Posted by Elizabeth Edozie on Feb 26, 2019
In a bid to contribute to mother and child health in Nigeria, Rotary International, District 9110 under the leadership of the District Governor, Kola Sodipo has partnered with four Rotary clubs in the district as they provide medical equipment for premature babies.
The donation project was initiated by Rotary Club of Lagos West and jointly executed by Rotary Clubs of Lagos West, Festac Central, Festac Town, and Festac Metropolitan and also supported financially by the district.
 
The equipment which were handed over to Maternal and Child Care Centre in Festac, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos state include four suction machines, two CTG machines, two baby incubators, one AED machine, two phototherapy machines and bone jaundice meter.
Speaking during the donation ceremony, the Chief of Staff to the District Governor, Lanre Kasim stated, “That’s the essence of Rotary, to serve and to do things for people we may never meet. The DG, being a Pharmacist, understands the importance of these equipment.”
At the donation ceremony earlier today, a past president of Rotary Club of Lagos West, Omotunde Lawson, who narrated how the donation project came into existence noted that DG Sodipo during his visit to the club, charged the club members to collaborate with other clubs in executing a huge health project which will also be supported by the district.
 
She further noted that she was able to get the three other clubs to be a part of the project. They however visited the centre for needs assessment, choosing that particular hospital because it’s central to all the clubs involved in the project. They were however given a list of all the equipment needed in the hospital.
 
According to her, the Medical Director/ Chief Consultant at the Centre, AS Shoyinka revealed to them during their needs assessment visit to the centre, that about 200 babies are birthed in the centre on a monthly basis, hence the need for the equipment to save the lives of the babies. “I am happy to be a part of this huge project that will save the lives of many babies that I don’t even know.
 
Speaking during the donation ceremony, the Chief of Staff to the District Governor, Lanre Kasim stated, “That’s the essence of Rotary, to serve and to do things for people we may never meet. The DG, being a Pharmacist, understands the importance of these equipment.”
“I congratulate you and I want you to put these equipment into good use”, he told the management staff of the centre, while also thanking all members of the clubs that came together to make the project a success.
 
In his remarks, the Medical Director, AS Shoyinka said, “I think I have been highly favoured that this hospital, during my own tenure has benefited greatly from Rotary club. They came to me for needs assessment some time ago and now, we have a proof that they don’t just say but do. I must say that among all the service organizations in the world, Rotary club is the best.
 
“These machines that have been donated by the club will go a long way in saving the lives of a lot of babies. I give you my utmost assurance that these machines will be deployed to good use and will be subsidized for those that can’t afford it. We will not turn back any poor person that needs these equipment because of what you have done”, the MD added.