Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched the free distribution of Mother–Baby Kits as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The programme was formally unveiled at the Asokoro District Hospital by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who represented Wike at the event.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mahmoud said the Mother–Baby Kits are part of the administration’s flagship health programmes aimed at giving mothers and newborns a safe start to life.
“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care,” she said.
“These kits show our strong commitment to maternal and child health by giving every mother and baby the best possible start. They are equipped with vital medical supplies and items to ensure safe labour, delivery, and newborn care across the FCT,” she said.
In addition to the Mother–Baby Kits, the administration introduced the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, a clean energy programme designed to cut down household air pollution by promoting the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookers instead of firewood, charcoal, and kerosene.
According to Mahmoud, the two initiatives symbolize Wike’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to improve immediate healthcare needs while also addressing long-term environmental sustainability.
“By replacing polluting fuels with smart and efficient LPG cookers, we are tackling one of the silent but deadly health risks in homes — respiratory diseases caused by smoke inhalation,” she added.
The Minister of State also highlighted that the FCT Administration has continued to strengthen its healthcare system through staff training, better working conditions, and infrastructure upgrades, including hospital renovations and the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, pointed out that maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria remain worryingly high.
She noted that many of these preventable deaths occur because women lack access to basic and safe delivery supplies during childbirth.
Fasawe added that the Renewed Hope Mother–Baby Kit initiative was created to close this gap.
“Each kit contains critical items needed to ensure a hygienic and safe delivery for both the mother and child.”
At the event, some pregnant women received free Baby Kits and LPG cookers as part of the rollout.
Those in attendance included the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi; Permanent Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Baba-Gana Adams; acting Director-General of the FCT Hospital Management Board, Abubakar Ahmadu; and acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Development Board, Hajiya Rakiyya Wamako.
Wike launches free mother–baby kits, says no woman should face childbirth without support