Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) as a remarkable example of compassionate leadership and accountability in humanitarian service during the organization's 10th anniversary celebration.
A Decade of Transforming Emergency Healthcare
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Health Service Commission, Dr. Cecilia Mabogunje, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended HEI for its significant impact in strengthening emergency care systems and supporting vulnerable Nigerians over the past ten years. The governor emphasized that Lagos State deeply values its partnership with the organization, particularly in the area of first aid training across schools, which complements government efforts to enhance emergency preparedness throughout the state.
The organization's achievements include supporting over 50,000 patients and accident victims, training 149,000 first responders, assisting 8,000 malnourished children, and collaborating with 95 partner hospitals across 16 Nigerian states. These figures demonstrate the substantial footprint HEI has established in Nigeria's healthcare emergency response landscape.
Strategic Vision for National Expansion
HEI's Executive Director and Ashoka Fellow, Mr. Paschal Achunine, explained that the organization was founded to address critical gaps in emergency healthcare for individuals unable to afford urgent medical treatment. He outlined HEI's four primary intervention areas: providing emergency financial assistance, conducting nationwide first responder training, serving as next-of-kin for accident victims, and addressing childhood malnutrition through specialized programs.
Achunine revealed that the initiative has directly impacted 35,700 patients, supported 56,800 emergency cases, and significantly improved infant nutrition outcomes with backing from partners including Microsoft Philanthropies. He also announced the launch of a new Malnutrition Intervention Fund, calling on donors to increase their contributions to scale up this vital work.
Dr. Emmanuel Imafidon, Chairman of HEI's Board of Trustees, unveiled an ambitious 2026-2031 Strategic Vision that aims to expand operations into all 36 states, partner with 1,000 hospitals, train 750,000 new first responders, and support 50,000 malnourished children across Nigeria.
Strengthening Collaborative Partnerships
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, represented by Oluwatoyin Akinyemi, applauded HEI for its crucial role in reducing preventable deaths and strengthening community capacity to handle medical emergencies. The endorsement from state health officials underscores the importance of HEI's work in complementing government healthcare initiatives.
KPMG Partner Mrs. Nike Yomi-Faseun reaffirmed her organization's commitment to supporting HEI, noting that "government cannot do it alone" in addressing Nigeria's healthcare challenges. This sentiment was echoed during a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Marian Akran, featuring experts including Joseph Alao, MD of LASAEC, Dr. Adeolu Arogundade, FRSC Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, and DNS Mrs. Sola Aketi.
The panel recommended several improvements to Nigeria's emergency care system, including enhanced paramedic training, faster patient referrals, strengthened community education programs, and shared responsibility for emergency care among all stakeholders.
The event featured powerful testimonials from beneficiaries, including students from Omole Senior Grammar School, Oladepo Rhoda and Aaron Felix, who expressed gratitude for the first aid training, donated first aid kits, and cash support they received. Both students pledged to serve as responsible ambassadors for HEI, sharing their life-saving knowledge with peers and their wider communities.
The anniversary celebration concluded with an awards ceremony where The Guardian received a Media Excellence Award for its contributions to advancing HEI's mission of transforming emergency healthcare across Nigeria.
