LASODA In The Eye Of The Storm, As Allegations Of Corruption And Kick-back Bribery Hit Agency

When in May, this year, the annual budgetary allocation to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) was increased from N500 Million to N1 Billion, there was hope that the increment would help alleviate the plight of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state. However, the agency is currently entangled in allegations of kickback demands, blacklisting of outspoken NGOs, and mismanagement of the Disability Intervention Fund, which have compounded the woes of PWDs in the state.

According to a report in The Punch, disability rights advocates say there is a growing number of children living with disabilities, many of whom require specialised healthcare, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, educational support and welfare interventions but do not receive them due to alleged corruption and other systemic challenges.

While government intervention funds and support programmes exist to address some of these needs, stakeholders alleged that beneficiaries are unable to access them.

 

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“Disability advocates and non-governmental organisations working in the sector say  children living with disabilities continue to struggle to access intervention funds and support services meant to improve their lives,” the report stated.

The 2021 United Nations Population Fund estimated that about 32 million Nigerians, including children, live with one form of disability or another.

Children with disabilities experience disrupted education for various reasons, including stigma and discrimination, inaccessible school infrastructure, delayed identification and diagnosis, and inadequate funding to support their needs.

However, to address these challenges, the administration of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola established the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs following the enactment of the Lagos State Special People’s Law in 2011.

It was meant to safeguard persons with disabilities from discrimination and guarantee equal rights.

LASODA was created to enforce the law, issue disability certificates, protect the rights of persons with disabilities and serve as a link between the government and NGOs, homes and cluster foundations working with them.

His successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, established the disability fund and inaugurated the agency’s board in line with the law.

Following this, the Lagos State Government voted N500m annually to support persons with disabilities before increasing the allocation to N1bn in May 2026. The fund is intended to promote inclusion, accessibility and public awareness.

The Lagos State Government also provides annual grants ranging from N500,000 to N1 million to registered NGOs, special homes and disability clusters.

The funds are managed and disbursed through LASODA to support the daily operations, advocacy and caregiving activities of organisations working with persons with disabilities.

However, according to the report, stakeholders alleged that some officials involved in administering the funds demand kickbacks from beneficiary organisations before processing or releasing the grants.

An NGO operator identified simply as Ishola, who works closely with children with disabilities, alleged that corruption had become a major obstacle preventing support from reaching those who need it most.

“There is funding available for these children, but it cannot reach them because corruption is getting worse every day. Some officials responsible for processing or facilitating access to intervention funds demand a percentage of the money as a kickback before approving or releasing support,” the source told The Punch.

Several stakeholders who spoke exclusively to Sunday PUNCH raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration of disability-related intervention funds.

They alleged that demands for kickbacks significantly reduce the funds available to NGOs to cater to the needs of children living with disabilities.

Another NGO operator, who requested anonymity for fear of being blacklisted from accessing intervention funds, alleged that during an interaction with the Director of Social Development and Integration at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Kelani Akeem, the official proposed sharing intervention funds.

“He said he would include my NGO’s name among the beneficiaries, but I would have to give him a certain amount as commission. I knew that if I did that, there would be nothing left to carry out the interventions for the children,” the source told Punch’s correspondent.

The source further alleged that organisations that refused to comply with such demands risked being excluded from funding opportunities.

“We have been blacklisted because we refused to pay. Some of the things happening in this sector are deeply troubling,” the source claimed.

He further added that many organisations that allegedly comply were afraid to speak out for fear of being cut off from future interventions.

“They would say half a loaf is better than none, thereby denying needy children the intervention that was meant for them and enriching some selfish individuals within LASODA,” the source alleged.

The allegations against LASODA come amid growing concerns by some stakeholders over the management of disability intervention funds in Lagos State.

The PUNCH, in a report published on November 6, 2025, reported that the Coordinator of Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, Kehinde Oshilaja, urged the Lagos State Government to make greater provisions for the welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly in affordable housing, healthcare and social infrastructure.

The organisation also called for well-equipped sporting facilities to promote the physical and social well-being of persons with disabilities across the state.

When the Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, announced in May 2026 an increase in the disability support fund managed by LASODA from N500 million to N1 billion during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, he said the additional funding was specifically meant to strengthen support for persons with disabilities across the state.

According to the commissioner, the agency had continued to make significant progress in promoting inclusion, accessibility and public awareness for persons with disabilities in Lagos State.

He said LASODA’s interventions covered capacity building and professional training, economic empowerment and business support, financial assistance to homes and disability clusters, as well as the provision of assistive devices, prosthetics, and work tools.

However, Sunday PUNCH reported that some stakeholders alleged that the same intervention fund had become vulnerable to kickback demands by some officials from NGOs seeking access to the grants.

Behind the allegations of corruption and demands for kickbacks are families whose lives have been upended by the inability to access support meant for children living with disabilities.

For a grandmother, who introduced herself to Sunday PUNCH as Mrs Sola, the cost was irreversible.

As her grandson’s condition worsened, she knocked on the doors of non-governmental organisations, hoping someone would help. She exhausted her family’s savings, borrowed from neighbours and sought assistance from charitable organisations. But the help she desperately needed never came.

Her grandson died while they were still searching for support, leaving behind grief and painful questions about whether his life could have been different had help arrived in time.

For another mother, the nightmare is still unfolding.

Her young son suffers from a severe medical condition that requires surgery, yet months after seeking help, she is still unable to find an NGO willing or able to fund the operation.

A Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Havanah Hospital, Lagos Island, Dr Cynthia Okafor, said delays in accessing intervention for children living with disabilities could have devastating consequences.

She noted that many families are unable to secure urgent medical treatment because organisations expected to support them often lack adequate resources.

According to her, one of the gravest consequences of the alleged corruption is that it diminishes children’s chances of receiving timely medical attention that could improve or even save their lives.

“Illnesses and diseases are better treated at an early stage. When treatment is delayed beyond the critical or golden period, the chances of recovery become significantly reduced,” she said.

A child rights advocate and lawyer, Lawrence Ndukwe, said the allegations underscore the need for stronger oversight, transparent disbursement mechanisms, and independent monitoring of disability intervention funds.

He argued that every naira allocated to support children living with disabilities should be traceable from appropriation to implementation.

When contacted over the allegations, the Director of Social Development and Integration at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Kelani Akeem, appealed to Sunday PUNCH to “use your good office to address the matter,” saying it had been resolved internally.

“May God not let you lose your job. May God not let you lose your job. May God not let you lose your job. I don’t know what to say. Please use your good office to address the matter. The matter has been settled in the office,” he said when asked to respond to the allegations.

The General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, was also contacted on Friday, July 17, 2026, and asked to respond to the allegations. She requested that the enquiries be sent via email, which the punch’s correspondent did.

When reminded the following day that no response had been received, she replied:

“Good afternoon, sir. You sent your email, didn’t you? Exactly… you will get your reply. Thank you.”

As of the time this report was filed, LASODA had yet to respond to the detailed questionnaire sent by Sunday PUNCH, which sought its reaction to allegations of kickback demands, the blacklisting of NGOs, the alleged mismanagement of the Disability Intervention Fund, and the measures it has put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the funds.

With report from The Punch

  

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UK Based Scholar Urges LASODA To Go Beyond Advocacy And Awareness Creation, As Group Donates Assistive Devices To PWDs In Lagos

A clarion call has been made to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) to strengthen its role as the coordinating arm of government on disability matters in the state and go Beyond advocacy and awareness creation to taking more decisive steps towards enforcing the provisions of the Lagos State Special People's Law. The call was made by Mr Michael Fadeyi, a UK based Nigerian scholar, during the presentation of assistive devices to persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the International Press Centre, Ogba in Ikeja.

Mr Fadeyi said there was a need for LASODA to take more steps in enforcing the law, especially where there are clear cases of non-compliance.

“Where there are clear cases of non-compliance by individuals, organisations, or institutions, such matters should be pursued through the appropriate legal channels,” he stated, stressing that effective enforcement would send a strong message that disability rights are not acts of charity but matters of justice, dignity, and law.

 

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“Together, we can build a Lagos where persons with disabilities are not merely included in policy discussions but are fully considered in the design and implementation of health and social programmes,” Mr Fadeyi added.

The UK based scholar also advised that health initiatives targeted at persons with disabilities should go beyond general programmes and recognise the additional financial and health burdens they experience, adding that Healthcare support, insurance schemes, subsidies, and social protection measures must take these realities into account.

In his own words, “Since part of what we are doing here today is health-related, the Lagos State Government's health initiatives must be deliberately designed to meet the particular needs of persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities often face economic realities that make them poorer than their non-disabled counterparts, whether they are employed or unemployed. Disability frequently comes with additional costs that many people do not see.

“For example, consider a person who is blind and works for the Lagos State Government. Such an individual may own a car like any other employee, but because they cannot drive, they must employ the services of a driver. This is an extra expense that a non-disabled employee may not have to bear. Similar hidden costs exist across different disability groups, reducing disposable income and increasing vulnerability to poverty.

“For this reason, health initiatives targeted at persons with disabilities should go beyond general programmes and recognise the additional financial and health burdens they experience. Healthcare support, insurance schemes, subsidies, and social protection measures must take these realities into account.”

Mr Fadeyi noted that persons with disabilities are not a homogeneous group as  Different disabilities come with different health needs. A person with albinism, he said, may require specialised dermatological care, regular skin examinations, and protection from the harmful effects of the sun, which are entirely different from those of a blind person.

“Likewise, individuals with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy may require physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other specialised interventions that are very different from the needs of persons with hearing impairments. The implication is clear: a one-size-fits-all approach will not adequately serve persons with disabilities. Health programmes must be disability-responsive, inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of different impairment groups,” he stated.

The presentation of assistive devices at the International Press Centre was the culmination of a 3-day event that included the donation of a desktop computer and a standalone scanner to the Visually Impaired Unit of the University of Lagos Library, as well as  the donation of a washing machine to Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted. The beneficiaries were drawn from different clusters, including  the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Let Cerebral Kids Learn Foundation, Divine International Centre Solution for the Blind, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) and Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDDN).

The items distributed at the event include: two desktop computers, anti-seizure medication for three months for 10 children with cerebral palsy, games and learning materials for blind students, accessible BP monitors for blind people; guide cane and talking wristwatch, and one wheelchair.

The event was initiated and supported by Michael Fadeyi, a doctoral researcher at the University of Sussex, UK, with financial contributions from the Oliver family, also in the United Kingdom. It was coordinated and executed by BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM), a non-governmental organisation that promotes the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups in Nigeria.

In her remarks, Dr Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, LASODA, representing the General Manager, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, thanked Mr Fadeyi, BOFIM and the supporters for the initiative, saying that the effort would help to enhance the well-being of PWDs

Dr Adekola noted that the Lagos State government has rolled out different forms of support to PWDs, but the government cannot do it alone, and encouraged stakeholders within the space to join hands with the government to promote the rights of PWDs in the state. She also urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items received.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the assistive devices, saying the devices would go a long way in helping them to cope with the health, mobility and other challenges that come with disability.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Sunday Amabli, who represented the Special Education Unit, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, appreciated the desktop computer given to the unit.

“Our students use typewriters currently; with the computer, they can learn better and be computer literate, which would be useful in preparing them ahead of higher institutions. With this, they can cope effectively in the higher institutions,” he stated.

A parent receives a three-month supply of medication for her child with cerebral palsy

L-R: University Librarian, Prof Christopher Okiki; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, UNILAG Prof Muyiwa Falaye; Head Readers' Services, UNILAG, Prof E.A. Adekanmi; Dr Onaadeojo, Head, Technical Services  receiving accessible desktop scanner and desktop computer

 

 

  

 

     

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N6 Retracts Rape Allegations Against Peruzzi, Says He Was Misinformed

The feud between on-air personality and rapper, N6; and singer, Peruzzi, has taken a new turn, with N6 issuing a public apology and retracting the allegations of rape and paedophilia he made against the singer.

The controversy began after N6 criticised Peruzzi’s business decisions, particularly his reported practice of writing and giving out hit songs without formal agreements, describing the move as a “stupid idea”.

Peruzzi responded by accusing N6 of squatting at his residence for years, using drugs, including alleged crack cocaine, and failing in roles such as a “DJ manager”. He also shared old videos which appeared to show N6 comatose on a couch.

 

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N6 denied the drug allegations and offered a N1m reward for anyone who could provide proof. However, the disagreement escalated when he brought up the rape allegations previously made against Peruzzi in 2020.

During the heated exchange, N6 referred to Peruzzi as a “Nationally Registered Rapist”, “sexual degenerate” and “paedophile”, claiming the matter was resolved out of court. He also alleged that the controversy affected Peruzzi’s finances and ability to get a visa, while making comments about his family.

He further encouraged people to search Peruzzi’s name alongside the word “rapist” and hinted at plans to produce a documentary on the issue.

However, some fans and observers criticised N6, accusing him of hypocrisy, and questioning why he maintained a relationship with Peruzzi despite being aware of the previous allegations, and only bringing them up because of their fallout.

However, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, N6 issued an apology on X, retracting all the claims he made against the singer.

He stated that the rape, paedophile, financial and family-related allegations were false and baseless, noting that they were based on unverified information without proper fact-checking.

He also acknowledged that he initiated the exchange of insults and allowed online provocation to worsen the situation.

The rapper apologised for mocking Peruzzi’s songwriting career and early years in the music industry, adding that he had deleted the offensive posts.

N6 extended his apology to Peruzzi, his family, fans and members of the entertainment industry, promising not to repeat such claims.

Peruzzi had yet to publicly respond to N6’s apology as of the time of filing this report.

  

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How Sandra Edoho Tricked Me Into Their Home And Locked Me Up - Alleged Lover

An entrepreneur, Adekoya Ibukunoluwa, has taken legal action against Sandra Edoho, demanding N100m in damages over alleged defamatory Instagram publications linking her to an extramarital affair with Sandra’s estranged husband and popular broadcaster, Frank Edoho.

In a memorandum of claim dated July 17, 2026, and signed by lawyer and Managing Partner of FOLEGAL, Festus Ogun, Adekoya accused Sandra of libel, fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of privacy over posts allegedly made on her Instagram page, “vivibella_designs.”

According to the document, the dispute dates back to October 2023 when Monisola allegedly met Frank Edoho by chance at Hardrock Café, Lekki, Lagos, where they discussed their shared interest in Arsenal Football Club and exchanged contacts.

 

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The entrepreneur’s lawyers alleged that on November 19, 2023, Sandra impersonated her husband on WhatsApp and invited Adekoya to the Edoho residence in Victoria Garden City, Lagos, with an offer of N10m, claiming she was only expected to “honour the invitation.”

The memorandum further alleged that Sandra, while posing as Frank’s brother, picked Adekoya up and took her to the residence, where she was allegedly locked inside a room.

The lawyers claimed that Frank, who was reportedly asleep at the time, was later woken up and expressed shock over the allegation of an affair. He was said to have apologised to Adekoya over the incident.

The entrepreneur’s legal team further alleged that following a marital crisis between Sandra and Frank in May 2026, Sandra embarked on a “calculated campaign” against their client by posting her photograph, private WhatsApp conversations and a video on Instagram.

The posts, according to the claim, portrayed Monisola as one of several women allegedly involved in relationships with Frank.

One of the alleged posts quoted in the memorandum read: “Or is it the smelling prostitute whom you led into our home? Where I had a video record you escorting her to the gate.”

Monisola’s lawyers described the posts as “blatantly false, mischievous and misleading,” claiming they damaged their client’s reputation by portraying her as a “prostitute, sex worker and a person of questionable character.”

The legal document claimed that the posts allegedly went viral, were republished by blogs and online platforms, and subjected Monisola to cyberbullying, harassment, insults and public ridicule.

The entrepreneur further sought a declaration that the May 19, 2026 Instagram post was defamatory, false and malicious, while asking Sandra to retract the posts and issue an unreserved apology.

She is also seeking an injunction restraining Sandra from publishing similar materials in the future, N100m in damages and the cost of the legal action.

The memorandum also proposed an out-of-court settlement, requiring Sandra to delete the alleged publications, issue a public apology acknowledging the alleged impersonation of Frank Edoho, and pay N20m in damages.

  

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Nigeria Tops Porn Charts But Nobody Admits Watching Them — Seyi Hunter

Actress and adult entertainment consultant, Seyi Hunter, has spoken about Nigeria’s complex relationship with sexuality, arguing that many Nigerians consume sexual content in private despite publicly acting otherwise.

Speaking in an interview with the Punch, Hunter said, “I won’t call it hypocrisy; I’ll say Nigerians are private people. It’s like most of us (not me) are living double lives. People often feel the need to present themselves in ways that align with societal or religious expectations, even when their private interests are different.

 

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“There’s a reason we are always topping charts on porn sites, but nobody admits they watch them. Before I lost my first Sinful Friday channel on Xvideos, it had over a billion views. Who was watching? People pretend a lot, but Gen Z are breaking that stereotype,” she said.

Speaking on whether more open conversations about intimacy could help couples build stronger relationships, Hunter said communication is key to sexual compatibility.

“If you are sexually compatible with your partner, all you need is communication to get the ball rolling. Always let your partner know what you want, and always explore. Fifty per cent of sex and intimacy is communication. Even if there’s a deeper issue, you’ll never know without communication,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal experiences, Hunter added that attraction alone does not always guarantee compatibility in a relationship.

“I dated someone I liked, but every time he touched me, it felt like he was using pins on my skin,” she added.

Culled from the Punch 

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Four Million Dollars Property Scam Report Is Fake - Bella Shmurda

Popular singer Bella Shmurda has dismissed reports alleging that he lost $4 million in a Lagos property scam, describing the claims as fake.

The singer made the clarification in a series of posts shared on his Instagram Story on Friday, days after a viral report claimed he broke down in tears during an Instagram Live session over an alleged fraudulent property deal.

On the Instagram Live session he was said to have said “Nigeria, I need your help. I’m not doing okay right now. I spent $4 million of my own hard-earned money, only to find out I bought stolen property.”

 

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But today in one of the posts, Bella Shmurda wrote, “Fake news!! I wasn’t scammed. Trust bloggers @ ur own Risk. Doing fine and happy. Peace & Love”

He also shared another Instagram Story with the caption, “4m$ keh?? This country no go sleep!!”, mocking the widespread reports about the alleged $4 million property scam.

The Instagram Live report, which was widely circulated online, claimed the singer became emotional during the session while appealing for help over the alleged loss.

The alleged incident sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many fans expressing concern over the singer’s welfare.

Subsequent reports quoting members of the singer’s camp also described the story as false, stating that the viral video being circulated online was an old clip from 2023 that had been taken out of context.

  

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Demolition Of Fire-damaged Martins Street Building Begins

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, has commenced the controlled demolition of the fire-damaged building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

He said the “exercise followed a comprehensive structural assessment and would be carried out in line with international best practices in urban safety, disaster risk management and public health protection.”

 

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Oke-Osanyintolu “advised traders, residents, customers and members of the public to comply strictly with all safety directives” during the demolition.

He said the affected building and its immediate surroundings had been declared a restricted and hazardous area.

According to him, “no unauthorised person should enter the premises, while traders and customers should keep a safe distance to avoid injuries from falling debris or possible structural collapse.”

He added that all trading, parking, loading and other commercial activities around the building had been suspended until the area was certified safe by relevant authorities.

The permanent secretary said the “site had been barricaded with warning signs, while security personnel had been deployed to prevent unauthorised access and manage crowds.”

He said the demolition contractor would conduct a final structural assessment before commencing work and ensure full compliance with established safety regulations.

According to him, the site will remain “cordoned off throughout the operation, with dust suppression measures as well as traffic and pedestrian management plans in place.”

Oke-Osanyintolu said all personnel on site must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, while operators of heavy machinery must ensure all equipment is certified fit for use.

He said emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service and first aid personnel, would remain on standby throughout the exercise.

He added that the demolition team would work with the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other relevant agencies.

The permanent secretary said continuous public sensitisation would be carried out to discourage residents, traders and onlookers from gathering around the site until the exercise was completed.

He acknowledged the economic importance of Martins Street to the Lagos Island business community but said the precautionary measures were necessary to protect lives and property.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to cooperate with security and emergency personnel, advising them to report safety concerns through LASEMA Response Units or the emergency toll-free lines 112 and 767.

He thanked the Martins Street community for patience, understanding and cooperation as the government worked to restore safety and normalcy to the area. (NAN)

  

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Senate Bans Preaching, Hawking In Commercial Buses

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The bill, which seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement and curb practices considered capable of distracting drivers, now awaits presidential assent.

If signed into law, the legislation will also impose a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, on motorists who refuse to cooperate with officials of the FRSC during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion.

 

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The amendment forms part of a broader review of the FRSC Act aimed at increasing compliance with traffic regulations, reducing road crashes and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads through stiffer penalties for traffic offences.

Under the proposed law, anyone found hawking, trading or preaching inside a commercial vehicle commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N50,000 fine.

Lawmakers said the provision was introduced to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.

The bill also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000.

Convicted offenders also risk up to two years’ imprisonment or both.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC personnel conducting preliminary roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will equally face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

The proposed amendment further increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to N100,000.

Similarly, speed limit violations, previously punishable with a N5,000 fine, will now attract a N100,000 penalty, while reckless driving will also be punishable with a N100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

The revised schedule of offences contained in the amendment lists 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties.

According to the Senate, the review is aimed at strengthening the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improving compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing safety on Nigerian roads.

  

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Why Lagosians Should Avoid Floodwaters As Much As Possible - Health Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible.

The commissioner noted that floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants, creating ideal conditions for waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. He said they also increase the risk of skin infections, injuries, snakebites, and electrocution from submerged electrical installations.

With flooding plaguing the state in this rainy season, Abayomi urged residents to drink only safe or treated water and to maintain good hand hygiene.

Posting on X, Abayomi advised Lagosians to switch off electricity before entering flooded homes, and seek immediate medical attention for diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or other signs of illness.

 

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“Health is shaped not only by the care we provide in hospitals but also by the environments in which people live. Protecting Lagos from the health impacts of flooding requires government, communities, and residents to work together to build a safer, more resilient city,” he said.

The commissioner revealed that beyond damaged roads and submerged homes, floods disrupt access to healthcare, schools, workplaces, and essential services. He noted that families lose property and income, communities are displaced, and the physical and emotional toll can last long after the waters recede.

He said the impact of flooding falls hardest on those already most vulnerable: older persons, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people living with disabilities.

“Alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, and other senior officials, I visited affected communities to assess the situation firsthand. One striking sight was canoe operators ferrying residents, particularly older persons and those with mobility challenges, across flooded streets. While this demonstrates the resilience and ingenuity of Lagosians, it also highlights how deeply flooding disrupts daily life.

“As the Ministry of Health, our focus goes beyond treating illness. We are strengthening disease surveillance in affected communities, promoting safe water and sanitation practices, monitoring for outbreaks of waterborne diseases, and coordinating with other ministries to reduce flood-related health risks,” the commissioner said.

Abayomi revealed that the state government has designed new healthcare facility blueprints that integrate robust climate adaptation and resilience measures tailored to Lagos’s annual flooding and worsening weather.

The blueprint features low-carbon, naturally cooled designs elevated above projected flood levels; improved local drainage and green roofs to manage stormwater while harvesting rainwater; strict infection-prevention compliance to ensure safe, hygienic operations during crises; and integrated solar power systems to guarantee uninterrupted healthcare delivery during grid outages.

  

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