News from Jigawa
NPC, FMOH Assess Success of VASA Study in Jigawa
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The National Population Commission (NPC) in Jigawa State has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Study, currently underway to address issues surrounding maternal and child mortality rates.
Speaking on behalf of NPC, Alhaji Garba Zakar, the NPC Federal Commissioner for Jigawa, acknowledged the ongoing efforts and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to identify the social and medical factors linked to high maternal and child mortality rates. Represented by the NPC State Director, Alhaji Kassim D. Muhammad, Zakar detailed how the study, launched on November 4, is being conducted across 23 local government areas in Jigawa, organized into 34 clusters for more accurate and effective data collection.
“The National Population Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, began this 2024 VASA Study nationwide, including here in Jigawa State,” said Alhaji Zakar. “The exercise targets 23 local government areas, organized into 34 clusters, to uncover the causes of maternal and child mortality across the communities.”
The VASA Study, Alhaji Zakar explained, serves as a follow-up to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2023-2024. The survey revisits households from the NDHS to collect new data that will allow the government to address biomedical and social factors behind the deaths of children under five and women of reproductive age. The findings are expected to play a critical role in shaping health policies and interventions aimed at preventing such deaths.
In Jigawa, the NPC and FMOH have partnered successfully in the past with state agencies, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, resulting in multiple impactful health projects. “We are confident that this collaboration will once again ensure the success of the VASA Study,” he added.
The current phase of the study is expected to continue until December 15, covering selected communities throughout the state. Alhaji Zakar praised the support of the state government, local partners, and community leaders and called on all residents to participate fully for the success of the initiative.
News from Jigawa
Gov. Namadi Launches N10.8 Billion Gully Erosion Control Project in Jigawa
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has officially launched a N10.88 billion gully erosion control project aimed at mitigating the devastating impact of gully erosion on communities in Dutse, the state capital.
The project, titled the Danmasara-Kalgo-Yalwawa Erosion Control Project, spans seven kilometers and is being funded under the World Bank-assisted ACReSAL Project, in collaboration with the state government’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Namadi highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability as a core priority of his administration.
He emphasized its role in combating perennial flooding, desertification, land degradation, and the loss of forest reserves.
The Governor explained that the environmental challenges have posed significant setbacks to the state’s efforts to improve livelihoods and promote agricultural resilience.
“This project is a direct response to the long-standing environmental challenges faced by the Danmasara, Kalgo, and Yalwawa communities,” Governor Namadi said.
“For decades, gully erosion has been destroying farmlands, roads, homes, and livelihoods, while endangering lives and properties. Tackling this issue is now a priority for us.”
The project will include the construction of U-shaped gravity-driven drainage structures, dozens of culverts, and reinforced concrete structures to prevent further erosion, reclaiming over 400 hectares of land in the process. The initiative is expected to improve the livelihoods of thousands of households affected by the erosion.
Governor Namadi also announced that the project would be executed by Alren Construction Company and Retercha Company Limited, each handling specific segments of the project.
He disclosed that over N189 million in compensation will be paid to 479 individuals affected by the project, covering land, economic trees, crops, and resettlement costs.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to the environment and the welfare of our people,” Governor Namadi added, reinforcing his administration’s focus on sustainable development.
News from Jigawa
Bold Move for Progress; Birninkudu LG Boss Empowers 900 Youth, Women in 53 Days
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In an unprecedented stride toward development, the Chairman of Birninkudu Local Government Council in Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Uba, has recruited 660 teachers, health workers, and agricultural extension officers while launching empowerment programs for 240 women all within just 53 days of assuming office.
Speaking during the launch of 47 solar-powered boreholes by Governor Malam Umar Namadi at Masaya village, Uba highlighted the council’s swift achievements under the governor’s twelve-point agenda, which focuses on water supply, education, health, agriculture, peace, and youth empowerment.
In education, the council introduced the “BTeach” initiative, employing 300 NCE holders to fill critical gaps in schools.
“This demonstrates our commitment to improving educational outcomes and equipping our youth for success,” Uba said.
In healthcare, 200 young professionals were recruited exceeding initial targets to meet the rising demand for quality services.
“This bold move not only enhances healthcare delivery but also provides meaningful employment,” he added.
The council engaged 40 youths in dry farming to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Additionally, security partnerships have been strengthened to ensure peace and stability in the area.
Nine motorcycles will soon be procured for Special Assistants tasked with monitoring education and healthcare projects.
On November 30, the council will begin a skills acquisition program for 240 women, fostering economic independence.
Beneficiaries were selected from all eleven wards to ensure inclusivity.
In water resources, over 100 boreholes were repaired, heavy boosters rehabilitated, and a major generator overhauled at a cost of ₦5 million.
Furthermore, the council has committed to providing scholarships for 140 medical students and plans to renovate the local government secretariat and construct a 1.5-kilometer feeder road to ease traffic.
“We are deeply honored by your visit and grateful for the love and support you continue to show Birninkudu,” Uba told Governor Namadi.
These initiatives underscored the council’s dedication to creating sustainable growth, ensuring that every citizen has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
News from Jigawa
Jigawa Speaker Facilitates Return of 8,000 Out-of-School Children
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, has spearheaded the enrollment of 8,000 out-of-school children into primary and junior secondary schools across his constituency.
Speaking at Sabuwar Dalam Primary School in Miga Local Government Area, where educational materials were distributed to newly enrolled students, Dangyatin highlighted the focus on supporting vulnerable children.
“Most of these children come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans who lacked the means to access education,” he said.
Dangyatin explained that the initiative is part of a larger effort following an agreement between Jigawa lawmakers and UNICEF, reached during a meeting in Kaduna.
The meeting analyzed UNICEF’s report on the state’s out-of-school children, prompting lawmakers to take action.
“Our journey to enroll 8,000 out-of-school children began today with 300 children from Sabuwar Dalam. We’ve adopted strategies such as widespread sensitization on the value of education and the provision of essential supplies like uniforms, school bags, and exercise books to create a supportive learning environment,” Dangyatin stated.
He added that the state legislature had collectively committed to enrolling 40% of the state’s out-of-school children. He praised Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his support and called on parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join efforts in ensuring children stay in school.
Representing the governor at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, commended the Speaker’s initiative.
He urged all stakeholders to play their part, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the administration’s twelve-point agenda, which prioritizes education.
Malam Bala Ibrahim also highlighted key achievements under Governor Namadi’s leadership, including the recruitment of 6,000 teachers, the allocation of 32% of the state budget to education, and the establishment of the Ministry of Basic Education.
This initiative is a major milestone in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children in Jigawa, paving the way for a more inclusive and educated future.
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