LASG commits N200m to fund indigenous research in health

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Health Commissioner, said Tuesday that the government has set aside N200 million to fund indigenous health research.

Abayomi was unveiled in Lagos at the ongoing 2022 Annual International Conference on Advances in Health, Innovation and Research (ICHAIR), organized by the Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).

The Nigerian News Agency reports that ICHAIR is a gathering for biomedical professionals and stakeholders within Nigeria and beyond.

He said: “Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given us N200 million and it is for the purpose of funding local indigenous research in the state.

“We are currently reviewing the submitted applications so that we can shortlist applicants, while the grant winners will be announced next month.

“This will trigger the process of research, innovation and medical advances in health.

“The governor also funded COVID-19 research to the tune of N300 million and this research has resulted in 40 journal articles and was made possible through partnership with various health institutions like NIMR”

The commissioner added that there were also plans to create an intellectual property office in the state.

“We are working on an intellectual property table because it is necessary for our researchers to understand how important their intellectual work is,” he said.

Abayomi urged the country’s researchers to carry out research that offers solutions to problems that are typical of our domain.