COWLSO delivers Free Healthcare to Makoko residents, targets gaps in Medical Access

The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has taken its free medical outreach to Makoko, offering residents vital health services at no cost as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the National Women’s Conference.

The First Lady of Lagos State and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her address while flagging off the free Medical Health Mission, at the Yaba LCDA, said the intervention was conceived to tackle health inequalities and expand access to life-saving care.

“This outreach is designed as a special gift to our communities, a way of giving back and ensuring that residents across Lagos State have access to free, quality, and life-saving healthcare services,” she said.

She noted that the initiative had previously held in Mushin, benefitting thousands of residents, and would conclude in Epe on September 2 and 3, 2025.

In Makoko, Sanwo-Olu said residents would receive free screenings 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,” Sanwo-Olu explained.

The outreach is themed “Healthy for All: Bridging Gaps, Building a Healthy Future.”

According to Sanwo-Olu, the theme reflects the urgent 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 the overall cost of treatment in the long run.”

She tied the initiative to state government policies, stressing that health remains a central priority under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

“Under the leadership of our Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the State Government has been repositioning the health sector to deliver efficient, affordable, and inclusive services for all. The Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme is a shining example of this commitment, and I encourage all residents to take advantage of this scheme to secure access to quality healthcare at minimal cost,” she added.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the interventions of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which she said is positively impacting lives across health, education, agriculture, social investment, and economic empowerment nationwide.

She urged residents to take personal responsibility for healthier living.

“Engage in regular physical exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables, cut down on salt and sugar, and maintain a healthy weight. These small, consistent steps can make a world of difference in preventing diseases and prolonging life,” she advised.

Sanwo-Olu assured that COWLSO would sustain initiatives that complement government healthcare delivery across Lagos communities.

Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bayo Adefuye, also weighed in on the significance of the programme, describing it as 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 timely reminder that access to quality healthcare is a right for all. This programme is designed to restore hope to the community,” he said.

Adefuye commended Sanwo-Olu for her passion for the health of Lagosians and also 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 made available.

“Building a healthy future requires the cooperation of all,” he added.