the next couple of days transition to the next phase of the COVID-19 response, which he referred to as the community-based care.

    “Under the community-based care arrangement, we provide the opportunity for mild-to-moderate cases being managed and isolated at home in situations where this is allowed.

    “However, our critical-to-severe cases will be continually managed in our COVID-19 isolation centres, where they will have the opportunity of the best treatment available,” the commissioner assured.

    Stating that a date for the commencement of home-based care would be formally announced soon, Abayomi observed that vulnerable, elderly and severe-to-critically ill patients would be managed at the isolation centres to ensure that they receive the best possible care available.

    Giving epidemiology statistics on COVID-19 cases in Lagos State, the commissioner said over 56,276 COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far, while the total number of positive cases stands at 13,543, pointing out that of the 2,476 COVID-19 patients admitted so far, 2,075 have been discharged to reunite with society after recovery.

    Abayomi added that no fewer than 9,066 confirmed COVID-19 cases monitored in the communities by the COVID-19 Lagos response teams have either recovered or are positively responding to treatments, noting that 192 COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded in Lagos.

    He disclosed that Eti-Osa Local Government has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases with Eti-Osa, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikeja and Oshodi accounting for 60 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases in Lagos State.

    By Idowu Sowunmi