The Niger State Government marks the beginning of 2026 with a compassionate hospital outreach across Minna, reaching out to patients, nursing mothers, and newborn babies as part of efforts to strengthen social welfare and inclusive governance in the state.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the outreach is carried out through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with relief items distributed to vulnerable patients and families in selected health facilities. The initiative reflects the government’s resolve to begin the New Year by directly identifying with citizens in need, especially women, children, and the sick.
The hospital visits are led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris-Kuta, who moves from one facility to another to interact with patients, distribute essential items, and celebrate babies born on New Year’s Day, popularly referred to as “New Niger Lites.” The commissioner also uses the visits to encourage families and hospital staff, assuring them of the government’s continued support.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Idris-Kuta describes the outreach as a deliberate effort to show empathy and reassure residents that the Niger State Government remains committed to the welfare of its people. She explains that the New Year provides an opportunity to renew hope and demonstrate that governance goes beyond policies to human connection and care.
“As we enter the New Year with the spirit of giving and sharing, the ministry chooses to start with the most vulnerable,” the commissioner says. “This visit is to let patients and families know that the government stands with them and that their wellbeing is a top priority.”
She adds that the ministry has lined up several programmes for 2026 aimed at supporting women, children, and other vulnerable groups across the state. According to her, these initiatives will focus on empowerment, social protection, and improved access to basic services, with the hospital outreach serving as a symbolic and practical starting point for the year.
The wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, is represented during the outreach by the wife of the Chief of Staff, Hajiya Ramatu Batamangi, who joins officials of the ministry in celebrating the New Year with patients and newborns. Her presence, officials say, further underscores the administration’s people-centred approach.
Batamangi says the New Year is a time to spread love, compassion, and encouragement, particularly to those facing health challenges. She explains that the visit is meant to welcome the first babies of 2026 on behalf of the First Lady and to pray for the speedy recovery of patients receiving medical care.
“We are here to celebrate life, welcome the New Year babies, and stand with those who are not feeling well,” she says. “We pray that God grants healing to the sick and blesses these children with long life, good health, and a bright future.”
Patients, nursing mothers, and their families express appreciation for the outreach, describing it as uplifting and reassuring. Many say the presence of government officials and the distribution of relief items bring comfort and a sense of belonging, especially during the festive period.
Health workers in the visited hospitals also commend the initiative, noting that such engagements help boost morale among patients and staff while strengthening trust between citizens and the government. They add that showing compassion in healthcare settings reinforces the importance of humane governance.
The New Year hospital outreach highlights the Niger State Government’s commitment to social development and inclusive policies. As 2026 begins, the administration reiterates its focus on improving healthcare support, protecting vulnerable groups, and ensuring that governance remains people-oriented across all sectors of the state.
