Suleja Emirate joins push to strengthen healthcare in Niger State

The Emir of Suleja, Mallam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions to support the successful implementation of the New Niger Health Agenda, describing the initiative as a critical step toward improving the wellbeing of communities across the state.

The monarch made the pledge when the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, led a delegation from the state Ministry of Health and development partners on an advocacy visit to the Suleja Emirate as part of a statewide tour of Zone B.

A statement issued to journalists in Minna by the ministry’s Information Officer, Muhammad S. Abubakar, said the visit forms part of the health sector reform drive of the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and other key stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the New Niger Health Agenda.

Receiving the delegation at his palace in Suleja, the royal father commended the state government for recognising the important role of traditional rulers in mobilising communities and promoting public health initiatives.

Mallam Awwal Ibrahim assured that the emirate council would continue to work closely with the government and its partners to sensitise residents on the importance ofimmunisation, maternal and child healthcare, environmental sanitation and hospital-based deliveries.

“Traditional and religious leaders remain strategically positioned to influence community attitudes and encourage positive health-seeking behaviour among the people,” the Emir said.

In a similar vein, the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruq Bahago, also expressed support for the advocacy campaign, pledging the cooperation of the Minna Emirate in mobilising communities to embrace key health programmes, particularly routine immunisation and enrolment in the state health insurance scheme.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health highlighted the crucial role of traditional institutions in ensuring the success of the New Niger Health Agenda, noting that their influence would help address misinformation and strengthen community participation in healthcare programmes.

The advocacy visit brought together senior government officials, technical experts and development partners including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNICEF, World Health Organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Solina Group, Sydani Group, New Incentives and Chigari Foundation.

The advocacy engagements across Zone B in the Suleja Emirate are expected to further strengthen collaboration between government, traditional institutions and development partners in building a resilient and people-centred healthcare system in Niger State.