LIFE Holds Town Hall Meeting In Oshodi-Isolo, Pushes For Stronger Reproductive Health Laws In Lagos

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Community stakeholders, religious leaders, youth leaders, women’s groups, and healthcare workers from Oshodi-Isolo and neighbouring communities have called for improved reproductive health laws and policies in Lagos State during a town hall meeting organized by the Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment, LIFE.

The town hall and dialogue session, held on May 20, 2026, at Ishaga Community Town Hall in Oshodi-Isolo, brought together participants from Oshodi, Isolo, Ejigbo, and surrounding communities to discuss gaps in reproductive health policies and explore ways to strengthen community advocacy for improved access to reproductive healthcare services in Lagos State.

Discussions centered on maternal health, family planning information, and access to healthcare services for women and girls.

The event, supported by Amplify Change, formed part of LIFE’s ongoing efforts to promote community engagement and intensify community stakeholders’ voices in demanding improved laws and policies on reproductive health affecting women and girls in Lagos State.

Speaking during the exchange meeting, LIFE representative, Obinna Okonkwo, said the meeting was designed to create a platform where community members could engage directly on reproductive health issues and contribute to policy advocacy efforts.

“The goal is to bring together community leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, and local stakeholders to discuss gaps in existing laws and propose actionable steps for advocacy and implementation in Lagos State,” he said.

According to him, community participation remains critical to ensuring that reproductive health policies reflect the realities and needs of young people, women, and vulnerable populations.

Discussions at the town hall focused on the importance of access to accurate reproductive health information, affordable reproductive healthcare services, and supportive legal and policy frameworks. Participants also shared concerns about barriers affecting women and girls’ access to reproductive health services and emphasized the need for stronger government commitment and accountability.

LIFE noted that reproductive health remains a significant issue in urban communities such as Oshodi-Isolo, where access to quality information and services can directly influence health outcomes, opportunities, physical and economic well-being of women and girls.

The programme officer of LIFE explained that the dialogue was intended to strengthen community demand for responsive reproductive health policies while creating opportunities for community stakeholders to engage policymakers on reproductive health issues affecting their communities.

The Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment is based in Okota, Lagos. It is a youth-focused non-governmental organization working to advance youth empowerment, reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence prevention and response. Through its various programs and advocacy initiatives, the organization has reached thousands of young people especially women and girls across Lagos State, promoting access to information, services, and opportunities that improve their overall well-being and development.

The town hall meeting featured interactive discussions and community feedback sessions, allowing participants to openly share experiences and recommendations. The organizers, LIFE, said the approach was aimed at ensuring that community perspectives contribute meaningfully to policy advocacy and reform efforts.

The support provided by Amplify Change reflects growing international commitment to strengthening grassroots advocacy on reproductive health and rights, particularly among women, girls, and young people in underserved communities.

For LIFE, the Ishaga town hall meeting represents another step in its broader effort to drive evidence-based advocacy and strengthen public engagement around reproductive health issues in Lagos State.