Jigawa Deputy Governor Leads Strategic PHC Taskforce Meeting, Honours Outstanding LGAs
By Public Eye News
DUTSE, JIGAWA – August 8, 2025
In a renewed push to strengthen the delivery of Primary Health Care (PHC) services across Jigawa State, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State PHC Taskforce Committee, His Excellency Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, today presided over a high-level Expanded Taskforce Meeting held at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI), Dutse.
The meeting brought together key actors from the health sector, development partners, and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to review sector performance, identify pressing challenges, and chart a forward-looking roadmap for quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services in the state.
In his keynote address, Engr. Gumel reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, to revitalize the PHC system through evidence-based policies, multi-sectoral coordination, and robust community engagement. He emphasized the importance of sustaining political will, interagency collaboration, and inclusive planning in the march toward universal health coverage.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Kainuwa, played a pivotal role in steering technical deliberations at the meeting. He provided detailed insights into the state’s performance across key PHC service delivery pillars and outlined the administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in reducing maternal and child mortality, addressing immunization gaps, and improving rural health infrastructure.
Also central to the technical session was the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHCDA), Dr. Shehu Sambo, who presented a data-driven overview of the PHC landscape, including progress made and critical areas requiring targeted intervention. Dr. Sambo reiterated the agency’s commitment to driving reforms in partnership with local governments and international health partners.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Mustapha Makama Kiyawa; Commissioner for Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba Hannun-Giwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab; Technical Advisor on Health, Hon. Isah Surajo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim; Executive Chairmen of the 27 LGAs; and PHC managers from across the state.
Traditional rulers were also strongly represented, led by Alhaji Aminu Dan-Malam, District Head of Aujara and representative of the Emirate Councils, alongside delegates from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Solina Health, Sultan Foundation, Vaccine Network, and Chigari Foundation.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to selected Executive Chairmen, recognizing their leadership and dedication to PHC advancement in their LGAs.
In a passionate contribution, Comrade Musbahu Basirka, Jigawa State Coordinator of Vaccine Network Nigeria, commended the state government’s proactive health policies and called for urgent action to address the lingering issue of zero-dose LGAs in immunization coverage. He pledged continued civil society support to close the gap and reach underserved communities.
The meeting served as a vital platform for high-level policy dialogue, sector-wide review, peer learning, and strategic alignment among key actors. It also reinforced the commitment of the Jigawa State Government and its partners to build a resilient, people-centered, and accountable PHC system that leaves no one behind.
About The Author
