Sanwo-Olu’s wife launches N70m fund for children’s surgical care

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a N70 million endowment aimed at supporting underprivileged children in need of surgical treatment across the state.

The initiative, established through the Orunsii Welfare Foundation, is set to benefit patients in 14 public health facilities, including 12 general hospitals, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi.

Speaking during a paediatric surgical support programme organised by the foundation, Mrs Sanwo-Olu emphasised compassion and shared responsibility, citing Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

She described the intervention as a focused effort to close gaps in access to essential healthcare for children, noting that the foundation is driven by compassion, service, and a strong commitment to humanity.

According to her, the foundation operates across four key areas: mental health advocacy, elderly care, paediatric surgical assistance, and environmental sustainability, with programmes designed to complement government efforts while delivering direct impact.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu explained that the fund was drawn from donations received during her 59th birthday in January 2026, when supporters were encouraged to contribute to the foundation instead of giving gifts.

She revealed that a total of N180 million was raised, with N70 million earmarked specifically for paediatric surgical support across selected hospitals in Lagos.

The First Lady noted that the fund would be managed through a structured financial system designed for sustainability, incorporating banking-backed medical financing to ensure the capital generates returns over time.

She added that the initiative is piloting a disbursement model that allows the fund to yield dividends, ensuring continuity and long-term impact.

As part of the rollout, she announced an initial release of N1 million to each participating hospital to commence implementation.

Beneficiary institutions include general hospitals in Gbagada, Alimosho, Lagos Island, Randle, Orchid, Badagry, Orile-Agege, Ikorodu, Ifako-Ijaiye, Isolo, Ijede, and Somolu, alongside LASUTH and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.

Medical directors present at the event described the initiative as timely and impactful. Speaking on behalf of others, Dr Taiwo Hassan of Ikorodu General Hospital and Dr Olufunmilola Osho of Orchid Road General Hospital expressed appreciation, noting that the support would ease the financial burden on families seeking surgical care for their children.

Also speaking, Prof Adetokunbo Fabanwo of LASUTH commended the foundation’s growing contribution to the healthcare system, particularly in addressing areas requiring targeted social support.

The Programme Coordinator of the Orunsii Welfare Foundation, Olumide Sojinrin, described the initiative as a structured and scalable solution to gaps in paediatric healthcare access, highlighting its long-term sustainability potential.

The event drew health administrators, nurses, and social workers, reinforcing ongoing efforts to promote inclusive healthcare delivery and stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders in Lagos.