Wike unveils free mother-baby kits, Abuja breathe fresh air project

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched the free distribution of Mother–Baby Kits and the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, launched the programmes at the Asokoro district hospital in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Mahmoud, who represented Wike, said the two health flagship programmes represent a holistic vision of health ― protecting mothers and newborns during childbirth while safeguarding families from the dangers of household air pollution.

The Breathe Clean Air -Abuja project is termed “Renewing Hope one home at a Time,” while the free distribution of Mother–Baby Kits is termed “FCT Baby Kit Renewing Hope, One Baby at a Time.”

“It is Wike renewing hope one baby at a time, one home at a time, in conjunction or Powered by IHS,” Mahmoud said.

Mahmoud added that the initiatives symbolise the administration’s resolve to invest in both immediate healthcare needs and long-term environmental sustainability.

She further explained that the mother–baby kits contained essential medical items and consumables that would support safe labour, delivery, and neonatal care for women and babies across the FCT.

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The minister said: “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,” she stated.

Mahmoud also described the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project as a bold, forward-looking initiative designed to reduce indoor air pollution in vulnerable households.

Mahmoud stressed that by replacing polluting fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene with smart, efficient Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookers, the administration is addressing one of the silent but deadly health risks in the homes ― respiratory disease caused by smoke inhalation.

She, therefore, urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to building an FCT where every home is healthier, every birth is safer, and every breath is cleaner.

The Star