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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu declares free medicare for maternity, emergency cases

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos government will pay maternity bills and the cost of treating emergency patients in the state hospitals.

    He made this known on Saturday at Lagos House, Marina, while giving newsmen an update on the COVID-19 lockdown in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the state government would bankroll the medicare costs to cushion the effects of the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

    ”As additional ameliorating measure to complement the welfare packages previously announced, the Lagos State Government will, for the duration of the restriction on movement, take full responsibility for the medical bills of all patients at all Lagos State-owned secondary healthcare facilities.

    ”The patients to benefit are those that fall in the following category of Emergency/Casualty cases, including registration, laboratory tests, surgeries, and drugs.

    ”The patients that fall in the category of Maternity Cases, include normal delivery and Caesarean Sections (CS).

    ”What this means is that, at this time, patients with the above-listed conditions will not need to make any payments to access treatment and care at all our 27 General Hospitals across the state,” he said.

    The governor commended law-abiding residents of the state and urged them to keep being responsible by obeying all the directives issued by the health experts.

    He said that these directives included practicing social distancing, shunning large gatherings, covering the mouths when coughing or sneezing, self-isolation and contacting a doctor if feeling unwell.

    Sanwo-Olu reprimanded those who insisted on flouting the safety directives and guidelines.

    ”To those who seek to take undue advantage of their fellow Lagosians at this time, and all those whose aim is to undermine the efforts of the various health authorities responsible for keeping us safe, let this strong warning go out.

    ”The strong arms of the law will catch up with you sooner than later, and you will be brought to justice swiftly and comprehensively,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the government would not hesitate to prosecute anyone flouting the directives of the lockdown.

    He said the authorities had already impounded over 400 commercial buses for flouting the order.

  • COVID-19: Lagos announces test results of Sanwo-Olu, Wife, Children, others

    COVID-19: Lagos announces test results of Sanwo-Olu, Wife, Children, others

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Ibijoke and other members of his immediate family have tested negative for Coronavirus.

    There have been fears that Sanwo-Olu needed to undertake Coronavirus test as he was among the governors who were in a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari in Abuja.

    Kyari tested positive for Coronavirus recently, sending fear and panic among governors who had contact with him.

    Asides Sanwo-Olu and his immediate family members who tested negative, all his aides have also tested negative for the virus.

    Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this on his twitter handle in the early hours of Friday.

    “COVID-19 Lagos Update: I am happy to announce that COVID-19 Lagos Incident Commander, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the first Lady of Lagos, Joke Sanwo-Olu and their immediate family members as well as aides have all tested negative to COVID-19.

    :We thank Lagos residents for their concern and support. We urge all to maintain social distancing. Together we can defeat COVID-19. Please stay safe,” he tweeted.

  • BREAKING: 11 more COVID-19 patients recover, discharged – Sanwo-Olu

    BREAKING: 11 more COVID-19 patients recover, discharged – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the recovery and discharge of 11 more patients from the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, after testing negative twice.

    The patients comprise nine males and two females, making the number of those who have recovered to 18.

    According to the governor, “I am happy to break to you, my good people of Lagos, the news of the release today of 11 more patients from our facility in Yaba. They have fully recovered and have tested negative to #COVID19 and have been allowed to return home to their families.

    “The patients include two females and nine males. Their results came out negative in two rounds of tests. I want to use this opportunity to, once again, thank our frontline health workers and other professionals for their service. “Let me reiterate that this is not the time to relax, but to maintain our vigilance because of the community infection that we are beginning to see. I assure you that at the end, we will hoist a flag of victory – with your cooperation and by the grace of the Almighty.

  • Lagos COVID-19 Lockdown: Sanwo-Olu appraises compliance on day one, appeals for more understanding

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appraised the compliance level of Lagosians on the presidential ‘stay-at-home’ order in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement to review the first day of lockdown in the state, said the enemies of Lagosians were those who refused to observe the lockdown order.

    “It is on this note that I would like to warn those who may wish to breach the restriction that their action is against the Public Health interest of all Lagosians,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu commended Lagosians for keeping to the presidential directive.

    “I would like to note the high level of our people’s compliance with this presidential directive. It has shown that we realise the enormity of the challenge that we are facing and the choice that we have made – fighting to stave off a massive attack of COVID-19 and staying alive to reclaim our life that has been disrupted by this unseen enemy.

    “The restriction, I would like to remind us, is to contain the community spreading of this disease by enlisting everybody in the fight and ensuring that many more do not contract it.

    “On the medical front, I have been informed that all our COVID 19 patients are stable. Five of them were discharged on Monday and – by the grace of The Almighty- more will soon be out of hospital. Our medical staff – exceptional men and women all – are doing their all to ensure that the patients do well, regain their health and return home to their families. We will be doing a lot to encourage them and lighten their burden by staying indoors,” he said.

    He said only those rendering essential services, who must be well identified; were allowed to go out when necessary.

    According to him, “Our Welfare Package remains on course. As I have often said, those at the bottom of the economic ladder, the underprivileged and the most vulnerable among us, will not be left to fend for themselves at this difficult time, Our Relief Package, which is to reach about 200,000 households in the first instance, has continued.

    “Parts of the following local governments are being covered: Amuwo Odofin, Epe, Ikeja, Badagry, Ibeju – Lekki, Agege,Oshodi-Isolo, Apapa and Lagos Mainland. Others will soon be reached. May I seize this opportunity to thank those worthy Lagosians, who have demonstrated the true spirit of “A Greater Lagos” by coming forward to help at this time.

    “I salute our law enforcement agents who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the presidential directive is enforced. I enjoin them to continue in that spirit. They should be firm but courteous in discharging their responsibilities.

    “Again, I have no doubt that if we continue to fight in unity, COVID-19 will be defeated and we will come out victorious as we always do,” he said.

  • COVID-19: I wish El-Rufai, Makinde, Mohammed speedy recovery – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Bajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent words of encouragement to his colleagues from Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai, Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi respectively.

    Sanwo-Olu in a tweet on Monday wished the three governors speedy recovery after being hit by the coronavirus.

    According to him, the governors play a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19 in their respective states and the country.

    “I wish H.E Gov @elrufai, H.E Gov Bala Mohammed and H.E Gov @seyiamakinde who tested positive for #COVID19, a speedy and safe recovery.

    READ ALSO: Curbing Spread Of COVID-19 Is A Joint Effort, Says Osinbajo

    “As leaders and co-visionaries in building Nigeria, they play critical roles and we hope to continue to benefit from their insight and leadership,” he said.

    Governor Mohammed had on May 24 announced through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, that he tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    Gidado explained that the Bauchi governor was infected after having contact with the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, confirmed to have also been hit by the virus.

    Four days after, Governor El-Rufai announced via his verified Twitter handle of testing positive for COVID-19.

    “Earlier this week, I submitted a sample for the COVID-19 test. The result came in this evening, and I regret to say that it is positive,” the governor said.

    Similarly, Governor Makinde announced on March 30 that he has tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation.

    “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result,” he tweeted. “It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.”

  • COVID-19: Sanwo orders enforcement of dusk to dawn curfew from tomorrow

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Lagos starting from Sunday to allow the state to carry out a comprehensive disinfection of the metropolis.

    He also said the state would close the domestic airport.

    He said, “I am hereby directing a statewide curfew from 8pm to 6am, starting from Sunday until further notice. This is to enable us to carry out comprehensive disinfection of the Lagos Metropolis.

    “I am pleased to note that we have taken possession of over 200 disinfecting machines, and starting today, we will be disinfecting all major highways, bus stops, markets, parks, and other public areas.

    “With effect from Sunday, we will be closing the domestic airport in Lagos, the General Aviation Terminal and the MM2. All movements in and out of Lagos through the two domestic terminals will, therefore, be suspended from Sunday for two weeks in the first instance. The only exceptions will be flights carrying essential supplies and those on emergency operations.”

    He further said travelling in and out of Lagos would be restricted by Sunday, adding that all inter-state motor parks should shut down for two weeks.

    The governor has also signed into law the Emergency Coronavirus Pandemic Bill 2020 passed by the House of Assembly.

    The law empowers the governor to punish violators of the shutdown order policy.

  • BREAKING: Lagos may shutdown totally soon if… – Sanwo-Olu

    BREAKING: Lagos may shutdown totally soon if… – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday evening said the total shutdown of the state over outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus is imminent.

    He said once the state recorded a certain number of positive coronavirus cases, Lagos would be totally shutdown in a bid to save lives.

    The governor, at a live broadcast at the State House, Marina, to give update of the disease, said so far, Lagos had recorded 44 confirmed cases so far, while three people had been discharged.

    Details later…

  • COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu rolls out economic stimulus for residents

    Few days after the Lagos State Government issued a stay-at-home directive to residents, in order to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled economic stimulus package for the indigent and the most vulnerable in the society.

    The stimulus, which comes in food packs, to be distributed to every local government in the State is aimed at cushioning the effect of the fourteen days stay-at-home directive.

    Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment of one of the State-owned food banks, located inside the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Agege, Sanwo-Olu said the economic stimulus will reduce the burden of the temporary economic downturn on the citizens caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

    The Governor said the food packs, which were put together by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will reach the most vulnerable communities and households across Lagos, saying that the indigents who rely on daily wages will be given priority.

    He said: ‘‘We are here for an on-the-spot assessment, of our readiness, to see how we can fast track some of our stimulus package for our citizens. We are all aware that this is a trying time for our citizens and since the partial drop in economic activities, our government deemed it necessary to reach out to the vulnerable ones in the society. These people are those that fall below the pyramid, the aged and the physically challenged who need to move from one part of the city to another for them to have a living. We felt that as a government, the least we can do is to identify them and give them these stimulus packages immediately.’’

    The Governor stated that the package will touch at least 200,000 thousand households in the first phase, saying the food packs are produced for a size of six people per household and would last for at least fourteen days.

    “We have packaged dry food stimulus for about two hundred thousand families in the first instance for a household of husband, wife and about four children. We would be giving bags of rice, bags of beans, garri, bread, dry pepper and we are trying to see if we can add water and some elements of vitamin C. Each ration, we believe is going to be able to last them at least minimum 14 days just so our advocacy around stay at home, stay with your loved ones will be respected.

    “This is a catalytic initiative of our administration with the hope that well-meaning corporate organisations and private individuals can step up to complement the efforts of the government’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

    The Commissioner of Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal earlier said the Government would be working with the existing database of the state – using the Lagos State Social register and 4000 community development association register in 377 wards.

    He said the economic stimulus is part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s initiatives tailored towards ensuring that food security is sustained in Lagos.

  • Markets closure: Lagos not on lockdown over Coronavirus – Sanwo-Olu

    Markets closure: Lagos not on lockdown over Coronavirus – Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday denied reports the state was on lockdown following the closure of some markets and stores to curtail the spread of coronavirus as announced on Tuesday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Security, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the impression created by such reports is erroneous.

    “Lagos is not on lockdown despite the stringent measures introduced by the government,” he said.

    “Mr. Governor, who is the Incident Commander, only urged private sector establishments to introduce measures that will support the government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu suggested that banks should enhance their online banking services to enable their customers have transactions without visiting banking halls.

    “All markets that are not selling food, pharmaceutical products, water, medical equipment and other essential materials are to close down,” he stressed.

    According to him, workers providing essential services such as Fire Service, Emergency, health, water, telecommunication, security, media and others are exempted from the directive.

    He said the initiatives being introduced by the government were to prevent any situation where more than 25 persons will gather in the same place at any time.

    “The Sanwo-Olu Administration is concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hence it is adopting measures to keep residents safe.

    “The government will continue to appraise the situation, consult various stakeholders and make further announcements to check the spread of this lethal disease.

    “Residents should observe simple hygiene measures, such as washing hands with soap and water, covering mouth while sneezing or coughing and consulting a doctor when feeling ill. Anyone feeling unwell should stay indoors,” Omotoso said.

    He urged residents to remain observant, prayerful and report all suspected cases of COVID-19 through the emergency hotlines – 08000CORONA, 08023169485, 08033535529, 08052817243.

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu orders closure of Lagos markets

    The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the closure of all markets not selling essential commodities such as medical equipment, water, foodstuff with effect from Thursday.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known in a live press conference on Tuesday.

    According to him: “It is not a total lockdown, we still want people on essential services to go about their normal activities.

    “We are trying to de-centralise markets in Lagos. This is why we want to use some of our closed schools as markets, so people can buy food and medicine without going a long distance.

    “It is only when you are alive that you can talk about economics and finance.”