In recent months, Sokoto State First Lady Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu has drawn public attention to two initiatives she is vigorously championing. By publicly prioritising school safety and child protection, alongside health access, Sokoto’s First Lady has helped elevate conversations that have too often been avoided. Sokoto State understands that the challenge lies in integrating these priorities rather than treating them as parallel tracks. Independent oversight, involving civil society, education authorities, and child protection experts, can strengthen credibility and trust. The real test is for the state to align its budgets, institutions, and accountability systems with a holistic vision for child protection and gender justice.