The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI)’s 10th Anniversary Celebration was marked by high praise and strong endorsement from the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who hailed the organisation as a “model for compassion-driven healthcare intervention” and a “vital partner” to the state.
The Governor was represented by: Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Mabogunje, Permanent Secretart Health Service Commission; delivering a powerful goodwill message at the event, the Governor highlighted HEI’s monumental impact over the last decade, reinforcing the organisation’s foundational belief: “That None Should Die.”
🤝 The Intersection of Compassion and Action
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged HEI’s unique role in bridging the gap between humanitarian service and professional emergency response, especially for the most vulnerable.
“Since its launch, HEI has stood at the intersection of compassion and action… Its ability to combine humanitarian service with professionalism and transparency has earned it both national and international acclaim.”
The Governor detailed the staggering scale of HEI’s efforts over ten years:
- Over 50,000 individuals provided with emergency assistance.
- Nearly 7,000 critically injured accident victims supported.
- More than 35,000 indigent patients assisted across 16 states.
- 149,000 first responders mobilized and trained in life-saving prehospital care.
⏳ Investing in the Golden Hour and Systemic Resilience
A key focus of the speech was HEI’s investment in community resilience and emergency preparedness—training ordinary citizens, health workers, and students in First Aid and CPR.
The Governor praised these efforts for addressing the critical “golden hour,” where swift action can mean the difference between life and death. He noted the five-year approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Education for HEI to train students and teachers, helping to create a vital “culture of care” across communities.
Furthermore, HEI’s commitment extends beyond immediate aid to strengthening the healthcare system itself:
- Donating a ₦16 million 5KVA solar power system to Massey Street Children’s Hospital.
- Providing protective equipment and relief materials to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Receiving global recognition, including a grant from Microsoft to reduce infant mortality, achieving an 82% survival rate among beneficiaries.
🚀 A Turning Point: From Response to Prevention
In his closing remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu offered a commitment to future collaboration, seeing the anniversary as a crucial turning point for both HEI and Lagos State.
“This tenth anniversary is also a turning point — from response to prevention, from emergency aid to system-wide resilience. Lagos State stands ready to walk this next journey with you.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder of the ultimate measure of society: “In a world that measures progress in billions, we must remember that every single life saved multiplies hope; every family spared sorrow strengthens our shared humanity.“
We are deeply honored by the Governor’s kind words and validation of our mission. This recognition inspires us to continue translating empathy into action and upholding our promise: That None Should Die.
