The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of the challenges facing citizens and is determined to provide lasting solutions.
Speaking during the quarterly review meeting of the Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery for the 19 northern states, held at the Government House in Bauchi, Prof. Pate emphasized the President’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians.
“President Tinubu understands the hardships Nigerians are enduring. He is deeply concerned and is working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering. His focus is on implementing measures to enhance living conditions across the country,” Pate said.
The minister acknowledged the difficulties caused by the administration’s economic reforms but urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that the sacrifices would yield significant long-term benefits.
“While the current challenges are undeniable, there is hope ahead. After hardship comes relief,” he noted.
Prof. Pate highlighted the government’s efforts in key sectors, particularly health and education. He revealed that 8,800 primary healthcare centers now receive regular funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, with 4,000 centers being revitalized nationwide.
“This progress requires collaboration. The President cannot achieve it alone. State and local governments, along with traditional and community leaders, must work together to build the Nigeria we all envision,” he stated.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi praised President Tinubu for his initiatives, calling for stronger federal-state collaboration. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the Abuja Declaration by allocating 15% of the state budget to health.
Mohammed also acknowledged the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in supporting healthcare, noting their efforts had facilitated the establishment of over 300 primary healthcare centers in Bauchi State.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State, Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim, the governor commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for mobilizing traditional rulers to raise health awareness in local communities.
UNICEF’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, also commended traditional rulers for their contributions to eradicating the wild poliovirus and addressing healthcare challenges. Speaking through her representative, Shamina Sharmin, she highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in promoting routine immunization and primary healthcare.
“Traditional rulers have been pivotal in Nigeria’s success story against polio and remain key partners in combating outbreaks and strengthening healthcare delivery,” she said.
Munduate urged traditional leaders to intensify efforts to sustain routine immunization coverage and ensure Nigeria remains polio-free. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other stakeholders to promote vaccination awareness and behavior change.
“UNICEF remains dedicated to ensuring every child receives life-saving immunizations, bringing Nigeria closer to a healthier, polio-free future,” she concluded.
