Expectant mothers in Ikorodu and its environs have cause to smile with the unveiling of the Agbala Neonatal Ward/Mothers Bay at Ikorodu General Hospital Annex, Agbala, courtesy of Ikorodu Doyen Lions Club.

The edifice, costing about N150 million was commissioned and handed over to Ikorodu General Hospital at the instance of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Ademuyiwa Eniayewun.

At the ceremony, President of the Club, Oluwole Olabode, said the project that started four years ago was completed with the joint efforts of the club and Lions International Foundation.

“Our club has 44 rich historical years of achievements bordering on impactful activities for the less privileged in our society and it is our responsibility to build upon this legacy while embracing new opportunities to make a positive impact on Ikorodu community which is our area of focus and Lagos State in general.

“Today, we are commissioning this Neonatal ward/mothers bay for new born babies or babies born prematurely which is another feather in the cap of the club’s numerous achievements,” he said.

Olabode reposed confidence in the hospital authority to maintain the facility such that anytime the members of the club visit the facility, they would feel happy.
The District Governor, Lions International, District 404A3, Dr. Folasade Shotomide, said the project was embarked upon to fulfill the purpose of the club that is domiciled in Ikorodu with a view to carrying out project that would make impact in the life of people living in the city.

She appreciated the honour that such a life saving project that would bring smiles on the faces of mothers that started four years ago was accomplished during her tenure.

Shotomide assured regular visit to the facility to ensure same is well maintained as she advised the hospital authority to appreciate the value of what was donated to them which is to save the life of children of coming generations.

Past International Director and a member, Board of Trustees, Lions Club International, Hamed Lawal who threw his weight on the project and guided the club from the beginning unto consummation, said the facility was borne out of the thinking of a befitting project by the members of the club to tie to its 40th anniversary.

He said that there were challenges because of the capital intensive nature of the project that was initiated during the presidency of Femi Aluko three years ago, adding that Lions Clubs International Foundation supported the club both morally and financially on the project.

Multiple District Chairperson, Multiple District 404, Nigeria, Lions Club International, Ano Anyanwu, said the idea to put up the facility was conceptualised during the celebration of 40th Anniversary of the club when a certain amount was raised but because of its insufficiency, Lions Club International Foundation was consulted for additional fund which was approved.

He advised judicious use of the facility to justify the huge amount spent not just to put up the building but to procure the equipment there aimed at taking care of premature babies.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ademuyiwa Eniayewun, commended the Ikorodu Doyen Club and everyone that had contributed to the putting up of the edifice and assured of government’s good maintenance of the neonatal ward.

The Chief Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ikorodu General hospital, Dr. Taiwo Hassan, described embarking on a project of that magnitude, a wonderful initiative.

“General Hospital Ikorodu started from this premises in Agbala as far back as in 1950. Of course, the effort here is to keep the legacy as true organisation and individuals. Buildings here were donated by different people or organisations such as Eko Bank and today, by Lions Club.

“Everything in Agbala has always been in form of donations. Through this project, we will help to reduce children mortality while we continue to fulfill our vision and mission. Agbala before was meant for out patient but had to be upgraded. Now we have neonatal ward that will henceforth help to reduce the suffering of children and babies.”

Project Chairperson, Agbala Neonatal Project and past President of the club during whose tenure the project was conceptualized, Femi Aluko, said over 150 million naira was spent on the project which include the cost of constructing the building, procurement of generator and equipment for the ward which had been handed over to the government.

“The initiative for this project began during my tenure as the 39th President of our club, precisely the time we started preparing for our 40th anniversary celebration.

“Actually as part of our community needs assessment, we initially planned to build and equip a pediatric cancer ward. However, after consulting with the Chief Medical Director of Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Taiwo Hassan, we decided to construct a Neonatal Ward instead.

“We installed oxygen and the piping which cost almost N10 million. It is a complete Neonatal ward that can contain 30 babies at a go with oxygen points for 30 babies at the same time. It is a giant stride.

“Treatment is subsidised because the club funded everything in putting up this ward and it would not cost beneficiaries what the government normally charge in the General Hospital. We will also always be around to monitor situations” he said.

We call on the people of Ikorodu to be aware of Agbala Neonatal ward/mothers bay for premature children and those who need oxygen, he said.