The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has launched a mental health awareness drive in Lagos State, encouraging residents to break the silence surrounding mental health challenges. The campaign, organised by the Orunsii Welcare Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Lagos State First Lady, was held at Badagry West Local Council Development Area on World Mental Health Day. The programme aimed to promote early intervention, community support, and access to professional care.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that mental health conditions often manifest through subtle behavioural changes that families, employers, and communities should not ignore. She cited examples of such changes, including a child becoming withdrawn, an employee no longer functioning effectively, or an elderly person living in isolation. The First Lady also encouraged residents to enrol in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to ease the financial burden of accessing healthcare, including mental health services.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Orunsii Welcare Foundation, Dr. Laja Odunuga, explained that the non-governmental organisation was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to growing mental health concerns and other social challenges. The foundation's activities focus on four key areas: mental health awareness, care for elderly persons, support for indigent paediatric patients, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Odunuga disclosed that a mental health survey conducted in Alimosho revealed that mental health conditions were widespread but grossly underreported.
Dr. Medinat Oladosu, Senior Registrar in Psychiatry at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba and Clinical Lead Mindbulb Foundation, described mental health as an integral part of overall health. She insisted that "there is no health without mental health" and urged individuals, families, and communities to pay closer attention to people experiencing emotional difficulties. Dr. Oladosu stressed that mental illnesses are treatable and should not define anyone's future.
Medical Director of General Hospital, Badagry, Dr. Oluseyi Adesola, identified substance abuse as one of the most prevalent mental health challenges confronting Nigerian communities. He emphasised that preventing substance abuse requires a coordinated effort involving families, religious institutions, community leaders, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders. Dr. Adesola noted that the problem cuts across all segments of society and is often detected only after it has become severe.
Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Humpe, commended the Lagos State First Lady and the Orunsii Welcare Foundation for bringing the awareness campaign to Badagry. He described the programme as timely and impactful, saying the messages delivered should be sustained through continuous engagement in schools, religious centres, homes, and communities to promote healthier attitudes towards mental health and emotional well-being.
The event concluded with participants encouraged to become advocates for mental health awareness within their respective communities, helping to reduce stigma and ensure that more people seek help early. The Lagos State First Lady and the Orunsii Welcare Foundation aim to continue the awareness campaign in other parts of Lagos State, engaging residents, including women, artisans, traditional leaders, youth groups, community associations, and children.
Key points
- Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu launches mental health awareness drive in Lagos State.
- Mental health conditions often manifest through subtle behavioural changes.
- The Orunsii Welcare Foundation adopts a community-based approach to mental health awareness.
