Wale Jagun
-Encourages residents to key into LASG Maternal, Child Care Initiatives
In a heartwarming ceremony, in the early hours of Monday, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, 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.
Baby Echo-Harry, a Male who weighed 3.6 kg delivered at exactly 12:04 AM by Mrs. Echo-Harry is the first baby of the year at the Badagry General Hospital. The first babies of the year at the Maternal and Child Centre, Amuwo-Odofin are Twins delivered through Caesarean Section by Mrs. Salaudeen. The first child, a Male, weighing 3.0Kg was delivered at exactly 12:07 AM; the second child, also a Male who weighed 3.05Kg was delivered at 12:09 AM Baby Balogun, a Male who weighed 2.9Kg and delivered at 12:01 AM by Mrs. Balogun is the first baby of the year at Ajeromi General Hospital, while the first baby of the year at the Apapa General Hospital is Baby Rafiu Rachael a Male who weighed 2.6Kg and delivered at 12:38 AM by Mrs. Rafiu Rachael.
Welcoming the first babies at these hospitals, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, expressed joy and gratitude at the arrival of the first babies, extending her felicitations to the proud parents and the healthcare team present on January 1st, 2024.
Addressing the audience at the event which has become an annual tradition in Lagos, Dr. Sanwo-Olu 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 present and promoting child healthcare services statewide.
Recognising the pivotal role of a child’s birth in different cultures, she stressed its significance in preserving heritage and fostering good fortune for families and society. Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in fortifying maternal and child health policies, upgrading healthcare facilities, and ensuring accessible and affordable services.
The First Lady 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 childcare initiatives of the Government for the well-being of their families.
Acknowledging the support from various sectors, including philanthropists, corporate entities, NGOs, and civil society groups, she called for continued collaboration to bolster healthcare services in Lagos State. Dr. Sanwo-Olu applauded the dedication of healthcare workers and recognised the efforts of the hospital management and staff of the four General Hospitals for meeting the health needs of residents.
She commended the meticulous planning by the Y2024 First Baby of the Year committee and congratulated the parents, wishing the newborn a life filled with health and promise.
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.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as a staunch advocate for maternal and child health, he praised her continuous support in making this yearly celebration colourful by generously gifting the newborns and their parents.
The Commissioner commended the Lagos State Health family for its dedication to providing top-notch healthcare services, propelling the state as a leader in quality healthcare provision within Africa.
Highlighting the government’s commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Prof. Abayomi emphasised the efforts made to reduce maternal, neonatal, and child mortality rates. He highlighted the establishment of 11 modern Maternal and Child Care Centres equipped with advanced facilities and skilled healthcare professionals, further ensuring quality service delivery to residents.
Speaking in the same vein, 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 programmes initiated by the State government, including the Health Insurance Scheme, immunisation drives, and community welfare activities.
Proudly presenting MCC Amuwo-Odofin’s achievements for the year 2023, she announced statistics showcasing the hospital’s performance in patient care, antenatal services, admissions, and successful deliveries, culminating in the safe arrival of the celebrated newborns.
In her remarks, the Chairman Health Service Commission, Dr. Atinuke Onayiga, urged Lagos residents to register with the Lagos State Health Scheme, emphasising the importance of the scheme in attaining universal health coverage. She further emphasised the importance of utilising healthcare facilities to curb morbidity and mortality rates, especially among mothers and children.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluremi Hamzat; Honourable Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly; members of the Lagos State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Council of Wives of Lagos State Officials; Local Government Chairmen and top Government officials.
