Aug 19, 2007 - Hosting Of Kingsley Holgate And Family Team Of Explorers On “Africa – The Outside Edge"
On behalf of His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Governor and the entire people of Lagos State, I welcome most sincerely Mr. Kingsley Holgate and members of his family to Lagos State Nigeria. As you may already be aware, Lagos is a metropolitan State and the industrial/commercial nerve centre of not only Nigeria but also the West Africa sub-region. I also welcome the Honourable Minister for Culture and Tourism as well as the Managing Director and Management of British Airways.
We feel greatly honoured by the decision of the sponsors and organisers of this event to chose Lagos State as one of the places to be visited by Kingsley Holgate and family on the historic expedition titled “Africa – The Outside Edge” which I am informed took off from Cape Coast South Africa on 27th of April and will cover 33 African countries.
It is very heart-warming to note that this expedition is linked with the One net One Life project under which I am informed, insecticide treated mosquito nets, British Airways sponsored spectacles and mobile libraries will be donated to our people. This indeed, is a welcome development as it will complement the efforts of the Lagos State government especially in the fight against malaria which has been identified as a major killer disease among pregnant mothers and children under five years of age particularly in sub Sahara Africa.
In Lagos State, the fight against malaria is being addressed both from preventive and curative perspective as it is a priority under the health care programme of the government and the Roll Back Malaria initiative. A major component of the curative measure is the free malaria treatment being given in all hospitals in the State. Part of the preventive measures include free insecticide treated nets which are being given to all children under the ages of five whose mothers can show evidence of full immunization as well as mass awareness campaign on the need to keep a clean and healthy environment which is not conducive for the breeding of malaria parasites.
On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I thank you for the donation of insecticide nets, spectacles and mobile libraries which you will be presenting in the course of your visit. I also thank the British Airways and other organisations including USAID for supporting this humanitarian project.
Once again, I welcome you to Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence and the city of aquatic splendour. I have no doubt that you will have a memorable experience of our dear State especially its rich culture, exciting tourist attractions and above all, the warm hospitality of our people.
I wish you and your family good health, guidance and protection from almighty God almighty as you further on your expedition to other African countries.
Thank you and welcome.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State