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Lagos Kicks Off 2025 Health Week To Combat Maternal, Child Deaths
Lagos – In a strategic push to expand access to critical health services, the Lagos State Government on Monday, June 23, 2025, kicked off the first phase of its bi-annual Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition Week (MNCH+N) in Alimosho, the state’s most populous local government area.
The launch set the stage for a week-long, statewide intervention aimed at scaling up free, lifesaving healthcare for vulnerable populations.
With the theme “Reaching for Zero Preventable Maternal and Child Deaths,” the initiative mobilises healthcare workers and resources across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.
The campaign runs through Friday, June 27, bringing essential services like immunization, nutrition support, antenatal care, and health education to doorsteps across Lagos.
According to health officials, the MNCH+N Week reflects the government’s broader goal to reduce health disparities and eliminate preventable deaths, especially among mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents. The choice of Alimosho for the campaign’s launch underscores the administration’s focus on high-need communities and its commitment to making comprehensive healthcare not just available—but accessible.
The First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, addressing stakeholders, highlighted the significance of the MNCH+N Week as a critical intervention that empowers citizens with access to cost-effective, high-impact healthcare services that can transform health indices and save lives.
Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, described the MNCH+N Week as a “critical intervention” that brings high-impact, cost-effective health services closer to those who need them the most, especially women, children, and adolescents.
According to her, despite all efforts, the current under-five and infant mortality rates of 36 and 46 per 1,000 live births respectively remain a call to action. “No child deserves to die from preventable causes.”
She said: “Since its inception in Lagos in 2010, the MNCH+N Week has evolved into a national campaign. The week-long campaign will deliver a wide range of services including vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, free antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, counselling on home care, screening for malnutrition, as well as information and referral support for sexual and domestic violence cases.
“Services are offered free of charge daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at all public primary healthcare centres and designated outreach posts.”
Rises Against Quackery
Sanwo-Olu condemned the rising cases of quackery in maternal health services, urging citizens to avoid unregistered birth attendants and instead utilize services from licensed healthcare professionals or those registered under the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board.
She issued stern warning against the use of unregistered birth attendants, which she said continue to endanger lives across communities. She urged families to seek care from licensed professionals or certified traditional medicine practitioners recognized by the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board.
“Our communities must rise up to report illegal practices that put the lives of our women and children in danger,” she stated, reiterating the need for collective vigilance.
Spotlight On Alimosho
She continued, “The choice of Alimosho, Lagos’ most populous local government as the launch site was far from coincidental. Alimosho’s performance would significantly influence the outcome of the statewide outreach.”
She commended the local government’s history of community engagement and described the week as both “symbolic and strategic” in reaching grassroots populations with essential health services. She further advocate for wider registration under Ilera Eko, the state’s health insurance scheme, emphasizing that sustainability of care must extend beyond campaign periods.
Power In Collaboration
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, echoed the urgency of the campaign, calling on caregivers and families to take full advantage of the free services. He highlighted the inclusion of adolescents as beneficiaries, reflecting a broad-based strategy to reach every vulnerable group.
“Parents whose children have missed any vaccinations or Vitamin A doses should seize this opportunity. We also encourage communities to mobilize others to attend,” he urged.
Also, Representing development partners, Chief of Nutrition, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, hailed the Lagos State Government for its consistency and innovation in maternal and child health. She revealed that in 2024 alone, MNCH+N Week in Lagos led to nearly six million children receiving Vitamin A and three million undergoing deworming.
Introducing the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a new financing mechanism that doubles state investments in critical nutrition commodities, Hajeebhoy called on Lagos to join other states already leveraging the initiative. “We are confident that Lagos, with its leadership and infrastructure, can be a model for nutrition financing in Nigeria,” she added.
Community Drive, Infrastructure Development
Chairman, Alimosho local government, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, represented by Vice Chairman Hon. Akinpelu Johnson, took the occasion to inaugurate a new administrative building at the council secretariat. He described the MNCH+N Week as “timely and essential,” pledging that Alimosho would continue to prioritise healthcare, particularly for women and children.
“Good health is not just a right, it is the foundation of economic stability and personal development.
“The journey to zero preventable maternal and child deaths requires more than medical supplies; it demands collaboration, vigilance, and sustained political will. The MNCH+N Week may last only five days, but its impact, if fully embraced, could resonate for generations.”
Independent.ng
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Issues Nationwide Message to Nigerians , “We Will Never Surrender”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never yield to forces seeking to destabilise its peace, unity, and sovereignty.
The President spoke while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement shared via X, by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of religious and traditional figures in fostering peace and moral guidance across communities.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated, they leave trails of blood in their wake.
But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,” he said.
The President emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the nation from insurgents and other threats to stability.
President Tinubu also reflected on the economic progress since assuming office, highlighting measures to stabilise public finances and support pensioners.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty. I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated.
He added that his administration has ensured that no governor struggles to pay salaries and is focused on long-term development in sectors such as agriculture and education to leave a lasting legacy.
In his remarks, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu for bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s major religions, describing the occasion as a symbol of national unity.
He prayed for guidance, protection, peaceful coexistence, and the President’s success. Representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe underscored the importance of faith leaders in promoting harmony.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the church’s continued support for his government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen security.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders from all six geopolitical zones attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s message of national unity, peace, and resilience.
News
SO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed that it is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of “a highly respected” party chieftain, Chamberlain Dunkwu.
Dunkwu, president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, tragically passed away after collapsing at his residence on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. His sudden death came just hours before he was scheduled to attend the “Swim to the Future” programme, a key talent discovery event he had helped organise at the National Stadium Swimming Pool (Package B) in Abuja.
According to Leadership, sources close to the family confirmed that efforts to revive Dunkwu were unsuccessful.
Apart from leading the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu also served as deputy chief of staff (legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Previously, he was a special adviser on members’ affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In its condolence message, signed by national spokesperson Felix Morka, the APC described Dunkwu as “an energetic, selfless, and loyal party man who contributed enormously to building and strengthening the party in his native Ika federal constituency, Delta State, and beyond.”
The APC’s statement reads on X: “Dr. Dunkwu lived a vibrant life of service and philanthropy that touched many within and beyond his homeland. His exit has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. Our Party prays God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. And may He comfort all members of the APC family in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State and around the country at this difficult time.”
It added: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home, and may it be true for you as proclaimed in the old hymnal: “To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.” Fare thee well, dear compatriot!”
ABUJA, FCT
MARCH 8, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
APC MOURNS DR. CHAMBERLAIN DUNKWU
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of a highly respected Party Chieftain, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, at 54.
The late Dr. Dunkwu was an energetic, selfless… pic.twitter.com/dA8I3XiEAc
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) March 8, 2026
News
Iran: Tension As Explosion Rocks Second US Embassy
An explosion hit the Embassy of the United States, Oslo in the Norwegian capital early Sunday, authorities said, but no injuries were reported.
The incident comes shortly after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted U.S. interests and allied locations in the Gulf, including strikes around Doha, Qatar, as Tehran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli military operations.
According to the police, the explosion damaged the entrance of the embassy’s consular section.
Police incident commander Michael Dellemyr told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that officers received several reports of a loud blast before arriving at the scene.
“At around 1:00 am we received several reports of an explosion. We arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that there had been an explosion that hit the US embassy,” he said.
Dellemyr said the damage to the building appeared minor, adding that it was too early in the investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
“We are not going to comment on anything related to the type of damage, what exploded or similar details because it is still very early in the investigation,” he added.
However, he later told broadcaster TV2 Norway that investigators believe the incident may have been carried out deliberately.
Police said officers were speaking with witnesses while bomb disposal experts were deployed to the area.
Residents living near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast before police vehicles, helicopters and drones were deployed to the scene.
A 16-year-old witness identified as Edvard told TV2 he was watching television when the explosion occurred.
“My mother and I first thought it came from our house, but then we saw flashing lights outside and a lot of police,” he said.
Authorities cordoned off a large area around the embassy as investigations continued.
The incident comes as American diplomatic missions worldwide remain on heightened alert following tensions linked to military operations involving the United States and Iran.
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