Touching Lives at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Yemetu

The Damilola Orioke Foundation’s outreach train rolled into Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Yemetu, with hearts full of excitement and arms full of gifts. This hospital, one of the busiest in the area, is known for its dedicated staff and the steady stream of expectant and new mothers it serves. Walking through its corridors, we were reminded of why our mission matters so much—everywhere we turned there were stories of new beginnings, hope and resilience.

Our team came prepared with boxes of Pampers, baby wipes, detergents, antiseptic liquid, bathing soap, socks, clothes clips, and other essential toiletries for newborns and their mothers. These weren’t just supplies; they were small lifelines to ease the transition into motherhood. We could see the sparkle of surprise and relief in the eyes of the women as each package was handed over.

One young mother, who had delivered her baby prematurely, clutched her bundle and whispered a heartfelt thank-you. Another mother smiled shyly as volunteers congratulated her and placed the items beside her hospital bed. These moments of connection are the heartbeat of our work—listening, encouraging, celebrating and reassuring.

The hospital staff themselves were as warm as the patients. Adeoyo’s nurses and matrons, though clearly busy, paused to welcome us and guide us through the wards. Their professionalism and compassion shone brightly. We were especially moved by a senior matron who spoke about the challenges of working long shifts with limited resources. Her words reminded us why it’s important to not only support patients but also recognise the heroes behind the scenes.

In keeping with our tradition, we gave tokens of appreciation to the mothers and to the nurses and matrons in charge. It was our way of saying, “We see you. We value you.” When one of the matrons smiled and said the gesture made her day, it felt like a quiet confirmation that our presence was making a difference.

Beyond distributing items, we also spent time with the mothers—answering questions, sharing hygiene tips, and simply offering companionship. Some volunteers prayed with families or told encouraging stories from their own journeys as parents. These exchanges turned the visit into something more than a handout; it became a moment of shared humanity and hope.

As we prepared to leave Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, the atmosphere was noticeably lighter. The babies rested soundly, the mothers looked a little more relaxed, and the staff moved through their duties with renewed smiles. For us at the Damilola Orioke Foundation, it was another powerful reminder that small acts of kindness—like a pack of diapers or a bottle of antiseptic—can create ripples of relief and joy.

This second visit strengthened our resolve to keep going. We are not only giving items; we are building a community of care that bridges the gap between hospitals, mothers and support organisations. Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital will always hold a special place in our hearts as one of the milestones on our journey to touch lives and uplift families across the region.