Years ago, in the early days of my and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s journey in supporting neonatal care, I made one of my first donations to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital: pulse oximeters. These lifesaving resources were crucial in ensuring the care and survival of vulnerable preterm babies. Among those tiny, fragile lives were triplets, born against the odds at 24 weeks, nurtured with expert care, and embraced by a community of support.

Today, I am overjoyed with gratitude to celebrate a remarkable moment in the cycle of care, Fridous Bakare, one of those triplets, has graduated with a First Class Degree with a remarkable 5.0/5.0 CGPA in Computer Science from Afe Babalola University, alongside her older sister, also achieving First Class honours.

This accomplishment is a testament to the lifelong impact of early health interventions and is why the Wellbeing Foundation Africa implements and advocates for equitable, quality healthcare and wellbeing for all.

To Professor Mokuolu, who pioneered Kangaroo Mother Care in the University Of ILorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) and championed investments and advancements within the NICU, and to each healthcare worker who believed in the potential of these babies and so many similar to them, your resilience and continuous efforts exemplify how quality care can transform lives for generations to come.

Thank you to Hon. Moshood Bakare for keeping me updated on the progress of your triplets and for always highlighting their success. It is a privilege to share the joy of their journey, and WBFA will continue to dedicate their work to Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), because every child deserves a fighting chance.