According to the Minister, President Tinubu not only understands the pain that Nigerians are enduring but is deeply concerned about it. “President Tinubu knows what Nigerians are going through. He feels the pain, he cares, and he is working day and night to ease the suffering,” Pate said, emphasizing that the president’s primary focus is improving the living conditions of the Nigerian people.
Prof. Pate acknowledged the challenges brought about by the economic reforms of the current administration but reassured citizens that these sacrifices would ultimately lead to long-term benefits. “Yes, there have been difficulties, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. After hardship comes relief,” he said, offering hope for a better future despite the current struggles.
The Minister also discussed the efforts the federal government is undertaking to address critical issues in sectors like health and education. He shared that 8,800 primary healthcare centers are now receiving regular funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, with an additional 4,000 centers undergoing revitalization across the country. This is part of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and delivery.
“This work cannot be done by the President alone,” Prof. Pate emphasized. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the federal government, state and local governments, and traditional and community leaders to ensure the success of these health initiatives. According to the Minister, collective action is essential for achieving the Nigeria that citizens desire.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also attended the meeting, commended President Tinubu for his efforts to address the country’s challenges. He called for greater cooperation between federal and state governments to achieve common goals. Governor Mohammed affirmed that his administration is committed to the Abuja Declaration, which mandates that 15 percent of the state budget be allocated to the health sector.
In addition to government efforts, Governor Mohammed acknowledged the significant contributions of traditional and religious leaders in advancing healthcare delivery in Bauchi State. He specifically credited traditional rulers for their role in establishing over 300 primary healthcare centers across the state. The governor also recognized the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his leadership in mobilizing traditional leaders to raise health awareness in local communities.
“We appreciate our traditional leaders for their efforts in mobilizing the grassroots and raising awareness. This is how we can truly reach the people and improve their lives,” Governor Mohammed said in a statement delivered by Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim, the Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State.
As Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing reforms, the government has called for patience, unity, and collective action to bring about the desired relief and long-term development. The message from both federal and state authorities is clear: collaboration and resilience will be key to overcoming the current challenges.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also weighed in on the role of traditional leaders in improving public health outcomes. Speaking through her representative, Shamina Sharmin, UNICEF Country Representative Cristian Munduate commended the traditional rulers for their crucial role in Nigeria’s fight against the wild poliovirus. Munduate praised their efforts in the ongoing battle against outbreaks and their contributions to promoting healthcare practices.
“I applaud our Royal Fathers for their significant contribution to writing Nigeria’s unique success story in eradicating the wild poliovirus and their vital role in the ongoing battle against outbreaks,” Sharmin said, emphasizing that traditional leaders have played an indispensable role in polio eradication, routine immunization, and primary healthcare delivery.
Munduate further stressed the importance of traditional leaders in raising awareness about healthcare services and encouraging healthcare utilization, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and children. “Combating polio requires a collaborative effort involving government agencies, international organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders,” she noted, calling for stronger partnerships to address challenges such as low routine immunization coverage, nomadic movements, and achieving a polio-free Nigeria.
In her concluding remarks, Munduate reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to strengthen routine immunization and ensure the country remains free of polio. “UNICEF remains dedicated to working closely with partners to overcome challenges and ensure every child receives the necessary immunization, bringing us closer to a healthier and polio-free future,” she said.
