First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has called on Women in the states of Ekiti, Borno and Abia States respectively to maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene in order to enjoy sound health for themselves and their families. She was speaking at health-advocacy related activities organized by her ‘Future Assured’ Program in the three states on 18th – 30th November, 2020. Mrs. Buhari, who was represented at the various events by Mrs. Zainab Kassim, Special Assistant to the President on Event Management and Mrs. Rose Audu, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties (Office of the First Lady) emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene by women particularly during the COVID-19 era, reminding Nigerians that the pandemic is still with us. It could be recalled that earlier in the year, the First Lady distributed food-related palliatives across the country to cushion the effect of the pandemic and is now distributing hygiene related palliatives to assist women who are unable to purchase such important items. Mrs. Buhari noted that providing support to women in rural communities is in line with the objectives of her foundation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation (ABF) and her Future Assured Program. Hygiene and Mother Care kits distributed to women and their babies include cosmetics, toiletries, detergents and oral wash, and clothing items. The First Ladies of Ekiti, Borno and Abia States, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Hajiya Fatima Zullum and Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu called on women to stay healthy and ensure the health of their families. She noted that many women require assistance in the area of health, not only by creation of awareness but also physical support. They all thanked Mrs. Buhari, the Aisha Buhari Foundation (ABF) and Future Assured for the gift of the items that are beyond the reach of many underprivileged women in the society. The event in Ekiti State took place at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and a primary healthcare in Ado Ekiti, while that of Borno were at; 1. Maryam Abacha Women and children Hospital Jere 2. Yerwa Maternal and Child Health Clinic Kofar Shehu Maiduguri 3. State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri 4. Muhammad Shuwa Memorial Hospital Maiduguri And that of Abia took place at the Umuahia Federal Medical Centre in Abia State, one of the oldest Federal Medical Centre in Nigeria. In all the hospitals and primary healthcare centers visited across the three states in 3 different geopolitical zones of the country, Women and children wards were the beneficiaries and health items and gifts of other items were donated to all patients in the various hospitals. The First Lady’s team was conducted round all the hospitals by the Chief Medical Directors (CMD) of the respective hospitals in the three states and other entourages of commissioners and advisers in the States too numerous to mention here. However, the CMDs were all in agreement that Mrs. Buhari’s initiatives in reaching out at this time was a major move towards achieving maternal and child health and they expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian First Lady for her care for the health and wellbeing of women and children as a whole.
