Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has called on the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide additional support for the development of healthcare and educational infrastructure across the state, particularly in communities affected by insecurity.
The Governor made the appeal while receiving the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Catherine Russell, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Sokoto.
Governor Aliyu said his administration has prioritised the welfare of women and children through free healthcare services, the renovation of health facilities, and the provision of a conducive learning environment in schools.
He disclosed that the state government has recruited over 1,500 nurses and midwives and 2,440 Community Health Extension Workers to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially in rural communities.
Dr Ahmed Aliyu added that the administration has also expanded access to potable water through the completion of major water schemes and the drilling of boreholes across the state.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir commended UNICEF and other development partners, including Plan International and Save the Children, for their sustained support in improving healthcare and education in Sokoto State.
He noted that, in collaboration with UNICEF, the state established Integrated Qur’anic Schools, child-friendly centres, skills acquisition centres for Almajiri and out-of-school children, as well as ICT training facilities aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and promoting self-reliance among beneficiaries.
Governor Aliyu also acknowledged UNICEF’s technical and financial assistance under the European Union-supported SARAH Programme and in partnership with UNFPA, describing the interventions as instrumental in reducing maternal and child mortality and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
He explained that insecurity and banditry have damaged several schools and healthcare facilities in parts of the state, stressing the need for greater support to rebuild the affected infrastructure and improve access to essential services.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with UNICEF and other development partners in promoting the rights and well-being of children and women in Sokoto State.
Earlier,the Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms. Catherine Russell, has commended the Sokoto State Government for its commitment to improving child health, education and community development.
She described her visit to some areas such as Rumbukawa and the Digital Village as inspiring, saying the facilities demonstrated what could be achieved when leadership, strong partnerships and community commitment work together.
The UNICEF Executive Director said she met dedicated health workers, teachers, local government officials and mothers who are committed to giving their children the best possible start in life.
She added that she was also impressed by the curiosity, creativity and ambition displayed by children and young people, noting that investing in them remains the best investment for the future.
Ms. Russell recalled that before arriving in Sokoto, she had met with Nigeria’s Vice President, the First Lady, members of the diplomatic community, private sector leaders and young Nigerians, adding that although the country’s children face significant challenges, their resilience, talent and innovation offer hope for a brighter future.
She noted that the determination she witnessed in Sokoto had been translated into practical action, stressing that decisions taken for the welfare of children would shape Nigeria’s future for decades.
The UNICEF Executive Director reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government, development partners and local communities to ensure that every child survives, thrives, learns and reaches his or her full potential.
