Sokoto, Nigeria. On 13 August 2015, his Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto – Sa’ad Muhammadu Abubakar III has indicated his readiness to partner with UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, to promote girl child education, reduce maternal deaths and prevent fistula.

His Eminence stated this while receiving Ms. Ratidzai Ndhlovu - UNFPA Nigeria Country Representative - and her entourage on a courtesy call. He commended UNFPA for their support towards improving the lives of women, girls and children across the Nation.

He has suggested that UN agencies collaborate with the traditional and religious leaders in Nigeria to promote girl-child education, reduce maternal deaths and prevent fistula, emphatically stating that he is willing to be a partner on the issues. His Eminence informed that it is something he has done in the past where he advocated for husbands to allow their wives to go for antenatal care.

He also invited UNFPA to partner with the Northern Traditional Leaders Council -a 20-member committee on PHC development- on quarterly basis during which UNFPA could make presentations on maternal health issues. He said that “My doors are open to everyone and are free to walk in, introduce their organizations and their plans and I am willing to support. I am always available to attend such visits and if I am not present, I will send a representative.

Earlier in her remarks, Ms. Ndhlovu thanked the Sultan for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with UNFPA. She commended his Eminence for his ability to maintain peace in the region and his great leadership and guidance to Nigerians and encouraged him to continue the good work of being an Ambassador of maternal health which should further strengthened by male involvement on issues relating to women’s health most especially in the northern part of the country.

Ms. Ndhlovu solicited the possibility of a sustained dialogue with traditional leaders on maternal health issues especially girl-child education and fistula prevention. She expressed the interest of UNFPA in strengthen the capacity of the Traditional Council to improve their knowledge and awareness to understand the magnitude and dynamics of mortality in the country through technical presentations.

She also solicited for the presence of UNFPA presence at the Faith-Based Organisations (FBO) meetings to increase their knowledge and awareness also through presentations on maternal health issues. Lastly, she requested to have access for audience with His Eminence on topic and periodic issues concerning girl-child education and maternal health and pleaded for him to support the upcoming Maternal Health Summit by gracing the occasion with presence and the ensuring the attendance of other prominent religious leaders.

Ms. Ndhlovu was accompanied by State Directors of Planning and Budget, Women Affairs and Child Support and Health to the courtesy visit to His Eminence at his palace.

Source: Kori Habib, UNFPA Nigeria