On April 7th, 2022, the executives and members of the APHPN, Lagos branch held a press conference at the offices of LASEPA with the GM of the agency, Dr Dolapo Fasawe to commemorate World Health Day 2022. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Our Planet, Our Health” which dovetails perfectly with the activities of the agency.
The press conference was broadcast live on the association’s Instagram page @aphpnlagos. Members and executives of the association were seated at 12:30 pm. The session started at 1 pm by the event’s compere Dr Toni Adeyemi, former public relations officer (PRO) of the association’s Lagos branch. She invited the association’s members and executives to introduce themselves and speak briefly about the meaning and impact of this year’s theme, “Our Planet, Our Health”.
At 1:30 pm, the press conference formally commenced with the arrival of the GM of LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe.
In attendance were,
- The GM, LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe
- The First Vice Chairman, APHPN, Lagos branch, Prof Kuyinu
- The Second Vice Chairman, APHPN Lagos branch, Dr Alero Roberts
- General Secretary, APHPN Lagos branch, Dr Doyin Ogunyemi
- Financial Secretary, APHPN Lagos branch, Dr Bidemi Awodele
- PRO, APHPN Lagos branch, Dr Blossom Maduafokwa,
- Asst General Secretary, APHPN Lagos branch, Dr Chidumga Ohazurike
- Former PRO, APHPN Lagos branch, Dr Toni Adeyemi
- APHPN, Lagos branch members, Dr Adegoke, Dr Adaeze Egwudo, Dr Ade-Serrano, Dr Onyecherelam, Dr Majolagbe
- Members of the Press from Lagos Television, Channels Television, Silverbird Television
The GM was appropriately introduced with a reading of her bio. The association’s general secretary, Dr Doyin Ogunyemi gave a welcome address, stating the visit’s objective and noting the significance of having the first female GM of LASEPA. Without further delay, the press conference began, with questions lobbed by the association’s general secretary, Dr Doyin Ogunyemi.
DR DOYIN OGUNYEMI: With regards to the ONE health concept and zoonotic diseases, how is Lagos State through LASEPA able to achieve optimal health for individuals and animals in our shared environment?
DR FASAWE: The GM laid emphasis on the dangers of deforestation and displacement of animal population. These displaced animal populations seek shelter in human dwellings, bringing zoonotic diseases with them. She noted in her submission that her organization was taking steps to educate the public on the dangers of deforestation. Policies and laws are also in place that set the limits of these harmful practices. Another agency, Lagos State Parks and Gardens has also been tasked to tackle the problem of deforestation. Interagency collaboration is key to enforcement and application of laid down laws.
DR DOYIN OGUNYEMI: In light of the rising sea level globally, and the rainy season around the corner, how is the state tackling the problem of flooding especially in areas where houses are built on flood plains, blocked drainages etc.?
DR FASEWA: The GM stated that building permits are required following an Environmental and Health Impact Analysis (EHIA). The process aids in eliminating 40% of these challenges. Existing buildings however, currently present an ongoing problem. It is important to communicate these issues with the people at their level. LASEPA educates the public against the use of single use plastics as well as their proper disposal, in order to prevent the blockage of drainages. Lagos State is also working to clear up primary, secondary and tertiary drainages before the start of the rainy season
DR DOYIN OGUNYEMI: Air pollution is also a major issue in Nigeria with a majority of the citizens having cars thereby contributing to the increasing carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. What measure has the state government put it place to reduce the amount of these gases in the air to make the air cleaner in Lagos State.
DR FASEWA: The GM stated in her submission that the quality of the air is directly proportional to the quality of our health. At LASEPA they educate the public on the harms of air pollution. The poor are most disadvantaged because they are most exposed to these environmental hazards. Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Services works to inspect vehicles and ensure that only road worthy vehicles make it to our roads. LASEPA also measures emissions by industries. Over 50% of air pollution comes from transportation. Lagos State is working to make mass transportation affordable and safe. LASEPA also works with the police, LASTMA and other agencies to report vehicles that emit smoke. She stressed the importance and value of carpooling by families for school runs. Schools should also provide school buses for students because the reduction of air pollution is a shared responsibility not just that of the government.
DR DOYIN OGUNYEMI: What is the state government doing to enhance renewable energy development and use in promoting zero carbon emissions?
DR FASEWA: LASEPA focuses on renewable energy, advocating for gas as an alternative power provision source. LASEPA set an example by converting one of its buses to a a hybrid that runs on petrol and gas with a cost savings of N700,000 in 6 months. This exercise has also reduced carbon footprint of the agency. More information on LASEPA’s drive for clean energy can be found on its website.
DR DOYIN OGUNYEMI: Nigeria being one of the many countries committed to developing a resilient health system and low carbon sustainable health systems with a net zero target of 2035, what are our plans in achieving this target especially at the state level and at what point are we in the grand scheme of things?
DR FASEWA: Nigeria has been assigned Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). LASEPA is contributing to ensuring that these NDCs are met. We should also look at State and personally determined contributions. If we understand that each person plays a part, we sort our waste, educate our children and appropriately dispose our waste to reduce our personally determined contributions. She particularly advocated for p;rper disposal of plastics and electronic waste.
DR DOYIN OGUNYEMI: Speaking of breaking the bias, which was the theme from the International Women’s Day. You are the first female GM of LASEPA, how has gender perspectives and perception influenced your work delivery?
DR FASEWA: The GM pointed out that though it may be tough to say that the bias has been broken in this generation, things are changing. A woman is a home keeper. She desires to keep her work place as she keeps her home. It is her hope that a woman succeeds her in the position as GM. Those women in positions of leadership need to throw the ladder down and elevate others who will do the same for others. Female leaders in Europe have been able to transform their economies and have done very well. She implored us to encourage more women to come up. In terms of mental intellect and IQ women are the same as men. It is your passion, determination and grit that will take you to the top.
Finally, the GM made her closing remarks by thanking the association’s executives and members for marking 2022’s World Health Day at LASEPA’s offices with a landmark press conference. She also promised to play a more active role in the association and even offered to host the association’s next quarterly meeting at the LASEPA office.
The association’s Vice Chairman, Prof Kuniyu then presented the GM with a commemorative pin and a designed throw-pillow within her image. Group pictures were taken and the event brought to a close at 3:05 pm.
