By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
In a significant move to enhance maternal and child healthcare, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has distributed essential drugs and Mama Kits to all 23 local government areas. The initiative aims to improve healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns across the state.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Sokoto, Governor Aliyu emphasized that maternal and child health remains a top priority for his administration. He noted that the provision of Mama 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 with limited access to medical facilities.
He added that the state government spent over ₦1.5 billion on purchasing essential drugs, including antihelminthic and hematinic drugs, under-five children’s medications, maternal care drugs, misoprostol, and chlorhexidine gel. This was contained in a statement by the governor’s media aide, Abubakar Bawa.
“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,” Governor Aliyu stated.
He further assured that his administration would continue investing in the health sector by upgrading primary healthcare centers, recruiting more healthcare workers, and providing free medical services for pregnant women and children under five.
“At this juncture, I want to warn local government chairmen against diverting these drugs. The government will deal decisively with any official found sabotaging this effort. I also call on security agencies to be vigilant and prevent any attempt to divert these supplies,” he warned.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, directed local government councils to set up committees to monitor the distribution of the purchased drugs. He urged them not to hoard the medications when people urgently need them.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dadi Adare, assured that the ministry has enough drugs in stock to last for an extended period. He commended Governor Aliyu for prioritizing healthcare and pledged the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that local government councils fulfill their responsibilities.
The event’s highlight was the symbolic presentation of drugs and Mama Kits to selected local government representatives by dignitaries in attendance.
In his vote of thanks, ALGON Chairman Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu, describing the initiative as a major step toward improving healthcare services in Sokoto State.
The distribution of drugs and Mama Kits is expected to positively impact thousands of women and newborns, improving health outcomes and reinforcing the government’s commitment to quality healthcare for all.
