...State partners with Federal Ministry of Health to train health managers on data-driven planning, web-based tools, and performance-based reform
By Bunmi Yekini
The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office, on Monday, July 15, 2025, launched a four-day capacity development workshop for health leaders and managers.
The high-level training, held at Trident Suites in Ikeja, is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) themed “Towards Rational, Realistic, Pragmatic and Comprehensive Plan that Informs Health Budget for the People of Lagos State.”
Declaring the workshop open, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described the session as more than a training, calling it “a strategic moment of truth” for health managers to take ownership of reforms and lead transformation from within.
“This four-day session is about leadership mindset, systems understanding, and service transformation,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.
“HOPE and NHSRII are not abstract. They are vehicles to translate vision into action. But they only succeed when leaders connect strategy to service delivery.”
She challenged participants to actively interrogate and localize national policies:
“Shake the table. If something won’t work in Lagos, say so. That’s how we adapt without losing the essence of what the Federal Government aims to achieve.”
Dr. Ogunyemi also addressed Lagos’ persistent health indicators—especially in maternal and child health—urging reflection on how better planning and federal support can close gaps:
“We’ve offered free antenatal care, yet women still go to traditional birth attendants. What can we do differently, and what support do we need?”
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Director of Healthcare Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, emphasized the workshop’s focus on evidence-based tools and real-time planning systems.
“This is about moving from spreadsheets to smarter systems—tools like the web-based Annual Operational Planning (AOP) platform that will improve efficiency and reduce duplication,” she explained.
Assistant Director and Head of Strategic Planning at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Nonso Egbosi, commended Lagos for taking full ownership of NHSRII rollout.
“Lagos is setting a shining example of state-federal collaboration for sustainable health development. Planning without execution is wasted effort. Let this training be the bridge between knowledge and implementation.”
The SWAp Desk Officer at the Lagos Ministry of Health, Dr. Oyeyemi Ogunjobi, outlined the workshop design, noting that participants will engage in hands-on sessions, group planning, and peer learning to create actionable health strategies across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs.
“Post-workshop evaluations will track readiness to deploy these new tools and translate insights into real-world service improvements,” she said.
A development partner at the event, Mr. Olukunle Daramola, Consultant with the Gates Foundation, reaffirmed support for Lagos’ reform efforts.
“Lagos remains a flagship state. SWAp has come to stay, and we’re glad to partner in seeing these reforms lead to tangible results,” he noted.
Grassroots health leaders also welcomed the workshop. Dr. Osenat Ibrahim, Medical Officer of Health for Ejigbo LCDA, said:
“There’s a new web-based tool for annual operational plans, and I’m eager to learn how to use it. This will make our planning processes more impactful at the grassroots.”
Dr. Akintunde Abimbola, Senior Medical Officer from Badagry LGA, praised the clarity and inspiration provided by top officials:
“The Special Adviser’s message was inspiring. I’m committed to cascading this knowledge to our team so communities get the quality care they deserve.”
The workshop agenda includes modules on the HOPE Health Agenda, MAMII initiative, bottleneck analysis, and performance-based planning—all geared towards aligning state priorities with national benchmarks.