By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has distributed essential drugs and Mama-branded kits to all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to improve healthcare services for pregnant women and newborn babies.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Sokoto, the governor emphasized that the health and well-being of mothers and children remain a top priority of his administration.
He noted that the provision of the kits—which contain essential childbirth supplies such as antiseptics, sterile gloves, delivery mats, and baby care items—will help ensure safer deliveries, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities is limited.
He added that the state government has expended over N1.5 billion on the purchase of drugs which included essential drugs, anthelmintics and hematinic drugs, under-5 children drugs, mothers’ and children drugs as well as misoprostol and chlrohixidine gel.
“This initiative is part of our broader healthcare improvement strategy, which seeks to strengthen maternal and child health services across the state.
“By equipping our healthcare centers with essential drugs and Mama kits, we are ensuring that no woman has to give birth under unsafe conditions due to a lack of basic supplies,” Gov. Aliyu stated.
He further assured that his administration will continue to invest in the health sector, with a focus on upgrading primary healthcare centers (PHCs), recruiting more healthcare workers, and providing free medical services for pregnant women and children under-five.
“At this juncture, I would like to warn Local Government Chairmen against diversion of these drugs as government will deal decisively with any Local Government Chairman found sabortaging this effort.
“I also call on security agencies in our Local Government Areas to be vigilant and stop any move to divert these drugs,” he said.
In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Bello Sifawa directed the Local Government Councils to set up committees that would monitor the distribution of the purchased drugs.
He further charged them to desist from keeping the drugs in their stores whereas people need them.
In his welcome address,the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dadi Adare, said hid Ministry has enough drugs in stock that can last a longer period of time.
He commended Gov. Aliyu for giving the Ministry the deserved attention, assuring him of the Ministry’s readiness to ensure that Local Government Councils live up to expectations.
In his vote of thanks,the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Chairman for the state, Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal thanked Gov. Aliyu for the initiative which he said would help greatly in improving the healthcare services in the state.
The distribution of the drugs and Mama kits is expected to positively impact thousands of women and new-born babies across Sokoto State, improving health outcomes and reinforcing government’s commitment to quality healthcare for all.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of the drugs and kits to some selected Local Government Areas by dignitaries at the occasion.
