Welcome Address by Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), at the Media and CSO Training on Social Accountability in the Implementation of the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law in Kano State , held at Mambayya House on July 24, 2025
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and committed advocates for human rights and public health,
It is with profound respect and a deep sense of purpose that I welcome you to this pivotal training workshop on Strengthening Media and Civil Society Engagement in the Implementation of the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law. This gathering, convened by the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), is not merely a meeting—it is a call to action.
The Urgency of Our Mission
Kano State continues to grapple with alarming maternal and child mortality rates, which remain among the highest in Nigeria. According to the Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP) project, the maternal mortality ratio stands at 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality is 59 per 1,000 live births—figures that far exceed national and global targets. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives lost, families shattered, and futures cut short.
The Promise of the Law
In 2023, the Kano State Government enacted the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law, a landmark legal framework designed to guarantee access to essential health services for women and children. The law promises:
- Free antenatal and postnatal care
- Emergency obstetric services, including caesarean sections
- Treatment for ectopic pregnancies and obstetric complications
- Free healthcare for newborns and children under five
- Ambulance services for maternal emergencies
Yet, two years later, the law remains largely unimplemented. There is no operational roadmap, no consultative council, and no strategic framework to translate its provisions into reality. This gap between policy and practice is unacceptable.
Our Role as Media and Civil Society
As media professionals and civil society actors, we are uniquely positioned to:
- Amplify the voices of marginalized communities
- Monitor and report on healthcare delivery
- Hold duty bearers accountable
- Mobilize public support for full implementation of the law.
This workshop, therefore, will equip us with the tools to do just that—through data-driven advocacy, strategic communication, and community engagement.
Gratitude and Commitment
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MISEREOR-KZE of Germany for their unwavering support in advancing maternal and child health in Nigeria. We also recognize the tireless efforts of CHRICED’s Board and Staff, whose commitment has positioned our organization as a leading voice for democratic accountability.
A Shared Vision
Let us seize this opportunity to forge a united front. Together, we can transform the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law from a dormant statute into a living instrument of justice and equity. Let us commit to ensuring that no woman dies while giving life, and that every child born in Kano State has a fighting chance to survive and thrive.
Thank you for your presence, your passion, and your partnership. I wish you a productive and and enlightening workshop.