Adefulire Commends Airtel on Empowerment Initiatives

By Emma Okonji

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire, has commended Airtel Nigeria for its far reaching social empowerment initiatives in the state.

Adefulire gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of Airtel Nigeria at Banana Island, Lagos recently, where she was received by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the telecoms company, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, in his office.
The visit was part of efforts by the state government towards partnering with the telecoms operator in tackling critical social challenges often encountered by citizens of the state of which infant and maternal mortality and unemployment are of greatest concern.
She explained that the population of Lagos, which currently stands at 22 million, continues to increase due to influx of visitors and people who desire to reside in Lagos, noting that this influx puts serious strain on public infrastructure especially healthcare services.
“As at today, Lagos State prides itself with 26 General Hospitals, 256 Primary Healthcare Centres and 2 Tertiary Health Institutions, which provide services for the huge population of the state”, she said.

According to the deputy governor, “Lagos State Government continues to make effort to ensure that these facilities are upgraded and medical personnel are available to provide quality services all the time. In Lagos Island Maternity Hospital last year alone, there were a total of 4,984 births with only one death recorded which shows how effective and important this hospital is in saving lives in the state."
The State remains the best in terms of maternal and child mortality reduction because of the efforts of the state government and the support from responsible corporate citizens like Airtel. We will continue to improve the healthcare services so that lives can be saved, she added.

She stated that partnership with socially responsible corporate organisations like Airtel Nigeria would go a long way to alleviate the pain and struggles of the less privileged in the society and will also reduce unemployment among youths in the state.
Furthemore, she said,  Lagos State government is currently empowering youths in their thousands, through series of programmes and therefore called for increased collaboration with the state from the telecoms services provider towards empowering youths through various initiatives.

Welcoming the Deputy Governor, Ogunsanya commended the efforts of the state in reducing child and maternal mortality. He said the state continues to take a leadership position in every sector including health, power, youth employment and other areas.
He specifically noted that the highly commendable effort of the state government to curb the Ebola Virus Diseases outbreak, brought international recognition to the country and is worthy of emulation by other states.

Culled from thisdaylive.com