The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, is mourning the loss of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi-Umar, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, after a brief illness.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, confirmed the sad news and announced that funeral prayers and burial will be held today at 4:30 PM in Kafin Hausa, her hometown, following Islamic rites.
“With deep sorrow and submission to the will of Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of his dear mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi Umar,” Gumel stated.
He added, “The governor and his family seek prayers for her soul, asking Allah to grant her eternal rest in Jannah and comfort the bereaved family during this trying time.”
Sympathizers and dignitaries are expected to join the family in prayers and pay their last respects as arrangements for the burial unfold today.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

A surge in demand for contraceptives in Jigawa State has exposed critical gaps in the supply chain, sparking calls for urgent intervention to sustain access to family planning services.

This concern was raised in a communiqué issued at the 2024 end-of-year media review meeting on family planning and reproductive health advocacy.
The meeting, organized by the Jigawa State Family Planning Media Forum with support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communications Network (DevComs), was held at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse.
Participants at the meeting, including representatives from TCI/DevComs, the State Ministry of Health, and the media working group, reviewed the progress made in promoting family planning and reproductive health services throughout 2024.

The review highlighted that sustained advocacy and public awareness campaigns had led to increased acceptance of family planning practices among women of reproductive age across both rural and urban areas. However, the rapid rise in demand has overwhelmed existing supply systems, leading to frequent stockouts of contraceptives at health facilities.

Key challenges identified included inadequate funding for procuring and distributing family planning commodities, irregular release of funds, and affecting service continuity, limited public awareness about family planning options in underserved areas and Capacity gaps within the media working group to sustain advocacy campaigns without external support.
The communiqué called on development partners to strengthen the supply chain and expand public enlightenment campaigns on the importance of family planning for improved reproductive health and family wellbeing.
It also advocated for regular training of journalists and media personnel on sustainability strategies and effective communication approaches.

TCI and DevComs, global leaders in reproductive health support, have been working with the Jigawa State Government since early 2024 to boost service delivery through advocacy, workshops, field visits, and public campaigns
The partnership has focused on key areas, including child spacing, antenatal care, facility-based deliveries, and routine immunizations.
Stakeholders stressed that without immediate steps to address funding gaps and improve supply systems, the growing demand could derail the progress achieved in family planning awareness and adoption in Jigawa State.

End.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Al-Yaqeen Miga Waqf Foundation in Miga Local Government Area, Jigawa State, has raised over N39.7 million to provide free healthcare and education for 1,100 orphans, elderly persons, and vulnerable groups.

The chief launcher, Alhaji Sa’idu Ismaila Koya, made the largest donation of N15 million, contributing N5 million personally and N10 million on behalf of his parents.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Muhammad Garba, Chairman of the Foundation and District Head of Miga, described the foundation as a philanthropic initiative based on Islamic endowment (Waqf) principles.
“60% of the funds will be invested for sustainability, while 40% will support vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows, and the elderly,” he stated.
He added that the foundation aims to build financial independence for beneficiaries and evolve from annual Zakat collections into daily Waqf donations, accessible to all.
Dr. Hassan Hussaini Adamu, representing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), highlighted their support in health services, education, and community development across five states and 138 LGAs.
“We focus on sustainable health financing, scholarships, and vocational training to promote financial independence and inclusiveness,” he said.
The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hameem Nuhu, commended the FCDO for their support and urged citizens to donate generously, emphasizing that such acts carry spiritual rewards.
Key donors included, Speaker, Jigawa House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, N5m, Miga Local Government Council N2m, Miga Local Government Chairman N500,000.
The foundation’s chairman expressed gratitude to donors and called for continued support to sustain the program and improve lives.

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