By Milcah Tanimu
The Lagos State Government has formally set up a 15-member Health Board Selection Committee with the responsibility of identifying and choosing qualified individuals to serve as board members across diverse agencies under the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
Presiding over the inauguration, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, highlighted the committee’s formation as a crucial step to ensure effective governance and leadership within health sector agencies, aiming for streamlined healthcare service delivery to residents of Lagos.
Professor Abayomi provided details on the committee’s composition, including a Chairman, a senior civil servant well-versed in governance and public administration, and a Secretary, a senior officer within the Ministry of Health with expertise in administrative and legal matters. Other members encompass representatives from relevant departments within the Ministry of Health, industry experts from the healthcare sector, and an independent auditor or financial expert responsible for outlining audit, fiscal, and fiduciary responsibilities of potential board members.
Prominent figures within the Health Board Selection Committee include Chairman Dr. Olufunmilayo Shokunbi, Secretary Dr. Victoria Omoera, along with distinguished professionals in healthcare, administration, law, finance, and academia such as Dr. Bodurin Osikomaiya, Barr. Adenike Coker-Soewu, Dr. Adenike Omosun, Dr. Temitope Balogun, Mr. Barnard Martins, Barr. Olorunsola Adesanya, Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare, Mr. Tosin Runsewe, Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, Dr. Olajumoke Ibidapo, Dr. Simisola Alabi, Pharm Onakoya, and Mrs. Victoria Oloruntegbe.
Commissioner Abayomi outlined the committee’s primary goals, which include identifying and selecting individuals possessing the necessary qualifications, expertise, and commitment to serve as board members for various agencies under the Lagos State Ministry of Health. Additionally, the committee is tasked with facilitating the appointment and inauguration of selected board members in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities.
Emphasizing the administration’s dedication to sustainable healthcare delivery, Commissioner Abayomi urged committee members to establish transparent criteria for board member selection, ensuring candidates have the requisite skills, experience, and dedication to effectively fulfill their roles.