Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Facilitators, Dedicated Participants, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with profound honour and a deep sense of purpose that I welcome you to this transformative training workshop, organized by the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), with the generous support of MISEREOR/KZE, Germany.

Today is not just another date on the calendar. It is a defining moment in our shared commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare in Kano State. This workshop is more than a convening of minds; it is a rallying cry for action. We gather here to empower citizen monitors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies required to hold our healthcare system accountable and ensure that every mother and child receives the care they deserve.

The Urgency of Our Mission

Despite years of effort by government institutions, development partners, and civil society, the health indicators for mothers and children in Kano State remain deeply alarming. With a maternal mortality rate of 576 per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 59 per 1,000 live births, we are far from achieving national and global health benchmarks.

These numbers are not mere statistics—they represent lives lost, families devastated, and communities left vulnerable. The root causes are well known: understaffed facilities, inadequate infrastructure, lack of personnel incentives, and persistent shortages of essential medical supplies. These systemic failures demand a bold, community-driven response.

Workshop Objectives

This workshop is designed to:

• Build the capacity of citizen monitors to track the implementation of the Kano State FMNCH Law in Primary Healthcare Centres
• Strengthen community engagement in healthcare decision-making
• Promote transparency and accountability in service delivery
• Identify service delivery gaps and propose actionable solutions

Strategic Areas of Focus

Throughout this workshop, we will explore:

• Minimum standards for primary healthcare service delivery
• Community-based monitoring and reporting mechanisms
• Use of digital tools to enhance data collection and transparency
• Strategies for effective advocacy and policy influence
• Strengthening community oversight and civic participation

The Power of Citizen Engagement

Citizen monitors are the eyes, ears, and conscience of the community. Your role is indispensable in bridging the gap between policy and practice. By documenting realities on the ground and amplifying community voices, you help ensure that healthcare services are responsive, equitable, and effective.

CHRICED remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting your work and ensuring that your findings inform meaningful reforms in maternal and child healthcare across Kano State.

Gratitude and Call to Action

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MISEREOR-KZE of Germany for their unwavering support in advancing human rights and public health in Nigeria. We also commend CHRICED’s Board and Staff for their tireless commitment to democratic accountability.

Our sincere thanks go to the Kano State Ministry of Health, Gwale and Kumbotso LGAs, traditional rulers, and all relevant government agencies and departments for their cooperation and support.

To our participants, facilitators, and media partners. Thank you for your commitment to this noble cause. Together, we can transform the healthcare landscape in Kano State and save countless lives.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let this workshop be a catalyst for change. Let it ignite a movement of informed, empowered citizens who demand better and help deliver it.

Thank you, and I wish you a productive and impactful workshop.