The Chairman, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Adebayo Aderiye, has called on all residents to continue adherence to standard safety measures, as part of efforts towards containing the COVID-19 pandemic across the State.

Dr. Aderiye, who made the call at the commissioning ceremony of biomedical equipment donated by the National Lottery Trust Fund to the Onikan Health Centre, Lagos Island, emphasised the need to fully comply with all stipulated health guidelines aimed at effectively curbing the ravaging pandemic in Lagos.

He said, “The recent slight decline in the number of COVID-19 cases across the State does not in any way indicate that we should let down our guard. Except an effective vaccine has been developed in curbing its spread like small-pox, flu and polio, it is still a deadly disease. We must also accept that it has come to stay, hence, we must do everything possible to protect ourselves from the terrible pandemic”.

While acknowledging the supportive roles of the government, corporate bodies and individuals in ensuring quality healthcare delivery across the State General Hospitals, the Chairman sought the judicious use of the medical equipment by all health workers in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

“We are here today to commission vital equipment such as defrillbillators, resuscitators, microscopes, incubators and blood banks, amongst others, which were donated by the National Lottery Trust Fund to the Onikan Health Centre, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to support the State government in its battle against the Coronavirus pandemic in Lagos State”, Aderiye stated.

He, however, implored all medical personnel and healthcare providers to ensure proper maintenance of the donated equipment, just as he enjoined other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the laudable gesture and support the Lagos State Government in its concerted efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier in his address, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Festus Dawodu, thanked the National Lottery Trust Fund for the donated items, noting that such a laudable act should be emulated by other kind-hearted Nigerians and organisations.

While reiterating the need to put the equipment to judicious use, the Minister appealed to all operators in the lottery industry to ensure prompt payment of necessary fees from the business to the governments in line with extant lottery laws in the State and Country.

The event also had in attendance, members of the Lagos State Health Service Commission including Dr. Monsurat Oyekan, Dr. Tokunbo Oluwole, Pharmacist Seun Oshikoya and Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Segun Ogboye, as well as the host/Medical Director, Dr. Biyi Kuffo together with members of the National Lottery Trust Fund.