By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has congratulated the Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, on his emergence as winner of the National and North-East Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Awards.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Lanre Oloyede, Hon. Abba Isa described the award as a well-deserved recognition of the Buni administration’s sustained investment and commitment to the healthcare sector in Yobe State.
The presidential aide noted that since assuming office, Governor Buni has consistently increased budgetary allocations to health, resulting in significant improvements in healthcare services and delivery across the state.
He particularly commended the administration’s focus on inclusive healthcare, stressing that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Yobe State now enjoy improved and unfettered access to quality healthcare services.
Hon. Abba Isa described the honour as a testament to Governor Buni’s exemplary leadership, adding that Yobe State has been positioned as a model worthy of emulation by other states of the federation.
Under Governor Buni’s stewardship, Yobe State emerged both the national winner and the North-East zonal award recipient at the 2025 National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Fund Awards. This achievement reflects the significant investments made by the state government in primary healthcare and the broader health sector.
The awards were received on behalf of the Governor by the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. Idi Barde Gubana. Yobe State was awarded a cash prize of USD 700,000 for the national award and an additional USD 500,000 for the regional award, bringing the total prize to USD 1.2 million.
The National Primary Healthcare Leadership Fund was established following the 2019 Seattle Agreement, in which state governors across Nigeria committed to prioritizing funding and reforms in primary healthcare. States are subsequently assessed and ranked annually based on performance.
Yobe State’s dual recognition as both national and zonal winner underscores Governor Buni’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents, irrespective of location.
Hon. Abba Isa also commended the entire healthcare team in Yobe State for their dedication, particularly the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, for his leadership and contributions to the sector.
