The Niger State government has distributed insecticide treated mosquito nets to boarding schools and Integrated Quranic Centres across the state.

The programme is a joint collaboration between the state Ministries of Education and Health.

Hannatu Salihu, the state Commissioner for Education, at the flag off of the event in Minna on Thursday, said that the distribution was approved by Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello.

She said that the gesture was part of government efforts aimed at ensuring that students live in hygienic and conducive environments at all times.

“The treated nets are to be used at all times to ensure the students are guarded from all malaria related ailments.

“I urge the principals to please ensure effective utilisation of these nets to achieve the purpose they are meant for,” she said.

Ms Salihu directed the zonal directors to create a proper monitoring mechanism to ensure effective use of the nets, adding that the government would continue to prioritise education as a viable sector.

The commissioner further said that the government would continue to partner with critical stakeholders to proffer solutions to societal educational challenges.

Earlier in his welcome address, Abdullahi Imam, the Permanent Secretary of Niger Ministry of Education, lauded the timely distribution of the nets to students to prevent mosquito bites as the rainy season set in.

He appealed to the state government to make the distribution an annual event and extend the gesture to school pupils who were also vulnerable to malaria to achieve a malaria free environment.

Also, Amina Edward, state Malaria Programme Manager, appreciated the ministry for the laudable initiative and called on the beneficiaries to make effective use of the nets.

In their separate remarks, beneficiaries appreciated the state government and the ministry of education for the gesture and promised to make good use of the nets. 

(NAN)