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Goodwill Message

Your Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche G. Nnaji, 

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is with profound honour that I join you today for the official launch of Grand Challenges Nigeria. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment for our nation as we take bold steps to transform challenges into opportunities through the power of innovation, collaboration, and determination. 

First, allow me to express my gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for spearheading this visionary initiative, which is poised to significantly enhance Nigeria’s health, food systems, and sustainable development outcomes. The commitment of the Ministry and Renewed Hope Agenda to fostering impactful solutions demonstrates that Nigeria is ready to lead by example in the global community of Grand Challenges initiatives. 

Grand Challenges Nigeria joins a global family of initiatives addressing critical issues worldwide, aligned with our shared vision for a healthier, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria, committed to impact, delivering measurable outcomes; inclusivity, reflecting diverse community needs; and integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability in all actions.

The statistics remind us of the urgency of our mission. Ranked 109 out of 125 countries on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, with 43% of our population still unable to access basic healthcare, and with millions at risk from climate-induced migration, the stakes could not be higher. Yet, as Nigerians, we are no strangers to resilience and resourcefulness. Grand Challenges Nigeria embodies our capacity to innovate locally while tackling global issues. By focusing on areas like maternal and newborn health, digital health solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and food systems, this initiative represents the hope we all share for creating long-term, scalable impact. 

Innovation thrives when it is nurtured in the soil of local context. I am especially inspired by Grand Challenges Nigeria’s prioritisation of homegrown research and development, where local researchers, practitioners, and innovators are empowered to design solutions that resonate with the unique needs of our communities. 

At The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we have witnessed firsthand how locally contextualised approaches can yield transformative results. WBFA has long aligned with the global mission of Grand Challenges and welcomes the launch of Grand Challenges Nigeria, as through our commitment to advancing maternal and child health, the WBFA has reached over 300,000 pregnant women, newborns, and children with frontline health, hygiene, and nutrition programs, combining in-person and digital social health and economic education initiatives. By prioritising Civil Registration and Vital Statistics and enhanced health data through comprehensive health records, we ensure that impact is accurately measured and used to guide transformative solutions.

Our maternal and child health programmes have also long utilised digital tools and telemedicine to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities. These are the sorts of efforts that align with Grand Challenges Nigeria’s mission, and we stand ready to collaborate and amplify this work for the benefit of even more Nigerians. 

One of the greatest strengths of Grand Challenges Nigeria is its commitment to strategic partnerships. By bringing together government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society, this initiative ensures that solutions are inclusive, sustainable, and widely supported, harnessing collective expertise and resources to overcome even the most complex development challenges. 

As we celebrate this launch, let us also recognise that the real work begins now. Grand Challenges Nigeria is not just about funding ideas, it is about delivering measurable impact through frontline programming, and ensuring that every innovation supported through this platform transforms lives, uplifts communities, and sets a benchmark for others to follow. 

On behalf of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, I pledge our unwavering support to Grand Challenges Nigeria, to tackle the challenges of today and lay the foundation for a healthier Nigeria tomorrow. May this launch mark the beginning of a transformative journey, where innovation, integrity, and impact come together to drive sustainable progress for all Nigerians.  

Thank you. 

 

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Distinguished guests, healthcare professionals, advocates, and partners. It is an honour to address you today on World Prematurity Day, a day where we pause to reflect on the global impact of preterm births and renew our commitment to ensuring that every baby born too soon has access to quality care, no matter where they are born.

Today’s theme, “Over 13 Million Babies Born Too Soon Every Year: Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” is a profound call to action. Preterm birth is the world’s leading cause of death in children under five, with Nigeria facing one of the highest burdens of preterm births globally. Every year, over 300,000 babies are born prematurely in Nigeria alone. They face a range of health challenges, from respiratory issues and infections to severe complications like neonatal jaundice, which, if left untreated, can result in permanent neurological damage, including kernicterus, a preventable and debilitating condition. 

Through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, our mission has always been to bridge the gaps in maternal and child healthcare, ensuring that both mothers and babies have the support they need at every critical stage. This mission is close to my heart, stemming from my personal experience as a mother who delivered three of my four children prematurely. I understand the challenges, the fears, and the hopes that come with preterm birth, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that families facing these challenges have access to the highest quality of care.

A cornerstone of our efforts is Project Oscar, a Neonatal Jaundice And Kernicterus Prevention Detection And Treatment  Initiative In Lagos State Primary, Secondary And Tertiary Health Care Facilities, launched in collaboration with our dedicated social impact partner, Reckitt. Initially piloted in Vietnam, Project Oscar was created by youth disability advocate Oscar Anderson to tackle the urgent issue of neonatal jaundice. Following its success, Project Oscar has expanded into Nigeria, where it aims to bring life-saving interventions for jaundice to preterm and full-term newborns alike, especially in underserved communities. 

In Nigeria, 60% of term newborns and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice within their first week. While mild in many cases, jaundice can quickly become severe and life-threatening, particularly for preterm babies. Recognising the urgency of this situation, Project Oscar is committed to increasing early detection and providing timely access to phototherapy and other treatments that prevent the progression of jaundice to dangerous levels. 

Through Project Oscar, we work closely with healthcare providers and communities to raise awareness about neonatal jaundice, empowering parents to recognise early warning signs and access timely medical support. We have implemented a rigorous global standard of training protocol for frontline healthcare workers to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to identify, monitor, and treat jaundice effectively. Our WBFA team has also focused on developing educational materials tailored to local languages and cultural contexts, making it easier for communities to understand and act on this critical information.

Our social impact partnership with Reckitt is vital in mobilising resources and providing health facilities with essential phototherapy equipment, jaundice metres, and treatment protocols, all of which are set to make a profound difference in the lives of Nigerian families. 

Additionally, our partnership allows us to integrate sustainable practices into neonatal care, creating a scalable model that can be expanded across the country. By training healthcare professionals and embedding best practices in hospitals and clinics, Project Oscar aims to leave a lasting impact on neonatal health in Nigeria and around the world through the Light for Life campaign, helping to prevent the long-term disabilities associated with untreated jaundice.

Alongside our efforts to address jaundice, we continue to promote and support breastfeeding as an essential element of neonatal care through the Mamacare360 NICU Plus programming. Our WBFA midwives are actively engaged in providing lactation support to mothers, emphasising the importance of breast milk as a natural defence against infections and a vital source of nutrition, particularly for preterm infants. In addition to the practical benefits, breastfeeding fosters a critical bond between mother and child, nurturing emotional resilience in both and supporting long-term health outcomes. 

By empowering mothers with breastfeeding support, we are contributing to a holistic model of neonatal care, one that goes beyond survival to encompass the thriving of newborns. In communities across Nigeria, our WBFA midwives have become trusted sources of information and support, offering guidance on initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, even in challenging circumstances.

Today, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to our social impact partners at Reckitt, our healthcare professionals, midwives, and the communities who continue to support our mission. Your dedication to this cause has been instrumental in making tangible progress toward a future where all babies, regardless of where they are born, have an equal chance to survive and thrive.

On this World Prematurity Day, as we honour the millions of babies born too soon, let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging the gap in neonatal care, particularly for those born in underserved areas. Together, we can ensure that every baby receives the care they need to start life healthy, supported, and safe. 

Thank you.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, and Valued Participants,

My name is Toyin Saraki, and I am the Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a Nigerian NGO dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes for women and children. Our mission is rooted in prioritising frontline impact through global advocacy, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organisation’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, committed to creating a world where mental wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of health for all.

Thank you for your presence here today as we gather to confront one of the most pressing public health issues of our time: suicide prevention. I extend my gratitude to our convener, Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, and the entire organising committee for convening this important conference, dedicated to addressing the theme of “Decriminalising Suicide Attempt in Nigeria: Long Overdue.” I would also like to express my appreciation to Thilini Perera, CEO of LifeLine International, and the Nigeria LifeLine Member Organisations and supporters joining us today, including Asido Foundation, for their unwavering support. Your commitment to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention has been instrumental in advancing our collective efforts, and it is an honour to collaborate with you in this vital mission.

Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our collective efforts to promote mental health and prevent suicide across Nigeria. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) has been at the forefront of these initiatives, working tirelessly to integrate mental health services within broader health systems strengthening. Through high-level collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), WBFA has made significant strides in stakeholder advocacy and policy implementation.

We are currently confronting a profound issue that touches the lives of many Nigerians: the criminalisation of attempted suicide under Sections 327 and 231 of our legal framework. This outdated law serves as a harsh reminder to those struggling with mental health issues that their suffering is not only misunderstood but condemned. In a country where the stigma surrounding mental health is pervasive, the fear of legal repercussions inhibits individuals from seeking the help they desperately need.
The data from the World Health Organisation is alarming. Suicide claims more lives each year than HIV, malaria, or even violent deaths such as homicide, war, or terrorist attacks. It is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally, and Nigeria ranks high in suicide rates, with approximately 15,000 annual deaths attributed to this tragic outcome. These numbers are likely underreported due to the fear of criminalisation and societal stigma. We must recognise that for every life lost, there are at least 30 attempts, indicating that around 300,000 Nigerians face suicidal distress each year, questioning whether to seek help amidst the threat of punishment.
It is imperative that we work towards decriminalising suicide attempts in Nigeria. We must shift our focus from punishment to compassion, recognising that suicide is a public health issue that requires a response rooted in understanding and care. By doing so, we can begin to break the cycle of silence and neglect that currently surrounds mental health issues in our society.

That is why I am humbled to be joining efforts directly through my new appointment as Global Honorary Patron of LifeLine International, a dedicated organisation ensuring universal access to suicide prevention and crisis support services. In partnership, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and I aim to combat stigma by raising awareness, educating communities about the warning signs, and encouraging help-seeking behaviour change. I am committed to leveraging my experience and the resources of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa to empower vulnerable and marginalised populations with the quality they deserve throughout the continuum of care, and reach the goal that by 2050, every individual, regardless of their location, has access to high-quality crisis support services.

As we engage in discussions about the National Suicide Prevention Framework, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that mental health and suicide prevention are recognised as critical public health priorities. The commitment to these frameworks not only signifies the government’s responsibility towards its citizens but also embodies the hopes of countless individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.

This conference today serves to provide us with a a comprehensive understanding of the legal, policy, and cultural contexts of suicide in Nigeria, a clear roadmap for the decriminalisation of suicide, supported by evidence-based recommendations, enhanced collaboration between government, civil society, and religious institutions in suicide prevention efforts and increased public awareness and de-stigmatisation of suicide and mental health conditions.

In closing, let us express loudly and proudly our commitment to mental health and suicide prevention, recognising them as critical public health priorities. By working collaboratively and consistently, we can break down the barriers to mental health care and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need, creating a compassionate society where no one faces these challenges in isolation.

Thank you.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Dear Girls and Boys,

It is a joy to join you today on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child—a day that highlights the immense potential of girls across the globe and calls for our collective commitment to creating a world where every girl can thrive.

My name is Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an organisation that prioritises health, wellbeing, and dignity for women, girls, and children in Nigeria and beyond, working at the intersection of frontline impact and global advocacy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Today, we celebrate the boundless promise that each girl represents. Girls are the beating heart of our future, and the leaders of today. With resilience, courage, and clarity of vision, they continue to rise, even in the face of unprecedented challenges—from climate crises to inequality, from conflict to economic uncertainty. Their strength gives us hope, and their potential compels us to act.

This year’s theme, Girls’ Vision for the Future, encourages us to listen closely to the dreams and aspirations of our girls. It challenges us to amplify their voices, recognise their leadership, and invest in the opportunities that will allow them to flourish. Girls are not waiting for permission to lead—they are already shaping their communities, innovating, and inspiring others.

However, to fully unlock this potential, our girls need allies—allies who listen, invest, and act. And that is where we all come in, as leaders, as parents, as policymakers, and as members of civil society. Our role is not only to protect girls but to uplift them—providing the resources and platforms that allow them to reach new heights. We must all work together to ensure that girls are free to dream, free to learn, and free to lead.

At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we have seen the transformative power of investing in girls. Through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa Women, Girls, and Gender Development Targets, guided by the Girl Declaration; the G7 Recommendations for Action from the Gender Equality Advisory Council; and the Nairobi Statement on ICPD, our adolescent health programming empowers our youth with essential knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, digital literacy, and leadership. We see firsthand the ripple effect this has—not only in their lives but across entire families and communities. When we equip girls with tools for success, we see nations grow stronger and futures grow brighter.

Our Personal, Social, and Health Education Skills and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programming, particularly through the WBFA Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest Curricula, is a shining example of this impact. By focusing on WASH, we are working to close the gender gap in education and improve health outcomes for girls. Since February of this year, Phase 2 of this programme has already reached 57,900 girls in schools and 3,393 girls in communities, with an ambitious target of over 248,000 children across 620 schools within this phase, and the aim to achieve 6 million Nigerian Children by 2025. The positive results speak to the critical importance of investing in areas that empower girls to realise their rights and reach their full potential.

Our work is far from over, we must accelerate our efforts and continue to break down the barriers that hold girls back. From gender-based violence to harmful traditional practices, from limited access to education to inequities in healthcare, the challenges are many – but we have the knowledge, resources and power to change this.

Let us imagine, together, a world where every 1.1 billion girl today is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to shine. A world where she is free from fear and harm, free to pursue her dreams with confidence. A world where girls are not only protected but celebrated for their contributions to society.

To all the girls in this room, your vision matters, your voice matters, your dreams are important, and you have within you the strength to shape the future. We are here, not just as bystanders, but as your allies, ready to support you every step of the way, and to the boys here today, you are also a vital part of this journey, as HeForShe allies, your role in promoting gender equality is essential. Stand with your peers, and help create a world where both girls and boys can thrive equally.

Let us create a world where every girl not only dares to dream, but is engendered to lead, transform, and conquer every challenge that stands in her way.

Thank you.

Goodwill Message:

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Theme: “POW(H)ER CONNECT: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers”

Distinguished Guests and Healthcare Professionals,

It is with immense pleasure that I join you today on this momentous occasion, as we gather for the Women in Healthcare Forum in collaboration with the Women in Healthcare Network at the Shiro Restaurant in the Landmark Centre today.

My name is Toyin Saraki, and I am the Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an NGO headquartered in Nigeria which works to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for women and children across the country. WBFA prioritises frontline impact with global advocacy, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Dupe Elebute-Odunsi and all the founding members of the Women in Healthcare Network Nigeria for their dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to empowering women in the healthcare sector. Your leadership is truly inspiring, and it’s an honour to be part of this incredible journey with you.

Today, as we come together under the theme “POW(H)ER CONNECT: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” we embark on a journey of empowerment, collaboration, and positive change. We recognise the pivotal role that women play in healthcare, not just in Nigeria but around the world.

Women make up 70% of the global health and social workforce, and it is estimated that women provide essential health services for around 5 billion people worldwide. According to The Lancet, in Nigeria nearly all midwives, 87% of nursing personnel, and 65% of medical doctors are women. While the financial value of women’s input into health systems is estimated to be over US$3 trillion annually, women’s contributions to health and the health labour market remain markedly undervalued, and they are vastly underrepresented in leadership positions.

Women in health tend to be clustered into lower status, low paid, and often unpaid roles. The healthcare development agenda in Nigeria and across Africa must better value women’s contributions to the population’s physical, social and mental wellbeing. Alongside this, equity issues pertaining to decent work free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment; gender pay gap; occupational segregation by gender and leadership are important for all United Nations member states to address if the 15 million health worker shortfall to achieve Universal Health Care is to be redressed in an equitable, inclusive and sustainable way.
These disparities are not just a statistic—it’s a challenge that we must collectively address and overcome, as gender equity is key to building resilient health systems and gender transformative health and social care policies to achieve health and wellbeing for all.

Women in Healthcare Network’s mission to connect, inform, and inspire women in the healthcare industry is more important now than ever before. By providing a platform for networking, mentorship, education, and advocacy, today’s Women in Healthcare Forum will empower women to reach their full potential and break through the barriers that hold them back. Yet our work does not stop there, we must also confront the systemic challenges that hinder women’s progress in healthcare, whether it’s gender disparities in leadership roles or the lack of access to financial support for women-led healthcare ventures and opportunity to upskill for women healthcare workers.
As we look forward to the sessions planned for today, let us do so with open minds, compassionate hearts, and a shared commitment to driving positive change for all women in healthcare. “Where Women Lead in Health, Transformation Tends to Follow” – in the realm of healthcare, where women take leadership roles, transformative changes tend to follow.

I am confident that today’s forum will not only inspire us but also galvanise us into action. Together, we have the power to shape the future of healthcare, to break down barriers, and to build equitable bridges that pave the way for a more inclusive and healthier tomorrow.

Thank you.

Today, on International Women’s Day, I was honoured to virtually provide the goodwill speech at the 2024 National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies International Women’s Day Celebration!

Under the exemplary leadership of the Director-General, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, a veritable ‘He4She’ who has significantly contributed to uplifting Nigeria – NILDS has been a steadfast champion for gender equality and inclusion, providing essential support and resources to engender women in overcoming obstacles and achieving their full potential. From advocating for women’s rights to promoting women’s representation in governance, NILDS has been at the forefront of driving meaningful change and creating opportunities for women to excel.

As a Member of the UN Women African Women’s Leadership Network and serving on the Steering Council of the African Women Leadership Network Nigeria, I stand witness to the spirit of African and Nigerian women and their integral role in shaping our nation’s democratic evolution. By channelling the principles of aspirational agendas such as the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa Women, Girls & Gender Development Target actions encapsulate a vision which recognises and empowers the birth-to-age rights of women and girls.

With Senior Leadership from the Wellbeing Foundation Africa in attendance, we gathered under the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” and were reminded of the importance of recognising and celebrating the contributions of both men and women towards the empowerment of Nigerian women and their increased participation in governance.

This #IWD2024 celebration led by NILDS highlighted the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world, and when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.

Happy #InternationalWomensDay!