By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Executive Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, has launched a free maternal and newborn healthcare programme alongside the “Tunrayo Delivery Kit” initiative as part of efforts to improve access to safe and affordable maternal care for pregnant women in the council area.
The programme was unveiled at the Oke-Eletu Primary Healthcare Centre, weeks after the chairman conducted an assessment visit to the facility.
Speaking at the launch, Gbadebo-Alogba said the initiative was introduced to ease the financial burden associated with childbirth and encourage expectant mothers to access skilled maternal healthcare services.
“This programme is introduced to reduce the financial burden associated with childbirth and to encourage more women to utilize skilled maternal and quality healthcare services. As a government, we will continue to invest in programmes that improve the well-being of women, children, and our most vulnerable residents,” she said.
The council chairman described maternal and child health as a key priority of her administration, noting that the latest initiative builds on a series of healthcare interventions implemented since she assumed office.
Among the programmes highlighted were the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign targeting children between nine months and 14 years, the second edition of the JIGI BOLA health outreach, and a partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), which provided free health insurance to more than 1,000 residents.
Her administration has also rehabilitated and commissioned the Oke-Eletu Primary Healthcare Centre, donated a fully equipped ambulance to the facility, organised annual activities to mark World Breastfeeding Week, and sustained free medical outreach programmes across communities in Ijede LCDA.
The launch ceremony was attended by healthcare professionals, community leaders, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, who commended the council’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Gbadamosi Abidemi expressed appreciation to the council chairman, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that would provide much-needed support to pregnant women and newborns in the community.
