Wife of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged residents of the state to key into the state government’s maternal and child care initiatives.
She stated this when she welcomed and presented gifts items to the first babies of the year in four Lagos General Hospitals namely – Badagry General Hospital; Maternal Child Centre (MCC) Amuwo-Odofin; Ajeromi General Hospital and Apapa General Hospital.
The governor’s wife emphasised the significance of a newborn as a precious blessing, symbolising hope, new beginnings, and the resilience of life.
She highlighted the communal celebration not only of the infant but also of the collective spirit uniting everyone promoting child healthcare services statewide.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government, led by her husband, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in fortifying maternal and child health policies, upgrading healthcare facilities, and ensuring accessible and affordable services.
She said: “Over the years, the Lagos State government under the current administration of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through the Ministry of Health has continued to deliver its mandate to all residents in the state. The government has strengthened its Maternal and Child health policies and programs, upgraded and constructed new MCC facilities to provide accessible and affordable mother and child healthcare services hence, reducing the high rate of morbidity and mortality among women and under-5 children in the State.”
The governor’s wife reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an environment where children can thrive and access quality healthcare akin to global standards. She encouraged residents to take advantage of the maternal and child care initiatives of the Government for the well-being of their families.
“As a government, we are committed to creating an environment where every child will strive perfectly like their counterparts in developed countries, where quality healthcare services will be accessible and equitable using appropriate modern technology through highly motivated healthcare workers.
“I wish to commend the health family under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Special Adviser, the Permanent Secretaries and other indefatigable leaders for the continuing infrastructural upgrade; provision of relevant equipment, commitment to human capacity development towards best global practices in order to promote quality healthcare service delivery at all levels of care, promoting positive attitude of healthcare workers and to enhance customer’s satisfaction,” she said.
She acknowledged the support from various sectors, including philanthropists, corporate entities, NGOs, and civil society groups, calling for continued collaboration to bolster healthcare services in Lagos State.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu applauded the dedication of healthcare workers and recognized the efforts of the hospital management and staff of the four General Hospitals for meeting the health needs of residents.
Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye expressed gratitude at the joyous event celebrating the birth of the first babies of the year 2024, underscoring the significance of the annual event in promoting maternal and child health across Lagos State.
He conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the parents of the first baby of the year, highlighting their safe delivery and perfect health. Prof. Abayomi extended his felicitations to the relatives, hospital staff, and the people of Lagos State for their support.
Abayomi acknowledged the pivotal role played by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as a staunch advocate for maternal and child health, saluting her continuous support in making this yearly celebration colorful by generously gifting the newborns and their parents.
The Commissioner commended the Lagos State Health family for its dedication in providing top-notch healthcare services, propelling the state as a leader in quality healthcare provision within Africa.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya called on all Lagos residents to actively engage in health-promoting programs initiated by the state government, including the Health Insurance Scheme, immunization drives, and community welfare activities.
