The Mushin Local Government Area Secretariat was agog on Saturday, 13 December 2025, as dignitaries, residents, traditional rulers in Mushin and health stakeholders gathered for the official flag-off of the Second Round of the Year 2025 Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCH+N) Week by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

The event, hosted by the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe attracted top government officials, community leaders, health workers and a large number of nursing mothers from across the local government. Also in attendance were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Semiu Karaole; the wife of the council chairman; the wife of the Apex Leader in Mushin and Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, distinguished Senator Ganiu Olarewaju Solomon; Mrs Aderonke Solomon; and Dr. (Mrs.) Oyeyemi Ayoola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Central Internal Audit.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu described the MNCH+N Week as “one of Lagos State’s historic health achievements,” noting that the initiative continues to deliver free, life-saving healthcare services to children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and adolescents across the state. She added that despite population pressures, Lagos has recorded improvements in maternal and child health outcomes, stressing that greater progress is achievable through collective effort.

The First Lady explained that during the five-day exercise, residents can access free services including immunisation, vitamin A supplementation, antenatal and postnatal care, malaria and malnutrition screening, family planning services, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, as well as screening for tuberculosis, HIV and non-communicable diseases. According to her, “Lagosians are encouraged to take full advantage of these services available at public primary healthcare centres, crèches and preschools across the state.”

Dr Sanwo-Olu also cautioned residents against patronising quacks and unregistered birth attendants, urging community leaders to report such practices to the appropriate authorities. She reiterated the state’s zero tolerance for domestic and sexual violence, encouraging survivors to seek help at public health facilities or through the toll-free helpline, 08000-333-333.

In his welcome address, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe commended the Governor and the First Lady for choosing Mushin to host the statewide flag-off. “This intervention reflects the compassionate leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the tireless efforts of his wife. Mushin is proud to host this life-changing programme,” he said.

Expressing appreciation, nursing mothers described the initiative to Mushines as timely and impactful. “We are grateful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife for remembering mothers like us. This programme will help our children grow healthy and strong,” said Mrs Aisha Lawal, a nursing mother. Another mother, Mrs Funke Adeyemi, noted that the free health and nutrition services would ease the burden on many families.

Speaking with Mushines, traditional and community leaders also applauded the Lagos State Government for prioritising grassroots healthcare, describing the choice of Mushin as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development. Health stakeholders noted that the programme would significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Dr. (Mrs.) Oludara Folashade, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, expressed optimism that more families would be covered in this round, urging Lagosians to participate fully and describing the exercise as “a gateway to healthier families and a stronger Lagos.”

The MNCH+N Week, which runs for five days from Monday, 15 to Friday, 19 December 2025, is designed to reach millions of residents with essential health and nutrition services.