The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has reassured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of the difficulties citizens are facing and is committed to finding lasting solutions.
Prof. Pate gave this assurance during the quarterly review meeting of the Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery, representing the 19 northern states, held at the Government House in Bauchi.
“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the challenges Nigerians are experiencing,” Pate said. “He feels the pain and is working tirelessly to ease the suffering. His focus is on improving the living conditions of our people.”
The Minister acknowledged that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have been challenging but emphasized that the sacrifices would yield long-term benefits. “Yes, there have been hardships, but relief is on the way. After hardship comes ease,” he said.
Highlighting progress in the health sector, Prof. Pate revealed that 8,800 primary healthcare centers are now receiving consistent funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and 4,000 centers are being revitalized nationwide. He stressed the importance of collaboration, urging state and local governments, as well as traditional and community leaders, to work together for sustainable progress.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi commended President Tinubu’s efforts and emphasized the need for even greater collaboration between federal and state governments. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Abuja Declaration, which dedicates 15% of the state budget to health, and praised traditional and religious leaders for facilitating the establishment of over 300 primary healthcare centers across Bauchi State.
Represented by Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim, the Secretary to the State Government, Governor Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for mobilizing traditional rulers to raise health awareness at the grassroots level. “We appreciate our traditional leaders for their critical role in mobilizing communities and improving lives,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, commended traditional rulers from the 19 northern states for their pivotal role in eradicating the wild poliovirus and addressing health challenges. Represented by Shamina Sharmin, Munduate highlighted the importance of traditional leaders in improving routine immunization and primary healthcare access, particularly for women and children.
“Ending polio requires collective effort involving government agencies, international organizations, and local communities,” Munduate said. She called for stronger partnerships to address issues such as low immunization rates and nomadic populations while emphasizing UNICEF’s commitment to supporting health initiatives in Nigeria. “Together, we can ensure every child receives the necessary immunization, bringing us closer to a healthier, polio-free future,” she added.