BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
Some Indigent patients of Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital, Iyun, in Surulere have been supported by the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and a Non-Governmental Foundation, Orunsi Welcare Foundation with gift items that would aid the speech recovery of the beneficiaries.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu and Officials of Orunsi Welcare Foundation visited the hospital on Tuesday to announce the Paediatric Surgery Support, directed at children whose parents are unable to provide adequate financial resources for surgical procedures.
Speaking during the visit, the First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said her office identified with the organisation to donate because of the strong priority focus given to caring and supporting vulnerable elderly people and children by the Foundation.
According to her, “Leadership is by example, which informed why her office formed notable partnerships with stakeholders that have a remarkable initiative of supporting the most vulnerable members of society during their most challenging moments.
Explaining further, she said her Office, through the “Senior Citizens Visitation Programme”, has consistently reached out to the vulnerable and less privileged across Lagos, providing them with essential items and financial support to ensure they feel valued and cared for.
She eulogised the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu for championing the programme for the care of the elderlies, as well as for her outstanding efforts on other care-giving programmes.
In her words, the visit to RGH was “like a prayer answered for affected patients” because the hospital wasn’t in the initial plan, adding that the gesture succinctly “reflects our shared mission to ease the burden on families facing health challenges and to provide hope where it is most needed.”
She, however, encouraged other stakeholders, corporate bodies, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to join hands with impactful initiatives, towards building a Lagos where no child is left behind due to financial or medical constraints.
“As the First Lady of the State, I remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that uplift our communities and secure the well-being of our children and the elderly”, Mrs Sanwo-Olu affirmed.
Speaking at the event, a member of the Welcare Foundation and the Medical Director/CEO of RGH, Dr. Olumide Sojinrin explained the Foundation activities since Y2021 when health issues needing urgent attention were identified, especially mental health and mental wellbeing.
He thanked the First Lady for coming “to spend time with her second family; the health family” and for the surprise choice of RGH as point of visit.
Also in attendance at the brief event were the Deputy Medical Director, Dr. Olufade Mathew; Head of Social Welfare Department, Mr. Mojeed Olabode, some of the hospital’s Management team and some members of staff.
