In a heartwarming show of compassion and support for vulnerable families, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in partnership with the Orunsii Wellcare Foundation, has extended financial aid to facilitate free paediatric surgical procedures in three public hospitals across the state.
The initiative, which took place on Tuesday, saw Dr. Sanwo-Olu visit the General Hospital, Odan Marina; Femi Gbajabiamila Hospital, Surulere; and the Igando General Hospital, where an undisclosed sum was donated to support children requiring urgent medical intervention. The gesture is part of the 2025 Paediatric Surgical Care Initiative, a programme underpinned by the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Speaking during the hospital visits, the First Lady stressed that the project aims to alleviate the burden of medical expenses on low-income families, many of whom struggle to access critical healthcare for their children due to financial constraints. She noted that the THEMES Plus Agenda, which focuses on social inclusion, especially for those with special needs, reinforces the need for partnerships that prioritise healthcare accessibility for all Lagosians.
“In line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government, we are reaffirming our commitment to the health and wellbeing of every child. Today’s initiative is a testament to the strong partnership between my office and the Orunsii Wellcare Foundation, both united in our vision to offer hope and healing to families in need,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated.
She lauded the foundation’s efforts in bringing relief to paediatric units in hospitals located in Marina, Alimosho, and Surulere, noting that the initiative was not just about surgeries but about restoring dignity and hope to families facing medical distress.
“This programme reminds us that healing goes beyond medicine—it is deeply rooted in compassion, empathy, and the power of partnership. We must continue to be present in the lives of our citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable,” she added.
The First Lady further appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropic individuals, and private institutions to emulate the gesture by investing in public healthcare initiatives aimed at bridging the inequality gap in medical access.
Project Director of the Orunsii Wellcare Foundation, Mr. Laja Odunuga, explained that the donation was inspired by the helplessness of many children during health emergencies. According to him, the foundation had worked closely with social workers in the hospitals to develop a transparent and effective selection process to ensure that only truly indigent patients benefit from the support.
“Our intervention is a seed we believe will inspire broader collaborations in making quality healthcare more accessible to the underprivileged. Children are among the most vulnerable in our society, and they rely on all of us to survive moments of crisis. This is just the beginning,” Odunuga said.
At the General Hospital, Marina, the Medical Director, Dr. Abiola Mafe, who was represented by Deputy Medical Director, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the Orunsii Foundation for what he described as a lifesaving intervention. He commended the initiative for its thoughtful approach to identifying and assisting those most in need, especially in the paediatric surgical ward.
The initiative, many observers note, not only highlights the role of public-private collaboration in healthcare but also offers a blueprint for how targeted philanthropic interventions can bring real change to the lives of children and families across Lagos State.
