The Lagos State Government has partnered with the Simisola Alabi Foundation to deliver a far-reaching medical outreach in Obalende, Lagos Island, under the theme “Healthy Mothers; Thriving Children.”
The initiative brought critical healthcare services, nutrition support, and health education to hundreds of mothers and children.
Designed to address maternal health, child nutrition, and the burden of stunting, the outreach featured free medical checks, health insurance registration, food distribution, menstrual care packages, and educational talks, filling the community centre with life-changing activities.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi praised Simisola Alabi for her dedication to humanitarian service.
“Dr Alabi is one of our ‘brain gain’ doctors, and she continues to demonstrate that Lagos embraces the contributions of returning professionals,” she said.
Ogunyemi used the opportunity to warn mothers against relying on untrained traditional birth attendants, stressing the government’s commitment to making healthcare affordable through insurance.
“Maternal deaths occur too often because women avoid hospitals. Health insurance removes the financial barrier to quality care,” she noted.
She also highlighted the event’s importance in raising awareness about public health threats.
“Many people here were unaware of the ongoing diphtheria outbreak. Education saves lives, and today’s event offered a vital platform for such enlightenment,” she added.
Calling for male involvement in family health decisions, Ogunyemi urged: “Men must not be bystanders. Whether it’s health insurance or family planning, it’s a shared responsibility.”
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Founder of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Simisola Alabi, explained the passion behind the initiative, reflecting on her experience abroad and her early involvement in humanitarian causes following the loss of a mentor.
“It’s not because I have so much money,” she said. “It’s because I understand the power of giving. Helping one mother today could uplift an entire generation tomorrow.”
Alabi stressed that tackling stunting — a neglected issue affecting children’s physical and cognitive development — was a core focus.
“Stunting impacts not just height but brain development and future life outcomes,” she explained.
She also noted the deliberate selection of culturally appropriate, highly nutritious food items, such as crayfish, palm oil, and bean powder, alongside menstrual hygiene products.She called on corporate organisations to redirect their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts towards communities like Obalende, where the need is greatest.
“The real heartbeat of Lagos is here, not just in affluent neighbourhoods,” she said.
Among the services offered, attendees were enrolled for health insurance through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA).
Emmanuella Zamba, General Manager of LASHMA, described the outreach as “a truly commendable initiative” and praised its role in integrating immunisations, malaria treatments, nutrition counselling, and insurance services under one roof.
Bebenimibo Perezi, Executive Director of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to addressing maternal health and childhood malnutrition.
He noted that ‘Healthy Mothers, Thriving Children’ is the Foundation’s first major programme of 2025, aiming to reach over 1,000 mothers and children in its first quarter.
“The programme offers maternal and child health education, menstrual hygiene packs, health checks, and free health insurance for vulnerable residents through the LASHMA EKOSHA initiative,” he said.
Olukemi Kwenin, a trustee of the Foundation, commended the outreach’s success, particularly its focus on malaria prevention, nutrition, and wellness education.
She called for more initiatives across Lagos to build healthier communities and tackle childhood stunting.
The Medical Officer of Health for Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Akintayo Akintoba, also endorsed the partnership, highlighting the critical role such collaborations play in strengthening healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
Kudzai Hove, Founder of Amayi Foods — one of the sponsors — emphasised the company’s commitment to maternal and child nutrition.
“We align fully with the Simisola Alabi Foundation’s mission and are proud to contribute to improving family health and well-being,” he said.
Many beneficiaries expressed their gratitude. Mrs Mariam Akpan, a mother of two who received a food pack and free health screening, said, “I feel like today I am not forgotten. They even enrolled me for health insurance. God bless them.”
