The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, in partnership with the Lagos health ministry and the Health Emergency Initiative, has expanded its Project BLOOM to Ajegunle.

Ajegunle is a Lagos suburb known for its grassroots population.

Project BLOOM (Bringing Life to Our Overlooked Minors) held under Health District V, reached more than 120 children, their mothers, and caregivers, to fight malnutrition and improve public health in underserved areas, said a statement on Sunday by the NGX.

The Ajegunle phase built on the success of the pilot at Aiyetoro Primary Health Centre, Yaba, where many day children were screened and 61 per cent needed urgent medical care.

Follow-up revealed that over 48 per cent of affected children have recovered significantly, regaining healthy weight and vitality.

During the Ajegunle outreach, children received Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods and underwent comprehensive medical examinations. Mothers and caregivers took part in practical sessions on preparing nutritious, low-cost meals and maintaining hygiene.

Initial screening identified 69 children as moderately malnourished, 29 severely malnourished, and 24 at risk of malnutrition. The programme also promoted early detection and continuous care through local primary health centres.

Over 20 NGX Group staff volunteered alongside district health workers, helping with screening, data collection, and caregiver training. The initiative highlighted NGX Group’s commitment to social impact and employee-led community service.

Speaking at the event on Friday, NGX Group managing director, Temi Popoola, said the project’s success showed the power of public-private partnership.

“Seeing 48.8 per cent of the children identified with malnutrition now in recovery, and others improving, is truly inspiring. It confirms that our partnership with HEI and the Lagos state government is delivering measurable and lasting change. For us at NGX Group, building strong capital markets goes hand in hand with building strong communities,” he said.

HEI executive director, Pascal Achunine, said the expansion responded to needs identified during the pilot phase.

“The result shows that when the public and private sectors act with urgency and compassion, we can save lives and restore hope,” he said.

(NAN)