Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that the State Government is currently working on developing an Infectious Disease Research Centre to enable Nigerian researchers develop vaccines in response to future epidemic as well as making medical provisions readily available for the citizens.
The Governor disclosed this at the commemoration of this year’s World Day for Safety tagged: “Anticipate, Prepare and Respond to Crisis- Invest Now in Resilient”
He said that the State is currently investing significantly in the health sector in order to be able to respond to any case of future health emergencies.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, stated that the leading role of the State towards developing capacity within its health infrastructure against the Ebola-virus set the foundation for the structures to deal responsively with the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, “The experience we had in curtailing the Ebola virus in Lagos provided us with the knowledge to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic”.
“We were able to quickly activate the system that was in place and build upon it to match the various dimensions that the pandemic presented,” he added.
While assuring that the government will continue to work tirelessly to make the State safe and secure for the residents, Sanwo-Olu said that his government is now more resolute and committed to developing a more efficient and responsive health system capable of dealing with any future pandemic.
“In Lagos, we have put in place strategies and initiatives to ensure the delivery of safety measures ahead of whatever crisis we might be confronted with in any sector of the economy,” he noted.
The Governor applauded the Lagos State Safety Commission for ensuring strict adherence to all COVID-19 safety protocols.
In his keynote address, the Director General/CEO, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, said that the hazards of work related accidents and illness, which are caused by unsafe conditions acts and practices, necessitate the need for countries to deliberately put health and safety systems in place to change the narrative.
He assured that the Commission will keep spreading the message of safety, adding that “it is only a safer Lagos that can guarantee the attainment of a Greater Lagos.”
Amaka Obijeaka
