Opinion

My Vision for Jigawa State (V)

Published

2 years ago

August 25, 2022

Mustafa Sule Lamido ,Jigawa PDP Gubernatorial candidate

By: Mustapha Sule Lamido

Let me start by reminding my fellow Jigawa citizens of the enormous task before all of us. Taking Jigawa a step further on the development ladder will require collective revolutionary efforts from all stakeholders. For Jigawa to move away from its current status, it will require more than a four or eight-year performance by one or two state governors. We must put in place and support the sustainable implementation of long-term plans that will change the course of our history. I dont believe our political differences should stop us from charting a better course for the new world.

Today, I want us to discuss health and our plans for the sector. The past few years have been very critical and challenging for Jigawa State and Nigeria at large. Our regular battles with Malaria, maternal ill-health and infant mortality, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 alongside other endemics and our peculiar battles with annual floods which usually lead to the outbreak of diseases all demand that we give the health sector the priority and attention it deserves.

As a matter of policy, our first priority is improved health budgeting and implementation. It is commendable that the Jigawa State government budgeted up to 16% of its 2022 budget to health, but the range over the preceding years have been between 10-15% or less. Another main problem is budget performance. For example, Jigawa State budgeted about 13.5% (over 21 billion) in 2021 for health, but the performance was not up to 40% according to official documents, meaning that less than 8.5 billion was released out of the proposed amount. This will not yield the desired results.

Unless we are faced with unforeseen emergencies, Health will get the highest budget and funds release after education. Our major deliverables are improved health access for all irrespective of demography or location, free Primary healthcare for the Elderly who are Above 70 years, Free antenatal care for remote and rural women, subsidized healthcare services for the disabled, Improvement and upgrade of health facilities to provide consultancy services, improvement in manpower quantity and quality and effective Health insurance Scheme.

What is the current picture of health in Jigawa State? The total number of our health workers are less than 8,000. Data available to us shows that we currently have 156 medical doctors of which a very few are consultants, 57 pharmacists, 1,503 nurses and midwives, 4,500 community and Primary Health workers. These few workers are expected to take care of almost 7 million people. On the average, every medical doctor is to take care of over 40,000 people. These among others are the reasons why most secondary health services are beyond the capacity of our health architecture.

In the whole of Jigawa State, only one state-owned tertiary-Specialist Hospital exist which was handed over to FUD as Teaching Hospital. Although two more are under construction at Hadejia and Kazaure, but we need more to meet up with our needs. We also have the Federal Medical Center Birnin-Kudu. The 25 General Hospitals we have including those still under construction are overstretched and hence need expansion, upgrade and additional staffing. Our 287 Primary Health Centres, including the uncompleted are mostly in bad shape without equipment and adequate personnel. As intend to address this including guaranteed power supply to many health facilities through the use of solar energy to reduce the cost and hazard associated with generators.

Some critical health reforms have been implemented since 1999 which led to the improvement of the sector. The Ministry of Health was rejuvenated to oversee the entire health sector through five departments: the Gunduma Health System Board (GHSB), two health training institutions consisting of a college of Nursing and Midwifery, a specialist hospital and a semi-independent Medicare organisation (JIMSO). The GHSB with its headquarters in Dutse has nine Gunduma Councils and over 664 health facilities comprising General and cottage hospitals, primary health centres, Basic health clinics, Dispensaries and health posts. We hope to build on these achievements.

As a prelude, we will Insha Allah upon assuming office formulate a transformative Health policy. We will then embark on the provision of health infrastructure, equipping and maintenance in batches. We will engage in massive planning for recruitment and development of required Manpower in addition to sponsoring the training of Jigawa indigenes as medical doctors, especially girls to address to reduce the shortage of female medical personnel. We will sanitize and standardize the process of procurement and distribution of drugs. We will Introduce a strong health management information system to ensure systematic planning and monitoring including surveillance and control of major diseases like HIV/AIDS.

We shall invest much on prevention which is better than cure. Most of our diseases come from the abuse of environment. We will Insha Allah strengthen the necessary legislation for the enforcement of environmental health laws, community sanitation and household hygiene. We will be more proactive than reactive. We will enter into collaboration with international and National stakeholders in health. Public-private partnership will be used to provide new world-class health infrastructure.

We will Insha Allah build the foundation for the building of a world-class hospital that consist of all medical departments with the ability to render any type of medical services and receive referrals from all 27 LGAs. If we succeed, in a matter of few years, Jigawa people will no longer have to go to Kano or any other state for treatment of advanced cases or severe medical complications.

We will declare a state of emergency against maternal mortality. Timely antenatal care will be made readily available and accessible to rural and urban women. Nigerians spend an average of 200 billion Naira annually in treating or fighting Malaria. We will declare absolute war against Malaria in Jigawa State.

We are quite aware that none of our policies will succeed without a healthy population. As such, we will try very hard to ensure a sound health system. We will prioritize the establishment of adequate response systems for emergencies across all 27 LGAs. We shall utilize your mandate to create and deliver a health-care system that nurtures a healthy and productive population in Jigawa State.

Gobe ta Allah ce
©Santurakin Dutse

Opinion

Let President Tinubu Rename University of Lagos After Gowon, Not Abuja

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada

I was not happy when Northwest University Kano was renamed to Yusuf Maitama Sule University, as student leaders of that University then, we followed the interest of the students who were also not happy with the renaming at that time for one reason; the renaming was politically motivated, to hurt the founder of the institution Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. I was busy mobilising students to protest, the next day I was invited to the DSS for questions where I spent hours and all the people we were mobilising the protest together ran and dissociated themselves from it. I have no option but to plead with the DSS to release me, assuring them that not a single student would protest the government’s action.

The renaming has affected many students who are seeking admission abroad; it’s Northwest University on my transcript and Yusuf Maitama Sule University on my certificate. This is kinda confusing and not good at all.

Politicians should immortalise individuals in their new projects not existing ones. The renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University is not good for the university’s alumni.

The President should have found a new project or built a new University by naming it after the former Head of State.

I don’t support the idea of playing politics by renaming our universities and this happens mostly in Nigeria.

Imagine waking up renaming the University of Maiduguri to Mohammed Goni University, Yobe State University to Ibrahim Geidam University, the University of Ibadan to Abiola Ajimobi University, the University of Lagos to Lateef Jakande University.

It will be bad for the alumni of the aforementioned universities to come across this.

Why is this only happening in Africa? Look at Makerere University in Uganda, it was established in 1920 but despite Yoweri Mosevenni’s long reign; he didn’t for once attempt to change it to even his name for selfish reasons.

He didn’t think of renaming the Entebbe International Airport after him but in Nigeria, we have this culture of renaming everything after individuals.

If you want to be immortalised, leave a lasting legacy as Gowon did in establishing NYSC. That enough is Okay and better than naming an institution after him.

President Tinubu should have renamed the University of Lagos after Gowon, not Abuja. I’m sure his people will reject this not for any reason but because of the large number of people that will be affected by it.

The University of Abuja Alumni were all crying over this painful decision.

Opinion

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya: Champion of Civil Society and Good Governance in Northern Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, is an influential Civil Society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria. He is currently serving as the Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), he has dedicated many years of his civil society activism as advocate for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peace building and women empowerment

Amb. Waiya, holds number of academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Master’s in Public International Law at Maryam Abacha, American University, Maradi, and he is currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy at Skyline University, Kano in International Relations

In the course of his career, he held several positions and managed a number of projects. He served as the Director, Alhilal Foundation, from 2003 to 2007, an organization which focused on women empowerment, through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation. Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, led and coordinated a number of Local Government Councils Elections Observation missions across 19 Northern states.

In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign against Drug Abuse under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly, a youth driven platform with leadership structures in the Nineteen Northern States. He served as Secretary, for both, Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and Kano State Stakeholders Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, a project which was coordinated by the office of the Special Adviser, Child Welfare and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. His involvement in election observation coordination missions and various public engagements, highlights his commitment to civic engagement towards community development, democracy and good governance

Waiya’s extensive experience includes free consultancy support services to numerous Government Ministries and Agencies such as: Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, Ministry for Special duties, office of the special adviser, joint security services. He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, impacting his knowledge, skills, experience on the community, particularly for community based organizations

In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed to several key positions, such as the President, of the Kano Civil Society Forum, Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, Convener, Nigeria for Peace Project, Managing partner, United Nigeria Project, Head of Secretariat, Kano Peace Committee, Secretary General, National Action for Women Agenda,(NAWA), chairman, Board of Trustees, Northern Youth Assembly, (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Fellow, Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Fellow, Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, Fellow, Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management, member, Commission of Inquiry on Missing persons, member, Implementation Committee, on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of inquiry on missing persons, member, Commission of Inquiry to investigate, various political violence and cases of missing persons, that occurred in the State from 2015 – 2023, member, Commission of inquiry to investigate protest, arson and destruction of public and private properties that occurred from 1st – 10th August, 2024 Amb. Waiya, served as Consultant on various government projects, such as: Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, Campaign against Drug Abuse, across the 44 Local Government Council Areas. Amb. Waiya”s active participation in peace building, policy advocacy and legislative reform has continued to impact positive change in Kano State, the North and Nigeria at large.

Opinion

“I Transition to PR and Digital Marketing to Transform Brands Globally” – Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

Published

1 week ago

December 15, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

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As 2024 comes to a close, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah reflects on his journey from journalism to public relations (PR) and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in media and communications, Ibrahim’s transition was fueled by a desire to empower businesses—starting with Northern Nigeria but extending globally—to build impactful narratives and achieve sustainable growth.

“Every brand, regardless of location, deserves access to the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world,” Ibrahim says. “My goal has always been to bridge the gap in strategic communication, ensuring that no business is left behind.”

From Journalism to Strategic Communication

Ibrahim’s illustrious journalism career spans over a decade, during which he served as a Senior Reporter at TVC News, covering critical developments, including the Kano State Government House for three successive administrations. His work involved breaking major news stories, producing multimedia content, and engaging audiences through digital platforms.

“I’ve always been passionate about communication, but I realized I wanted to do more than report stories—I wanted to help brands craft their own,” Ibrahim shares. “That’s what led me to pivot into PR and digital marketing.”

To equip himself for this new journey, Ibrahim pursued advanced studies, earning a Master’s in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Public Relations from Bayero University, Kano. He further honed his expertise with a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from the London School of Business Administration and a Master Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Skills Institute. These credentials underscore his commitment to mastering the art of strategic communication.

Empowering Brands Through Ayrah Media Concept

As the CEO of Ayrah Media Concept (AMC), Ibrahim leads a PR and creative agency that provides businesses with tailored solutions, including PR consulting, social media management, corporate campaigns, and digital marketing.

“My vision is to empower brands to connect with their audiences, tell compelling stories, and achieve global relevance,” Ibrahim explains. “Through AMC, we’re showing businesses—whether in Northern Nigeria or beyond—that they can reach new heights with the right strategies.”

In 2024, AMC worked on several impactful campaigns, including Ibrahim’s role as a Lead Consultant for the WOFAN-ICON2 project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, where he developed and executed PR and communication strategies to amplify the project’s impact.

Changing Perceptions and Building Bridges

Transitioning into PR and digital marketing came with challenges, including shifting perceptions about its value.

“Many businesses see PR and digital marketing as optional rather than essential,” Ibrahim says. “But the results are transformative. Strategic communication is not just about visibility; it’s about building trust, credibility, and lasting connections with your audience.”

This philosophy drives Ibrahim’s approach, ensuring that businesses of all sizes—whether local startups or established corporations—can access high-quality PR and marketing services.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim’s vision for the future extends far beyond regional boundaries. While his roots and passion lie in Northern Nigeria, his focus is on creating strategies that resonate globally.

“Brands in Kano, Lagos, Abuja, or even New York share a common goal: to connect with people and make an impact,” he says. “My mission is to ensure that every business, regardless of size or location, has the tools and strategies to achieve that.”

In 2025, Ibrahim plans to document his professional journey in a book that will explore his experiences as a journalist and PR expert, offering insights into the evolving landscape of communication and its role in business success.

A Message of Gratitude

As he reflects on the year, Ibrahim expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his journey. “I’m incredibly thankful to my mentors, collaborators, and clients who have believed in my vision. Together, we’ve shown that impactful communication has the power to transform lives and businesses.”

With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah is poised to lead the way in redefining PR and digital marketing, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.