Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu champions mental health support in Lagos, calling for love and empathy, not stigma, during World Mental Health Day outreach

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Mental Health advocacy took centre stage on Friday as the First Lady of Lagos State urged residents to embrace compassion and community care for those facing psychological challenges.

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Speaking in Ikorodu at a mental health outreach organised in partnership with the Orunsii WellCare Foundation to mark World Mental Health Day 2025, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu stressed the need to move beyond stigma and focus on human dignity.

“Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being,” she stated, addressing residents and healthcare advocates. “Every community has its share of people silently battling mental health issues, often caused by economic stress, work pressure or relationship struggles.”

She warned against silence and shame, which often delay healing. “Let us replace stigma with love, compassion and care,” she urged.

The event, themed “Community: Supporting Mental Wellbeing Together,” brought together local officials, health professionals, and school representatives to promote a unified approach to mental health in Lagos.

Dr Tolu Ajomale, Special Project Officer on Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, noted a rise in openness rather than in actual mental health cases.

“People are now speaking up and seeking help. This change is healthy — it’s a sign that stigma is being broken,” he said.

Dr Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that mental illness knows no boundary, affecting families across all local government areas.

She called on families and community groups to be proactive in promoting awareness, adding that “prevention is better than cure.”

The outreach featured awareness campaigns in schools and community groups, furthering efforts to embed mental health literacy at grassroots levels.

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As Lagos grapples with the realities of modern urban stress, the First Lady’s appeal underscores the state’s growing commitment to a compassion-driven mental health strategy — one that prioritises healing, inclusion and human dignity.

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Champions Mental Health Support in Lagos