The Ogun State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commissioned a boat ambulance to improve emergency response and healthcare access in riverine and hard-to-reach communities in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Speaking on Thursday at Makun-Omi during the inauguration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said the donation aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure residents in remote communities are not excluded from timely medical services.
Coker noted that difficult terrain and water transportation challenges have long hindered access to healthcare in riverine areas, describing the boat ambulance as a critical intervention that will enable faster response during medical emergencies and help reduce avoidable deaths.
She added that the initiative supports ongoing healthcare reforms focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes, strengthening emergency response systems, and enhancing service delivery at the grassroots. According to her, the boat ambulance will also improve the referral system for patients in isolated communities.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Adetoye Odunoiki, represented by his aide, Olabode Ogunlana, described the initiative as timely and impactful for residents. He said the commissioning marked an important milestone for the council and demonstrated the collective commitment of government and development partners to improving the well-being of the people.
Odunoiki noted that the donation would significantly ease the transportation of pregnant women and other residents across riverine and coastal communities, reduce delays in emergency response, and strengthen healthcare delivery in hard-to-reach areas.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Vaccine Supply and Logistics Consultant, Mrs Florence Molokwu, commended the state government for its efforts in promoting a healthier environment. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting quality healthcare services for mothers and children to reduce mortality rates, while urging the local government and communities to ensure proper maintenance of the boat ambulance. She added that the facility would also play a key role in supporting immunisation services and outreach programmes.
On behalf of the host communities, Mrs Aderonke Adekunmisi expressed appreciation to the state government and UNICEF, noting that the intervention would greatly improve emergency response and healthcare access for pregnant women, children, and the elderly. She encouraged community members to take ownership of the facility and support its effective use and maintenance.
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