Wike Introduces Free Mother–Baby Kits, Advocates Support for Expectant Mothers

As part of celebrations for Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence, Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has started giving away Mother-Baby Kits for free.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT Minister of State, represented Wike at the occasion and publicly inaugurated the initiative at the Asokoro District Hospital.

Dr. Mahmoud, who spoke at the launch, stated that the Mother-Baby Kits are a component of the administration’s main health initiatives, which are designed to provide a safe start in life for both mothers and infants.

“No mother should give birth without the resources and assistance she requires, and no child should be born without proper care,” she stated.

“These kits give every mother and infant the greatest start possible, demonstrating our strong commitment to maternal and child health. They have essential medical equipment and supplies to guarantee safe childbirth, delivery, and care for newborns throughout the FCT,” she stated.

The Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, a clean energy initiative that encourages the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookers rather than firewood, charcoal, and kerosene, was also introduced by the administration in addition to the Mother-Baby Kits.

The two programs, in Mahmoud’s opinion, represent Wike’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to address both long-term environmental sustainability and urgent healthcare needs.

“We are addressing one of the silent but deadly health hazards in homes — respiratory diseases caused by smoke inhalation — by substituting intelligent and efficient LPG cookers for polluting fuels,” she continued.

Additionally, the Minister of State emphasized that the FCT Administration has been strengthening its healthcare system through improved working conditions, staff training, and infrastructural improvements, such as the construction of a Public Health Emergency Operations Center and hospital renovations.

Maternal and newborn mortality rates in Nigeria continue to be alarmingly high, as previously noted by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat.

She pointed out that a lot of these avoidable deaths happen because women don’t have access to basic, safe delivery gear when they give birth.

To bridge this gap, the Renewed Hope Mother-Baby Kit program was established, Fasawe continued.

“Every kit includes essentials to guarantee a safe and sanitary delivery for mother and child.”

As part of the rollout, some expectant mothers were given free Baby Kits and LPG stoves at the occasion.

Among those present were Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs; Dr. Baba-Gana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat; Abubakar Ahmadu, the acting Director-General of the FCT Hospital Management Board; and Hajiya Rakiyya Wamako, the acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Development Board.