Smile Train, Pageant Titleholders Visit LUTH to Strengthen Healthcare Advocacy
Smile Train Foundation, a global cleft charity, and a delegation of pageant titleholders have visited the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, to strengthen healthcare advocacy and collaboration.
The visit was aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration, community sensitisation and advocacy for improved access to quality healthcare services for people living with cleft conditions.
The delegates with some LUTH management staff during the visit.
The delegation, led by Prof. Ogunlewe, was received by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), LUTH, Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole.
Discussions during the visit focused on ways to strengthen partnerships between healthcare institutions and humanitarian organisations in addressing challenges affecting individuals and families living with cleft conditions.
Representing the Miss category were Precious Amogu, Miss Tourism Nigeria; Damilola Remi Fakoya, Miss Cosmo Nigeria; Omega Richard, Miss Tourism Africa Nigeria; Eloho Eric, International Tourism Queen Nigeria; Veronica Adoga, Runner-Up, Miss Tourism Nigeria; Deborah Emmanuel, Runner-Up, Miss Tourism Africa; and Collete Nwadike, CEO, Miss Tourism Nigeria and National Director, Miss Cosmo Nigeria.
Delegation from Smile Train and pageant titleholders with some LUTH management staff during a courtesy visit to LUTH in Lagos.
The Mister category was represented by Isinwa Senator, Mister Cosmo/Universe Nigeria; Michael Cypher, Mister Cosmopolitan Nigeria; Oyetunde Bolaji, Man of the Year Nigeria; Nelson Nelly, Mr Universe Top Model; Odaudu Christian, First Runner-Up, Mr Universe; Asadu Onyebuchi, Mr Tourism Africa Winner; and Lam Chris Chidubem, Director, Mr Universe Nigeria and Mr Cosmo Nigeria.
Also present were Dr Sunny Olukunle Phillips, Programme Director, West Africa, Smile Train Foundation; Mrs Victoria Ogundipe, Senior Programme Manager, Nigeria; and Mrs Adaeze Muonyelu, Programme Assistant, Nigeria.
Some pageant titleholders with LUTH management staff during the visit.
Speaking during the visit, Ms Collete Nwadike highlighted the impact of their awareness walk aimed at creating greater awareness about cleft conditions and available support.
Nwadike shared the story of a new mother who sought assistance shortly after giving birth as a direct result of the awareness campaign, highlighting the real world impact of community outreach and the importance of encouraging individuals to seek timely medical support.
“The awareness walk is about ensuring that people understand that cleft conditions can be treated and that support is available for affected families,” she said.
“Her decision to seek help shows the real-world impact of community outreach and the importance of encouraging people to seek timely medical support,” Nwadike said.
Oluwole appreciated Smile Train Foundation and the pageant titleholders for their commitment to healthcare advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by cleft conditions.
“We appreciate your commitment to serving humanity and supporting efforts to improve the lives of people affected by cleft conditions,” he said.
He urged the delegation to sustain its advocacy, stressing that partnerships, public awareness and community engagement were essential to improving healthcare outcomes.
“Strategic partnerships and sustained public awareness are important in complementing clinical services and improving access to quality healthcare,” Oluwole said.
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