Sanwo-Olu’s wife champions mental health awareness

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged Lagos residents to show compassion and empathy towards people with mental health challenges instead of stigmatising them.

Speaking at an event in Ikorodu organised by the Orunsii WellCare Foundation to mark World Mental Health Day 2025, themed “Community: Supporting Mental Wellbeing Together,” she stressed that every family is affected by mental health issues linked to stress, economic hardship, and relationships.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that each local government in Lagos has recorded cases of mental illness, highlighting the importance of understanding, prevention, and early support.

She said,

“Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. We must replace stigma with love and understanding.”

Also speaking, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, the Special Project Officer on Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, explained that there hasn’t been a spike in mental illness but rather an increase in people speaking out and seeking help.

The outreach featured awareness programmes across schools and community groups in Ikorodu.