*Builds Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre, model market

By Charles Kumolu

THE lawmaker representing Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Sen Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to rise up against the prevalence of maternal and infant morbidity to ensure that Nigeria is no longer regarded as the second largest contributor to global maternal and infant mortality.

She also called for more health centres in Lagos State, stating that the growing population of the state implies that there can never be too many of such facilities to meet the increasing demand of health care delivery.

The Commissioning of Constituency Projects Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre named after Mrs Abimbola Jakande and Ojo Model Market on Iyaloja-General Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo took place at the Eti Osa East LCDA in Lagos yesterday Pix: Left, Alhaji Kayode Jakande, former Lagos Governor;  wife, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Mrs Bolanle Ambode, Wife of Lagos State Governor; and Sen Oluremi Tinubu, the convener of the project during the occasion. Photo by: Biodun Ogunleye

The legislator said this yesterday in Lagos at the commissioning of Ambimbola Jakande Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo Model Market.

She further noted that the facilities which were sited in Ajah are parts of the numerous constituency projects she embarked upon in fulfilment of her obligations to her constituents.

In addition, she commended the state governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode for sustaining the state on the path of greatness, noting that he has brought about a new Lagos.

Those at the event include a former Lagos State governor, Alhjaji Lateef Jakande; former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Wasiu Eshinlokun; Wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Sen Olugbenga Obadara; Alhaja Ambimbola Jakande , Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and Prince Tajudeen Olusi among others.

According to Tinubu: ‘’Today’s twin events mark a milestone in my journey in Lagos Central Senatorial District because it validates my commitment to the upliftment of my constituents. Constituency projects have always been part of the incentive given to us as senators to add value to our constituency. I am glad that today’s two events are a dream come true.

‘’The idea of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre is to provide adequate easy medical care for mothers and children. The growing population of Lagos State did not help matters as there can never be too many health centres to meet the growing demand for healthcare delivery.

‘’The alarming rate in which women die daily during the process of child birth is of great concern to me, hence my desire to support the government’s effort in providing easy access to healthcare delivery for women and children in particular to reduce the high rate of infant and maternal morbidity.”

‘’Nigeria bears the burden of some of the world’s most devastating outcomes in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child healthcare. A recent statistics show that one in 13 women die in pregnancy or childbirth. Neonatal mortality is 37 deaths per 1,000 live births and infant mortality is 69 deaths per 1000 live births.”

Continuing, she said: ‘’No responsible government will fold its arms and watch this unprecedented number of women die while giving birth to children. I must congratulate the Lagos State Government for providing affordable medical services to pregnant women. This Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre is named in honour of Alhaja Abimbola jakande, the wife of Alhaji Lateef Jakande. This is in recognition of the supportive role being played by our First Ladies in buttressing the good works and supporting the vision of their husbands while in office.”

In her remarks, Mrs Ambode commended Sen Tinubu for her relentless efforts at adding value to her constituency, describing her as a committed representative of the constituency.

She said: “Since her election into the sixth Senate, Sen Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated many constituency projects. This speaks of the high quality of representation of the people. It confirms that our senator is not jut there in Abuja, she truly knows where the shoe pinches her people and how they really feel.

‘’The essence of constituency projects is to locate the specific needs of the people of an area for direct intervention to complement the efforts of the government at the federal, state or local government level. We are grateful to our very distinguished senator for doing women very proud and for putting her constituency at the forefront and above narrow considerations.”