Nation

Stakeholders Task Guber Candidates On Healthcare

Published

2 years ago

January 16, 2023

As parts of efforts to reposition the Lagos State health sector, the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), in collaboration with the UHC 2023 Forum, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the Media, have appealed to governorship candidates to prioritise healthcare in their development agenda.
The appeal was made at a one-day advocacy stakeholder’s forum with all the gubernatorial candidates, sequel to recent happenings within the sector.
The forum sought to deepen the understanding of the political class and other stakeholders on the health security gaps and acquaint them with available strategic policy options for strengthening health policy and financing options.
The forum, which also encouraged the candidates to prioritise health security in their development agenda, obtained signed commitments from them towards enhanced prioritisation of the sector in government’s spending.
In his opening remarks, the LISDEL Project Director, Prevent Epidermics Project, Dr. Gafar Alawode, noted that in charting a course of action for translating the candidates’ commitments into actions and engendering accountability for the fulfillment of their commitments, any turnaround in policy has to be backed by the political class, else it dies on arrival.
Chairman, NMA, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, lamented that healthcare workers are under threat in Lagos, as their members were being harassed, maimed and even killed regularly.
”It saddens me to say that we lost 1,800 doctors to the UK and other countries as at last month.
“This has crossed alarming levels now and we need to ask how these candidates would ensure healthcare workers remain in the country, earn fair pay and better working conditions.
“The brain drain is alarming, skilled workers are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures and it’s worrying”, he said.
Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LASCOP) Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Ayo Adebusoye, on his part said since the state has the largest concentration of private sector, there is no reason that health financing cannot work.
The Secretary, NMA, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Ismail Ajibowo, in setting the objectives of the forum, urged the candidates to divulge their plans for the healthcare delivery system in Lagos, how they intend to realise it, and sign a pledge to be held accountable when they assume office later this year.
Chairman, Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Makinde Akinlemibola, who spoke on “Lagos State Health Sector Reform: Challenges and Prospects,” revealed that over 50 percent of their members have left the country with more on their way out and not because of remuneration alone.

“The system is broken and needs urgent reform. We need to retain our health workers still left here and treat them better.

“Over 70 percent of Nigerians still use private healthcare and we’re doing the best we can without government support of any kind.

“Health is a social capital and government alone cannot fund the healthcare sector but it still can’t be totally commercialized.

“To this end, we need to put in place policies and laws that will bring funds into the sector. Government needs to be more proactive.

“Some of the laws we have presently in this sector, including the health reform laws, were made without the input of private practitioners and they affect us negatively.

“Also, health workers are not well protected within the law. Health workers need improved remuneration, better working conditions and full medical insurance to enable them put in their best”, Akinlemibola stated.

Presenting a paper on Lagos state healthcare reform: challenges and prospects, Chairman, Medical Guild, Dr SF Ahmad, said while the prospects are promising and bright, the reforms and law still has challenges including financing, human resource management, health facilities regulation

Nation

NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.

The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.

In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.

The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.

They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.

The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.

“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.

The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.

“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.

The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.

“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.

The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.

“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.

Nation

New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation

Published

1 week ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.

Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.

He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.

“We are committed to transparency.

My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.

“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”

“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.

“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.

“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.

“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.

“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.

“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated

CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.

Akujobi amadi

Nation

Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection

Published

1 week ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.

“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”

“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”

“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”

“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”

Akujobi Amadi