COVID-19: 9mobile celebrates, pledges support for health workers at Yaba isolation centre

...Dr. Ayodeji Falana emerges most outstanding health worker

Nigeria’s caring telecommunications company, 9mobile, has paid glowing tribute to Dr. Ayodeji Falana and other health workers who have been outstanding in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the last one year. Dr. Falana was adjudged the most outstanding health worker for his leadership and dedicated service. 

The commendation came as 9mobile visited health workers on Saturday, February 27 at the Lagos State Government isolation centre of Mainland Hospital, Yaba otherwise known as Infectious Disease Hospital.

The 9mobile initiative is designed to appreciate the efforts of health workers who have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 across the country. A minute silence was observed in honour of health workers and Nigerians who lost their lives to Covid-19.

Commending health workers nationwide, 9mobile’s Public Relations Lead, Chineze Amanfo, who represented the Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Abdulrahman Ado, recalled that it was exactly one year that the index case was recorded in Nigeria. 

She stated that “we decided to visit the isolation centre in Yaba to appreciate the health workers who have been at the forefront in this fight against Covid-19. 9mobile appreciates your commitment and dedication because you are the real heroes in the fight against Coronavirus. 9mobile applauds your dedicated service and reiterates that we are solidly you.”

Amanfo, who presented a plaque of recognition to the recipient and other gift items to the health workers on behalf of 9mobile, also saluted the bravery of the health workers. She said that despite the disruption and loss caused by the coronavirus pandemic, health workers have continued to show exemplary commitment.

In his response, the Medical Director of Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Abimbola Bowale said that “I received the Covid-19 index patient on February 27, 2020, and it has been a very long journey since then. Unfortunately, we have reported some deaths and for the health workers, it has been very demanding for us. So, this is a very significant day. This facility is the largest facility where Covid-19 patients are treated. We are very proud of the enormous work and commitment of our staff in the fight against Covid-19. Our health workers have shown resilience. We appreciate 9mobile for their show of support. I am excited for what they have done today”.

The recipient of the award, Dr. Ayodeji Falana appreciated 9mobile for shinning its spotlight on the selfless sacrifices of health workers in Nigeria. He said that, “I have been involved in the fight against infectious diseases for a very long time. Hence, it feels good to be appreciated and it shows that when you work hard, you will eventually be recognized and appreciated. Covid-19 provided us with the opportunity to serve Nigeria with our capacities and capabilities. I heartily appreciate 9mobile for encouraging us to do more for the Nigerian healthcare system”.

According to his official citation, Dr.  Ayodeji Falana, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, has played a pivotal role in transforming the clinical landscape of the Mainland Hospital in the past one year with his contribution to the fight against Covid-19. As a clinician in the facility for over a decade, he was actively involved in the fight against Ebola in 2014, treating and managing infected patients.  This prepared him for the mantle of leadership in the fight against Covid-19 when he was posted by the Lagos State Covid-19 Case Management Pillar Lead to serve as the Medical Lead for Eti-Osa Isolation Centre in April 2020. He has shown commitment, drive, innovation, selflessness and has made enduring impact.