Towards realising the United Nations health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has said, ante-natal care, immunisation and nutrition programmes when effective, would help communities maximise the health and wellbeing of children, women and the aged.  

Mrs. Abiodun said this in Abeokuta at the sensitisation meeting organised by the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board (OGPHCB), in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady for Wives of the Local Government Chairmen in the State with the theme: "Improving the Welfare Status of Children Under-5 Years and Women of Child Bearing Age".

 Represented by Wife of a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Odeda Local Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Elemide, explained that the meeting was a critical component of ensuring that the health and nutrition needs of children in the State were met, in the lead-up to the upcoming Vitamin A supplementation programme, adding that it would empower the Chairpersons to be Ambassadors of nutrition and health.

 "As wives of public officials, you are mothers in your communities. You are influential and can help guide mothers to make the right decisions concerning their families and children. I am therefore, encouraging you to use the information that you learn from here today to be our advocate in your Local Government Areas by sharing the benefits of nutrition and specifically of Vitamin A”, she said.

The Wife of the Governor affirmed that Primary health care is the bedrock of the wellbeing of the people in any society and the foundation for universal health coverage, especially as it concerns women, children and the elderly.

In her goodwill message, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, enjoined the Chairpersons to take the campaign to their respective areas without exempting the rural communities, reiterating government's commitment to the wellbeing of children by providing the necessary support to the primary health sector.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Coordinator of the Chairpersons and Wife of the Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mrs. Olusola Gazal, appreciated the First Lady and management of the OGPHCB for organising the meeting, promising to take the campaign to their various areas and continue to support the present administration.