Borno Government Rewards Health Workers, LG Chairmen for Polio Eradication Efforts

Borno Government Rewards Health Workers, LG Chairmen for Polio Eradication Efforts

 

 

The Borno State Government, in partnership with development organizations, has recognised exemplary health workers, local government chairmen, and traditional leaders for their outstanding contributions to the fight against polio, routine immunisation, and grassroots healthcare development.

 

The awards ceremony, held in Maiduguri, saw Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur present certificates of recognition and cash prizes to the beneficiaries, describing the initiative as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.

 

Kadafur said, “Our goal is to ensure that every resident has access to quality healthcare. Beyond building hospitals, colleges of nursing, and primary health centres, it is crucial to motivate those who excel in service delivery.” He urged local government chairmen not to neglect evening review meetings, warning that absenteeism could demoralize frontline workers and slow progress on healthcare targets. District heads and traditional rulers were also directed to actively participate in local health review sessions.

 

The recognition program was organised by the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board and the Ministry of Health and Human Services, with support from UNICEF and other partners. Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Malum Gana, said the initiative would foster healthy competition among councils, strengthen the state health system, and encourage local ownership of primary healthcare programmes.

 

“By promoting immunisation, raising awareness on malnutrition and neonatal mortality, we move closer to achieving universal health coverage in Borno State,” Gana added.

 

Beneficiaries were selected according to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s performance-based criteria. Executive Director of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Prof. Arab Alhaji, described the awards as a milestone in improving grassroots healthcare delivery, noting the critical role of traditional leaders in encouraging communities to accept vaccination.

 

Among the awardees, Salihu Yanga, Chairman of Kwaya-Kusar LGA, emerged overall best and first in Southern Borno, followed by the Chibok LGA Chairman. In Borno Central, Mafa and Konduga LGAs secured first and second places, while in Northern Borno, Kaga and Magumeri LGAs were ranked first and second respectively.

 

Yanga praised the government and its partners for the recognition, describing it as “a motivation to further enhance quality healthcare services.” Similarly, Kaga LGA Chairman, Mahir Goni Abdallah, pledged renewed efforts to eliminate polio, bridge immunisation gaps, and address zero-dose cases in his council area.