Nig@65: FCT Pregnant Women Jubilate As Govt Distributes Baby Kits, Gas Cylinders

Excitement filled the air at the Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, as pregnant women jubilated over the distribution of free Delivery Kits and cooking gas cylinders.

The gesture from the Wike-led administration was rolled out as part of activites marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations for pregnant mothers in Abuja.

The ‘mother to baby Kits’ package has as its slogan “FCT Renewing Hope: One Baby at a Time” while the ‘Breathe Clean
Air’ initiative being powered in collaboration with IHS Nigeria has its slogan as “Wike Renewing Hope: One Home at a Time” .

During the distribution of the items, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud tasked Nigerians to recommit themselves to building an FCT where every home is healthier, every birth is safer, and every breath is cleaner.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the initiative as a holistic health vision, protecting both mothers during childbirth and families from household air pollution.

“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care.

“These kits reflect our deep commitment to maternal and child health and to ensuring that every mother and baby are given the best start possible,” Mahmoud said.

She further noted that while the Mother-Baby Kits provide essential medical items to support safe labour, delivery, and neonatal care, the Breathe Fresh Air Project tackles the silent health hazard of indoor air pollution.

She encouraged the switch from firewood, charcoal, and kerosene to safer, cleaner liquefied petroleum gas ,LPG.

The Minister also highlighted broader efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which include improved workforce welfare, training investments, hospital renovations, and the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen resilience in the health sector.

The Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, also urged mothers to embrace good hygiene practices while underscoring the importance of environmental protection for future generations.

In her remarks, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services, and Environment Secretariat, HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, lamented Nigeria’s high maternal and infant mortality rates.

Dr Fasawe noted that preventable deaths remain a challenge due to lack of access to essential delivery supplies, and explained that the Renewed Hope kits are designed to bridge this gap by ensuring hygienic, safe deliveries for both mothers and newborns.

Giving the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, HSES, Dr. Babagana Adams, lauded the support of IHS Nigeria and the FCT Minister for investing in life-saving interventions.

Dr Babagana who noted that about 250 baby kits and 500 Gas cylinders will be distributed, said the intervention is designed to benefit all pregnant women across the six area councils,

Some of the beneficiaries like Aisha Mohammed, could not hide her joy as she expressed gratitude saying:
“I feel great. I thank President Tinubu and God Almighty for this opportunity.”

Others like Goritha Gomna and Binta praised the initiative for providing free tests, medicines, and antenatal care.”We enjoy free test, free ante-natal, free medicine. We are grateful”, they said.

Grace Samuel, overwhelmed with excitement, advised other women to register for antenatal services. ” I feel very excited. My advice for other women is that they should go and register for ante – natal to enjoy this free Government intervention.”

Some of the items in the Baby Kits include a towel, sanitary pads, a rechargeable lantern, diapers, soap, a baby shawl and tracksuit, a sponge, a baby plate and spoon, among others.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji