Visit to Fortress Medical Centre, Sabo Mokola

It was a bright and cheerful morning when the team from the Damilola Orioke Foundation arrived at Fortress Medical Centre in Sabo Mokola. The air inside the hospital was filled with the soft coos of newborns and the quiet, steady movement of nurses attending to their wards. Our visit wasn’t just another stop on our outreach calendar; it was an opportunity to connect with new mothers, tiny babies, and the dedicated staff who care for them day and night.

As we walked through the maternity section, the excitement in our team was almost tangible. We had come prepared with Pampers, baby wipes, detergents, antiseptic liquid, bathing soap, socks, clothes clips, and other essential toiletries carefully packed to meet immediate needs. Each item represented a gesture of care and support for families welcoming their new bundles of joy into the world.

One of the mothers, still cradling her hours-old baby, smiled widely as she received her package. She told us how unexpected support like this can make a real difference at such a delicate time. For many new mothers, childbirth brings a whirlwind of emotions—happiness, relief, anxiety about the future—and knowing that a community foundation cares enough to offer a helping hand can ease some of that burden.

Our visit wasn’t just about handing over items. It was also about sharing warmth, encouragement and a sense of community. We took time to talk with the mothers, listening to their stories and offering words of congratulations. Some of our volunteers shared tips on caring for newborns and maintaining hygiene, while others simply held hands and prayed quietly with grateful families.

We also made it a point to acknowledge the nurses and matrons who work tirelessly in the maternity ward. Their dedication often goes unseen, yet they are the pillars that hold up maternal and child care in facilities like Fortress Medical Centre. As a token of appreciation, the Foundation gave small but heartfelt gifts to the staff on duty. Seeing their faces light up reminded us that kindness isn’t just for patients—it’s also for the people who care for them every day.

The atmosphere throughout our visit was warm and uplifting. Babies slept peacefully in their cots, mothers relaxed with a little less worry on their shoulders, and nurses went about their work with renewed smiles. For our team, it was a humbling reminder that even the simplest act—like delivering diapers and soap—can ripple out into something much bigger: dignity, relief, and hope.

As we left Fortress Medical Centre, we felt deeply fulfilled. This first visit set the tone for our outreach programme to other hospitals. We know that our mission goes beyond donations; it’s about fostering relationships and building a network of support for families and healthcare workers alike.

The Damilola Orioke Foundation remains committed to reaching more mothers and babies, one hospital at a time. Our experience at Fortress Medical Centre reaffirmed our belief that little gestures of kindness can go a long way in strengthening communities and making the world a gentler place for the youngest among us.