Lagos Health District IV Celebrates Healthcare Heroes at Excellence Awards

Lagos Health District IV in Yaba has rolled out the red carpet for its top-performing healthcare workers, hosting a vibrant ceremony to spotlight dedication amid the state’s push for better medical services.

The event, dubbed “Award of Excellence in Healthcare Delivery System,” unfolded at the Oluremi Tinubu Hall in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) office. It drew senior health officials, frontline staff from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the district, and community leaders, all united in praising those driving improvements in patient care and infrastructure.

Dr. Abimbola Bowale, the Permanent Secretary for Lagos Health District IV, kicked off proceedings with a nod to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support for the health sector. “This year, we’ve seen remarkable strides in medical services, thanks to teamwork, upgraded facilities, staff training, and unwavering commitment,” Bowale stated. He highlighted a fresh twist in the awards: facilities now grouped into three tiers—health posts, flagship centres, and comprehensive units—for fairer recognition, moving beyond last year’s uniform approach.

Mrs. Titilola Seriki, Director of Administration and Human Resources, set the tone earlier, stressing the awards’ merit-driven selection via transparent performance metrics. “This isn’t about favouritism—it’s data-backed excellence to inspire everyone,” she affirmed. The goal? Spark motivation, urging winners to mentor peers toward future accolades.

Dr. Oludayo Shotunde, Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, wrapped up the speeches with heartfelt thanks. She lauded awardees’ patient-first mindset and rallied all staff: “Let’s charge into 2026 with renewed energy, bringing joy to every patient we serve.”

New Award Categories Spotlight Excellence

This edition introduced dual categories: Outstanding Primary Healthcare Facilities and Committed Medical Personnel of the Year, reflecting Lagos State’s broader health reforms under the THEMES+ agenda, which emphasises health infrastructure upgrades since Sanwo-Olu’s 2019 tenure.

Sustainability Awards for top environmental services and medical waste management went to Ita-Faaji PHC, Ejire PHC, Sura PHC, and Femi Pedro PHC—critical amid Nigeria’s ongoing cholera outbreaks and waste challenges, as noted in recent Nigerian Medical Association reports.

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Quality Excellence Awards for superior patient care crowned Anikontanmo PHC, Sura PHC, and Anjorin PHC. Sura PHC shone in both, underscoring its all-round impact.

In the personnel lineup, Dr. Abimbola Oyinlade, Medical Officer of Health at Simpson PHC, clinched the Committed Medical Personnel Award; Pharm. Kifayat Sanusi earned nods for pharmacy dedication; and Dr. Onose Adeleye, Medical Officer of Health for Lagos Island East LCDA, bagged a Quality Excellence honour.

Context in Lagos Health Push

Lagos Health District IV covers Yaba and surrounding areas, managing over 20 PHCs serving dense urban populations. This event aligns with state initiatives like the 2023-2025 Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which has boosted PHC funding by 40% and trained 5,000 workers, per Lagos State Ministry of Health data. It also echoes national efforts post-COVID to retain talent amid brain drain, with awards like these boosting morale in a sector facing staffing shortages.

Attendees left energised, with calls for sustained investment to match Lagos’s megacity ambitions.