By SANI DUTSINMA; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Kebbi State Government has received 45 Motorcycles donated by the development partners including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, for proper monitoring of health related programs.
Speaking during a courtesy visit at the Government House Birnin Kebbi, the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, noted that Kebbi State’s proactive investments in healthcare, social welfare, and support for widows, reflect a leadership style rooted in compassion and inclusive governance.
On polio eradication, she recalled that Nigeria was declared free of wild polio virus in 2020, adding that Kebbi now has an opportunity to lead efforts to eliminate vaccine-derived polio through strengthened immunization campaigns, improved coordination at local government levels, and deeper engagement with traditional and religious leaders.
In his contribution, the World Health Organization, WHO Country Representative, Pavel Ursu, commended the Kebbi State Government for its strategic investments across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen human resources and health infrastructure.
He noted that improved surveillance systems and data quality in Kebbi State have enhanced the state capacity to track health outcomes and respond effectively to disease outbreaks, particularly polio, while noting the visible commitment and professionalism of frontline health workers across facilities visited.
In his remarks, the UNDP Northwest Representative, Asharaf Usman, lauded Governor Idris’ leadership in addressing development challenges and disclosed plans to expand UNDP’s peace and security programme to Kebbi State, focusing on livelihoods, governance, and the stabilization of vulnerable communities.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international development agencies, noting that such collaborations are critical to addressing challenges in healthcare, education, security, and economic development.
The Governor disclosed that his administration has revitalized 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centers, and 63 dispensaries.
He also noted that 45,000 vulnerable individuals have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, alongside additional beneficiaries supported by UNICEF.
The event also featured the presentation of 45 motorcycles donated by UNICEF to enhance mobility of healthcare personnel in hard-to-reach areas, as well as a technical briefing on polio vaccination coverage by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abubakar Muhammad Noma.
