During the award presentation to the First Lady on Monday.
The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, NRHJN, has honoured the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, with the award of “Lagos Reproductive Health Champion”, recognising her contributions to maternal and child health and efforts to promote the wellbeing of women and children in the state.
Presenting the plaque of honour to the First Lady, the Lagos State Chapter of the Network said the recognition was in appreciation of her commitment to creating safer health spaces for women and advancing the health of children across Lagos.
The Network, in an official statement, said the honour was also intended to encourage Dr. Sanwo-Olu to sustain and deepen actions capable of leaving a lasting legacy in reproductive, maternal and child health in the state.
The presentation, led by the President of NRHJN, ‘Yinka Shokunbi, was made by a delegation that included the National Secretary, Hajia Sekinah Temitope Lawal; Treasurer, Julie Ekong; Assistant Secretary Lagos State, Angela Onwuzoo; Chioma Umeha and Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha (members).
Receiving the delegation in her office, Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the Network for using journalism and media advocacy to draw attention to sexual and reproductive health issues affecting women and girls.
She particularly appreciated the group for dedicating its professional skills and platforms to promoting responsible sexual and reproductive health information.
For the Network, the recognition comes as part of its broader advocacy for stronger attentionto the health needs and rights of women and girls.
NRHJN, a 16-year-old media advocacy organisation, has membership drawn from print, broadcast and online media platforms across 16 states of the federation. Over the years, it has built partnerships with national and international organisations to strengthen public understanding and policy attention around reproductive health.
Its advocacy covers family planning, contraception, fertility, maternal and child health, menstrual health, vaccination, HPV, adolescent health and other sexual and reproductive health issues.
The Network also campaigns for stronger policies, effective implementation and greatergovernment investment in reproductive healthcare, while promoting evidence-based journalism and public awareness.
It has equally used and still using media advocacy to speak against gender-based violence and other harmful practices and to support access to essential reproductive health services.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu brings a medical background to her public role. A medical doctor, public health physician and administrator, she became the first medical practitioner to serve as First Lady of Lagos State.
Before becoming First Lady, she spent 25 years in the Lagos State public health service rising to the position of Chief Medical Director/Medical Director of General Hospital, Somolu.
Her academic and professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Lagos, a Diploma in Anaesthesia, Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital and Health Management, Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
She also serves as Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and remains listed as an active member of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
With the recognition, NRHJN said it hopes to further draw attention to the need for sustained investment and action on reproductive, maternal and child health, particularly for women and girls who continue to face barriers to accessing essential healthcare services.