Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has taken its free medical outreach to Makoko, offering residents health care as part of activities marking 25th anniversary of National Women’s Conference.
The governor’s wife and Chair of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her address at the kick off at Yaba LCDA, said the intervention was conceived to tackle health inequalities and expand access to life-saving care.
“This outreach is a special gift to our communities, a way of giving back and ensuring residents access to free, quality, and life-saving healthcare services,” she said.
She noted that the initiative had previously been held in Mushin, benefiting thousands, and would conclude in Epe on September 2 and 3.
In Makoko, Sanwo-Olu said residents would receive free screening for hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, eye conditions, cervical and breast cancer, as well as dental checks and health education.
“These services, if accessed in hospitals, cost a lot of money, but COWLSO is offering them free of charge as part of our contribution to improving public health,” she explained.
Its theme is “Healthy for All: Bridging Gaps, Building a Healthy Future.”
According to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, the theme reflects the need to close healthcare gaps and promote preventive care.
“Preventive care, through regular medical checkups, remains the best way to detect illnesses early, manage them effectively, and reduce cost of treatment in the long run.”
She tied the initiative to state policies, stressing that health remains a central priority in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
“Under our governor, the state has been repositioning the health sector to deliver efficient, affordable, and inclusive services. The Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme is an example of this commitment, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this scheme to secure access to quality healthcare at minimal cost,” she said.
She acknowledged interventions of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through Renewed Hope Initiative, which she said is positively impacting lives in health, education, agriculture, social investment, and economic empowerment.
The governor’s wife urged residents to take responsibility for healthier living.
“Engage in regular exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables, cut down on salt and sugar, and maintain a healthy weight. These small, consistent steps can make a difference in preventing diseases and prolonging life,” she advised.
She assured that COWLSO would sustain initiatives that complement government healthcare delivery in communities.
Chair of the LCDA, Bayo Adefuye, said it is a timely intervention. “Good health is the foundation of a prosperous community, and the theme could not have come at a better time. It is a reminder that access to quality healthcare is a right. This project is designed to restore hope,” he said.
Adefuye lauded Mrs Sanwo-Olu’s passion for Lagosians and acknowledged the Ambode Era Subgroup.
He noted that Yaba LCDA has placed healthcare at the front burner and urged residents to fully utilise the services.
“Building a healthy future requires the cooperation of all,” he added.
Dignitaries at the event include HRH Oba Adeshina Owolabi, Oba Igbobi Sabe Maforunyomi 1, represented by HRM Alaka Yusuf ( Aaro of Igbobi Sabe); HRH Oba Owolabi Suleiman Ogun-Oloko (Olu of Iwaya), represented by Mr Clever Anthony; Hon Jide Jimoh (FCT Civil Service Commission); among others.
