The Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms. Catherine Russell, has commended Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and women through strategic investments in healthcare, education, nutrition, water supply, skills development and child protection.

Russell gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to Aliyu at the Government House, Sokoto, as part of her official mission to Nigeria. She was accompanied by the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Mr. Cristian Munduate, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Sokoto, Dr. Michael Juma, and other senior UNICEF officials.

Speaking during the visit, the UNICEF Executive Director said she was impressed by the progress recorded by the Sokoto State government in advancing child-focused programmes.

She noted that the delegation had witnessed significant efforts in literacy, vocational and life-skills training, mental health services, routine immunisation, nutrition and other initiatives designed to improve the well-being of children and young people.

She stated that UNICEF believes Nigeria has the potential to become a global model of political leadership that translates sound policies into measurable improvements in the lives of children.

She added that the organisation looks forward to working closely with the Sokoto State government to document, showcase and promote its achievements as a model for other states in Nigeria and beyond.

Recalling Nigeria’s certification as free of the wild polio virus in 2020, Russell described the achievement as proof that even the most complex public health challenges can be overcome through visionary leadership, effective community engagement and strong partnerships.

She stressed the importance of sustaining these gains by ensuring that every child receives routine immunisation, underserved communities are reached and disease surveillance systems remain robust.

Responding on behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, welcomed the UNICEF Executive Director and her delegation to Sokoto State, expressing profound appreciation to the organisation for its longstanding partnership and invaluable support in improving the lives of children, women and vulnerable communities.

The governor said since assuming office, his administration has prioritised investments in healthcare, education, water supply and social protection.

He disclosed that the state government has recruited over 1,500 nurses and midwives and deployed them to health facilities across the state, particularly in rural communities. In addition, 2,440 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) have been recruited to strengthen service delivery at Primary Healthcare Centres.

He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to improve access to potable water through the construction and rehabilitation of water schemes and the drilling of boreholes in rural and densely populated communities.

The deputy governor further outlined several achievements recorded through the state’s collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners.