The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a ₦70 million endowment fund aimed at improving access to life-saving surgical procedures for children from low-income families across the state.
The initiative, introduced under the Orunsii Welfare Foundation, is designed to support vulnerable households that struggle to afford essential pediatric surgeries in public health institutions. The programme is expected to ease financial burdens while strengthening healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
According to details of the initiative, the fund will be distributed across 14 public hospitals, including general hospitals, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Igbobi. These facilities will benefit from structured financial support aimed at covering critical surgical interventions for children in need.
Focus on Sustainable Healthcare Support
A key feature of the initiative is its sustainability model. Rather than being a one-time donation effort, the ₦70 million endowment is structured to generate returns over time, ensuring continuous funding for pediatric surgical care. This approach is expected to create a long-term safety net for indigent families who depend on public healthcare services.
Each participating hospital will receive an initial allocation of ₦1 million to begin immediate interventions, while further disbursements will be guided by patient needs and the fund’s performance.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare during the unveiling ceremony, noting that many children in Lagos face preventable complications due to delayed treatment caused by financial constraints.
Origins of the Fund
The endowment was financed through donations received during the First Lady’s 59th birthday celebration in January 2026. Instead of personal gifts, supporters were encouraged to contribute to humanitarian and social welfare causes. The event reportedly raised a total of ₦180 million, part of which has now been dedicated to the child surgical care programme.
Strengthening Child Health in Lagos
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Lagos State government to improve maternal and child healthcare services. Hospitals participating in the programme are expected to use the funds to address urgent surgical cases, particularly those involving congenital conditions, trauma, and other life-threatening illnesses.
The Orunsii Welfare Foundation, which oversees the initiative, has previously been involved in projects focused on mental health awareness, elderly care, and environmental sustainability.
The ₦70 million endowment marks a significant step toward bridging healthcare inequality in Lagos State. By targeting indigent families and strengthening public hospital capacity, the initiative is expected to improve survival rates and overall child health outcomes across the state.
As implementation begins, stakeholders will be watching closely to assess the impact of the programme on Nigeria’s broader healthcare system.
