society
Covid-19: Lagos Biobank handles over 5,000 private testing requests
Lagos Biobank, a digital platform developed by the Lagos State Government to meet the increasing demand for Covid-19 testing following the decentralisation of testing in the state, has handled more than 5,000 requests from individuals since inception.
Supported by Sterling Bank Plc, the Lagos Biobank platform was launched by the state government to ensure equitable access, accelerated testing and improved case management for all in the state in a bid to harmonise data from public and private testing centres in the state while also regulating the billing of patients paying for their tests.
Speaking on the initiative, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi said, “It is important to iterate that the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Biobank, still makes prompt and reliable Covid-19 tests accessible to residents at no cost for the public health emergency response.”
According to him, all other groups who would want to test and do not fit into the case definition such as corporate groups, returnees, family and individual can book appointments for sample collection and pay for the test via the digital platform and they would be assigned to one of the private laboratories.
He said they would also have the option of choosing their preferred laboratories and that a standard fee would be charged through online payment or bank transfer for tests on the platform, irrespective of the private testing centre.
The commissioner said the platform eliminates the overbilling of citizens seeking to know their Covid-19 status through government approved private labs. He said Lagos State will remain a regulator in the process of private testing by the laboratories and will not partake in the private testing of groups that do not meet the case definition but would be responsible for data management and protection following the government’s strict policies on data governance, which is one of its core functions as a regulator.
Also commenting on the initiative, Obinna Ukachukwu, Divisional Head, Health and Education Sectors with Sterling Bank, said, “We are delighted to support the Lagos State Government to deliver the Lagos Biobank platform which is accelerating Covid-19 testing for Lagos residents, and relieving the burden on the public health infrastructure in the state.
“This initiative, which expands the Covid-19 response capacity in Nigeria’s most populous state, has improved testing capacity, identification of active infections, case management and contact tracing.”
According to him, the private Covid-19 testing strategy in Lagos State using a network of approved diagnostic centres is a sustainable model that should be adopted nationwide.
“Lagos has proven that Covid-19 testing can be decentralised with support from private sector partners using standardised methods for sample collection and accelerated diagnosis. Using technology, the Lagos Biobank is ensuring equitable access to testing and transparent charges for all. It is a model that must be adopted nationwide,” Ukachukwu said.
The platform is powered by a network of government-approved private diagnostic laboratories in the state. They are Medbury Medical Services, SYNLAB, 54gene, BIOLOGIX, Clinalancet, O2 Medical Services, Clinix Healthcare, Afriglobal Medicare, Reddington Zaine Laboratory and VCare Diagnostics Limited.
For providing the digital platform which manages the operational processes of the Lagos Biobank network from end-to-end, Sterling Bank was appointed the fund/process administration partner. The bank is saddled with the responsibility of managing invoicing, collections and distribution of payments to the diagnostic labs on the network.
Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday led the management team, alongside officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, in a nationwide walkathon to commemorate the 2026 National Police Day.
The event, held across state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking Day Two of the annual celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The symbolic exercise, which drew participation from both police personnel and members of the public, was aimed at showcasing unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to community policing and public safety.
According to the Force leadership, the walkathon underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen public trust, deepen engagement with citizens, and enhance collaboration in tackling security challenges across the country.
Participants described the initiative as a practical step toward bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while also promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among officers and civilians alike.
With the theme reflecting a shared responsibility for safety, the Police reiterated that sustainable security can only be achieved through active partnership with the public.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action under the banner: “Together We Walk, Together We Secure,” emphasizing unity of purpose in building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.
society
Dr. Chris Okafor invokes divine retribution upon individuals blackmailing the Grace Nation church
Dr. Chris Okafor invokes divine retribution upon individuals blackmailing the Grace Nation church
… Affirming God’s omnipotence to unveil malicious schemes.
To be frank, the ability of Doris Ogala and her associates to withstand the arduous challenges set by Senior Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor of Grace Nation Global at the culmination of the Harvest of Babies 2026 conference, the church’s flagship event, continues to elude me.
It’s advisable not to offend a powerful spiritual leader like Prophet Chris Okafor to avoid potential consequences, as seen in the situation with Doris Ogala, who was rebuked by the prophet; can she rectify the situation through confession?
Insiders close to the man of God claim that despite relentless online bullying and blackmailing, the Generational Prophet remains resolute, stating that God’s power has been evident throughout the commission’s existence. The reason for this wonderful statement is found in the scriptures, “Upon this rock I shall build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail.” The more falsehoods are spread about the church and its leader, the more God elevates the church and propels him to greater heights, he asserted. He emphasized that blessings and fruitfulness are antidotes to curses, noting that God continues to bestow blessings upon the church, including miracles and the gift of children, which is one reason for the grand finale of the annual family liberation program, The Harvest of Babies.
However, the man of God issued a curse on each person speaking ill of the church, blackmailing, and uttering all sorts of falsehoods against the church, declaring that if they refused to repent within a few days, the earth would swallow them and their family members, stating that they would be of no use to themselves, their families, or society at large.
The spiritual leader cautions his followers to beware of such individuals including Doris Ogala who may taint their faith, and urges them to treat these persons as emissaries of the devil, avoiding them altogether.
Recall that the 2026 harvest of babies concluded with a remarkable birth of a miracle baby boy to a woman on the third day of the conference, accompanied by the dedication of several other miracle babies, all to the glory of God.
Christopher Sunday David writes from
Austria
“Together We Walk, Together We Secure”: Police Launch 2026 Walkathon In Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to host a walkathon in commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day, aimed at promoting unity, peace, and stronger community partnership.
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with participants expected to converge at the Force Headquarters Abuja by 6:00 a.m., where the walk will commence.
According to the organisers, the walkathon is designed to bring together members of the public, stakeholders, and security personnel in a show of solidarity and shared commitment to national security.
With the theme, “Together we walk, together we secure,” the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between the police and citizens in maintaining peace and safety across the country.
Members of the public have been encouraged to participate in the exercise, which forms part of activities lined up to mark this year’s National Police Day celebration.
It is believed that the walkathon would not only foster closer ties between the police and the communities but also serve as a platform to promote awareness on collective responsibility in ensuring a safer society.
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