26th August, 2011
The World Bank has again commended the Ondo State programme over the establishment of the the Abiye Safe Motherhood programme, saying it has not placed the state in an exalted position in Nigeria but has shown that Africa could achieve success in the health sector if given the right environment.
The World Bank team, led by Dr Dinesh Nair, a senior Health Specialist with the world body on gave this commendation while on a courtesy call on the Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko in his office on Wednesday.
Nair affirmed that the state has attained a leadership position in maternal and child health not only in Nigeria but has become a benchmark and a reference point in Africa.
Dr Dinesh Nair described the world acclaimed Mother and Child Hospital, which was constructed by the Mimiko-led administration in less than two years ago as one of the most dynamic and pro-active health facilities in the country.
Responding, the State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko thanked World Bank for its support towards improving the quality of lives of the people, especially in the areas of health and infrastructure.
He assured that his administration would continue to partner the World Bank with a view to transforming the socio-economic landscape of the state.
He paid tribute to the outgoing Country director of the bank, Mr Onno Rhul for having a special interest in the development of the state.
The World Bank is one of other global organisations to praise the Abiye Safe Motherhood programme which has placed the nation on the world map in maternal and children matters.
The World Bank had in June in the United States of America, described the State’s Maternal and Child Hospital and the Abiye programme of the Mimiko Government as not only the best in Nigeria but also a benchmark for Africa as a whole and invited the State Governor to Washington, to deliver a lecture on how the success story of the programme was achieved.
Last week, the chairman of a United States of America (USA)-based organisation, African Business Owners’ Forum Inc. (ABOFI), Mr Franklin Akinkoye and some members of his team came to offer free healthcare services to the people of the state in recognition of the health sector reform of the state government.