Health

LASWARCO To Represent Nigeria At 7th International Water Regulators Forum

Published

1 year ago

September 6, 2022

LASWARCO To Represent Nigeria At 7th International Water Regulators Forum

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has been invited to represent Nigeria at the 7^th International Water Regulators Forum (IWRF) slated to hold in Copenhagen, Denmark from September 14 to 15, 2022.

According to the schedule of proceedings at the forum, the Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju is to set the scene as Chair of the first session with the theme: “Except in cases of force majeure: The impact of environmental and social disruptions on economic regulation. Who should bear the costs of incremental risk?”

Discussants at the session are Vera Eiro, President of the Board of Water and Waste Water Services Regulation Authority, Portugal who is to speak on: “Drought as a force majeure event in concession agreements: The role of the regulator”; and Gabor Kisvardai, Head of Secretariat at Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Authority, who is listed to speak on: “How to be certain in an uncertain environment? – The Hungarian regulatory experience.”

The IWRF is the international meeting of the global network of regulators under the auspices of the International Water Association (IWA) which has the vision to ensure that water is wisely, sustainably, and equitably managed.

In a statement, Adepoju said LASWARCO was delighted to represent Nigeria at the forum which is a gathering of high-level representatives of regulatory authorities and officials of agencies with regulatory and supervisory functions over the provision of water, sanitation, and water management services.

“For us at LASWARCO, we welcome this invitation and it is clearly a testament to the fact that the world is noticing the regulatory reforms being championed in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in line with the THEMES Agenda to transform the water regulatory landscape.

“The fact remains that regulation is sacrosanct towards ensuring equitable access to water, safeguarding the health of residents, and protecting the environment. This point came to the fore at the recently concluded 3rd Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC 2022) approved by Mr. Governor through which extensive deliberations were made on the centrality of regulation in unlocking investments and sustainable access to clean water and sanitation services.

“Without doubt, the lessons at the IWRF will further help to accentuate regulatory initiatives that will result in better outcomes in favour of the people,” Adepoju said.

The 7^th IWRF is a key feature of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition 2022, and the theme this year is: “Regulating Water Services in Times of Increasing Natural, Social and Economic Uncertainty.”

Related Topics:#cleanwater #lagosstate #laswarco #water #waterregulatorsforum #waterregulatory

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Health

Sanwo-Olu’s Medical Palliative Excites Lagos Pregnant Women

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Sanwo-Olu's Medical Palliative Excites Lagos Pregnant Women

By Gboyega Akosile

“My husband did not want me admitted initially because of the cost. But we were told the care is completely free. We didn’t believe it until I started getting treatment without anyone asking us to pay a dime,” were the words of a 37-year-old expectant mother, Omowunmi Odeyemi, to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State when he paid a surprise visit to Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos Island on Sunday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who had earlier rolled out a health palliative, along with other relief measures such as 50% reduction in the cost of public transportation, to cushion the hardship being experienced by residents as a result of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, paid an unannounced visit to the hospital on Sunday night. The governor’s health palliative covers the cost of normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean section and antenatal care in state-owned hospitals.

In Sanwo-Olu’s words during the surprise visit, “I need to see things for myself to know where our intervention is specifically and generally needed”.

The story of Odeyemi, which is that of one out of a thousand pregnant women in Lagos, is that of a lost hope renewed by Governor Sanwo-Olu. The lost hope of the pregnant woman and her husband was rekindled by the Governor’s timely intervention, her narration revealed.

Weeks ahead of Odeyemi’s scheduled delivery, the expectant mother was compelled to take admissions due to her unstable blood pressure — the condition that led to two previous miscarriages. However, footing the hospital bill became the stumbling block as the expectant mother and her husband could not afford to pay the bills for a prolonged admission at the hospital.

The fear and uncertainty of the couple were erased by the news that Governor Sanwo-Olu, under the health palliative scheme, had covered the medical expenses of all pregnant women using state-owned hospitals.

Resting their hopes on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s health palliative, Lagosians will never need to break the bank for normal pregnancy deliveries, Caesarean sections, and antenatal care.

A beneficiary of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s free antenatal and caesarean section at the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Yemisi Agboola could not curtail her joy as he thanked the Governor for the palliative in the health sector, which made her enjoy free medical care at the hospital.

Agboola, the mother of a healthy set of twin babies said, “I did my antenatal here and I delivered through Caesarean section and I was informed that the Lagos State Government had settled my bills. I want to use this medium to appreciate the Lagos State Governor for this initiative and I pray that God bless him and God bless Lagos State.”

Another beneficiary, Motunrayo, said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s palliative took away the financial burden that would have been on her.

Her words, “I am a beneficiary of what the Lagos State Government has done. I had my baby through Caesarean section on Monday and I am so grateful and very joyous when I found out that it has already been paid for. I want to thank the government and the medical practitioners here; they were so helpful. It is soothing that the financial burden has been taken off by the government.”

Suliat Adeniji, who was all smiles and radiated the joy of motherhood, started her antenatal in March 2023 at Ayinke Hospital, Ikeja, but was transferred to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital to continue her journey to motherhood.

Adeniji, who was visibly happy, while speaking on the good gesture of Governor Sanwo-Olu, expressed the shock she got when she was notified that her medical bills had been settled by the Lagos State Government.

Narrating her experience, she said, “A few weeks ago, I had an issue with my blood pressure – it was dwindling. So, I had to rush down there. There was a strike but they said they would attend to me because I was a booked patient there. They have started the treatment but it (keeps) going up and down so my Consultant said they had to deliver the baby for it not to affect both mother and child.

“I was brought to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital. When we got here, we approached the Finance Department to pay for the services but they declined and started the necessary treatment. On behalf of my family, I thank the Lagos State Government, Governor Sanwo-Olu and the hospital management for the gesture. We really appreciate it.”

Akosile is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Health

Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation Raise Awareness, Support For Parkinson’s Disease

Published

2 months ago

August 10, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation Raise Awareness, Support For Parkinson's Disease.

#MOVE4PD AWARENESS WALK FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Rashidat Olushola Okunlade

“#MOVE4PD”, an Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease, was organized by the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation on Saturday, 5^th August 2023.

Participants from diverse backgrounds braved the wet weather to raise awareness and support for those aﬀected by Parkinson’s Disease.

In spite of the rain, many people gathered from 8:00 am in sporty attire, displaying unwavering enthusiasm. The walk started at the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Centre in Alaka Estate, Surulere; continuing through the Estate onto Western Avenue and ending at the Teslim Balogun Stadium also in Surulere. Participants demonstrated options of movement – walking, dancing, and boxing. We saw commitment to the cause in unique ways, the goal being to raise awareness, combat stigma, and improve access to healthcare for Parkinson’s patients in Nigeria.

Mrs. Morin Desalu, Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrated people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, hailing the dedication and solidarity displayed during the event. John Akinola, Senior Programs Manager, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response by about three hundred people and the movement it has sparked.

After the Walk, all gathered on the Volleyball pitch of the Teslim Balogun Stadium to participate in a lively yet powerful learning session, when people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers shared their real-life experiences. The Lagos State Sports Commission played host at The Teslim Balogun Stadium and various corporates, including FanMilk Plc, Pfizer, Reliance HMO, Lifeline Children’s Hospital contributed to the success of #MOVE4PD by sending teams of walkers. Not to be left out, there were NGOs like Bring Back Our Language (BBOL) and Parkinson’s Africa.

Left-Right: Mother to Omotola Thomas, Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Warrior and Founder of Parkinson’s Africa, Mrs. Okupe; Chair, Board of Trustees, Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), Mrs. Morin Desalu; and Chair, Governing Board, ADPF, Mr. Offong Ambah, at the #MOVE4PD Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease which held on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Left-Right: Caregiver to a person living with Parkinson’s disease, Mrs. Agunbiade; A person living with Parkinson’s disease, Mrs. Deborah Ifeanyi; Chair, Board of Trustees, Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, Mrs. Morin Desalu; CEO TreeWater Retreats Ltd, Mrs. Julia Jacks at the #MOVE4PD Awareness Walk for Parkinson’s Disease which held on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Families who have nursed patients with Parkinson’s disease were kind enough to share their stories and, as bequeathals, there were teams representing these families. The Omotola Thomas Team was present to celebrate her continuous walk with Parkinson’s disease as a Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) warrior. The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Team celebrated the journey of Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs (1930 – 2018), led by their matriarch, Lady Seinye Lulu-Briggs. The Mobolaji Johnson Team celebrated the journey of the foundation Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (1936-2019). The Wuraola Ogunyemi Team celebrated the life of Dr. Mrs. Wuraola Ogunyemi (1928-2015); and finally, the Adewunmi Desalu Team celebrated the inspiration behind the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu (1943- 2019), especially in this year that would have been his 80^th birthday.

The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides care, support, and resources to those impacted by Parkinson’s disease by driving advocacy and increasing access to healthcare options for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. The fight against Parkinson’s disease in Nigeria is fresh but fosters hope and collective determination.

Health

Wema Bank Commemorate World Malaria Day 2023, Collaborates With Karis And Eleos Hope Foundation

Published

5 months ago

May 3, 2023

Business Echo Magazine

By Moninuola Sulaiman

The World Health Organization reports that the highest incidents of malaria outbreaks and deaths are recorded in Africa with over 234 million cases and more than 593,000 deaths in 2021 alone.

The report further states that nearly 80% of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2021 were among children under the age of 5. This has led to heightened awareness and advocacy for malaria prevention, treatment, and care across the continent.

In line with one of their core Corporate Social Investment pillars – Health, Wema Bank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, partnered with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation for the World Malaria Day 2023 commemoration.

The event took place on Tuesday, 25th April 2023, at Idi Araba Community, Oworoshoki with over 500 beneficiaries within the community impacted. The residents were enlightened on the importance of good personal and environmental hygiene for malaria prevention as well as appropriate treatment measures.

The Bank donated free insecticide-treated mosquito nets to the community with the provision of free medical check-up facilities and waste disposal bags by Karis & Eleos Hope Foundation and LAWMA respectively.

The residents were also engaged in a financial literacy session by representatives of the Bank for their economic empowerment, development, and growth.

Speaking about the event, Abimbola Agbejule, Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to providing meaningful solutions for societal impact through community-centered initiatives amongst others.

In her words, “We are delighted to partner with Karis and Eleos Hope Foundation to celebrate World Malaria Day 2023. It is an opportunity for us to create awareness about the importance of malaria prevention with the aim of reducing malaria cases and deaths in our communities. As a Bank, we are committed to promoting initiatives that enhance the well-being of Nigerians.”

The event was a great success; the Baale of the Idi Araba Community, Alakoso Oriyomi Akeem Bashir, and the residents expressed their appreciation to the Bank for the mosquito net donations and knowledge imparted at the event.