By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, ARFH, Project.

Speaking through her representative, Dr. Modinat Akinolu, at the achievements dissemination ceremony of the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award, ICHSSA-2, organized by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and ARFH at Ikeja, Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the remarkable outcomes of the ICHSSA-2 Project.

She described the journey of the initiative as one marked by determination and impactful results, particularly in improving the lives of vulnerable populations through education, health, and economic empowerment programs.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the alignment of the ICHSSA-2 Project with her office’s initiatives, which focus on providing relief and support to vulnerable groups across the state.

She lauded the legacy of the project, stressing its significant contributions to sustainable development within the state.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, celebrated the project’s success in transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families in the state.

He stated: “The ICHSSA-2 Project has restored out-of-school children back to the classroom, empowered households economically, curbed gender-based violence (GBV), and facilitated the issuance of thousands of birth certificates to vulnerable children across 11 local government areas where it was implemented between 2019 and 2024.”

USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, represented by Omosalewa Oyelaran, reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children.

She explained that the ICHSSA-2 Project is part of USAID’s broader mandate to support marginalized populations and strengthen community resilience.

In their respective contributions, President Emeritus of ARFH, Professor Oladapo Ladipo; Chief of Party, ICHSSA-2 Project, Dr. Felix Iwuala; and ARFH CEO, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Osinowo, outlined the project’s extensive scope.

They noted its comprehensive approach, addressing critical areas such as: health, education, nutrition, psychosocial and legal protection, economic strengthening, and social safeguards.

The project was implemented in Lagos, Edo, and Kwara States, significantly benefiting children and their families.

The ceremony also featured inspiring success stories shared by young beneficiaries who overcame challenges such as stigma, acquired vocational skills, and achieved economic empowerment through the project.

The ICHSSA-2 Project has left an indelible mark, proving that targeted interventions and strategic partnerships can transform lives and foster sustainable development in vulnerable communities.