Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, takes free healthcare to grassroots at Epe
Dr. Sanwo-Olu speaking in Epe
Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, takes free healthcare to grassroots at Epe
The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery as she launched a free medical outreach in Epe.
The initiative, held at the Epe Recreation Centre on Tuesday, forms part of activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of the COWLSO National Women’s Conference.
It comes on the heels of similar exercises in Mushin and Makoko, where thousands of residents benefitted from consultations, screenings, and health education.
Sanwo-Olu said the outreach was designed as a “special gift to the people, a practical way of giving back to society and ensuring that residents across Lagos State have access to free, quality, and life-saving healthcare services.”
According to her, the choice of Epe was deliberate, given the peculiar health challenges in the division.
“This intervention is not merely about providing medical services, but also about restoring hope, preserving dignity, and empowering families to take control of their health,” she stated.
The programme offers free screenings for hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, cervical and breast cancer, dental care, and eye checks, as well as health talks and counselling sessions.
“These services ordinarily cost significant sums in hospitals, but through COWLSO, they are being provided free of charge as our contribution to building a healthier Lagos,” the First Lady explained.
She also underscored the importance of preventive care, describing it as “the surest way to detect illnesses early, reduce complications, and lower the financial burden of treatment in the long term.”
On the broader healthcare agenda of the state, Sanwo-Olu pointed to the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme as an example of government’s efforts to deliver affordable and inclusive healthcare.
“Under the visionary leadership of our Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the State Government has been working tirelessly to reposition the health sector, ensuring it delivers affordable, inclusive, and efficient services to all Lagosians,” she said.
She further acknowledged the national support framework being driven by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“Her Excellency’s interventions continue to impact lives positively across our nation in the areas of health, education, agriculture, social investment, and women and youth empowerment,” she noted.
Beyond the outreach, Sanwo-Olu urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles.
“Exercise regularly, eat fruits and vegetables, reduce salt and sugar intake, and maintain a healthy weight. These small but consistent lifestyle choices go a long way in preventing life-threatening diseases and prolonging life,” she advised.
She commended the progress made in healthcare delivery across the Epe Division, particularly under Health District 3 led by Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, and recognised the contributions of local stakeholders including Hon. Wale Raji and Epe Local Government Chairman, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun.
Sanwo-Olu assured that COWLSO would continue to sustain interventions like the medical outreach in line with its vision of complementing government’s healthcare initiatives.
