The Lagos State government has welcomed and presented gifts items to the first babies of the year in three State-owned hospitals.
The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu gave out the gift items at the Maternal Child Centre (MCC) Eti-Osa, Ebute-Metta General Hospital and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.
Baby Ayinde, a Male who weighed 3.1Kg delivered at exactly 12:01am by Mrs. Ayinde is the first baby of the year at the Eti-Osa Maternal Child Centre (MCC) while baby Iromain, a female who weighed 2.9Kg was delivered at 12:02am at Ebute-Metta General Hospital.
Surprisingly, the first babies of year at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja are Triplets, as the two females and a male were delivered through Cesarean Section by Mrs Olufoye.
Symbolic event
Welcoming the first babies at these hospitals, Mrs Sanwo-Olu said welcoming newborns is a symbolic and significant event that brings forth the assurance that human heritage is carried on to the next generation.
She said: “The gift of a new baby is a priceless one from God Almighty and as with a lot of cultures, across the world, the birth of a child brings good fortune to society. We are here today not just to celebrate new life but also to seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people who need our assistance. Bearing in mind always that our show of love, kindness and compassion is only an extension of gratitude to our maker for the same grace granted to us.”
While noting that the Lagos State Government through the Health Ministry, has continued to deliver its mandate of providing qualitative and efficient health care services to all residents in the State, the First Lady disclosed that the State Government has over the years strengthened its Maternal and Child Health policies and programs to reduce maternal, child and infant mortality.
Health Indices
She noted the implementation of the Maternal and Child Health policies, strategies and programs is evident with the improved maternal and child health indices being recorded in the State adding that the upgrading and construction of new Maternal and Child Care (MCC) facilities towards the provision of accessible and affordable mother and child services, is geared towards reducing the high morbidity and mortality among women and under-five children in the State.
“I wish to commend the health family for the continuing infrastructural upgrade; provision of relevant equipment, positive attitudinal change in our workers, and human capacity development, all leading to some measure of efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction. I also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Hospital Management in the provision of a conducive and serene environment for the delivery of healthcare services in these hospital,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.
While congratulating the parents of the newly born, the First Lady commended all philanthropists, corporate bodies, Non-governmental organizations and civil society groups involved in any form of partnership towards complimenting the vision and efforts of the State Government in the health sector.
She said: “I will implore and encourage others out there to come on board to join the State Government as there are more services and projects available for adoption and support. As we are excited that your bundles of joy have finally arrived safe and sound, I once again, congratulate the parents of these babies. I pray that the newborns are blessed with good health and long life to grow up to become useful citizens who will make our dear State and country proud in the future.”
Sustaining the tempo
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi who appreciated the wife of the Lagos State Governor for sustaining the annual First Baby of the Year event, stated that the State Government has been very supportive and committed to the welfare and wellbeing of mothers and children especially with regards to quality, efficient and accessible health service delivery in Lagos State.
Abayomi explained further that the present administration under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to the reduction of maternal and child morality adding that available statistics has shown that the maternal and child health indices in Lagos is improving.
“It is quite obvious and imperative to state that the State Government under the leadership of the visionary Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to the reduction of maternal, neonatal and child morbidity and mortality rate.
“This event is one of the special events through which the Lagos State Government is showing commitment and support to the wellbeing of mothers and children and I am proud of the Lagos State Health family for doing wonderfully well in providing quality healthcare service delivery to the populace,” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner however urged all residents to get enrolled in the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme popular called ‘Ilera Eko’ for access to quality and efficient health care services, adding that the residents can get enrolled at the health insurance desk in all General Hospitals and Flagship Primary Health Care Centres across the state.
