By Desire Uzochukwu
The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, NRHJN, has honoured Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as Lagos Reproductive Health Champion in recognition of her contributions to maternal and child health and the wellbeing of women and children in the state.
Presenting the plaque of honour to Sanwo-Olu, President of NRHJN, Yinka Shokunbi, said the recognition was in appreciation of her commitment to creating safer health spaces for women and advancing the health of children across Lagos.
Shokunbi said the honour was also intended to encourage the First Lady to sustain and deepen actions capable of leaving a lasting legacy in reproductive, maternal and child health.
Receiving the delegation in her office, Sanwo-Olu commended NRHJN for using journalism and media advocacy to draw attention to sexual and reproductive health issues affecting women and girls.
She particularly appreciated the network for dedicating its professional skills and platforms to promoting responsible sexual and reproductive health information.
The delegation included NRHJN National Secretary, Sekinah Lawal; Treasurer, Julie Ekong; Assistant Secretary, Lagos State, Angela Onwuzoo; and members, Chioma Umeha and Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha.
NRHJN said the recognition formed part of its broader advocacy for stronger attention to the health needs and rights of women and girls.
The 16-year-old media advocacy organisation has members drawn from print, broadcast and online media platforms across 16 states of the federation.
Its advocacy covers family planning, contraception, fertility, maternal and child health, menstrual health, vaccination, HPV, adolescent health and other sexual and reproductive health issues.
The network also campaigns for stronger policies, effective implementation and greater government investment in reproductive healthcare, while promoting evidence-based journalism and public awareness.
Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor, public health physician and administrator, spent 25 years in the Lagos State public health service, rising to the position of Chief Medical Director/Medical Director of General Hospital, Somolu.
She also serves as Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO.
NRHJN said the recognition was aimed at further drawing attention to the need for sustained investment and action on reproductive, maternal and child health, particularly for women and girls who continue to face barriers to essential healthcare services.
Health District III strengthens PHCs with the distribution of medical, nutrition equipment
By Chidimma Oparaochaekwe
The Lagos State Government through Health District III on has Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Ibeju – Lekki, Eti-Osa and Epe with the distribution of medical and Nutrition equipment in order to improve service delivery across the district.
Speaking during the distribution of Medical and Nutrition equipment held at the Igbo-Efon PHC, Igbo-Efon, Eti-Osa LGA, the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke said the Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the investments result in better services and better experiences for the communities they serve.
Dr Adeleke said the District is distributing Weighing Scales with Height Meters and Fetal Dopplers to support important aspects of antenatal and maternal care; Ultrasound Machine to further strengthen the capacity for appropriate assessment and support timely clinical decision-making as well as Nutrition Equipments to strengthen the capacity to identify and respond to nutritional needs among mothers, infants and children
She stressed that the equipments provided must be properly utilised, maintained and incorporated into routine service delivery and also urged the healthcare workers to have the professional attitude to use the tools effectively and translate them into better outcomes for residents.
“Equipment alone does not improve healthcare; people and systems do. As such, I would like to implore our health workers to ensure that the equipment are properly used, maintained and integrated into routine services at the District’s healthcare centres” she said.
Also, the Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, Dr. Adenike Oguntuase, noted that the nutrition equipment distributed includes cylinders, gas cookers, blenders and cutlery to enhance complementary feeding.
She explained that every child must enjoy exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, after which parents are expected to introduce home-based diets, added that pregnant women must eat at least four to six meals a day because they are not only nourishing themselves but also their babies.
