News
FG Introduces Maternal Health Incentives Across 172 LGAs
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
The Federal Government has commenced a new incentive programme aimed at increasing the use of maternal and newborn healthcare services in 172 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 33 states.
The intervention is part of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which seeks to address Nigeria’s high rate of maternal and newborn deaths by improving access to timely and quality healthcare.
Speaking during the national launch of the initiative in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria accounts for close to 29 per cent of maternal deaths recorded globally.
According to him, the 172 targeted LGAs represent about 20 per cent of the country’s LGAs but account for approximately 55 per cent of maternal deaths. The government therefore identified the areas for focused intervention because of their high burden of maternal mortality.
Salako explained that the programme is designed to encourage pregnant women to register for antenatal care early, deliver in health facilities with skilled personnel and return for postnatal care after childbirth.
The Federal Government launched MAMII in November 2024, with a target of reducing maternal mortality by 30 per cent and neonatal mortality by 20 per cent in the selected areas by 2028.
The programme is also expected to provide free, timely and comprehensive maternal and newborn healthcare services to about 2.9 million pregnant women.
The minister disclosed that more than 250 health facilities are already participating in the programme across Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Ogun states.
He added that more than 32,000 women and 1,700 newborns had benefited from emergency obstetric and neonatal services under the initiative.
Salako further said nearly 79,000 beneficiaries had been transported to healthcare facilities through the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), with pregnant women accounting for about 60 per cent of those transported.
He also reported an improvement in antenatal care utilisation, noting that attendance for the fourth antenatal visit in MAMII-supported areas increased by 20 per cent within one quarter.
The minister said the latest incentives were intended to strengthen the positive health-seeking behaviours that can help prevent avoidable deaths among mothers and newborns.
The Federal Government’s intervention comes amid continued concerns over Nigeria’s maternal mortality burden. Salako, citing the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, said a Nigerian woman faces approximately a one-in-19 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes.
The government said the initiative would be implemented with support from development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, UNFPA, the Global Financing Facility and USAID.
It also highlighted other ongoing measures, including the retraining of frontline health workers, strengthening of healthcare facilities and support for women and vulnerable families.
The Federal Government said its broader objective is to bring essential maternal and newborn healthcare services closer to communities with the greatest needs and reduce preventable deaths associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
-
Social2 months agoNAIS – Northern Nigeria/Abuja Chapter Honours Amb. Ebi Lagos with Award of Recognition
-
Breaking3 months ago2027: INEC Alegedly Announces Plans to Conduct Party Primaries in the Newly Created State Constituencies in Warri North and Warri Southwest LGAs, Others
-
News1 month agoPAP: EX-AGITATORS OF BOYLOAF CAMP DISTANCE SELVES FROM THEIR LEADERS ONSLAUGHT ON THE PAP ADMINISTRATOR
-
Local News4 months agoJust In: Ambassador Podoki Emerges APP Candidate for Burutu Constituency-I Assembly Seat
-
Politics3 months ago2027: Mulade Challenges NDC’s Substitution of His Party Candidacy, Demands ₦5 Billion Damages
-
Breaking3 months agoTinubu Intervenes in Warri Delineation Dispute, Meets Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri Leaders
-
Local News4 months agoINC: Group Faults Sponsored Attacks on Tompolo, Igbadiwei, Urges Unity in Ijaw Nation
-
Entertainment2 months agoJKing Logistics Coordinator Shed Light to Address Ijaw Music Wage Controversy