By Shehu Muhammad Shehu
Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, has appealed to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to increase its support for the development of healthcare and educational infrastructure across the state, particularly in communities affected by insecurity.
The governor made the appeal on Friday while receiving UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Sokoto. He was represented by his deputy, Idris Mohammed Gobir.
Aliyu said his administration had prioritised the welfare of women and children through free healthcare services, the renovation of health facilities and efforts to provide a conducive learning environment in schools.
He disclosed that the state government had recruited more than 1,500 nurses and midwives, alongside 2,440 Community Health Extension Workers, to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially in rural communities.
The governor also said the administration had expanded access to potable water through the completion of major water projects and the drilling of boreholes across the state.
He commended UNICEF and other development partners, including Plan International and Save the Children, for their continued support in improving healthcare and education in Sokoto.
According to him, the state, in collaboration with UNICEF, 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.
Aliyu also acknowledged UNICEF’s technical and financial support under the European Union-funded SARAH Programme and in partnership with UNFPA, describing the interventions as vital to reducing maternal and child mortality and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
He said insecurity and banditry had destroyed several schools and healthcare facilities in parts of the state, underscoring the need for greater assistance to rebuild the affected infrastructure and improve access to essential services.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its partnership with UNICEF and other development partners to advance the rights and well-being of women and children in the state.
Earlier, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell commended the Sokoto State Government for its efforts to improve child health, education and community development.
She described her visits to Rumbukawa and the Digital Village as inspiring, saying they demonstrated what could be achieved through effective leadership, strong partnerships and active community participation.
Russell said she met dedicated health workers, teachers, local government officials and mothers committed to giving children the best possible start in life.
She also praised the curiosity, creativity and ambition displayed by children and young people, noting that investing in them remained the best investment for the future.
The UNICEF chief said that before arriving in Sokoto, she had held meetings with Nigeria’s Vice President, the First Lady, members of the diplomatic community, private sector leaders and young Nigerians.
While acknowledging the challenges facing children in Nigeria, Russell said their resilience, talent and innovation provided hope for a brighter future.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working 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.