… Says Establishment of Wellness Clinic Complements LASG’s Vision For Healthy Citizens
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has promised to collaborate with Unforsaken House of Hephzibah, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological services, to expand access to mental health care for individuals in need across the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the promise at the Grand Opening of The Unforsaken House of Hephzibah Wellness Clinic, in the Lekki area of the State recently.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Sanwo-Olu stated that the establishment of the Centre aligns with his administration’s vision to promote the overall well-being of its citizens. The Governor lauded the Director of Unforsaken House of Hephzibah, Dr. Busola Olamuyiwa, for her efforts in positively impacting the mental health of many, particularly in supporting those who have endured trauma, abuse, and other difficult life circumstances.
He stated that his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda acknowledges the importance of psychological services in addressing the mental health needs of its population, noting that mental health is crucial to fostering a resilient and productive society.
In his words: “We recognise the invaluable role that organisations like the Unforsaken House of Hephzibah play in supporting our communities. Mental health is not only a personal matter but also a public priority. We are committed to supporting initiatives that offer accessible psychological services and empower our citizens with the tools they need to heal and thrive”.
He noted that the wellness Centre will be assisted to expand its services, reach more individuals in need, and engage with more professionals across the psychological and social work fields.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, informed that the Ministry aims to set a precedent for how government agencies and non-profit organisations can collaborate to address the mental health crisis in Nigeria, making Lagos a model for mental health support in the nation.
The Commissioner, who spoke through the Head of Special Projects and Mental Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, noted that people are gradually becoming more aware of the need and importance of therapy and mental health as against what was obtained in the past. He urged those still living in denial or secrecy to come out from their hiding places to seek help, saying “Please seek help so you can remain healthy rather than shy away from professional assistance”.
On her part, Dr. Busola Olamuyiwa, Director of The Unforsaken House of Hephzibah, informed that the clinic aims to address the multifaceted nature of health challenges, creating a sanctuary for holistic healing. She explained that the clinic aims to be a sanctuary for those seeking holistic healing, emphasising her belief that every individual deserves access to compassionate, personalised care.
Dr. Olamuyiwa shared her vision for the clinic, explaining its role as a safe, compassionate space designed to meet the needs of individuals facing mental health challenges and seeking wellness across all aspects of life. “This clinic is more than just a professional goal for me; it’s a calling. Here, we embrace the full spectrum of wellness, understanding that true health involves the mind, body, and spirit in harmony”, she said.
She praised her team’s dedication, attributing the clinic’s opening to their commitment and shared vision. As the doors open, the clinic welcomes clients, family, friends, and community members to join in the journey of healing, resilience, and hope.
The Centre’s Director expressed the centre’s readiness to collaborate with the Lagos State Ministry of Health in every way possible, emphasising that with the government’s support, the Centre could scale up its services to address the rising demand for mental health support.
She thanked the State Government for recognising the value of mental wellness as a vital component of the state’s development agenda.
