The Private Sector led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has donated a 150-bed
fully equipped isolation facility with medical equipment worth millions of naira to the
Lagos State Government, to provide support in the fight against the virus within the
state.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Yaba Isolation center, Lagos State Governor,
Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the isolation center would further strengthen the state’s
healthcare system in dealing with the challenges of the Pandemic as the state currently
leads the toll of Nigeria’s COVID-19 infections with over 10,000 confirmed cases.
The Governor commended the Coalition’s efforts in mobilising resources quickly to
support emergency responses and pledged that the donated facility would be used to
provide adequate treatment to those who are infected and help to stop the overall
spread of the virus within the state.
He urged all citizens to continue to take responsibility and follow directives of the
government and health professionals towards reducing the spread of the virus and
saving lives across communities.
“We need to take responsibility because the virus knows no race, ethnicity, religion or
boundary. We need to take responsibility for our loved ones by wearing face mask,
maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene to reduce morbidity and mortality,” the
governor said.
He further disclosed plans by the State Government to build an International Infectious
Disease Research Centre, Doctors’ quarters and permanent isolation wards at the
Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba as part of Lagos COVID19 response and
other infectious disease preparedness in post COVID19 era.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that the
center was the sixth facility in the state dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19
patients, and is coming onboard at a time when the state is ramping up its testing
capacity.
He further said the 150-bed facility donated by CACOVID would be used for the
management of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients and would assist in admitting
and providing care for more patients.
Also speaking at the event, the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said that
collaboration between the private sector and government was vital to prevent the
spread of the virus and save the lives of the citizens,
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He further said that the center would enhance the state’s healthcare system and themanagement of COVID-19 within the state.According to him, N29 billion has been donated so far by members of the coalitiontowards supporting government’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and thatthe funds have been used to build and equip isolation centers across the country.Mr. Emefiele said that 32 isolation centers have been built as of today, with a target toreach 39 isolation centers by the end of July.The CBN governor added that CACOVID had also provided in-kind food palliatives tomembers of the public across the country to ameliorate the effects of the virus on theirwelfare.He commended members of the coalition for their generous and selfless donationswhich have helped in achieving its common goal of helping the nation fight the spread ofCOVID-19. He also lauded the healthcare workers and the state government for theirefforts in implementing strategies, caring for the infected patients and reducing thespread of the virus in the state.Also, the Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote said the LagosIsolation Center was a model for what the coalition would build in other states.Dangote, represented by Ms Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director Aliko DangoteFoundation (ADF), said: “It is with great pride that we hand over the Yaba IsolationCenter to Lagos State. More supports will come to the state from the coalition and weappreciate everyone’s contribution towards our goal.”In his remarks, the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe said thatLagos was more vulnerable to spread of the virus due to its large population. Hecommended the state government for its efforts to reduce the spread and effect of thevirus on the citizens. He also appreciated the state government’s support to CACOVID.The Yaba Isolation center comes with a fully equipped medical laboratory and highdependency unit; personal protective equipment and other critical medicalconsumables; water and sewage treatment plants; 11kv power generator amongst otheressentials. This is in addition to 34,000 test kits, sample collection swabs and infraredthermometers recently delivered to the NCDC.Till date, CACOVID has committed billions of naira to build 38 fully equipped isolationcenters across Nigeria with over 5,000 beds and critical medical equipment needed tofight the pandemic, exemplifying sustainable value addition from a partnership that trulyworks.