By Onuminya Innocent, sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has expressed its appreciation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for acknowledging its efforts in prioritizing healthcare and nutrition.
This recognition comes after UNICEF commended the state government for increasing its health budget, describing the move as a model for advancing child and maternal welfare.
Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir who represented Governor Ahmed Aliyu thanked UNICEF for its partnership and assured continued collaboration.
“A healthier population contributes more to community development. We will continue to work with UNICEF to improve healthcare, nutrition, and education across Sokoto State,” he said.
Gobir noted that the government prioritizes quality health service delivery, which is reflected in its 9-point agenda.
“Our administration gives top priority to quality health service delivery, and that is why healthcare is among the 9-point agenda of our administration,” he added.
According to UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafa Saeed, the state government’s decision to raise health sector spending from 6.5 percent to 10 percent between 2024 and 2025 is commendable.
“This commitment to health financing is commendable. It shows real care for mothers, children, and the most vulnerable,” Saeed said.
She also praised the government’s commitment of ₦500 million for nutrition supplies, which UNICEF has pledged to match through its Child Nutrition Fund.
The organization has also announced plans to enroll 250,000 poor and vulnerable individuals into Sokoto’s social register.
As part of its partnership, UNICEF flagged off free healthcare services for 15,000 beneficiaries in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA).
The organization also donated equipment, including 200 computer tablets, 200 power banks, three laptops, and thousands of “mamakits” to support safe childbirth and immunization
The partnership between the Sokoto State Government and UNICEF is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of children and mothers in the state.
With the increased health budget and commitment to nutrition supplies, the state is poised to make significant strides in reducing child and maternal mortality.
The UNICEF country representative also visited Sultan Muhammad Maccido Quranic institute, Sokoto , where the state government in collaboration with UNICEF trained Almajiri Children between the age of 14 to 20 years on Digital and Vocational Skills.
At the centre, a facilitator, Ibrahim Muhammad told the country representative that the children from different parts of the Northern Nigeria come to the centre to be taught digital literacy and vocational skills.
He further explained that most of these children were out of school before they were enrolled in the programme.
He stated that they were trained on tailoring, shoe making, leather works and others to enable them self reliance.
In addition, the UNICEF Country Representative also attended a broad meeting with religious leaders from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
The meeting focused on key areas of education, child right protection, water sanitation, and hygiene, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, religious leaders, and development partners to address these critical issues.
She enjoined the religious leaders to sensitize their people on vaccination against measles , rubella and other child hood diseases.
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