By Asma’u Ahmad
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has called on government at all levels to see development of women as a good indicator of socio-economic improvement of any society.
The governor made the appeal in Akure, the state capital at the 50th Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON).
The governor said that actual development must put in place the survival of women and their children through pragmatic approach of feasible health system.
According to him, investment in women and their children will translate to household and societal benefits.
He noted that any money spent on their health must have effective application, decrying those building houses and bridges at the expense of meaningful health delivery and system.
Also speaking, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that health of women and children was of high priority to the Federal Government, saying that the government was committed to basic health.
He advised all state governors to use the money judiciously for its purpose of disbursement.
The minister therefore assured SOGON of meaningful collaboration, calling on all stakeholders to promote women and child health, adding that it is a collective effort.
Earlier, SOGON President, Prof. Brian Obinma, said that the conference was to update members of new guidelines in fast-tracking its aims and purposes. Professor Obinma thanked the federal government for its newly-launched programme of saving lives and commended Mimiko for his maternal and child initiative which had wide effects on the health of women and children in the state.
He called on other governors in the country to emulate the health initiative.
