By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Petty women traders in Jigawa State have urged the government to restructure its tax policy to address gender-based marginalization and promote fairness in taxation.

Speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on gender-responsive tax reforms, organized by Prime Initiative for Development with support from Christian Aid and CISLAC, the women called for tax relief for female-led businesses in the informal sector.

Hajiya Fatima Halliru Haruna, leader of the Dutse women traders’ group, emphasized the need for policymakers to reform tax policies to support women entrepreneurs, acknowledging the unique challenges they face.
She noted that women juggle business with domestic responsibilities, limiting their working hours compared to men, yet they are taxed equally.

Executive Director of Prime Initiative, Comrade Muhammad Abdu Dutse, stated that the workshop aimed to equip CSOs and women’s groups with advocacy skills to engage policymakers on tax reforms that promote equity and inclusion. He urged participants to apply their knowledge to push for fairer tax policies in Jigawa State.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Jigawa State has recorded a remarkable reduction in under-five mortality, dropping from 213 to 161 per 1,000 live births between 2018 and 2024, according to the latest National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS).
The announcement was made by UNICEF Nigeria Country Director, Ms. Christian Maundaute, during the official handover of the GAVI PHC-MoU project to the state government in Dutse.

Represented by Dr. Shyam Sharan Pathak, Chief of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, Maundaute attributed the progress to key health interventions and partnerships, particularly through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).
Over the past three years, the GAVI PHC-MoU initiative has played a critical role in improving child health and strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system. Some major milestones included, 29,530 people enrolled in health insurance across six LGAs through 65 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), 416,250 adolescent girls (70%) vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Four-fold increase in measles vaccination coverage.
Others are, Five-fold rise in antenatal care (ANC) attendance, Four-fold increase in skilled birth attendance (SBA), Expansion of vaccine storage with new walk-in cold rooms, freezers, and solar-powered refrigerators, Strengthening vaccine distribution with three additional vehicles and Recruitment of 330 healthcare workers absorbed into the government workforce, with an additional 924 hired by the state.
Receiving the project on behalf of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, Deputy Governor Eng. Aminu Usman reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to sustaining the healthcare improvements achieved under the MoU.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Jigawa’s 12-Point Agenda, which prioritizes primary healthcare transformation at the grassroots level. Since the MoU was signed in 2022, the project has facilitated healthcare access for over 143,000 beneficiaries across the state’s 27 local government areas.

The governor also lauded UNICEF, GAVI, and other development partners for their contributions and urged continued investment in health worker retention, outreach programs, and data-driven decision-making to sustain progress.
Maundaute acknowledged Jigawa State’s N879.25 million co-financing commitment toward the initiative and praised the government for allocating 15.6% of its budget to health. However, she stressed the need for Increased funding and oversight to maintain current results, Strengthened health worker retention strategies, Sustained outreach services and medical equipment maintenance and Enhanced data collection for informed decision-making.

As Jigawa moves forward, stakeholders remain optimistic that the progress made in reducing child mortality and improving healthcare services will continue, ensuring better health outcomes for future generations.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enhance peace advocacy and national unity in the state.
This was disclosed by the Jigawa State CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Maurice K. Hassan, during a courtesy visit to the Jigawa State Director of NOA, Alhaji Tijjani Ibrahim, at his office in Dutse.
Rev. Fr. Hassan emphasized that peace and unity are the foundation of any society’s development.
He stated that CAN will expan collaborating with NOA to enhance public enlightenment and advocacy programs across the state.

“CAN has made it a priority to advocate, preach, and pray for peace and national unity in all church congregations, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
He also commended the Jigawa State Government under Governor Malam Umar Namadi for its inclusive approach, noting that Christian communities have been considered in government interventions and palliative distributions.
While receiving the CAN delegation, NOA Director, Alhaji Tijjani Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for the association’s commitment to national unity.
He stressed that peace and national cohesion are essential for development, stating, “There can be no progress in a society plagued by crisis and division.”
Alhaji Ibrahim called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s leadership for sustainable development and the strengthening of democracy.
During the visit, CAN also expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for its role in ensuring road safety.
Fr. Hassan assured the VIO leadership of CAN’s commitment to encouraging its members to comply with road safety regulations.
In response, the Jigawa State VIO Director acknowledged the visit as a historic moment, stating that it was the first time religious leaders had formally recognized their work. He pledged that VIO would continue to work towards ensuring safety on highways and protecting lives and property.
The CAN delegation included the association’s Secretary, Treasurer, and representatives from the Youth and Women wings.