On Thursday, Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan officially commenced the construction of a free maternity and childcare centre in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The facility, expected to be completed within four months, aims to provide comprehensive and cost-free maternity services to women in the region, ensuring safer childbirth experiences.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the project, the senator highlighted her personal understanding of the challenges associated with pregnancy and childbirth, having experienced them firsthand as a mother of four.
She acknowledged that every pregnancy carries unique risks, emphasizing that women in rural areas face even greater obstacles due to inadequate access to quality healthcare services.
“As a mother of four, I fully comprehend the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy. Having access to proper healthcare made my journey easier, but I can only imagine the struggles faced by women in rural communities. As your senator, I see it as my duty to establish this maternity and childcare centre to provide them with the support they deserve.”
The upcoming facility will feature 20 beds, two delivery rooms, an intensive care unit (ICU), and residential quarters for medical personnel.
Senator Natasha highlighted the importance of the staff quarters, explaining that many doctors are often hesitant to work in rural areas due to the lack of proper accommodation.
She assured constituents that all services at the centre would be provided free of charge and expressed her anticipation of seeing expectant mothers receiving antenatal care and support in a conducive environment.
Notably, she pointed out the centre’s meaningful location—situated close to the burial site of the Ebira nation’s revered mother and the Eid ground, where the Muslim community gathers for Salah prayers.
Beyond healthcare, the senator also took steps to empower her constituents by providing essential tools and equipment to individuals previously trained in welding and carpentry. This initiative is designed to help them establish their own workshops and attain financial independence.
In a gesture of appreciation and goodwill, she extended her gratitude to the community, relishing the opportunity to engage with them. She further announced the distribution of 200 bags of rice to those in attendance, in addition to the 2,400 bags of grains that had been shared a few weeks earlier.