In a renewed effort to promote maternal health and reduce pregnancy-related complications, the Somolu Local Government, Office of the Governor on Political Matters, Legislative and Civic Engagement, in collaboration with the Lagos State Health District II, on Friday, 14th November 2025, hosted a one-day intensive health programme targeted at pregnant women within the community.
The initiative, held at the Somolu LG Secretariat, tagged “Mother, Infant, and Child Development Program”, drew a large turnout of expectant mothers who benefited from antenatal lectures, counselling sessions, and safe pregnancy practices. Health professionals from the state ministry and the local government’s health department anchored various segments of the programme.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Mrs Sholabomi Shashore emphasised that the significance of the programme and the vision of the ministry is to engage the people for them to be able to fulfil their responsibilities and live in harmony.
She continued, “We’re from the office of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos state. We are here to engage and enlighten the populace, and as well hear feedback from you on what you need, either in the area of education, health, infrastructure, youth and what have you and respond appropriately”.
“No matter your ethnic nationality, Ibo, Yoruba, Hausa, male or female, young or old, and even unborn children, we’ll ensure you all live in harmony. We have the policy of ‘No one left behind’, which is the reason we’re here to speak with pregnant women”. She posited.
Also addressing the participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health District II, Mrs Dayo Lajide, also emphasised the importance of proper prenatal care and highlighted the government’s ongoing campaigns aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates across the state. She urged pregnant women always to attend antenatal clinics and adhere strictly to medical advice.
In her response during the event, the wife of the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Mrs Shakirat Ashimi, said the programme was part of continuous efforts of the state government to ensure that women in the community enjoy access to quality healthcare, especially during the crucial stages of pregnancy.
“Our government (the state and the local government) is committed to improving the well-being of mothers and children. Pregnancy should not be a period of fear or uncertainty. Programmes like this provide women with the knowledge, medical support, and confidence they need for a safe delivery,” She said.
She urged the expectant mothers to always ensure they pay attention to their health, attend antenatal and use their drugs as directed by medical experts to have a safe delivery, a healthy baby and live a healthier life.
Hon. Mrs Ashimi, however, reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to strengthening community health systems and ensuring safer motherhood for all women in the locality.
Meanwhile, participants at the programme were gifted food palliative packages while they expressed appreciation to the organisers for creating an avenue to address their health concerns.