By Ushaka Ibrahim
Concerned with the untold hardship faced by women especially expectant mothers in terms of having the basic requirements at childbirth, the Jewel Care Foundation of the governor’s wife, Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya in collaboration with Fidelity Bank, has provided free delivery kits to 500 pregnant women across the state.
Flagging off the distribution exercise at Billiri general hospital, the First Lady, Asma’u Yahaya disclosed that, as the five hundred (500) kits are being distributed today, more are coming for the remaining local government areas. She then emphasized blockage of leakages to ensure that the kits are given out free of charge.
“ Government will not hesitate to bring to book, anyone found diverting these essential items for personal gains, at the detriment of those intended for. It is our hope, therefore, that the delivery kits will go a long way in helping expectant mothers to ease their anxiety, before and during childbirth”. She said.
Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa, therefore, called on individuals and non-governmental organizations to contribute toward the provision of more delivery kits to help the less privileged have access to more childbirth kits.
The continued support and commitment of the administration of governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in the provision of more healthcare facilities and services to the teeming citizens of the state, the governor’s wife said, is worthy of mention due to its huge impact especially in the access of healthcare services at the grassroots.
While wishing the pregnant women a safe delivery, Hajiya Asma’u promised to do all it takes to bring succor to women and the less privileged in society.
Earlier, the governor’s wife and her entourage paid homage to Mai Tangle. Alhaji Danladi Sunusi Maiyamba at his palace, as a mark of respect and to receive fatherly blessings.
Overwhelmed by the visit, The Mai Tangle, Danladi Sunusi Maiyamba, conferred the traditional title of MAGAJIYAN TANGALE on the First Lady Dr. Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, a position of great honor that brings her into the royal family.
In her welcome address, the chairperson, Billiri local government, Mrs. Magaret Bitrus, appreciated the first lady for choosing Billiri as the flag-off LGA amongst the eleven LGAs in the state. This Mrs. BItrus said, is a great honor done to her and she will redouble her effort in ensuring free distribution of the kits to deserving mothers.
The commissioner of health, Dr. Habu Dahiru explained the importance of the basic requirements for pre and during delivery which are contained in the free kits provided by the governor’s wife, Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya. He then called on the expectant mothers to exercise the patient to benefit from the gesture because there is enough package in stock to go round.
Head of corporate social responsibility and the regional manager, fidelity bank, Earnest Chikwuedozie, and Ahmed Yahaya enumerated the bank’s corporate social responsibilities to include providing educational support, settlement of medical bills of the less privileged, medical outreach, and assisting communities with basic social amenities even in the midst of COVID-19 PANDEMIC. They assured the bank’s continued partnership with the Gombe state government to improve the lots of the citizenry.
Chairman, board of trustees, Jewel Care Foundation, Hamisu Saulawa. commended Fidelity bank for being at the forefront in supporting the government through collaborations urging them to do more in other areas of human endeavor. Salwa then appealed to the state government to also reciprocate the gesture by involving Fidelity bank in other aspects of this administration’s programs.
Being the women affairs commissioner, Naomi J.J.Awak, called on women to be of good conduct, patient, and tolerant with one another because as mothers with such values, surely they will give birth to children of good character that will make up a better society.
At the end of the program, his royal highness, Mai Tangle, Alhaji Danladi Sunusi Maiyamba, thanked the governor’s wife Asma’u Yahaya, for always taking women and children issues her top priorities praying for the success of this program and the progress and development of Gombe state.
Flagging-off of the distribution exercise, symbolic presentation of the delivery kits, drama presentation on the significance of delivery kits by Baba Ari (bandariyan first lady), bit-bit traditional dance, and inspection of gyne ward by the governor’s wife, featured at the event.
The First Lady was accompanied by the wives of the SSG, PPS, commissioners APC women leaders, associates, party supporters, and well-wishers.