The goitre disease that causes a major inflammation in the neck is prevalent in Nigeria especially among women. Although the government, at federal and state levels has stepped in by conducting free surgeries for patients at intervals, there is need for extra support from other quarters in ensuring that citizens are not only exposed to help but are aware of preventive measures too.

The decision to set up the Layi Erogbogbo Foundation stems from a place of heartfelt purpose and its founder, Mr Goriola Erogbogbo not only shares that with YNaija’s Impact365 but provides enlightenment on goitre, his foundation’s efforts, challenges and upcoming events.

Tell us more about Layi Erogbogbo Foundation

The Layi Erogbogbo Foundation, (LEF) – A non-profit organization dedicated to provide support with free access to goitre treatments, free surgery and post-surgery management as well as tackle this problem by raising awareness to promote knowledge of preventive measures to avoid Goiter Diseases among the Nigerian populace and encouraging lifestyle changes.

The Foundation is named after Mr Layi Erogbogbo, a former Lagos State Government Permanent Secretary who died as a result of Post–Surgery complications arising from Goitre disease.

Why did you choose thyroid patients as awareness targets?

Following the passing of the Late Mr Layi Erogbogbo, it became apparent to us that the Layi Erogbogbo Foundation can do more to prevent the loss of lives associated with thyroid diseases in Nigeria.

The Layi Erogbogbo Foundation was founded by Mr Goriola Erogbogbo, a social entrepreneur and public servant who is the first child of the Late Layi Erogbogbo, male 36, having grown up in Lagos, Nigeria, witnessed firsthand the sufferings of women and men around him from Goitre Disease. He frequently empathized with these vulnerable Nigerians by exhibiting acts of charity. This fueled a desire in him to someday make a big move to reduce the prevalence of Goitre Disease in Nigeria by creating awareness and offering free treatment for underprivileged Nigerians suffering from thyroid disorders

The disease has quietly ravaged lives of many; where survivors have suffered untowards social and economic impact due to stigmatization and hindrance to productivity.

What happens when things go wrong? – If the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone, this is known as Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, which causes the body’s metabolic functions to slow down and resulting in many different adverse effects on bodily functions. If the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, this is known as Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, which causes the body’s metabolic functions to speed up causing adverse effects opposite to hypothyroidism. This is also often called thyrotoxicosis.

Is goitre a prevalent disease in Nigeria? If yes, what are the numbers?

Thyroid Disorders affect 10 times more women than men, worldwide.

It is gathered that the disease is endemic in Badagry, one of the riverside areas of Lagos State, especially in the 14 or so communities that make up Ajara, with pockets of it elsewhere in the Area. It is a common sight to find many residents with swollen necks, especially in the community of Ajara. The state government discovered the 48 sufferers during its free health mission in Badagry in 2014.

In a documented research, there is an endemic goiter survey of 3476 school children in 13 Local Government Councils (LGCs) and 1004 subjects in a whole community of one LGC, Plateau State, Northern Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of goiter as well as to identify some of the etiological agents involved. Results of the survey showed that the disease is highly endemic in the area with prevalence varying in places from 1 to 23% of these subjects. Females showed a markedly higher prevalence of goiter. Analysis of 729 urine samples indicated that iodine excretion ranged from 3.5 to 1.3 microgram/dl (32-154 microgram/g creatinine) and was similar to that in iodine deficient areas in the world, but no relation was observed between the prevalence of goiter and urinary iodine.

We are also planning to carry out our own study and research all over the country so we can get recent and more specific results.


We have visited the General Hospitals to discuss with goiter patients. We also visited the less priviledged where we sensitize them about the disease and also distribute free iodized food. We have carried out awareness campaign by sensitizing over 2645 students in Government secondary schools in Lagos State.

We are also planning an outreach we have tagged ‘The LEF Market Tour’ around Lagos, this will enable us to reach more women as they are more prone to have goiter disease. The outreach involves free thyroid screening and free iodized salt distribution.

From inception till date, how many patients have benefited from your work?

Through our sensitization and awareness program, we have been able to reach over 2645 secondary school students as earlier mentioned, we have reached over a thousand less privileged and we are planning to do our series of surgeries starting from next month.


For more information and update on our activities per time and how you can get involved, please visit our website: www.layierogbogbo.org or follow us on our social media pages instagram – @layierogbogbofdn twitter – @layierogbogbo and facebook – www.facebook.com/layierogbogbofdn