Edo Senator Equips 120+ Birth Attendants to Save Mothers and Babies
More than 120 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) across Edo South Senatorial District have been armed with fresh skills to make childbirth safer, and the energy in Benin City this week was pure fire. This is what community power looks like.
The second phase of the training, championed by Senator Neda Imasuen and backed by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, wrapped up on Friday. The mission? Bridge the gap between the women our communities trust most and the medical system that can save lives when things get tough.
This is about strengthening the frontline of maternal and newborn care, especially in rural areas where hospitals feel miles away. It's about saying loudly and clearly: no mother should lose her life bringing new life into the world.
Why This Training Matters for Nigerian Mothers
Traditional birth attendants are often the first call for pregnant women in Edo South, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. They hold immense trust, and with that trust comes a huge responsibility. This programme, themed Strengthening the Knowledge and Skills of Traditional Birth Attendants for Safer Motherhood and Newborn Care, is built to sharpen their instincts and their know-how.
Participants got hands-on training in safe delivery methods, early pregnancy care, spotting danger signs, and the critical move of referring complicated cases to hospitals fast. This isn't about sidelining TBAs; it's about levelling them up.
Dr Hassan Lumumba Okundia, Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Imasuen, put it straight:
“The essence of this training for the over 120 participants is to bridge the gap between traditional birth attendants and orthodox medical practitioners as well as improve their knowledge and skills to ensure safe motherhood and newborn care.”
He stressed that the programme helps these caregivers know when to act and, more importantly, when to pass the baton to qualified medical professionals.
Local Leaders Back the Push for Safer Deliveries
The support from the grassroots is loud and clear. Orobosa Eriamiantoe, Executive Chairman of Ovia North-East Local Government Area, hailed the initiative as timely and essential. He reminded everyone why this work matters:
“Traditional Birth Attendants occupy an important position in many of our communities. You are often trusted by pregnant women and their families, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Because of this, your actions and decisions can significantly influence the safety and wellbeing of mothers and newborn babies.”
That trust is a currency that can't be bought, and this training is an investment in the lives it protects.
Free Antenatal Care: A Game Changer from Edo State
Dr Coulson Osoikhia, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, dropped a major update: the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has made antenatal care free for pregnant women across the state. He urged the TBAs to send expectant mothers to designated facilities without delay.
His message was direct and empowering:
“You must recognise the points of danger signs that you need to refer the patient to other facilities. We are here today to guide and work together with you. We are not here to scare you or relegate any of your members. We are here to strengthen you to ensure you do what is right, so that we don't lose our patients in cold hands.”
That's the spirit of collaboration, not domination. African solutions for African problems, with our own people leading the charge.
Nutrition, Preparedness, and the Power of Referral
The training wasn't just about delivery. Experts broke down the essentials of nutrition during pregnancy and how to prevent anaemia, with Dr Gideon Iroaya emphasising balanced diets and clean water. Meanwhile, Dr Osazee Ezomo, Medical Officer of Health for Uhunmwode, drilled down on birth preparedness and the financial planning needed to handle complications head-on.
Mrs Joy Ogiemwonyi, Reproductive Health Supervisor for Uhunmwode, laid out the core duties for TBAs: early antenatal booking, spotting danger signs, and prompt referral. She also pushed for strong working relationships between TBAs and local healthcare providers. Teamwork makes the dream work, and here it saves lives.
Participants Ready to Put Knowledge to Work
The attendants, drawn from Orhionmwon and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas, left the programme fired up and grateful. Mrs Blessing Okoro spoke for many when she said:
“I want to thank the lawmaker for this invaluable training. I have learned a lot from this programme and will put the knowledge to good use.”
The highlight? A certificate ceremony that sealed the deal and sent these 120+ champions back to their communities with renewed purpose.
What's Next for Maternal Health in Edo South?
This is the second phase of a movement, not a one-off event. With Senator Imasuen pushing for stronger healthcare networks and Governor Okpebholo backing free antenatal care, the message is unmistakable: Edo State is serious about protecting its mothers and children. This is what pan-African progress looks like, built from the ground up, by our people, for our people.