Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday launched the construction of a free maternity and child care centre in Kogi Central senatorial district.

The facility, set for completion in four months, will provide free and efficient maternity services to women in the district.

Chief Press Secretary to the Senator, Arogbonlo Israel, in a statement, on Thursday quoted her to have expressed excitement about the project, acknowledging the challenges of childbirth, drawing from her experience as a mother of four.

She highlighted the unique risks associated with pregnancy and the greater difficulties faced by women in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare.

“As a mother of four, I understand the physical toll of pregnancy and the unique risks involved. With my access to healthcare, I can only imagine the challenges women in rural areas face during childbirth,” she said.

“As your Senator, I believe it’s important to build a maternity and childcare center to support these women.”

The maternity centre will feature a 20-bed facility, two delivery rooms, an ICU, and staff quarters.

Senator Natasha stressed the importance of staff quarters, noting that many doctors are reluctant to work in rural areas due to inadequate accommodation.

She assured constituents that the center’s services would be entirely free and expressed enthusiasm about seeing women gather at the facility for antenatal care and support.

She also emphasized the centre’s significant location, near the grave of the Ebira nation’s mother and the Eid ground where Muslim faithful observe Salah prayers.

Beyond the maternity initiative, the senator also empowered her constituents by providing tools and equipment to those trained in welding and carpentry, enabling them to establish their own workshops and become financially independent.

She announced the distribution of 200 bags of rice to those present, in addition to the 2,400 bags of grains distributed a few weeks earlier.