Speeches

23rd Annual National Conference of The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT)

Nov 13, 2007 - On my assumption of office, I assured the good people of Lagos State of my commitment to the improvement of their welfare and general well-being. As part of that resolve, one of my first assignments was to put in place innovative machinery for the restoration of safety to life and property in Lagos State as a necessary imperative
for the improvement of all other sectors. The health sector I wish to acknowledge is one of the several areas that our predecessor in office recorded noticeable and tremendous achievements in terms of introduction of novel policies.

Our administration has continued to build on the foundations which have been laid by the previous administration. It is gratifying to note that today; the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has one of the best diagnostic centres in the Country. Well equipped with modern equipment, reagents and all necessary media that are readily available in stock at all times.

It is in this regard that I wish to congratulate the President, members of the executive, and the entire membership of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), on this occasion marking its 23rd annual general conference.

I am informed that the theme for this year 2007 conference is: “The Role of Science Laboratory Technology in
Engineering and Technology Innovation System”. This topic is quite apt and timely since science laboratory
technology is very fundamental and the plank of engineering and technological innovation.

Orthodox medical practice is based on differential diagnosis that can only be ascertained and supported by an effective scientific proof in the laboratory. To that extent, members of this profession occupies a very vantage position in the healthcare delivery system. Every member of the society has a role to play. The office attendant contributes his or her quota towards the overall success of any organization. There is division of labour. Therefore all personnel must work in tandem and together for the overall improvement of our society.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, our administration appreciates the importance of a healthy citizenry to the overall success of all our policies and intention of making Lagos a dream mega city. It is a healthy populace that can be productive. We shall therefore leave no stone unturned in our desire to provide the best healthcare system for our people.

Our administration believes in the adage that: “prevention is better than cure,” and the best way to prevent damage and untimely death is through prompt diagnosis of diseases in the early stages so that the necessary remedies and intervention could be put in place. We would therefore implement proactive and preventive healthcare policies.

I am happy to note that the practice of science laboratory technology in Lagos State has risen to global standards with the availability of digital equipment to diagnose various ailments and ascertain other medical indices ranging from pre-pregnancy tests to more delicate neuro-surgical studies. The Lagos State Drug Quality Control Laboratory stands
out as one of the best-equipped laboratories with stateof-the-art equipment, with competent and dedicated personnel. It has the capacity to analyze food and other edible products for human consumption according to best practices and NAFDAC standards.

We are currently equipping and furnishing thirteen (13) research laboratories in our various health facilities. Our Free HIV/AIDS Screening/Test in our laboratories and designated centres across the State has been recording huge success. We plan to further improve service delivery in all these centres to curb the spread of the dreaded disease.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would enjoin the institution of science laboratory technology to partner with Government by regulating the practice of this profession thereby control the menace of unethical practices. Honesty and integrity should be the watchword of your members. Your profession requires painstaking attention and thoroughness in order for you not to mislead those who would rely on your laboratory findings for further action as may be required.

Our administration is determined to protect the health of innocent members of the public from the operators of sub-standard science laboratories in Lagos State. You should focus on raising the level of professionals in this field so that we can further reduce the scourge of HIV/AIDS and other diseases that can easily be treated at early stages when properly diagnosed or screened.

Once again, I commend the President, Members of Council, Executive Management and the entire members of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NILST) for another successful hosting of the annual conference.

I wish you fruitful deliberations.

Thank you for your attention and God bless.

“Eko o ni baje o!”

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State