By Vivian Ihechu

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has underscored the importance of research in national development, saying “it  is crucial for the development of any country across various disciplines.”

Abayomi spoke  on Thursday in Lagos at the 14^th Edition of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) International Conference on Health Advances, Innovation, and Research.

The commissioner said that any country that focuses on research aims to improve citizens’ lives, making them more comfortable and profitable.

He praised the NIMR and other related institutes for their collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the governor in research efforts.

He highlighted the role of research in protecting citizens and the economy during crises like COVID-19, emphasising the role of researchers in providing data that informed policy decisions.

“Research is the heartbeat of any country’s development in whatever discipline you think of, whether it’s medicine, whether it’s agriculture, engineering, or social sciences.

“A country that pays attention to research is a country that is planning to develop, is planning to make life easier, more comfortable and more profitable for its citizens.

“So, we here, we’re talking about the field of medicine. Health is wealth.’’

The commissioner recounted how Lagos and the Federal Government were able to jointly shield Nigerians and Lagos residents during a time of tremendous global shock and threat- COVID-19, “and yet our economy didn’t take a dive’’.

“We recorded some deaths, but nothing near what happened around the world.

“It was as a result of the activity of institutes like NIMR, LASUTH, LUTH,  working very closely with the Ministry of Health and with the governor being the incident commander.

“He understood the importance of putting resources behind research to understand what COVID-19 is likely to do to our citizens and likely to do to the economy.

“Any country or any government that fails to appreciate the importance of research is planning to fail as a government’’.

Abayomi also  underscored the significance of appointing distinguished academics to lead research institutions and the strategic placement of NIMR in Lagos.

“So, when  we appoint doyens of medical academia to institutes like this, like the Director-General of NIMR, It shows that the president is serious about driving the agenda of research for the Quaternary Research Institute of this country’’.

Commending the ongoing conference, Abayomi said, it was pivotal for the bio economy and stressed the need for increased government funding for research to address local problems, with a cautious approach to resource allocation.

Also speaking, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Akin Osibogun, underscored the importance of research in implementing cost-effective health interventions and decision-making

Osibogun, of the Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, LUTH, Idi-Araba, made a presentation on “Challenges and Prospects  of Medical Research in Nigeria’’.

He outlined different research methods, including observational and interventional studies, and their roles in providing reliable evidence.

Osibogun also touched on the importance of having clear objectives and specific questions in research to focus efforts effectively is emphasised.

His presentation highlighted the importance of collaboration and international partnerships in research, as well as the need for ethical guidelines and responsible use of data in research.

The community health expert also noted the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public health policies, stressing that research was important in addressing global health challenges and providing reliable data for policy formulation.

He advocated the need for increased and continued funding and support for research.

Also, Prof. John Obafunwa, Director‐General/CEO, NIMR, said the conference would be a platform for evidence-based policy decision to strengthen health systems, foster health security, and facilitate exchange of innovative research ideas for national and regional health advancement.

He said there was need to explore areas of partnership between NIMR and the Lagos State government, including infectious diseases, public health concerns, vaccine production, and genomic studies.

Obafunwa reiterated that NIMR would continue to uphold her mandate through research into health problems that would translate into policy and contribute positively to changing the narratives of the public health landscape in the country, region and globally.

He commended the organising committee and various departments for their efforts in successfully organising the conference, highlighting the collaboration and sleepless nights involved.

He also acknowledged the various funders, supporters and partners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni