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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: SYNLAB Nigeria’s Journey in Diagnostics Care
“From the onset, there was a clear vision that this was going to be run not with the level of mediocrity that existed at the time, but it was going to be run as an international organization with the best practices.
So, there was excellence on-site from the get-go, and that was how the business was birthed,” said Kenneth Okolie, CEO of SYNLAB Nigeria.
These words encapsulate the bold aspirations that shaped the organization 20 years ago and continue to drive it today.
As SYNLAB celebrates its 20th anniversary, it reflects on two decades of reshaping healthcare diagnostics in Nigeria and the West African region.
From its early days as PathCare to its evolution into SYNLAB, the organization has consistently raised the bar in diagnostics care. PathCare, now SYNLAB, was the first ISO-accredited laboratory in West Africa, setting a new standard for healthcare quality and ethical practice.
This commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous firsts over the years, positioning SYNLAB as a leader in driving accessible and reliable healthcare services.
“We’ve been at the forefront of driving quality and accessible healthcare in this part of the world.
In Nigeria specifically, we have modelled what ethical practice in healthcare should be, collaborating with the government and public sector at different levels—federal, state, and local—to bring quality healthcare closer to the people,” Okolie remarked.
SYNLAB’s contributions to healthcare extend beyond Nigeria. By driving partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and the clinical research industry, SYNLAB has leveraged its expertise to advance science and localize tests that previously had to be sent abroad.
“We’ve done millions of tests and localized tons of diagnostics services that might not have been possible a couple of years ago,” Okolie noted, emphasizing SYNLAB’s impact on improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.
SYNLAB’s role in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem goes beyond diagnostics. Through collaborations with government and private institutions, the organization has been instrumental in advancing policies, infrastructure, and public health initiatives.
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SYNLAB’s contributions to health education and advocacy have also been groundbreaking. It organizes quarterly webinars that educate the public on critical health issues and maintains a popular SYNLAB Podcast series, which features medical experts addressing pressing health topics.
These initiatives reflect SYNLAB’s commitment to empowering communities with knowledge and encouraging preventive healthcare.
Looking Ahead
“What would the next 20 years hold for SYNLAB? Well, 20 years is a lot to look out for, but I can say for a fact what we can look out for in the next 3–5 years,” said Okolie.
SYNLAB’s vision for the future includes:
• Becoming a more ambitious organization with increased investments in Nigeria.
• Driving quality healthcare even further and expanding partnerships with the government to improve access to care.
• Advocating universal basic healthcare and working closely with stakeholders to achieve this goal.
• Localizing even more tests to reduce dependency on external laboratories.
“SYNLAB looks forward to keeping pushing the envelope with regards to advancements in healthcare.
We are looking to become not just a household name in Nigeria but a leader in diagnostics within the West African space and, by extension, the sub-Saharan African region,” Okolie concluded.
A Celebration of Milestones
To mark this momentous occasion, SYNLAB Nigeria has lined up a series of activities, including free health screenings, and community outreach programs, discount sales and an anniversary dinner with relevant stakeholders.
These initiatives are a testament to SYNLAB’s gratitude to its patients, partners, and staff, who have made its 20-year journey a success.
As SYNLAB Nigeria celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class diagnostics services, advancing healthcare innovation, and empowering Nigerians to live healthier lives.
About SYNLAB
• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with presence in 35 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.
• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments and corporates.
• Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The Group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.
• SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.
• More information can be found on www.synlab.com, www.synlab.com.ng
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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