UNICEF Praises Sokoto State’s Commitment to Child Health and Digital Innovation
Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, commended the Sokoto State Government for its dedication to improving child health and embracing digital innovation. She highlighted the state’s success as a prime example of what can be achieved through effective leadership, partnerships, and community efforts.
During a recent visit to Sokoto, Russell shared her inspiration after touring the Lumbukawa Primary Health Center and Sokoto Digital Village. Speaking to reporters at her official residence, she emphasized the meaningful interactions she had with healthcare professionals, educators, local officials, and dedicated mothers all striving to ensure that children have the best start in life.
Russell also interacted with local children and youth, noting their curiosity and ambition. She underscored the importance of investing in Nigeria’s younger generations, describing it as one of the most prudent investments a nation can make for its future. She remarked on the potential she witnessed, stating that the creative energy and ambitions of these young individuals serve as a reminder of the urgent need to keep investing in their development.
The UNICEF Executive Director articulated that the future of Nigeria will hinge on the tremendous talent, resilience, and innovation of its people. She pointed out that decisions made today regarding the welfare of children will have long-lasting impacts on the country, emphasizing that each child who is healthy, educated, and safeguarded enriches not only their immediate family but also their communities, states, and the nation as a whole.
UNICEF officials characterized the Lumbukawa facility and the Digital Village as embodiments of transforming aspirations into action. They noted how frontline health workers continue to provide essential services despite facing resource limitations, while digital villages empower young people with skills in coding, design, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to address local challenges.
Reiterating UNICEF’s ongoing commitment, Russell assured that UNICEF will remain a reliable partner for Nigeria. The organization will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government, community stakeholders, development partners, and the youth to ensure every child survives, thrives, learns, and reaches their full potential. She concluded by stating that investing in the children of Sokoto is tantamount to investing in the future of Nigeria.
Sokoto State Deputy Governor Outlines Government Initiatives
Deputy Governor Muhammad Idris Gobir, representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu, reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with any development organization aimed at initiatives that directly benefit the populace. He stated that the administration is actively addressing maternal and child mortality rates.
Gobir revealed that the state has successfully recruited and deployed 1,500 nurses and midwives to rural areas where their expertise is most vital. Additionally, 2,440 community health extension workers have been appointed to enhance primary healthcare services across the region.
In line with modernizing non-formal education, the Deputy Governor explained that his administration has consolidated Tsangaya/Quranic schools across ten local government areas. Furthermore, skill acquisition centers have been established to equip Almajiri and out-of-school children with valuable vocational and life skills.
He expressed gratitude toward UNICEF for its technical and financial assistance, acknowledging that this partnership has been instrumental in the implementation of critical policies related to health, education, and child protection. Gobir reiterated the government’s commitment to renovating and rebuilding schools in the state, aiming to create an environment conducive to learning.
However, he also highlighted that ongoing security challenges continue to hinder governmental efforts, particularly in the education sector. Gobir called for sustained collaboration with development partners to tackle these challenges, ensuring that no child is left behind in the journey toward a better future.
