The recently inaugurated Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, officially assumed their duties in Lagos State. They jointly pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders in a comprehensive effort to rejuvenate, remodel, reposition, and repurpose the state’s healthcare sector, with the ultimate goal of becoming the premier medical tourism destination in Sub-Saharan Africa.

During a reception ceremony hosted in their honor by the Ministry of Health’s management and staff, Abayomi and Finnih-Awokoya implored the support and cooperation of all healthcare stakeholders. Their objective is to align with the present administration’s health mandate, which centers on enhancing access to high-quality and efficient healthcare services while achieving universal health coverage.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve a second term as the Commissioner for Health, Abayomi acknowledged the trust bestowed upon him by the Governor and the people of Lagos. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to enhancing the state’s healthcare system. Abayomi highlighted the critical initiatives his team will prioritize, including the transformation of healthcare infrastructure and addressing the issue of medical personnel brain drain.

Moreover, the Commissioner underscored the Ministry of Health’s recognition of the valuable contributions made by alternative health practitioners. He announced plans to provide them with essential training, accreditation, and integration into the state’s healthcare system.

Abayomi extended his appreciation to the Permanent Secretaries in the State Health Sector, particularly Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ademuyiwa Eniayewun, Permanent Secretary of the Health Service Commission, and Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, for their dedicated service during the period after the dissolution of the last cabinet.

In alignment with the vision of healthcare progress, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, affirmed her commitment to fostering partnership, collaboration, and friendship within the health sector. Leveraging her extensive experience, particularly at the primary health level, she pledged to rectify shortcomings and collaborate with all stakeholders to deliver high-quality, efficient, and equitable healthcare services to the residents of Lagos.

Finnih-Awokoya expressed gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State for granting her the unique opportunity to serve the people of Lagos. She promised to serve with diligence, compassion, empathy, and impartiality.

In his welcome address, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, hailed the appointments of Prof. Akin Abayomi and Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya as Commissioner and Special Adviser, respectively, as a positive sign for the state’s healthcare sector. He declared it the commencement of a transformative era in the sector.

Acknowledging the complexity and public scrutiny surrounding the healthcare sector, Ogboye recognized the challenging task ahead. However, he pointed out that the restructuring of the health sector into health districts for streamlined administration will greatly aid in achieving the health mandate.

The Commissioner and Special Adviser were warmly received in the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Health by senior government officials within the health sector.