Ogun State, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated a boat ambulance to Ogun State, a move aimed at improving emergency medical response and healthcare access in the state’s riverine and hard-to-reach communities.

The inauguration took place on Thursday at Makun-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, with the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, praising the partnership between UNICEF and the state government.

“This ambulance boat is a welcome development that will provide swift response during medical emergencies and help reduce avoidable deaths,” Coker said. He noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is committed to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents in remote areas are not excluded from timely medical care.

Dr Coker added, “The difficult terrain and water transportation challenges have long hindered access to healthcare in riverine communities. This initiative aligns with our broader healthcare reforms, improving maternal and child health outcomes, emergency response systems, and grassroots service delivery.”

The Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Adetoye Odunoiki, represented by his aide Olabode Ogunlana, described the commissioning as a milestone for the local government. “This intervention will significantly improve the transportation of pregnant women, children, and other residents across riverine and coastal communities, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare services,” Ogunlana said.

On behalf of UNICEF, Mrs Florence Molokwu, Vaccine Supply and Logistics Consultant, commended the state government for its progress in creating a healthier environment. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining the boat, while reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting maternal and child health services in the state.

Representing the host communities, Mrs Aderonke Adekunmisi expressed gratitude to the government, noting that the boat ambulance would enhance emergency response, facilitate immunization services, and improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly. She urged residents to support the effective use and maintenance of the facility.

The donation underscores a growing focus on leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to address healthcare delivery challenges in Nigeria’s riverine and remote areas.