April 10, (THEWILL) – Members of the National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS PC) in Bayelsa State have called on the State and Federal Government to embark on deliberate health policies to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
The NAS PC, in collaboration with some medical practitioners from the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Health Day with the theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, pointed out that there is the need for the State and Federal Government to initiate a fee for antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women.
The occasion, which was marked at the Bakassi Returnees Village located in Ekeki, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, also called on mothers to uphold issues of child nutrition and immunisation, which they insisted leads to prevention and management of common maternal/childhood illnesses and reduces maternal and infant mortality.
The 2025 World Health Day with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” was commemorated by the Oxbow Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS PC) at Bakassi Returnees Village, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
The Capoon of Oxbow Marino Deck, Engr. Adogbeji Egbonoje, while delivering his remarks, highlighted the motivation of NAS PC in organising the event, which is centred on the Association’s creed, specifically “For Humanistic Ideals” and “For Comradeship and Chivalry”.
He stated that the role of women in society cannot be overemphasised, adding that women need to take good care of their health and that of the unborn child so as to have a profound impact on how healthy society will be in future.
The programme also featured two distinguished health personnel as Resource Persons, Dr Oru Inetsol, of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, and Nr Ebikimo Oruama Princess, a Senior Nurse Officer, Midwife and Public Health Nurse. They shared expert insights on Maternal and Child Health.
Key Discussions among those who attended include issues of antenatal and postnatal care best practices, Child nutrition and immunisation, Prevention and management of common maternal/childhood illnesses and reducing maternal and infant mortality.
The programme also witnessed the engagement of a wide audience of over 100 participants in the categories of men, women and children, and they expressed appreciation for the insightful discussions and practical advice provided by the health personnel.
The seminar was an impactful way to celebrate the 2025 World Health Day in Bayelsa State, and the contributions of the guest presenters, combined with meaningful questions from participants, brought about an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that was beneficial to all present.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
