According to a statement from Bola Ajao, Senior Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat, Adedalapo Fasawe, the FCT was awarded the runner-up title for “Best Performing and Most Improved State,” receiving a cash prize of $400,000. This recognition highlights the territory's innovative practices and exceptional performance in enhancing the Primary Health Care system in alignment with Universal Health Coverage among other states for the year 2024.
In total, 14 awards were distributed, with one awarded per geo-political zone and an additional national award. Notable winners included Gombe state, which received the award for “Best Implemented Innovation,” and Anambra, which was honored with the “Overall Best Performance” award for this edition.
This year's event was chaired by Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, with representation from former FCT Minister Alh. Aliyu Madibbo.
The PHC Leadership Challenge award was initiated in 2022 by the Nigeria Governors Forum to enhance and evaluate the Primary Health Care system nationwide. The inaugural edition took place in 2023.
In light of this significant achievement, Fasawe remarked, “This award highlights the strategic leadership of the FCT Minister in investing in healthcare and the reliable services provided daily at PHC centres throughout the territory, with more advancements on the horizon.”
Fasawe highlighted that the healthcare system in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) effectively leverages the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, resulting in notable enhancements in antenatal care coverage. This includes a higher percentage of women utilizing modern contraceptive methods and an increased number of deliveries attended by skilled professionals. These improvements stem from various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and educating vulnerable women about the significance of accessing quality healthcare services available in their vicinity.
Fasawe expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, along with other stakeholders, urging them to intensify their efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the commitment to strengthen and enhance primary healthcare systems in Nigeria.
During the event, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Ruqqaya Wamako, represented the HSE Secretariat, accompanied by Dr. Salamatu Belgore, the Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, who accepted the award on behalf of the Secretariat.
The statement further noted the presence of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, along with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, at the award ceremony.