The Executive Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali (MNSE, MNATE), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventive healthcare by participating in the Tuberculosis (TB) Health Talk and Awareness Campaign in Schools held at Iwerekun Community Junior High School.
Epe Insights reports that Engr. Kasali joined the First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at the awareness programme organised by the Office of the First Lady Tuberculosis (TB) Steering Committee (OFILI) in collaboration with Ibeju-Lekki Local Government. The initiative focused on educating students and teachers on tuberculosis prevention while promoting healthier school communities.
The campaign formed part of ongoing efforts to improve public health awareness among schoolchildren by equipping them with accurate information on one of the world’s most preventable and treatable infectious diseases.
During the interactive session, students and teachers received practical lessons on the causes, symptoms, prevention, early detection and treatment of tuberculosis. Health professionals also addressed common misconceptions about the disease and emphasized the importance of seeking prompt medical attention whenever symptoms are noticed.
Participants were encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles and share the knowledge gained with their families, friends and neighbours. Organisers explained that students can serve as important agents of change by promoting health awareness within their communities.
Engr. Kasali commended the initiative, describing health education as a vital component of child development and academic success. He noted that children who understand the importance of disease prevention are better positioned to make healthy choices that benefit both themselves and those around them.
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s support for programmes that improve public health through education, awareness and community engagement. He stressed that investing in preventive healthcare remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden of infectious diseases.
He also emphasized the importance of creating healthy learning environments where pupils can thrive academically without the challenges associated with preventable illnesses.
The awareness campaign highlighted tuberculosis as a disease that is both preventable and curable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Health experts urged participants to remain vigilant and seek medical evaluation whenever symptoms such as persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats occur.
Special attention was given to addressing the stigma often associated with tuberculosis. Facilitators encouraged students to show compassion and understanding toward individuals affected by the disease while promoting factual information that discourages discrimination.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening tuberculosis control through sustained awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare services.
She encouraged students to become ambassadors of healthy living by applying the lessons learned during the programme and sharing the information with members of their households and wider communities.
According to her, schools remain strategic platforms for promoting health education because young people have the capacity to influence positive behavioural changes among their peers and families.
Teachers welcomed the initiative, noting that health education complements classroom learning by equipping students with life-saving knowledge that contributes to their overall wellbeing.
Education stakeholders also praised the programme, observing that informed students are more likely to develop healthy habits that improve school attendance, concentration and academic performance.
Public health professionals continue to advocate school-based awareness campaigns as effective tools for reducing the spread of communicable diseases through education and early intervention.
They noted that encouraging preventive healthcare among children not only protects individual learners but also strengthens community health by promoting responsible health-seeking behaviour.
The collaboration between the Office of the First Lady Tuberculosis Steering Committee, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Lekki LCDA reflects the importance of partnerships in advancing public health goals across Lagos State.
Such initiatives also reinforce the connection between education and healthcare, demonstrating that healthy children are better equipped to achieve their academic potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Residents and community stakeholders commended the awareness campaign, describing it as a timely intervention that empowers young people with practical knowledge capable of improving health outcomes within their communities.
Many also applauded the participation of Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, noting that the involvement of local government leadership strengthens public confidence in initiatives that promote community wellbeing.
The campaign concluded with renewed calls for students to become advocates of healthy living by maintaining good hygiene practices, encouraging early medical consultation and helping to spread accurate information about tuberculosis.
As Lekki LCDA continues to support programmes that enhance healthcare and education, the TB Health Talk and Awareness Campaign stands as another demonstration of the council’s commitment to protecting the wellbeing of residents through preventive health initiatives.
With sustained collaboration between government agencies, schools and healthcare professionals, stakeholders remain optimistic that continued awareness campaigns will contribute to reducing tuberculosis cases, eliminating stigma and building healthier communities across Lekki LCDA and Lagos State.
