By Abdullahi InuwaÂ
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has challenged Sokoto State to lead Nigeria’s next battle against child deaths and vaccine-preventable diseases, warning that the hard-won victory over wild poliovirus can only be sustained through bold leadership, stronger community action and expanded routine immunisation.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto on Friday, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said Nigeria’s certification as wild polio-free in 2020 remains one of the country’s greatest public health achievements, but cautioned that millions of children still face risks if immunisation gaps are not urgently closed.
Russell said every missed child must be reached, disease surveillance strengthened and routine vaccination sustained to prevent the resurgence of deadly diseases.
She described Sokoto as a pivotal state in Nigeria’s human capital development, noting that its youthful population presents both a challenge and an opportunity to transform child health and education outcomes.
The UNICEF chief, who inspected a digital learning village and a primary healthcare centre, applauded the state’s investments in literacy, vocational training, nutrition screening and routine immunisation, saying the initiatives demonstrate what is possible when governments and development partners work together.
Expressing confidence in the state’s direction, Russell said UNICEF is ready to deepen its partnership with Sokoto to strengthen health systems, improve education and document the state’s progress as a model for other parts of the country.
“Sokoto has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s strongest examples of political commitment to child survival,” she said, adding that every investment in children translates into stronger economic growth and national prosperity.
Responding on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting mothers and children through massive investments in healthcare and education.
He disclosed that the state has recruited more than 1,500 nurses and midwives, engaged 2,440 Community Health Extension Workers for primary healthcare centres, renovated health facilities across the state and expanded free medical services for pregnant women and children.
Gobir also highlighted the establishment of integrated Qur’anic schools, child-friendly centres and skills acquisition programmes that have equipped thousands of Almajiri and out-of-school children with vocational skills and starter packs.
While applauding UNICEF’s support, particularly under the European Union-backed SARA programme, the deputy governor appealed for additional assistance to rebuild schools and healthcare facilities damaged by insecurity, warning that attacks on communities continue to threaten the future of thousands of children in the state.
He reaffirmed Sokoto’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with UNICEF and other development agencies to ensure that every child has access to quality healthcare, education and a safer future.
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