…Presents cash awards to top-performing LGAs and health centres
By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
The Borno State Government has revealed that health sector indices have greatly improved despite challenges, noting that traditional rulers and other stakeholders will be recruited towards attaining the target goals across the local government areas of the state.
Speaking on the success recorded in the health sector, Umar Usman Kadafur, State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Task Force on Immunisation, said this during the recently concluded third-quarter meeting and cash awards presentation to top-performing councils held in Maiduguri.
According to him, the meeting reviewed the progress made in polio eradication and the delivery of other integrated Primary Health Care (PHC) services across the state.
Kadafur added that in recognition of outstanding performance, several Local Government Areas (LGAs) and healthcare facilities received cash awards for their exceptional efforts in improving immunization coverage.
The Chairmen of Konduga, Mafa, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Chibok, Kaga, Magumeri, and Kwaya Kusar LGAs were honoured as the best-performing LGAs in immunization for the quarter. Each received ₦1 million, while Kwaya Kusar LGA, which emerged as the overall best performer, received ₦2.5 million.
He said, “We want to thank everyone that made this happen in their various LGAs. It is good news that healthcare service delivery has improved, especially in the eradication of polio and other diseases. We believe that this token will spur you to do more at the grassroots level.
“With support from donor agencies, the Task Force has introduced this performance-based reward system to motivate LGAs to do more. We aim to foster healthy competition and encourage improvement in primary healthcare services across the state.”
Additional awards were presented to the District Heads of Nganzai, Kala Balge, and Biu LGAs, as well as Facility Managers of Bargo PHC in Shani LGA, IDP Camp PHC in Dikwa, and Monguno PHC. After presenting the cheques, Kadafur congratulated the awardees for their commitment to healthcare delivery and encouraged them not to relent in their efforts.
He further emphasised the Borno State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and urged other LGAs to emulate the top performers to qualify for future recognition.
Mohammed Arab, the Executive Director of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCDB), commended the improvements observed in various LGAs and called on all PHC facilities across the state to redouble their efforts.
Alhaji Abdullahi Yanga, Chairman of Kwaya Kusar LGA, expressed pride in receiving the top award, attributing the success to the tireless work of health personnel and the local government’s commitment to supporting immunization.
“Our success is a reflection of our passion for health, the training we’ve received, and guidance from experts. The Governor’s focus on healthcare and education has inspired us to do more,” he said.
Mairu Abdalla, Chairman of Kaga LGA, also expressed gratitude for the award, noting that the progress made in his area is the result of sustained support for healthcare workers and adherence to the state’s policy direction on health and education.
The meeting was attended by key dignitaries, including His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, as well as development partners such as UNICEF, Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dangote Foundation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Solina Health, and the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.
