LSHC celebrates its 10th Anniversary themed “Repositioning SBCC towards the attainment of SDG goals”

Dignitaries, alumni and graduating participants were all present to celebrate the 10th edition of the Leadership in Strategic Health Communication (LSHC) closing dinner which took place on the 20th of October 2016 in Lagos. In attendance was representative for The Honourable Minister of Health, Mrs Olayemi Sotomi.


The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye  MPH, FWCAP was present at the dinner and gave a very inspirational speech, encouraging the organizers to keep the legacy up and participants to keep the fire burning. The celebration also witnessed participants and delegates from Nigeria and other African countries including Ethiopia, Liberia, and Uganda. The LSHC programme is a partnership between the Center for Communication Programs Nigeria (CCPN) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health- Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, USA.

The Leadership in Strategic Health Communication (LSHC) workshop is a platform that brings together Social and Behavior Change Communication professionals across the spectrum of health and social development. This affords the unique chance to learn from one another and apply the latest, most effective Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) principles embedded in solid science and art.

 In his Keynote address, the HMoH, Prof. Issac Adewole opined that the theme “Repositioning SBCC towards the attainment of the SDGs” is timely and strategically positioned at this time when we need to be creative and resourceful to address issues pertaining to improving our health and ultimately our quality of life. The Hon Minister appreciated the Center for Communication Programs Nigeria (CCPN) and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health, Center for Communication Program, Baltimore, (JHCCP) who have collaborated over the years to build the capacity of about 300 SBCC professionals across Nigeria and many other African countries.

Speaking at the 10th Edition of the closing dinner, the Executive Director, Center for Communication Programs Nigeria (CCPN) Mrs. Babafunke Fagbemi, said in her goodwill message to the participants “to always remember that to change others we may have to change ourselves first”. She further stated that the organization remains committed to putting in its best as well as breaking track records of excellence with remarkable achievements that cannot be quantified nor easily forgotten.

The representative of the Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs, the global ICON, Dr Benjamin Lozare, said “The most important principle in communication is to be yourself”. He also said that the partnership with CCPN has been amazing as he has been supported by a team of committed people whose unending commitment made the programme a smashing success.

Dr Mrs. Mojisola Odeku, a long time alumnus and the Project Director of NURHI 2, also joined others to congratulate CCPN even as the organization is emulating JHCCP to become the African hub for excellence in SBCC. The high point of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of certificates to all 49 participants by the dignitaries and special guests. Since November 2008, CCPN has facilitated this annual Leadership in Strategic Health Communication (LSHC) training bringing together participants from Nigeria and other countries with international and Nigerian health communication experts.

See some photos from the event...