Tag Archives: Lagos State Government

LAGOS LAUNCHES FRANCHISE FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR MSMES ~Ajasa-Info

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As part of efforts to upscale the growth of entrepreneurship in the state, the Lagos State Government has concluded plans to launch a franchise framework development initiative for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, the programme is designed towards expanding the frontiers of the local market, noting that the initiative evolved out of the need to strengthen the existing public-private business ecosystem with the aim of developing the sub-sector.

Her words: “Out of the need to strengthen the existing public-private business ecosystem with the aim of developing the sub-sector, Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, in partnership with Franchiser and Distributor Forum, will be launching an initiative tagged: ‘Franchising as an Investment Alternative in Lagos State: A Capacity Building for 300 Lagos MSMEs”.

She revealed that the programme is targeting MSMEs in the classic franchise domains including products manufacturing, services, food and drinks, health and wellness and other personal care services, professional services, investors/commercial banks, cooperative societies, media as well as other MSMEs and individuals within the value chains.

The Special Adviser stated that the pilot scheme which is designed to expose 300 MSMEs to the franchise business system will support these Lagos-based franchises to develop their unique franchise model and help them get investment-ready. There will also be a periodic financing forum for both franchisors and franchisees to help deepen opportunities to collaborate.

“Part of the plan is to identify 20 MSMEs with the strong potential of growing between five outlets in the first year and 10 in the next 30 months and then provide the structure and franchise growth support including various intellectual property registrations”, she revealed.

Hammond, who explained that the business model is crucial to job creation, economic diversification, creativity and income redistribution, stated that the State has shown tremendous interest in helping SMEs get access to affordable financial and other institutional support they need to create wealth and employment for the youth.

She said: “Lagos being the hub of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the West Coast, with a concentration of 3,224,324 micro operators and over 11, 663 SMEs operators will benefit from this business model as part of efforts towards building an inclusive economy”.

Remarking that there is a need for a fair platform for partnerships and linkages between operators and government agencies to discover innovations and opportunities that will boost the economy, she said the simplicity of franchising makes it a very good way to unleash the growth potential of MSMEs.

On the criteria for selection, the Special Adviser stated that aside from having been in operation for a period of 24 months with sound management prospects, the MSME must have the potential for attracting investors/franchisees with a progressive annual revenue, adding that they must also be based in Lagos and ready to expand around and beyond the state.

Mrs. Hammond pointed out that the initiative will enhance the rightful role of SMEs in wealth and job creation, poverty reduction and stimulation of growth of the domestic economy as this administration is committed to building a 21st-century economy.

She maintained that the initiative will offer a genuine path for wealth creation and scale-up business activities around MSMEs, stressing that the most critical factor in franchising is the discipline that must be learnt to successfully run franchises.

While encouraging entrepreneurs in the focused sectors to take advantage of the scheme, the Special Adviser revealed that interested organisations should apply via: http://www.lagosfranchisepilot.com/apply

Founder, FRANDIS Forum, Mr. Tayo Adelugbe remarked that the programme is designed to support the growth of MSME businesses in alignment with the government’s economic vision through a result-oriented and impact-driven franchise strategy.

He disclosed that the scheme is inspired by the need to have the State Government spearhead a momentous and transformative movement to build a thriving and sustainable franchise industry in the country.

“The collaborative model we are adopting is to establish a franchise culture and mindset as part of the overall entrepreneurship values that drive the growth of the MSMEs in the state”, Adelugbe stated.

VIOLATION OF PLANNING LAWS: LASG SEALS ADDAX JETTY, TWENTY OTHER BUILDINGS ~Ajasa-Info

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…. Threatens Legal Action Against Recalcitrant Developers, House Owners

Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), has resealed Addax Jetty located along Ozumba Mbadiwe Way, Victoria Island after the Developer illegally broke the Government Seal that was initially put on the structure for failure to comply with the Physical Planning Permit Laws regarding ongoing construction works.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Kehinde Osinaike disclosed this on Wednesday when he led officials of the Authority on an enforcement and compliance exercise to Ikate-Elegushi area in Eti-Osa Local Government of the State.

He reiterated the commitment of LASPPPA to take legal actions against recalcitrant Developers/Property Owners who are perpetual defaulters.

Osinaike explained that the Jetty, apart from failing to obtain the necessary Planning Permit before embarking on construction works, as stipulated in the Urban and Regional Planning Laws of the State, went ahead to violate some other stipulated regulations by not observing adequate setbacks from the waterfront and necessary airspaces for the ongoing construction.

The General Manager also disclosed that over 20 buildings within Felicia Alapare Elegushi Street, Kusenla and Gbangbala in Ikate Elegushi were sealed for varying physical planning contraventions during the exercise.

In his words: “We have sealed over 20 buildings for various reasons bordering on either illegal development, construction without Planning Permits, construction without site certification or authorisation to move to site and construction in violation of the approval issued by LASPPPA among others”.

He expressed displeasure with the rate of unapproved constructions going on in the area, particularly by educated and enlightened members of the society. Saying, that a higher level of compliance was expected from Residents and Developers of the affected buildings.

Revealing that the Authority is making gradual progress in its concept of voluntary compliance advocacy, Osinaike appealed for a higher level of voluntary compliance among the citizenry particularly Real Estate Developers.

He also used the opportunity of the enforcement and compliance exercise to encourage Property Owners and other relevant stakeholders in the built industry to embrace voluntary compliance, which according to him, is time-saving, economical and more importantly ensures the safety of lives and properties.

The General Manager reminded Lagosians who have cultivated the practice of disregard for Government Seals usually placed on structures having Physical Planning Permits issues, to desist from this unlawful practice or face the full weight of the law, saying “It is a criminal offense when you break Government Seal without authorisation”.

Osinaike, maintained that the Authority will continue to comb the nooks and crannies of the State until a zero level of illegal developments are achieved in all parts of Lagos State.

LASG ADDRESSING DEMANDS OF JOINT DRIVERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (JDWAN) ~Ajasa-Info

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The Lagos State Government is looking into the demands of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN), with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the Association.

The move becomes necessary following the planned seven-day job boycott by the drivers over alleged “harassment and extortion by motor parks and garages management”.

Sequel to the announcement by JDWAN to embark on a seven-day strike starting from 31st October, 2022, the Ministry of Transportation invited its leadership to a meeting on Friday 28th October, 2022, despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions known by the State Government, i.e NURTW and RTEAN.

Most of the union members at the meeting were from the Badagry axis and it was resolved that the meeting be adjourned till Wednesday, 2nd November, 2022 to have a larger house (the Unions inclusive) and resolve the matter amicably.

The outcome of the 2nd November, 2022 Meeting will be made known to the public.

The State Government urges drivers to continue their daily routine without fear of molestation and intimidation as security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order.

Those who are taking advantage of the situation to raise fares are warned to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions.

RE: BUDGET DEFICIT: GOVERNMENT MAY SELL TBS, NIPPs, 25 KEY ASSETS ~Ajasa-Info

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The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the news report on the front page of Punch Newspaper dated 21st October, 2022 that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, is planning to either sell or grant concession in respect of Tafawa Balewa Square situate in Lagos Island, Lagos State.

The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (HAGF) must be aware that the position of the Federal Government to either sell or concession the Tafawa Balewa Square cannot be valid as the HAGF is the Plaintiff in Suit No. SC.508/2012 between Attorney-General of the Federation vs. Attorney-General of Lagos State pending before the Supreme Court wherein the HAGF is seeking for a declaration that the ownership of the land, building, monuments structures and fixtures better known as Tafawa Balewa Square in the city of Lagos is vested in the Federal Government. The Suit is fixed for 1st November, 2022 for hearing by the Apex Court.

Unfortunately, this is the second time the Federal Government and its Agencies have taken this position, which is quite contrary to the recognition that there is an existing and pending dispute between the parties in relation to the ownership of the Tafawa Balewa Square and this resulted in the HAGF invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to seek resolution of the dispute between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government.

In response to the Federal Government’s first attempt to circumvent the matter pending at the Supreme Court, on the 17th of June, 2021 the Lagos State Government took out an advertorial in the Punch Newspaper to refute the allegation of the Federal Government and its Agencies to ownership of the Tafawa Balewa Square. A copy of the advertorial is attached for ease of reference.

It is the position of law that once parties have submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the court they are not to take any action that will affect the subject matter of the Suit and any plan to either sell or concession the Tafawa Balewa Square during the pendency of the Suit before the Supreme Court will violate the principle of lis pendis and such sale or concession is liable to be declared null and void.

As the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, it is incumbent on your office to advise the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and Bureau of Public Enterprises that no such sale or concession in respect of Tafawa Balewa Square is to be embarked upon until the Suit instituted by your office in the Supreme Court is determined.

LASG EMPOWERS 200 YOUTHS WITH DIFFERENT CREATIVE SKILLS ~Ajasa-Info

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Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Temple Company, has commenced the training of 200 youths in 10 different empowerment programmes in line with its drive to equip interested youths across the State with creative skills.

Speaking at the kick-off of the training and orientation ceremony for the 200 successful applicants held recently at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf congratulated the beneficiaries of the programme for scaling through the rigorous selection process.

The Commissioner, represented at the event by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Adebukola Agbaminoja, said the initiative seeks to train participants in Filmmaking, Creative Writing, Animation 101, Audio Engineering & Music Production, Graphics Design, Multimedia Design, Film and Screen Production Design, Project Management, Fashion Design and Media Studies.

She said: “The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Creative Industry initiative, has developed a platform through which creative talents from different local governments in the state can participate in free-tuition training which is being facilitated by different film academics in the state”.

“Presently, we are partnering with Temple Company, through Gidi Creative Centre, to train 200 beneficiaries in various capacities, our previous beneficiaries have been doing well and this is what is propelling us to embark on more training programmes”, she added.


Akinbile-Yusuf also disclosed that the public-private partnership model with stakeholders for capacity development has been working, revealing that the State Government had previously partnered with the likes of Ebonylife Creative Academy, Del-York Creative Academy and Africa Film Academy.

At the orientation ceremony, the young participants were charged by the Commissioner to fully maximise the opportunity presented by Temple Company, through Gidi Creative Centre, to up-skill their talent and gain the requisite capacity to excel as entrepreneurs.

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Speaking on the significance of the training programme, Idris Olorunnimbe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Temple Company and Director, Gidi Creative Centre, disclosed that over 1000 applications were received after a call-out was made six weeks ago at the project unveiling ceremony by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf.

According to him, a post-training mentorship has been taken into consideration with plans afoot to secure placements with partner organisations such as Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Mavin Records among others.


He also added after the training, there is an opportunity for beneficiaries, as individuals or groups, to pitch their proposals and access funding from Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

“They can access grants or single-digit loans to fund production for sale to content buyers as a way of earning income for themselves. There will be other opportunities for us to train more people because there is a major deficit of skilled manpower in content production”, he stated.

Olorunnimbe averred that with the strategic support from the University of Lagos and Henley Business School, the 11-week training module will run simultaneously in multiple centres in Lagos including Ogidi Studios, University of Lagos and Dayton Lakes, Lekki among others

Giving more insight, Winifred Okpapi, Head of Strategy, Arts & Talent Affairs for the programme, disclosed that participants would be trained on leadership and entrepreneurship during the orientation week with faculty members of Henley Business School expected to fly in.

She stated further that the students would be coached on how to run and build successful businesses as well as position the enterprise to secure funding.

Dignitaries at the ceremony include Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, officials of Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Henley Business School, University of Reading who joined virtually.

LASBCA URGES LAGOSIANS TO REPORT LOCATION OF DISTRESSED BUILDINGS ~Ajasa-Info

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The General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki has appealed to the general public to report any distressed and non-conforming buildings noticed around them in order to curb the menace of building collapse in Lagos State.

Arc. Oki, who made the appeal during his visit to the site of the partially collapsed building at 26, Adeleye Street, Ladi-Lak, Bariga, Lagos, stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the scaffolding of a tank in a two-storey on Ayinke Street gave way and crashed into the bungalow at Adeleye Street.

While commiserating with families of victims of the incident, Arc. Oki urged Lagosians to be safety conscious and also be their brothers’ keeper by reporting any illegal construction within their vicinity as the government cannot do the job alone.

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The General also added that the government has made it easier for Lagosians to report any illegal through the establishment of District Offices in all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in the State, a move conceived to bring government nearer to the people and for wider coverage.

He further reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizenry through adequate and prompt monitoring, identification of conformity and non-conforming buildings as well as enforcement of the Agency’s mandates.

Meanwhile the two-storey building at 17, Ayinke Street has been sealed pending an investigation into the incident

LASG, UNFPA SET TO PIONEER GUIDELINES FOR MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA ~Ajasa-Info

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Images of the two-day workshop on Development of Guidelines for Menstrual Hygiene Management held recently at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.

Lagos State Government, in collaboration with United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), is set to pioneer the guidelines for menstrual hygiene management in Nigeria.


The Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs) Folashayo Oludara, disclosed this at a two-day workshop on Development of Guidelines for Menstrual Hygiene Management held recently at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.


She explained that the workshop, organised by the Ministry of Health, was a follow-up to the Y2021 study on Menstrual Hygiene Management amongst girls in Public Schools in Lagos, which revealed that 55.4% of the sample population lack adequate information on Menstrual Hygiene Management.

Dr. Oludara stated that the aim of the event was to generate guidelines on menstrual health management as a means of addressing physical, emotional, psychological and financial challenges, as well as threats to menstrual health and hygiene of adolescent girls in Lagos State and Nigeria.

She pointed out that the State Government had earlier embarked on various activities designed to promote menstrual health and hygiene in Lagos.


Her words: “The Ministry has organised health talks and distributed sanitary pads in various junior and senior secondary schools in Lagos. It commemorated the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, on 28th May, 2022 at some schools and Ikorodu Youth Hub for out-of-school youths. There are other activities ongoing and we hope to reach all menstruating girls across the State with adequate information”.


Mrs. Oludara, therefore, enjoined participants and stakeholders present at the event to come up with specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and sustainable guidelines for the management of menstrual hygiene in Nigeria.

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Earlier, Dr. Amaka Haruna, a representative of UNFPA, acknowledged the efforts of the Lagos State Government in spearheading the development of guidelines for Menstrual Hygiene Management, which will be the first in Nigeria.


She said: “At the national level, there are no menstrual hygiene guidelines, but some countries like India and South Africa have something going including how to guide a girl when she starts her menstrual period as well as introduce her to the reproductive cycle. This is the beginning and introduction of adolescent to sexual reproductive health”.


Haruna explained that the initial study and findings on menstrual hygiene needs of girls in Lagos and Southwest States did not comprehensively address the issues, stressing that there are a lot of ways to standardise the process in terms of supporting young girls when they experience their menstrual periods.


Dr. Toriola Femi-Adebayo, a Community Health and Primary Healthcare Consultant from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) enlightened participants on the study conducted in Y2021, especially on some important key points to note in the course of formulating the guidelines.


She stated that the workshop was organised to address the needs of adolescent girls as well as bridge the information gaps on menstruation, good menstrual hygiene practices as well as guidelines that enable a safe, private and clean environment for the duration of the menstrual period.


“Menstrual hygiene is the practice of using clean materials to absorb menstrual blood that can be changed privately, safely and hygienically as often as necessary for the duration of the menstrual period. These include regular change of clothing and underwear, change of hygienic pads every three to four hours, daily showering especially in instances of menorrhagia, adequate washing of the genitalia after each voiding of urine or faeces as well as continuing normal routine and daily activities while maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in iron and calcium”, Dr. Femi-Adebayo said.


Officials from various Ministries, Department and Agencies, UNFPA, UNYPP, DAI, YAC, UNICEF, Action Health Incorporated, Private Sector Organisations, adolescent girls and other stakeholders brainstormed on several ideas and lines of action towards achieving effective Menstrual Health Management in Lagos.

LAGOS SET TO HOLD EDUCATION SUMMIT ~Ajasa-Info

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The Lagos State Ministry of Education has concluded plans to host an Education Summit between Tuesday, 30th and Wednesday, 31st August 2022.


A statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, said the summit with the theme: “Creating A Sustainable Fit-for-Purpose Education Model”, is geared towards providing a platform for public and private education stakeholders to co-create ideas and solutions.

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According to her, the event will attract various speakers from both the public and private sectors on the main and various sub-themes relating to the development of a fit-for-purpose education framework and partnership.

Mrs. Adefisayo also revealed that the summit will also deliberate on stakeholders’ collective commitment to advocacy in order to achieve quality and equitable education in the State.

One Year In Office: Builder Banjo Holds Symposium on Environmental Discourse affecting First Gate, Odogunyan ~Ajasa-Info

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… Builder Deola Banjo compensate citizens affected by flood

In commemoration of the one year anniversary of Builder Deola Banjo as the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, he decided to come up with something different by bringing his people together to discuss and invite officials that understand these issues from the Government agencies in Lagos State to educate them, The challenges of flooding plaguing the Odogunyan community within Ikorodu North LCDA with the THEME: Biennial Environmental Discourse on Perennial flooding of First gate/Odogunyan and it’s Evirons challenges of flooding plaguing the Odogunyan community within my LCDA has become a worrisome development for me and many discerning minds. The situation has reached a disturbing rate such that I couldn’t have thought of a better way to mark our one year in office than to hinge it on this menace which has rendered many homeless and hopeless.”

In the welcome speech of the Executive Chairman Builder Deola Banjo “The situation is not an unexpected occurrence. It is expected and anticipated if we must tell ourselves the truth. What is more saddening is the fact that it got to this level before we decided to sit ourselves down to brainstorm on ways to nip in the bud the recurrence of such terrible experience.”

“I have seen, heard and watched many heart-breaking videos of properties being destroyed, fence collapsing and in fact loss of life. Sincerely I feel for my people in that axis including the Baale Oduyebo who also lost so much to the flood.”

“I thank the Acting Vice Chancellor of this great institution Dr Nurudeen Oluremi Olaleye for honouring us by accepting to partner with us to take a critical look at this challenge plaguing our people. On behalf of my Executives, legislative arm, management, staff and the good people of Odogunyan I pray may lines continue to fall in pleasant places for you.”

“I am not to give any speech here today as we have competent and highly respected individuals to take us through the topic of the day Global Environmental Challenges, Impact and Solutions.
I only want to set the tone for the discussants by giving us an overview of the situation so that we can appreciate and have a broader perspective to why we are here today.”

“I want to enjoin us to watch this short video clip for appreciation of the problem which is always the first step in problem solving.
I thank you all for your rapt attention.”

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The HOD of Urban and Regional planning Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) highlights reasons behind flooding in the area of first gate and Odogunyan with a pictorial evidence he said these areas where erosion is meant to pass through wasn’t there again because houses has been built on them, whereas erosion has its route that is meant to go through and it will always go through these routes no matter the diversion, that’s why we always experience house collapse and the likes, on this note there is no much solutions than demolition but we never wanted that, advise to the people that just wants acquire land is to ensure you never buy a land meant for erosion in order to avoid the occurrence happening to the people witnessing it in the last few months.

The representative of Drainage Services Mrs. highlights the work the department has carried out in the past years in the area of Ikorodu and she assured that the area of first gate/Odogunyan will not be left out in clearing the drainage for free flow of erosions, she also mentioned displayed the pictorial work going on at the Oba Sekunmade area “In the past few months now we’re working tirelessly to ensure we clear all canals and gutters for free flow of erosions.”

“I’d also advise us not pour dirt in our various drainage all these are the one causing blockage of the drainage which will not allow erosion to go freely, at the end of the day it will damage the road. If you have any complain in your area that you want us to attend to, kindly write to the Ministry of Environment office of Drainage Services, and ensure you write your contact details there because they are lots of letters that people submit which there is no way we can reach them.” she added

Tpl. Fashola the Zonal Head of Ikorodu North and Imota he also buttress the point of building houses on erosion, and the Hon. Commissioner has gave them the directive to visit the affected areas and all these houses are built on the land meant for drainage, all these are the causes of house collapse.

He also said “We have some people that bought just one plot of land which they are supposed to just built within the size of what they bought, but they will expand it on the space that is meant of drainage, we also have some sets of people that go through the backdoor policy to get approval from the Government in order to build their house, just know that in the nearest future the Government are coming to demolish it, let’s ensure we do everything in the right way and we should not acquire land that is meant for erosion.” He concluded

The CDC Chairman Prince Niran Ogunbanwo in his address “As the community leaders in Ikorodu North LCDA we’re trying our best in clearing drainages and canals in our jurisdiction and with the support of the Ministry of Environment, office of the drainage system we’ll achieve more”

Builder Deola Banjo the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA compensated the people that were affected during the last downpour a month back, with a token of money.

In attendance Otunba Sunkanmi Tijani Ikorodu Division APC Chairman, Hon. Adeola Jokomba former Chairman Ikorodu North, The Council Manager, Mrs. Toyin Salau, Alh. Fayas, Alh. Odidi, Hon. Ameen Apanishile Vice Chairman Ikorodu North, Hon. Niyi Odugbesi SLG Ikorodu North, other members of the Executives, The Legislative Arm among others.

LAGOS ADVOCATES EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES ~Ajasa-Info

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…Marks World Breastfeeding Week

Lagos State Government has advocated the sustenance of breastfeeding by strengthening the capacity of stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers and community influencers, to promote and support the practice across different levels of society.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, spoke at a Press Briefing organised to outline planned activities of the State Government to commemorate the Y2022 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), noting that the government would continue to inform, educate and empower sector players to provide and sustain breastfeeding-friendly environments.

He said: “The theme for the Year 2022 World Breastfeeding Week, ‘Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’, was carefully selected as it focuses on strengthening the capacity to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society. These actors make up the warm chain of breastfeeding support, and they include policymakers, healthcare providers and influencers in communities”.

The Permanent Secretary explained that exclusive breastfeeding must be undertaken from the first hour of birth up to six months of life and sustained for up to two years of age, just as complimentary feeding must commence from six months of age for optimal growth and development.

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Dr. Ogboye outlined some of the strategies for creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment such as increasing public awareness of the importance of exclusive and continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding, as well as ensuring that caregivers are conversant with information to enlighten patients at all healthcare service delivery points, among other initiatives of the Lagos State Government.

“Breastfeeding prevents hunger and malnutrition in all its forms and ensures food security for babies. Breast milk is readily available, pure, safe and in the right mixture that is adequate for babies”, he said.

Noting that exclusive breastfeeding protects babies from severe complications arising from gastro-enteritis, pneumonia and other childhood killer diseases, the Permanent Secretary revealed that about 60% of under-five mortalities are largely due to malnutrition caused by poor breastfeeding practices and inadequate complementary feeding.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director of Family Health and Nutrition in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, tasked nursing and breastfeeding mothers to adopt proper positioning and attachment of the child when breastfeeding to allow for comfortability and prevent irritability.

“I want to encourage our nursing and breastfeeding mothers to always bring the baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. It is a common practice to lean the breast forward into the baby’s mouth; this is wrong and should be avoided, as this can lead to poor attachment. Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast. Placing your baby with their nose level with your nipple will encourage them to open their mouth wide and attach to the breast well”, she said.

Also present at the event were the representative of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Simisola Otuyalo; Chairperson of Lagos State Chapter of Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Mrs. Cecilia Penny; and State Coordinator of the Lagos State Chapter of Civil Society Scaling Nutrition in Nigeria, Adebayo Adeyelu, amongst others.