The Lagos State Government has cautioned mothers about the dangers of patronising untrained traditional birth attendants (TBAs).
The advisory was issued during a medical outreach organised in partnership with the Simisola Alabi Foundation in Lagos on Saturday.
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, commended Dr Simisola Alabi for her intervention.
Dr Ogunyemi emphasised the government’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare through health insurance.
She stressed, “Maternal deaths occur too frequently because women avoid hospitals. Health insurance removes the financial barrier to quality care. Education saves lives, and this event provided a perfect setting to share crucial health information.”
She urged men to play an active role in family health, stating, “Men must not be bystanders. Whether it’s health insurance or family planning, it’s a shared responsibility.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Founder of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Dr Simisola Alabi, explained the philosophy behind the outreach.
“It’s not because I have so much money but because I understand the power of giving. Helping one mother today could uplift an entire generation tomorrow.”
She traced the roots of her passion for humanitarian service to her time in the UK, noting that the loss of a mentor had inspired her early charitable works.
“When I returned to Nigeria, I knew I had to continue making an impact,” she added.
Dr Alabi said tackling stunting—a largely neglected crisis affecting children’s physical and cognitive growth—was central to the programme’s agenda.
She stated, “Stunting doesn’t just affect height; it affects brain development and life outcomes. By empowering mothers today, we’re shaping a better future for our children.”
Alabi called on corporate organisations to rethink their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. “The real heartbeat of Lagos is in communities like Obalende, not just the affluent neighbourhoods. Channel your CSR here, where it truly matters,” she urged.
Among the services offered, attendees received health insurance enrolment through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), led by Dr Emmanuella Zamba, who described the outreach as “a truly commendable initiative” deserving of emulation.
“Today, mothers and children are receiving immunisations, malaria treatments, nutrition counselling, and free insurance, all in one place,” Dr Zamba said. “Initiatives like this prove that individuals and communities can drive sustainable health development.”
The Executive Director of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Pharm. Bebenimibo Perezi, emphasised the Foundation’s dedication to tackling pressing health issues such as childhood malnutrition and maternal health challenges that continue to affect many Lagos residents.
“With the support of partners such as Codix Nigeria, May & Baker, Pearls Specialist Clinic, Amayi Foods, Page Financials, and Lawyer Funmi Roberts, the Foundation is determined to extend its reach beyond this initial event, with the ultimate goal of improving the health and lives of thousands of women and children across the state.”
He noted that Healthy Mothers, Thriving Children is the Foundation’s first major programme for 2025, which aims to reach over 1,000 mothers and children in its first quarter.
“The programme offers a range of services, including maternal and child health education, menstrual hygiene packs, health checks, and the provision of free health insurance for vulnerable residents through the LASHMA EKOSHA initiative,” he stated.
The Medical Officer of Health for Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Dr Akintayo Akintoba, endorsed the partnership with the Simisola Alabi Foundation.
He praised the Foundation’s efforts in providing immunisations and health checks during the outreach.
Dr Akintoba emphasised the importance of collaborations between local stakeholders and organisations to improve health outcomes and strengthen healthcare services in Lagos State.
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