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Abayomi: Lagos Nears Malaria Victory with Record 1.3% Prevalence
Lagos State has achieved a significant public health breakthrough, reducing malaria prevalence to just 1.3 percent, according to the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at the 2025 World Malaria Day event held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja, Prof. Abayomi hailed the development as a major stride toward achieving malaria pre-elimination status, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“From a prevalence rate of 15% in 2010 to 3% in 2023, and now an unprecedented 1.3% in early 2025, Lagos is making historic progress,” Abayomi declared.
This year’s World Malaria Day, themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” featured an awareness walk and strategic discussions involving key partners like the Society for Family Health (SFH), Goodknight Nigeria, WHO, and others.
Prof. Abayomi emphasized that accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment remain critical pillars of Lagos’ malaria strategy. He warned against indiscriminate use of anti-malarial drugs, revealing that although only 3% of fever cases tested positive for malaria, over half were still being treated presumptively.
“This approach must stop. Public enlightenment and responsible prescribing practices are urgently needed,” he said, highlighting the vulnerability of pregnant women and young children, whose weakened immune systems require precise diagnosis and care.
Acknowledging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support, Abayomi noted that the state’s malaria pre-elimination agenda has been backed by tangible political commitment, funding, and resources.
“This achievement is not just political rhetoric; it’s rooted in data-driven actions and sustained investment,” he added.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed that the battle against malaria must extend beyond health facilities to homes, schools, and marketplaces. She lauded partners such as SFH and Goodknight for expanding public outreach and urged the media to amplify messages on proper fever diagnosis.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, called on residents to test before treating fever, warning that misuse of anti-malarials wastes resources and endangers health.
Similarly, Dr. Stanley Ugah, Project Director for SFH’s IMPACT Project, reiterated the need for testing before administering treatment, while Goodknight Nigeria’s Brand Manager, Oluwatimilehin Dada, showcased preventive solutions such as mosquito repellents.
Dr. Simisola Alabi from Maisha Meds highlighted the role of technology in improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes through digital tools and partnerships with pharmacies and clinics.
Aisha Abdulkareem, Assistant Public Health Officer with the WHO, pointed to global setbacks caused by climate change and conflicts but emphasized the importance of reigniting efforts against malaria.
Concluding the event, speakers jointly called for deeper collaboration, broader awareness campaigns, and consistent investment to sustain the gains made. With steady progress and strong partnerships, Lagos is well-positioned to become Nigeria’s first malaria-free state.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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