Kaduna opens safe spaces for adolescents across 9 LGAs

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and Global Affairs Canada, has launched and distributed Safe Space equipment for adolescents and young people (AYP) along with Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) supplies to selected primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, and Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the initiative shows the administration’s dedication to a healthcare system where everyone, regardless of age, gender, location, or economic status, has access to quality care.
“Today’s event demonstrates what can be achieved when government and development partners work toward a shared goal,” she said.
She thanked the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, UNICEF, and theGates Foundation for their ongoing partnership with Kaduna State.
Dr. Balarabe emphasized that the launch is more than a bureaucratic milestone.
It signifies the belief that the health of mothers, children’s safety, and the potential of young people are key indicators of progress.
She highlighted that adolescents and young people are a vital part of the population and deserve services that are accessible, youth-friendly, confidential, and respectful.

“The establishment and outfitting of the AYP safe spaces will create environments where adolescents and young people can find appropriate health information, counseling, and care in a supportive and conducive setting,” she explained.
On maternal and child health, the Deputy Governor said that every mother should receive quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
She added that every newborn and child also deserves prompt, proper healthcare.
She pointed out that having essential MNCH supplies and functional equipment at the primary healthcare level is crucial to preventing complications and saving lives.
With the right tools and trained health workers, she said, the state can respond more quickly to health needs at the community level.
Dr. Balarabe, reiterated that health remains a top priority under the Sustain Manifesto, with at least 15% of the state budget allocated to the sector.
She mentioned that the government is investing in infrastructure, essential medicines, personnel, and facility maintenance, but acknowledged that it cannot do this alone.
“The support of Global Affairs Canada through UNICEF is not merely about providing equipment and supplies. It is an investment in the health and future of our people,” she stated.
She urged the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, the facilities benefiting from the support, and health workers to take ownership of the resources and ensure proper use, maintenance, and accountability.
She also called on communities to support PHCs, promote antenatal visits, and allow adolescents to access accurate health information.
Dr. Balarabe concluded: “We are not just distributing supplies. We are distributing hope.
“We are planting seeds of health that will grow into a forest of prosperity. May the laughter of healthy children and the strength of empowered youth be the lasting legacy of this day.”
She then officially marked the deployment of AYP Safe Spaces equipment and MNCH commodities to health facilities across the nine LGAs.
In her remarks, UNICEF Kaduna Chief of Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila, said Kaduna is one of three GAC beneficiary states under the MAMMI program, alongside Bauchi and Kebbi.
She praised the state for creating an environment conducive to improving health outcomes for women and children.
“Adolescents, 10-19 years, constitute a significant proportion of our population. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change makers of today,” Dr. Birukila said.
She listed items deployed, including 108 plastic chairs, 18 office chairs, nine tables, nine lockers, nine adult weighing scales, nine BP monitors, nine table tennis sets, nine chess and checkers boards, nine smart TVs, nine home theaters, nine refrigerators, nine large Scrabble boards with dictionaries, motorcycles, and MNCH commodities.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Prof. Dr. Bello Jamoh, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and Global Affairs Canada for their timely support.
He stated that the materials will help bridge gaps in primary healthcare facilities and improve the quality of adolescent-friendly and MNCH services.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working closely with UNICEF, Global Affairs Canada, and all our development partners to ensure this intervention achieves its intended goals,” Prof. Jamoh said.