The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Baba Jide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his readiness to improve healthcare delivery if elected, stressing his administration would dedicate a sizeable fraction of state budget to strengthen health services.
The APC candidate spoke through his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, while receiving members of the Lagos chapter of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The APC candidate revealed that his healthcare plan for the state, contained in his manifesto, was drafted not only to improve the quality of health service, but also to make it affordable to the populace. He said execution of his health programmes would be done in partnership with health professional bodies, including NANNM and Nigerian Medical Association.
Sanwo-Olu said the “overwhelming support” his candidacy enjoyed from Lagosians was based on people’s conviction in his manifesto, reiterating his readiness to serve the interest of all residents if elected.
He said: “We have a robust plan for the health sector in the state. Good health brings about productivity, which is a key element towards achieving our development blueprint to create greater Lagos for all. The wellbeing of the people is at the centre of our programmes and we must ensure health services get better.
“The responsibility before us is huge, but we know we will not achieve anything if we did not engage you. As a powerful stakeholder, we will engage you in the process of executing our plans to solve the challenges facing the health sector and making our hospital better.”
NANNMA chairman, Comrade Olurotimi Awojide, who led members of the association’s executive to the visit, described the APC candidate and his running mate as “perfect combination of brilliance and efficiency”, saying NANNM members had resolved to support their candidacy.
In a related development, a women support group, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (BOSKOH), pledged to canvass support for the APC ticket in the grassroots.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu said his government would be fair to women, saying his aims to lead the state were rooted in his will to create a future the coming generation would be proud of.