Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Urges Early Intervention In Mental Health Challenges

Wife of the Lagos State governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to seek early professional help for mental health challenges, warning that subtle changes in behaviour should not be ignored.

She made the call on Wednesday at a mental health awareness programme organised by the Orunsii Welcare Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Lagos State First Lady in Badagry.

The event, held at the Badagry West Local Council Development Area, was organised to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day with the theme: “Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

She said early intervention, community support and access to professional care were essential to improving mental well-being.

The First Lady said the annual campaign was aimed at encouraging people experiencing mental health challenges to share their experiences and seek appropriate support without fear of stigma.

She said the foundation had previously taken the campaign to Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos, adding that the Badagry engagement included women, artisans, traditional leaders, youth groups, community associations and children.

Sanwo-Olu said mental health conditions could manifest through subtle behavioural changes which families, employers and communities should not ignore.

“A child who suddenly becomes withdrawn, an employee who can no longer function effectively, or an elderly person living in isolation may all be showing signs of emotional distress that require attention,” she said.

She also encouraged residents to enrol in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare, including mental health services.

Speaking, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Orunsii Welcare Foundation, Dr. Laja Odunuga said the NGO was established about five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to mental health concerns and other social challenges.

Odunuga said the foundation focused on four major areas, including mental health awareness, care for elderly persons, support for indigent paediatric patients and environmental sustainability.

He said a mental health survey conducted by the foundation in Alimosho showed that mental health conditions were widespread but largely underreported.

“What we see in hospitals is only the tip of the iceberg. Many people are battling depression, anxiety and sleep disorders without seeking help because they either do not recognise the symptoms or fear social stigma,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to speak openly about mental health challenges and respect the confidentiality of people seeking emotional support.

Odunuga said the foundation also adopted a community-based approach by training representatives of market associations, religious organisations, socio-cultural groups and artisans to take mental health awareness messages back to their communities.

Senior registrar in Psychiatry, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, and Clinical Lead, Mindbulb Foundation, Dr Medinat Oladosu described mental health as an important part of overall health.

Oladosu urged individuals, families and communities to pay attention to people experiencing emotional difficulties, listen to them with empathy and refer them for professional care when necessary.