Our society needs more benevolent acts - Sanwo-Olu

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has expressed the need for individuals and organisations to be more generous towards the needy in the society, describing it as a way of fulfilling God’s commandment.

She stated this in her remarks at the 33rd Thanksgiving Anniversary of Workers and Patients Christian Fellowship Chaplaincy of the Lagos State Health Service Commission held at Ifako-Ijaye General Hospital, Ifako.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Head of Nursing, Lagos State House Clinic, Mrs. Grace Afolayan, revealed that the act of benevolence is a simple way of appreciating God for having a fulfilled and fruitful life.

The First Lady described the gathering as a yearly occasion to appreciate Almighty God for his indelible mercy and grace on the State, particularly in the lives of patients, workers and other management staff of General Hospitals across the State.

She observed that the existence of the fellowship has created an exemplary platform for workers and patients in all General Hospitals in the State to establish an amiable relationship which in no small measure has assisted in the delivery of quality services.

“I am delighted and proud of the contributions of this body since its creation, it has been a source of hope to many; helping patients to settle hospital bills, providing essential care for the needy and above all, offering prayers for the wellbeing of patients”, Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated.

She, however, charged the fellowship to be steadfast in their selfless act of prayers and support to the people, noting that such kindhearted practice would encourage more people to be responsive to the need s of the privileged few.

While expressing her gratitude for the tremendous impact the fellowship has had in the management of the health system in the State, Mrs Sanwo-Olu urged the body to support Government in enlightening the public on the benefits of the health insurance scheme.

She expressed optimism that the scheme would afford every Lagosian affordable, consistent and safe medical care, explaining that the Government is striving to ensure that all residents of the State are covered when the scheme is finally floated.

“It is necessary for the people to embrace this project as it would help in our quest to have a healthy citizenry. I hereby enjoin this body to use their influence to convince the people on the immense benefits of this initiative”, she said.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the Chairman, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Aderiye admitted that the fellowship through its mission has restored hope to the hopeless, revealing that the annual thanksgiving event is to appreciate the infinite and wonderful work of God in its affairs.

He assured the body of the Commission’s support as it continues the journey to become an enduring companion to the needy and a partner of the State Government in bequeathing a reliable health service to the people.

Speaking on the theme ‘Covenant of Thanksgiving’, the Special Adviser to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Kalejaiye stated that man is ordained by God to give gratitude in all situations and as such, it is the cardinal for everyone to be inclined to the act of appreciation.

“Highlighting the significant of thanksgiving, Pastor Kalejaiye affirmed that being appreciative consistently not only opens the door of multiplicity, restoration and abundance but also preserves the body for sanctifying obligation.

The event which was also attended by the Medical Director/CEO of Ifako-Ijaye General Hospital, Dr. Olusola Amure; Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr.  Bankole Olufunmilayo witnessed the donation of cash and items to patients of Ifako-Ijaye General Hospital.