By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF and Foreign Common Wealth Development Office FCDO have handed over a renovated wangara Special Primary School and Gofaro Primary healthcare all in Gezawa local government to Kano state government.
At the handing over ceremony took place in Wangara Town of Gezawa local government area, the Nigeria UNICEF Representative Mrs Wafaa Saeed said the Intervention is part of climate Resilience to Health Facilitates and schools Funded by foreign common wealth Development Office FCDO for a better life of children.
“It is a privilege to be with you on behalf of UNICEF Nigeria as we come together to celebrate an important milestone in our journey toward climate resilience and better services for children and families.” She said
According to Wafaa Saeed the inauguration of these upgraded primary health care centres and schools in Kano is more than just a handover of buildings. It is a promise kept to children, families and communities who deserve safe spaces to learn, to grow and to receive care.
The UNICEF Nigeria Representative further said the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services project, supported by the United Kingdom Government, was launched last year with a simple but powerful vision: to make sure essential services can withstand the shocks of climate change, whether floods, heatwaves or storms, and to ensure every child, no matter where they live, has the chance to learn and to thrive.
“Over the past year, we have worked closely with the government of Kano, local communities and partners to bring this vision to life. Together we upgraded 55 facilities, including 27 health centres and 28 schools, using practical climate-smart solutions such as improved natural ventilation, flood-resistant structures and solar-powered energy systems.” Wafaa Saeed added
She pointed out that these changes mean cooler classrooms and clinics, reliable electricity, and services that continue even when the weather turns against us. They also mean that mothers can give birth safely, children can be treated on time, and young people can study without interruption.
“What we have built here goes beyond infrastructure. It is a model for how to deliver climate- resilient services, not only for Nigeria but for the world. This would not have been possible without the vision and generosity of the FCDO, and without the leadership and commitment of our state and local partners.” She said.
“Today, as we hand over these facilities, we are not just giving keys. We are handing over symbols of resilience, equity and hope. They reflect our shared belief that every child deserves health care and education, even in the face of climate change. Let me thank with deep appreciation the UK Government, our government partners and the dedicated teams who made CRIBS a reality. Your work is not only improving lives today but also laying the foundation for a safer tomorrow. As we look ahead, let us continue to build on this momentum. Let us expand these innovations, strengthen community ownership and make climate resilience a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development.” Wafaa emphasized
In his speech Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed his application to the FCDO and UNICEF for the interventions.
The Governor represented by state Commissioner for education Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda reiterated Kano State Government’s readiness to partner with any organization willing to assist citizens of the state to improve their well-being and socioeconomic development.
The governor explained extensively on the commitment of his administration to humanitarian various programs and initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, empowering vulnerable groups, and providing support to those in need.
He also highlighted feats achieved by his administration in more than two years in the areas of education, health care, infrastructure and skills acquisition to mention but a few.
The governor assured Kano state government in good use of the facilities for the benefit of the people especially the children.
In his remarks, the chairman state Universal education Board SUBEB Alhaji Yusuf Kabir described UNICEF as partner in progress with Kano state in the education sector not only in primary schools renovation but in Teachers Training.
In his speech, the Gezawa local government chairman Alhaji Mukaddas Bala Jogana said the Wangara special primary General Renovation was among the five schools in the area Renovated by UNICEF.
He said the Wangara special primary school was established in 1962 and now it has Over four Thousand pupils both boys and girls.
