At the Old Airport Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna, the faces of dozens of pregnant women lit up as they received delivery kits that could mean the difference between life and death for them and their unborn children.
For Hauwa Adamu, a mother of two expecting her third child, the package of disinfectants, gloves, sanitary pads, cotton wool, and baby clothing handed to her by the Zainab Muhammad Bima (ZMB) Initiative was more than just a kit—it was peace of mind.
“Things have been hard for my family. Buying all these items at once would have been a big struggle. This support came at the right time,” she said, clutching her kit with gratitude.
The initiative, founded by Zainab Mohammed, focuses on reducing maternal and infant mortality in rural and semi-urban areas of Niger State. Speaking at the event, Zainab highlighted the stark reality many women face: “Too many women go into labor without the basic things needed for a safe delivery. We want to change that, one community at a time.”
Her words resonate in a region where maternal mortality remains a serious concern. The distribution, she added, would cover all three geopolitical zones of the state in a bid to ensure no woman is left behind.
Mustapha Jibrin, the consensus candidate of Chanchaga Local Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC), praised the effort, urging other well-meaning individuals to support initiatives that safeguard mothers and children.
Health experts present at the event used the platform to remind expectant mothers of the importance of regular antenatal visits and hospital deliveries, emphasizing that safe childbirth requires preparation and medical care.
Adding a touch of celebration to the occasion, the event featured games and cash prizes ranging from ₦300,000 for the top winner to ₦100,000 for the fifth.
For beneficiaries like Grace Garba, the day was unforgettable. “I feel cared for,” she said simply. “This gives me hope that my baby and I will be fine.”
With the presence of key government officials, including the Commissioner for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mrs. Elizabeth Shaba, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso, the event underscored the growing recognition that maternal health is a collective responsibility—one that saves lives.
