Bauchi Boosts Healthcare Outreach as UNICEF, Canada Donate 45 Motorcycles

 By  Ahmad Muhmmmad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has taken a major step to improve access to healthcare services with the receipt of 45 motorcycles donated by the government of Canada through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The motorcycles, delivered via UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, have been allocated to all 20 local government areas to support frontline health workers in reaching communities that are often difficult to access.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony on Monday, the head of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said the initiative was designed to bridge critical gaps in immunisation coverage and primary healthcare delivery.

She explained that the intervention would enhance mobility for health personnel, enabling them to reach vulnerable populations, particularly in remote settlements where access to health facilities remains limited.

According to her, the support aligns with ongoing efforts to identify and vaccinate “zero-dose” children—those who have never received any routine immunisation—as well as to extend care to women who lack access to antenatal services.

“If communities cannot easily access healthcare facilities, then services must be taken closer to them. This is especially crucial for rural and underserved areas,” she said.

Rafique also raised concern over the persistently high rates of maternal and newborn deaths in parts of the North-East, stressing the need for deliberate and coordinated strategies to expand healthcare access and improve outcomes.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Bauchi State through sustained partnerships aimed at improving the wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents.

Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Dambam, described the donation as a timely intervention that would strengthen service delivery across the state.

He assured us that the motorcycles would be deployed effectively to enhance outreach programmes and bring essential healthcare services closer to rural populations.

Dambam, however, cautioned health workers against misuse of the equipment, warning that strict disciplinary measures would be enforced to ensure accountability and proper utilisation.

Also speaking, UNICEF Health Officer Seyi Olosunde noted that the donation coincided with activities marking the global campaign to promote immunisation awareness.

He highlighted the critical role vaccines play in preventing life-threatening diseases and improving public health, adding that immunisation platforms also provide opportunities to deliver other essential health services.

Olosunde said the motorcycles would significantly improve the reach of maternal, newborn, and child healthcare services by enabling health workers to travel more easily to hard-to-reach communities.

He added that, beyond vaccination, the outreach efforts would incorporate services such as antenatal care and adolescent health support, ultimately strengthening the overall healthcare system in Bauchi State.

Bauchi Raises Alarm Over Harsh Dry Spell, Sudden Flood Risks in 12 LGAs

By  Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has issued an early warning to residents and authorities over an unusual weather pattern expected to hit parts of the state, combining a prolonged dry spell with the threat of flash floods during the 2026 rainy season.

The alert was delivered on Wednesday in Bauchi by the agency’s Director-General, Mas’ud Aliyu, during a stakeholders’ forum on seasonal climate outlook and disaster preparedness.

Aliyu explained that initial climate projections point to a severe dry spell lasting up to 21 days between June and August, a development that could disrupt farming activities across several local government areas. The councils likely to be affected include Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, Katagum, Misau, Giade, Shira, Dambam, Darazo, Ningi, Warji, Gamawa and Zaki.

He described the forecast as both unusual and concerning, noting that while the dry conditions could weaken agricultural productivity, sudden heavy rainfall within the same period may trigger flash floods in vulnerable communities.

According to him, the hardened soil caused by extended heat may struggle to absorb intense rainfall, increasing the chances of flooding even after a dry spell.

“This situation goes beyond routine weather information. It signals possible food shortages, water challenges and pressure on livestock if urgent steps are not taken,” he said.

Aliyu stressed the need for practical responses at both farm and community levels, urging experts in agriculture and environmental sciences to guide farmers on soil management, crop choices and planting timelines.

He also called for stronger coordination among local government authorities, traditional institutions and relevant agencies to ensure early warning messages reach rural communities promptly.

The SEMA boss urged the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme to support farmers with drought-tolerant seeds, while advising the Ministry of Water Resources to prepare contingency plans, including water supply interventions.

He further appealed to the media to intensify awareness campaigns to keep the public informed about evolving weather risks.

Aliyu emphasised that community cooperation would be critical, urging residents to take precautionary measures and respond quickly to advisories.

He expressed confidence that with joint efforts involving government agencies, traditional leaders and experts from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, the state can better withstand the looming environmental challenges.

Bauchi Sets Up SOLID Committee to Drive Lasting Support for Displaced Persons

By Bashir Hassan, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has taken a major step towards addressing displacement challenges with the inauguration of a steering committee for the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) project.

Speaking at the ceremony in Bauchi on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau said the initiative was designed to tackle the growing humanitarian and development needs of internally displaced individuals (IDPs) and the communities hosting them.

He explained that the project goes beyond emergency relief, aiming instead to integrate affected populations into the broader development plans of the state. According to him, the program aims to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and create sustainable opportunities for people displaced by conflict and environmental factors.

Jatau noted that displacement has placed increasing strain on key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and water supply, while also stretching the resources of host communities. He described the SOLID project as a long-term intervention backed by the World Bank, focused on addressing the root causes of vulnerability and promoting inclusive growth.

“The steering committee will serve as the apex decision-making body for the project in the state, ensuring coordination, policy coherence and accountability throughout implementation,” he said.

The committee comprises senior government officials, community leaders and representatives of displaced individuals, reflecting what the deputy governor described as a commitment to inclusive governance.

He urged members of the committee to prioritise transparency, effective collaboration among agencies, and strategic planning to ensure the project’s success. He also called on IDP representatives to actively participate in decision-making processes and ensure that the voices of their communities are heard.

Earlier, the project coordinator, Abdulsamad Abubakar, said the initiative would expand access to essential services such as infrastructure, education and healthcare while also creating economic opportunities for beneficiaries.

Abubakar added that the program would strengthen the capacity of government institutions to respond to displacement issues more effectively, ensuring long-term resilience for both displaced persons and host communities.