The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwolu, for his substantial investments in healthcare, education, and urban infrastructure.
Speaking at the signing of the Lagos Government Multiyear 2025/2027 Development Plan at the State House in Ikeja, the WHO Regional Director, Dr. Sophia Mensah, praised Babajide’s visionary leadership and commitment to improving public health and social welfare.
Dr. Mensah highlighted the governor’s efforts in expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly through the upgrade of primary health facilities to Level 2 centers, and his proactive approach to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs.
“You have pioneered a comprehensive healthcare reform strategy, and Lagos remains a leading state in implementing sustainable sanitation initiatives,” she said.
She further noted that Babajide administration had significantly improved infrastructure, security, and the overall well-being of women and children in the state.
According to her, the signing of the multiyear plan reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working with the Lagos Government to enhance public health systems and achieve universal health coverage as part of the ongoing Global Health Initiative, set to run from 2023 to 2027.
She, however, urged local governments and stakeholders to intensify efforts in achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and implementing a robust social protection framework to address poverty.
In response, Governor Babajide expressed gratitude for WHO’s continued support and emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing critical social challenges, as reflected in the past two budget cycles.
“We have prioritized healthcare, allocating over 35% of our budget to the sector for two consecutive years. Education and public health services remain at the forefront of our development agenda,” he stated.
He added that many of the 300 newly established primary healthcare centers had been fully equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring round-the-clock service, adequate staffing, and reliable electricity.
On education, Babajide announced that the state’s Smart Learning Initiative would officially launch in September, benefiting over 500,000 students with access to digital learning, school healthcare services, and a free daily meal program.
Furthermore, the governor highlighted the ongoing first phase of a 10,000-unit mass housing project aimed at relocating residents from informal settlements, thereby improving living conditions and eradicating open defecation.
Babajide reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sustainable urban development, ensuring that all Lagos residents enjoy improved healthcare, quality education, and enhanced living standards.
