The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn health services across Nigeria following the successful delivery of quadruplets at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The quadruplets were delivered to Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, 40, who was referred to the tertiary health facility while already in labour.
Medical teams at the hospital promptly responded to the high-risk situation and successfully managed the complex delivery, stabilising both the mother and the newborns.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Press at the Ministry, Ado Bako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, directed the management of FMC Abeokuta to ensure that the mother and the babies receive comprehensive medical care, monitoring, and necessary support.
“In line with this directive, the hospital has commenced appropriate medical care for the mother and the newborns as well as providing counselling and psychosocial support to the family,” the statement said.
The Ministry commended the professionalism of the medical team at FMC Abeokuta for their prompt and coordinated response, noting that multiple births such as quadruplets are medically demanding and require specialised care and monitoring.
Olateju, who is already a mother of five, gave birth to the babies on Wednesday through a caesarean section at 32 weeks of pregnancy.
The premature babies are currently receiving specialised care in the hospital’s nursery unit.
The Ministry noted that the mother had not registered for antenatal care at FMC Abeokuta and was only referred to the facility when she went into labour.
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Health officials used the opportunity to stress the importance of early and consistent antenatal care for pregnant women.
According to the Ministry, regular antenatal visits enable health professionals to detect and manage potential complications early, improve pregnancy outcomes and ensure safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.
“Pregnant women are therefore encouraged to register for antenatal care early at recognised health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified health professionals throughout their pregnancy,” the statement added.
The Minister also emphasised that postpartum counselling, including voluntary family planning services, remains an important component of maternal healthcare, helping families make informed decisions about birth spacing and overall wellbeing.
He added that the Ministry would continue to expand access to maternal and newborn care services across the country as part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.