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Yobe Tops National PHC Leadership Awards, Bags $1.2m for Grassroots Health Reforms

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Yobe Tops National PHC Leadership Awards, Bags $1.2m for Grassroots Health Reforms

Yobe Tops National PHC Leadership Awards, Bags $1.2m for Grassroots Health Reforms

 

Yobe State has clinched the top honor at the 2025 National Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, emerging as the Overall Best Performing State in recognition of its sustained efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

The award was presented during the third edition of the PHC Leadership Challenge Award Night held in Abuja on Friday. Yobe State received a grand prize of $700,000 for its overall performance and an additional $500,000 after winning the Zonal Best Performing State award for the Northeast, bringing its total winnings to $1.2 million.

The prestigious initiative was organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and UNICEF, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The program is designed to promote accountability, encourage innovation, and stimulate healthy competition among states in improving primary healthcare outcomes.

Yobe’s selection was based on key performance benchmarks, particularly its strong showing in quality of care and patient satisfaction across primary healthcare facilities.

Across the six geopolitical zones, states that won the zonal best-performing awards, each with a prize of $500,000, include Nasarawa (North-Central), Zamfara (North-West), Abia (South-East), Rivers (South-South), and Osun (South-West).

The first runners-up in each zone—Gombe, Kwara, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun states—each received $400,000.

In total, $6.1 million was awarded to states, with the funds expected to be ploughed back into strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, improving service delivery, and building human resource capacity. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which places primary healthcare at the center of achieving universal health coverage.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, while congratulating the award recipients, praised state governors for their leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes nationwide. Represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, the Vice-President said constructive competition such as the PHC Leadership Challenge ultimately benefits the entire country.

He highlighted notable progress in the health sector since governors entered into a long-term sector-wide agreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu two years ago, noting that at least 20 states exceeded their health targets in 2024 alone.

According to him, state governments have also significantly increased health budget allocations, now estimated at ₦2.6 trillion, compared to previous years.

“Health is central to national development. Wherever you find positive health, someone has deliberately invested in it,” he said, urging both federal and state governments to deepen their commitments to the sector.

Shettima called on states to further scale up health spending, projecting that total national health investment should reach ₦3.5 trillion in the next fiscal year, considering available resources.

He acknowledged ongoing challenges around the affordability of healthcare services but noted that the Federal Government was taking steps to reduce the cost of medicines, diagnostics, and medical tests, especially for vulnerable Nigerians. He encouraged states to actively support these interventions.

The vice president also outlined the broader benefits of health sector investment, including a healthier and more productive population, stronger human capital, job creation, and industrial growth. He cited the establishment of Africa’s first factory producing long-lasting insecticide-treated nets as an example of how health investments can stimulate local manufacturing.

Speaking on behalf of the winning states, Abia State Governor Alex Otti commended the organizers and development partners for sustaining the initiative, assuring that states would push for even higher standards in 2026.

He stressed that health spending should not be viewed purely as an investment expecting financial returns but as a fundamental necessity for human survival and well-being.

Also reacting, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said the $500,000 won by his state would be channelled into refurbishing selected primary healthcare centers.

“It is encouraging when your efforts are recognized. This additional funding will go straight into improving PHC facilities in Zamfara,” he said, adding that despite funding constraints, his administration would continue to prioritize the health sector.

The 2025 PHC Leadership Challenge Awards once again underscored the growing emphasis on primary healthcare as the backbone of Nigeria’s health system and a critical pathway to better health outcomes for millions of citizens.

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Dangote Unveils Landmark N100bn Yearly Education Scheme as Inuwa, VP Shettima, National Leaders Rally Behind Vision 2030

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2 days ago

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December 11, 2025

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Dangote Unveils Landmark N100bn Yearly Education Scheme as Inuwa, VP Shettima, National Leaders Rally Behind Vision 2030

Dangote Unveils Landmark N100bn Yearly Education Scheme as Inuwa, VP Shettima, National Leaders Rally Behind Vision 2030

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,  on Thursday joined Vice President Kashim Shettima, policymakers, development finance institutions, global education advocates and captains of industry at the formal launch of the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s N100 billion annual Education Support Programme held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, and made available to newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.

The new initiative, projected to inject over N1 trillion into Nigeria’s education system over the next decade, also featured the unveiling of the Dangote Vision 2030, a 100-billion-dollar development blueprint designed to accelerate Nigeria’s long-term economic and social transformation.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the education support programme as a groundbreaking intervention aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its priorities on human capital development, skills expansion and poverty reduction.

He praised Alhaji Aliko Dangote as a patriotic Nigerian whose philanthropy continues to inspire confidence in the nation’s future and urged other private-sector leaders to emulate his commitment to national development.

In his keynote address, Aliko Dangote said the scholarship programme was established to close the financial gaps that force many bright Nigerian students to abandon their education, noting that education remains the most powerful vehicle for social mobility and national advancement.

He explained that the programme will support 45,000 students in its first year, scale to 155,000 beneficiaries per year by its fourth year, and reach a cumulative 1,325,000 students by 2036.

He also highlighted the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars, designed to support 30,000 undergraduates annually in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes across public universities and polytechnics.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for what he described as a visionary investment in Nigeria’s youth, noting that the magnitude and structure of the programme align with ongoing efforts across northern states to reduce out-of-school children, strengthen teacher capacity, improve school retention and expand access to quality education at all levels.

The event was attended by the governors of Borno, Nasarawa, Kano, Niger and Lagos States, ministers, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and senior policymakers.

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NUC Team Commends Al-Ansar University as Accreditation Visit Boosts MBBS Programme

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4 days ago

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December 9, 2025

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NUC Team Commends Al-Ansar University as Accreditation Visit Boosts MBBS Programme

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Al-Ansar University Maiduguri (AUM) on Monday hosted a delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) as part of the accreditation exercise for its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme — a major step in strengthening the institution’s expanding medical training capacity.

The delegation was received at the University Senate Chamber by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fanna Inna Abdulrahman, alongside members of the Management Team at the AUM take-off campus along Baga Road, Maiduguri.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Fanna expressed deep appreciation to the NUC for its continuous efforts in advancing academic standards and promoting excellence in medical education across Nigeria.

 

She noted the rapid growth of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, reiterating the University’s commitment to producing competent, ethical and well-trained doctors who will contribute significantly to the nation’s healthcare delivery.

Prof. Fanna thanked the delegation for their thorough engagement, reaffirming the University’s commitment to providing world-class medical education, enhancing clinical exposure and shaping future medical professionals grounded in excellence and service.

After the courtesy meeting, which featured a detailed presentation on AUM’s vision, academic milestones and progress of the MBBS programme, the accreditation panel conducted an extensive tour of facilities.

Their inspection covered key academic areas such as the Basic Medical Sciences Laboratories, Anatomy Dissection Hall, Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratories, Lecture Theatres, staff offices, the University Library, ICT Centre, and other core facilities essential for medical training.

They also assessed student hostels to review welfare and living conditions.

The visit later continued at the AUM Permanent Site along Gubio Road, where the team inspected ongoing infrastructure projects tailored to support the long-term development of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.

At the Basic Clinical Laboratories, the delegation examined critical sections including the Pharmacology/Therapeutics Laboratory, Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Medical Microbiology Laboratory and the Haematology Laboratory. These facilities are central to hands-on learning and preparing students for clinical practice.

As part of the accreditation process, the NUC team also visited the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the institution’s primary clinical training partner under an existing MoU.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, received the team and led an inspection of clinical departments, teaching resources and training facilities to evaluate UMTH’s readiness to support the MBBS programme’s clinical phase.

Speaking during the visit, the team leader commended AUM for its hospitality and noted that the assessment sought to evaluate curriculum quality, staffing strength, infrastructure, equipment and clinical arrangements in line with the NUC’s Minimum Academic Standards.

The accreditation visit marks a major milestone for Al-Ansar University, reflecting its steady progress and growing contributions to Nigeria’s medical and healthcare advancement.

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When Duty Calls Again: Advice to General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Rtd, Nigeria’s New Minister of Defence

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December 4, 2025

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When Duty Calls Again: Advice to General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Rtd, Nigeria’s New Minister of Defence

 
The Senate’s confirmation of General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Minister of Defence on 3 December 2025 was more than a formality – it was a public endorsement of a leader who, just weeks earlier, had served as Nigeria’s immediate Chief of Defence Staff and earned praise from senators and security stakeholders alike for his steady hand in the Northeast and his clear eyed vision for the nation’s defence.
 
General Musa’s record as Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI showed that he can translate strategy into results. Lawmakers noted his “comprehensive security reform plan” and his emphasis on “action, not just words” during the marathon screening that preceded his confirmation. It is precisely this blend of battlefield experience and forward thinking that Nigeria needs at the helm of the Defence Ministry today.
 
Why security, energy, food, and shelter are the new “must-haves.”
In his opening remarks to the Senate, General Musa reminded the chamber that a nation cannot be secure while its people go hungry, live in darkness, or lack a roof over their heads. “We cannot shoot our way out of hunger or hopelessness,” he said, underscoring that security, energy, food, and shelter are not optional extras but the foundation of any credible defence strategy. When citizens have reliable electricity, enough to eat, and a safe place to sleep, they are far less likely to be recruited by armed groups – a truth that any successful security architecture must acknowledge.
 
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If General Musa needs a model, look no further than Rwanda’s former Defence Minister, Maj. Gen. Albert Ngauluka (2020 2024). Taking over a ministry still grappling with legacy rebel activity, Ngauluka launched a nationwide “Community Sentinel” programme that linked local farmers, traders, and village elders to a real-time intelligence network powered by affordable drones and mobile reporting apps. Within two years, cross-border rebel incursions fell by 70 %, and the country recorded its lowest homicide rate in a decade. His approach married technology with grassroots ownership – a lesson that resonates with General Musa’s own call for “technology-driven, community-rooted” security.
 
Less talk, more action – the expectation
Nigerians are clear: they want less rhetoric and more results. The recent Senate hearing left no doubt that the public views General Musa as a “seasoned professional finally empowered to deliver.”  It is not a belief that only retired generals can run a defence ministry – far from it – but rather a confidence that General Musa, with his proven track record and fresh mandate, can bridge the gap between policy and the field.
 
 
The road ahead is steep: banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and the looming threats of climate-induced food insecurity demand swift, decisive moves. By prioritising the welfare of the soldier, integrating technology with a human touch, empowering local governments, and cutting the financial lifelines of criminal networks, General Musa can turn the high hopes placed in him into tangible peace for all Nigerians.
 
 
Below are some reflections—drawn from field research, policy analysis, and conversations with soldiers, community leaders, and private security practitioners—on how the Ministry can begin to reshape Nigeria’s security architecture. The aim is to reduce banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, and to establish a more efficient and accountable system.
 
 
1. Prioritise the welfare of the soldier
A soldier who worries about his family’s next meal cannot focus on the mission. Upgrading barracks, ensuring reliable water, electricity, and internet, and providing regular medical care translate into higher morale and lower attrition. Expediting salary and pension payments through a transparent, digital payroll system will eliminate leakages. Creating “family hubs” at major bases—where spouses can access education, healthcare, and micro credit—will further strengthen the force.
 
 
2. Embrace technology, but keep it human-centric
Deploy an integrated command and control platform that links the Ministry, the Armed Forces, the Police, and Civil Defence in real time. Expand the use of UAVs and satellite night vision to monitor porous borders, especially around the Lake Chad basin, and pair this with community-based reporting apps that allow civilians to send geotagged alerts safely. A dedicated analytics cell staffed by data scientists and seasoned intelligence officers can turn raw data into predictive insights for resource allocation.
 
 
3. Strengthen local governance
Security cannot be outsourced to the centre alone. Empower state and local governments to form joint security committees that include traditional leaders, civil society groups, and the military. Reinvigorate community policing, ensuring officers are recruited from the communities they serve to build trust and improve intelligence flow. Regular workshops for local officials on budgeting, procurement, and basic security management will enable them to allocate resources more efficiently.
 
 
4. Allow private security to complement state forces 
Well-regulated private security companies (PSCs) can enhance national security when they operate under strict oversight. Enact a clear licensing regime that mandates transparency, background checks, and adherence to human rights standards, and maintain a public registry of approved PSCs. Contract PSCs for static guarding of critical infrastructure and logistical support, freeing regular troops for kinetic operations. Joint training with PSC personnel will ensure interoperability and adherence to rules of engagement.
 
 
5. Cut the financial lifelines of terrorism and banditry
Formalise a “no ransom” stance across all government agencies, with legal penalties for any payment made by officials or families. Strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit’s capacity to monitor cash flows, cryptocurrency transactions, and informal money transfer networks used by militants. Offer cash for information programmes that reward civilians who provide actionable intelligence on ransom negotiations.
 
 
6. Foster regional cooperation
The threats Nigeria faces do not respect borders. Establish multinational patrol units that operate under a shared command structure, sharing intelligence and resources. Work with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon to dismantle arms smuggling routes that fuel banditry and insurgency. Offer training and equipment to neighbouring armed forces to create a network of capable partners.
 
 
Closing thoughts
 
Nigerians have high hopes for General Christopher Gwabin Musa. The belief is not that only retired generals can run a defence ministry – far from it – but that a leader with his proven track record, executive acumen, and deep field experience can bridge the gap between policy and the front line. The nation’s expectation is simple: “less talk, more action.”
 
 
By placing the soldier’s welfare at the core, harnessing technology with a human touch, empowering local governance, regulating private security, cutting terrorist financing, and strengthening regional ties, General Musa can turn the optimism of 3 December into lasting peace and stability for all Nigerians.
 
 
His record as Theatre Commander of Operation HADI KAI has already shown that he understands the importance of decisive, ground-level leadership. By placing the soldier’s welfare at the core, harnessing technology with a human touch, empowering local governance, regulating private security, cutting terrorist financing, and strengthening regional ties, he can begin to turn the tide against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
 
 
The nation watches, and the clock is ticking. Let the work begin. May your tenure be marked not just by the absence of conflict, but by the presence of lasting peace and development for all Nigerians.
 
 

Dr. MS Abubakar, CAS, FICRPC.

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