In a show of sympathy, the Kwara State government has taken over the care of a baby- girl delivered by a mentally- challenged woman.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the woman was delivered of the baby at the Primary Health Centre, Bode- Saadu in Moro local government area of the state about a fortnight ago.
It was further learnt that the newborn christened Azeezat Agbeke is doing well and in stable condition, regardless of the condition of her mother.
Sources told LEADERSHIP that the Moro local government administration initially took the responsibility for the care of both the child and ber mother, upon receiving information about the delivery of the baby in Bode – Saadu.
The media aide of the chairperson of Moro local government area, Alhaja Mariam Abdulwasiu, said her boss, Mr Shuaib Alikinla, confirmed that the baby had been handed over to the officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs.
“The chairperson of Moro local government area presided over the official handover of Baby Azeezat Agbeke to the officials of Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Moro local government.
“The infant, born to a mentally- challenged woman, was formally transferred to the care of the Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs marking a significant step in safeguarding the child’s welfare and future,” Alikinla said.
At the event, the council chairperson expressed appreciation to the people of Bode-Saadu community for their support for the mother of Agbeke and for promptly alerting the council about the development.
She hailed the people ‘s compassion and vigilance, which she noted, ensured that the child and her mother received immediate attention and care.
The commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Afolashade Opeyemi and a director at the Childcare Directorate of the ministry, Hajia Idiat Alabi received the baby from the Moro local government chairperson.
The commissioner praised the Moro local government administration for its swift response which ensured the safety of the mother and her baby.
She restated the state government’s commitment to strengthening community partnership geared toward protecting the rights and wellbeing of children across the state.
