Wale Jagun
Lagos State Health District II has engaged traditional rulers in Ikorodu LGA in a bid to strengthen the utilisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and community health within the division.
The meeting took place recently at the Palace of HRM Oba (Dr.) AbdulKabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.
In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, emphasised the importance of prevention in addressing the rising health challenges in the Local Government Area. She encouraged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular blood pressure checks, improved diets, and increased physical activity to reduce the risks of diabetes and hypertension.
She assured community leaders that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to citizens’ well-being through infrastructure upgrades and the provision of quality healthcare. The Permanent Secretary also encouraged them to embrace the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme.
Earlier, HRM Oba AbdulKabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, set the tone for a fruitful dialogue on how to deepen community participation in healthcare by highlighting priority areas for inclusion in the coming year’s budget provision.
Oba Shotobi stressed that community health is a shared responsibility and called on all stakeholders to take collective action in sensitising residents about healthy living and disease prevention. He also appealed for stronger government intervention in the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Discussions during the meeting highlighted several critical priorities, including increased utilisation of PHCs, strengthening oversight of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), improving emergency response and drug provision, sustaining attention to child welfare and immunisation, enhancing care for the elderly, and promoting better nutrition, exercise, and wellness practices.
The engagement, which was attended by chiefs, baales, and community leaders, ended with a renewed pledge of partnership between the government and the people of Ikorodu, working hand in hand to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all.
