The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) has announced a landmark commitment of US$5 million to the Rotary Foundation to support maternal and child health initiatives in Nigeria.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, on Wednesday.
The philanthropic gesture by Nigerian Rotary member and philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor aims to strengthen and expand ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in high-burden local government areas.
“Helping mothers and babies survive and thrive is among the greatest investments we can make in Nigeria’s future,” Sir Emeka Offor said, emphasizing the significance of the initiative.
The US$5 million commitment is expected to bolster Rotary’s maternal and child health program, particularly in improving access to prenatal care, skilled delivery services, community engagement, and the strengthening of health data systems.
According to the foundation, early results have been promising. Two years into implementation, facilities in four targeted regions have reported a 20% reduction in maternal deaths and a 28% drop in neonatal deaths, alongside increased antenatal visits.
“The extraordinary commitment from the SEOF comes at a critical time in our efforts to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria,” said Mark Maloney, Chair of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, during the acceptance of the donation.
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The initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare’s focused policies and intervention programs aimed at reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths. The Rotary-led program, Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, was launched by Rotary members in Nigeria and Germany in partnership with the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMCH), the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, and leading professional health associations.
This strategic collaboration signals a growing synergy between local philanthropy, global partnerships, and government-led efforts to safeguard the lives of mothers and infants across Nigeria.
