Lagos State First lady commences multiple birth initiative 

The wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a multiple birth assistance programme for indigent mothers in the state. The programme known as Jumejilo Multi-Birth Assistance Programme (JMAP) is meant to support parents with multiple births.

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Speaking at the launch of the programme and presentation of cheques to the first set of beneficiaries at the Alausa Ikeja, Dr. Ibironke, explained that the social health initiative will support parents with multiple births from triplets and above from pregnancy till two years, she said the idea was conceived to complement existing government programmes and will run in partnership with the Ministries of Wealth Creation and Employment; Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Youths and Social Development.

The governor’s wife noted that it is targeted at low-income people and that benefitting parents would be empowered with skills or financial support to boost their capacity.

She said: “The JMAP intervention is about complementing the output of other existing initiatives and support systems in the Lagos State health sector for HOM parents. We are specifically rolling out the JMAP Programme to alleviate medical complications, mortalities, and disorders associated with multiple births, which include premature delivery, preeclampsia, and irregular foetal growth, among others. For me, this intervention is about putting forward pragmatic support to save lives and create a better future for all in line with the policy thrust of the administration of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as highlighted in the THEMES Agenda which has now been upgraded to THEMES+ with the incorporation of an intensified focus on social inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth” she added.

Sanwo-Olu’s wife called on public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to support her in the journey of giving hope to families in need of it. “I am ready for partnership and one assurance is that this initiative will be sustained as a platform to make a positive difference in our society,” she said.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager, Mrs. Titi Oshodi, noted that aside from giving financial support to low-income earners, mental, emotional education and support will also be part of what benefiting parents will have access to throughout the gestational period and birth.

To qualify, she said pregnant women must be residents in Lagos, with proof of address, not more than 60 years old, and must not have accessed Invitro fertilization (IVF), and that the family’s annual income should not be more than N250,000.

At the event, two families, Uwaoma Odili with quadruplets, and that of Tunde Ilufuoye with triplets were given N1 million and N750,000, respectively.

Wumi/PUNCH