Friday, February 6, 2026 - In a bid to enhance emergency healthcare delivery in hard-to-reach communities, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday donated a boat ambulance to Ogun State, strengthening the state government’s response to medical emergencies in riverine and coastal areas.

The inauguration took place at Makun-Omi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, with the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, commending the initiative as a key intervention to improve access to healthcare in the state’s difficult terrain.

“The challenges of water transportation and remote locations have long hindered access to timely medical care in our riverine communities,” Dr Coker said. “This ambulance boat will provide swift response during medical emergencies, reducing avoidable deaths and improving maternal and child health outcomes.”

She described the initiative as part of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s broader healthcare reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery, enhancing emergency response systems, and ensuring residents in remote communities receive timely medical attention. “This is a strategic investment that will deepen the impact of the governor’s primary healthcare initiatives and improve the referral system for patients in isolated areas,” Coker added.

The Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Adetoye Odunoiki, represented by an aide, Olabode Ogunlana, praised the donation, noting it marked a milestone for the local government and a demonstration of government and development partners’ commitment to saving lives.

“This boat ambulance will enhance transportation for pregnant women, children, and other residents across riverine and coastal communities, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare services,” Ogunlana said. “It will also strengthen emergency response, reduce delays, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery in our communities.”

Representing the host communities, Mrs Aderonke Adekunmisi expressed gratitude to both the state government and UNICEF. She emphasized that the boat ambulance would transform healthcare access for vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and the elderly, and urged community members to support its effective maintenance and usage.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Vaccine Supply and Logistics Consultant, Mrs Florence Moloku, commended the Ogun State government for fostering an enabling environment for maternal and child health. She highlighted the ambulance boat’s role not only in emergency response but also in facilitating immunization campaigns, outreach programs, and routine healthcare delivery.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting quality health services for children and mothers in Nigeria,” Moloku said. “We encourage local authorities and communities to maintain this vital asset so that it continues to serve those who need it most.”

Health experts note that riverine and coastal communities in Nigeria often face significant delays in accessing medical care due to poor infrastructure and geographical barriers. Emergency interventions such as boat ambulances can significantly reduce maternal and child mortality, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the state’s overall health system.

By improving accessibility, this initiative aligns with global health best practices, particularly in ensuring timely referral and treatment for emergencies, while reinforcing the state’s ongoing commitment to equitable and inclusive healthcare.