By Prosper Mene
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of 1,000 pregnancy kits to expectant mothers as part of the state government’s Ibi Irorun Safe Delivery Initiative.
The programme, launched at the Basic Healthcare Centre, Arakale, Akure, is designed to promote safer childbirth and ease the financial burden of delivery on pregnant women and their families.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, the governor said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access and quality across the state.
According to him, the pregnancy kits are an addition to the government’s existing free healthcare services for pregnant women.
He also highlighted other interventions in the health sector, noting that 60 primary healthcare centres are currently undergoing revitalisation. He added that over 102 PHCs have been completed and equipped, while more than 300,000 residents have been enrolled in the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme.
“Our administration has also concluded arrangements for the provision of an MRI machine, CT scan equipment, theatre suites, and ophthalmic equipment at the teaching hospital level,” Odimayo stated.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Bosede Osamaye, explained that the first phase of the initiative covers 1,000 kits. Each kit contains 13 essential delivery items approved by the governor, including wrappers, gloves, and other hospital requirements.
“Today, we have commenced the distribution of 1,000 ‘Ibi Irorun Safe Delivery Items’. Our pregnant women are grateful because this will go a long way in removing burdens from their husbands and from them,” she said.
Dr. Osamaye also commended the First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for her advocacy on free maternal healthcare in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, said the kits would make childbirth easier for beneficiaries.
“Everything needed for delivery is in the kit. Women only need to take it to their health facility when they are due. They do not need to take anything else to the hospital,” he explained.
The Ibi Irorun Safe Delivery Initiative is expected to be rolled out in phases across all 18 local government areas of the state.
