Expectant Mothers in Ibusa Receive Essential Newborn Care Packs from Anioma Watch Association

 Expectant Mothers in Ibusa Receive Essential Newborn Care Packs from Anioma Watch Association

By Peter Oshagwu

Nearly 100 expectant mothers at the Ibusa Primary Health Care Centre, opposite St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, on Monday received essential mother-and-baby care packs donated by the Anioma Watch Association as part of its antenatal outreach programme.

The initiative, which brought excitement to the beneficiaries, was designed to support expectant mothers with basic supplies ahead of childbirth and promote responsible motherhood in the Ibusa community.

The event, which commenced at 11:00 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Miss Joy Ozeh, featured the introduction of members of the Anioma Watch Association, led by its President, Engr. Abela Emuebie.

Welcoming participants, the Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Emeka Esogbue, explained that the New Life Care Pack was conceived to provide practical support to mothers preparing for childbirth.

Esogbue expressed satisfaction with the standard of care at the health centre, noting that residents had widely recommended the facility when the association sought an appropriate location for the outreach.

He particularly commended the Matron, Mrs. Obi Caroline Nneka, for what he described as her high level of professionalism and the confidence she had earned among patients.

Describing Anioma Watch as a regional watchdog committed to promoting the interests and development of Anioma communities, Esogbue urged the beneficiaries to contribute to the advancement of Ibusa and to remain committed to the wellbeing of their families and community.

The Omu of Ibusa, HRH Obi Josephine Nwannabuogwu, who attended the programme, praised Anioma Watch for extending its intervention to women, particularly expectant mothers in Ibusa.

She described the New Life Starter Pack as a valuable provision that would assist the women as they prepared for motherhood.

The traditional ruler also encouraged the women to approach her whenever they encountered communal challenges, assuring them of her willingness to listen and support them.

Addressing the expectant mothers, the Omu explained that pregnancy comes with significant biological and physical changes, stressing that such changes are a normal part of the journey to motherhood.

She urged the women to take the responsibility of raising their children seriously and provide them with proper training and guidance so they could grow into responsible and productive members of Ibusa society.

The President of Anioma Watch Association also appealed to the expectant mothers to pay close attention to their health and wellbeing during pregnancy, particularly in their choice of food and drinks.

The major highlight of the outreach was the presentation of customized bags containing essential items for mothers and newborn babies to the expectant mothers.

The gesture elicited excitement among the beneficiaries and staff of the health centre.

In her vote of thanks, the Matron, Mrs. Obi Caroline Nneka, expressed appreciation to Anioma Watch for selecting the facility for the outreach.

She described the intervention as significant, saying the volume of items presented to the expectant mothers was substantial and that the entire health centre was delighted by the gesture.

The programme ended with a closing prayer led by Rev. Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei, General Secretary of the Anioma Watch Association Board of Trustees.

Other Anioma Watch members present included Miss Ifeyinwa Izegbu, Treasurer, and Miss Joy Ozeh, Welfare/Social Secretary, alongside members of staff of the Ibusa Primary Health Care Centre.

The initiative was sponsored by USA-based Dr. Anthony Ezeagbor from the Issele-Uku community. Other communities to be visited are Issele-Uku, Onicha-Olona and Amai in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.