The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for organising an art programme for children from Orphanage Homes in the State.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation during her visit to the 13 finalists at the Banquet Hall, Office of the First Lady, Alausa, Ikeja, where she inspected their artworks, declaring that she was highly impressed by the quality of artistic designs from the children, the ambience in which they operated as well as the passion and dedication committed to the artworks.
The First Lady said that the initiative by LASHMA had indeed identified hidden talents in the children and created an opportunity to catch them young and develop their creative instincts. In addition, she noted that it was another way to encourage the vulnerable to identify, showcase and utilise their talents in becoming responsible citizens in society.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also seized the opportunity to call on community Leaders, notable individuals, groups and corporate organisations to support the vulnerable in the State, to make them independent and have a sense of belonging.
The First Lady appreciated the efforts of the Art Instructor and Founder of the FolaDavid Care Foundation – Dr. Fola David, for supporting the children to realise their dreams. Dr. Sanwo-Olu also gave kudos to the caregivers of the children for their commitment to bringing up the children to be their best.
She implored the participants not to relent in utilising their special skills and talents as they forge ahead to higher positions and become good future leaders.
The General Manager of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, applauded the First Lady’s kind gesture of visiting the children, stating that it demonstrated her unquantifiable love for the vulnerable, especially children.
She assured Dr. Sanwo-Olu that the Agency would intensify efforts in the discovery of more talent among children living in Orphanage Homes and in the provision of access to quality and equitable healthcare for the vulnerable as defined by the mandate of the Agency.
Dr. Zamba said that the Agency will, in the third quarter of the Year 2023, organise EKO Social Health Alliance Fundraiser where the participants and other artists in the State will exhibit their artworks and proceeds from the exhibitions will be used to provide free health insurance to cover more vulnerable in the State.
To complement the efforts of the government in providing health coverage for the vulnerable, Dr. Zamba called on well-meaning individuals, philanthropists and other donors to support the Agency by adopting individuals, groups or communities and be part of the historic success of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the State.
The General Manager thanked all the sponsors and donors who have supported the Lagos State Government in ensuring that the vulnerable in the State also live a healthy life.
The Art Instructor and Founder of the FolaDavid Care Foundation – Dr. Fola David, expressed his appreciation to the Lagos State Health Management Agency, for the opportunity given to the participants to discover their skills early and for the opportunity given to him to have an impact in their lives.
He noted that at their tender ages, they did very well in producing drawings and paintings, adding that the determination and dedication of the children have proven that the sky is the starting point for them as artists. Representatives of the Association of Orphanages and Homes in Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, were also in attendance at the event
