Anioma Watch Extends Maternal Support to Expectant Mothers in Onicha-Olona

 Anioma Watch Extends Maternal Support to Expectant Mothers in Onicha-Olona

By Emeka Esogbue

The Anioma Watch Association has extended its community-based maternal support initiative to Onicha-Olo

na, Delta State, with the distribution of maternal starter packs to expectant mothers at the Onicha-Olona Primary Health Centre.

The outreach, which brought together expectant mothers and community leaders, was designed to provide essential items to women preparing for childbirth and the early care of their newborns. The initiative underscores Anioma Watch’s commitment to promoting maternal and child wellbeing and supporting families within Anioma communities.

The programme commenced early in the morning, with expectant mothers arriving at the health centre from about 7:00 a.m. The Matron of the facility, Mrs. Okoh Ewere, welcomed the Anioma Watch delegation and expressed appreciation to the association for selecting the health centre as a beneficiary of the intervention.

Welcoming the Anioma Watch team on behalf of the community, the President-General of the Onicha-Olona Development Union, Sir Patrick Anibuofu Ejidoh, described the maternal packs as a meaningful investment in the future of the community.

He noted that the children being carried by the expectant mothers represented the future leadership of the community and the nation, stressing the importance of initiatives that support mothers during pregnancy.

Ejidoh also commended Anioma Watch for mobilising resources to provide assistance to members of the public, observing that it was uncommon to find social organisations that consistently raise funds for such humanitarian interventions.

While acknowledging that the association could not provide everything mothers might need, he urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the support and make good use of the items provided.

In his opening address, the Chairman of the Anioma Watch Board of Trustees, Dr. Emeka Esogbue, described women as “mothers of the nation” and charged the expectant mothers to see parenting as a responsibility that extends beyond childbirth.

Esogbue emphasised that the ultimate goal should not only be to give birth to children but to raise responsible individuals who would contribute meaningfully to the development of Onicha-Olona, Anioma and Nigeria.

He urged the mothers to provide proper guidance and values for their children, noting that responsible parenting was critical to building a productive and progressive society.

The President of Anioma Watch, Engr. Abela Emuebie Ihienkaeghor, also advised the expectant mothers to pay close attention to their wellbeing and maintain healthy eating habits throughout pregnancy.

The outreach ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Miracle Nwanze, while Precious Onwueze led the closing prayer.

The maternal support programme adds to Anioma Watch’s growing community-focused interventions, highlighting the role of organised community groups in complementing existing efforts to improve the wellbeing of mothers, children and families.