Yobe Wins National, North-East Primary Healthcare Awards

By Ahmed Isah

Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s investments in primary healthcare have earned Yobe the national and North-East Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge awards for 2025.

The state received the honours under the National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Fund, recognising sustained reforms and improved service delivery across primary healthcare facilities.

The awards were received on behalf of the governor by the Deputy Governor, Mr Idi Barde Gubana, at the presentation ceremony.

Yobe secured a cash prize of USD700,000 for the national award and USD500,000 for the North-East zonal award, bringing the total to USD1.2 million.

The National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Fund was established following the 2019 Seattle Agreement, where governors committed to prioritising primary healthcare financing and outcomes.

Participating states are assessed annually based on agreed performance indicators, including funding, service coverage and system strengthening.

Observers say Yobe’s emergence as both national and zonal winner reflects consistent investments under the Buni administration in infrastructure, workforce development and access to essential services.

The achievement also highlights the role of the Ministry of Health and Human Services in implementing reforms across rural and urban communities.

Commendations were extended to the healthcare team led by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana, for driving the initiatives that earned the recognition.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining gains and expanding quality healthcare access to all residents.