By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State Chapter of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has lauded the state government for its progress in reducing the stunting rate among children, which dropped from 64% to 55% in 2023.

The commendation came during an advocacy visit to the Ministry of Agriculture, led by the CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Comrade Shu’aibu Musa Kafingana.
He attributed this improvement to the strong partnership between the state government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working on nutrition.

Speaking during the visit, Comrade Kafingana said:
“The stunting rate in Jigawa State was previously 64%. Recent data shows significant improvement, with the rate now at 55%. This progress reflects the combined efforts of the government and NGOs in creating awareness and implementing interventions.”

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for its contributions, particularly in addressing malnutrition among children and lactating mothers. However, he highlighted the need for consistent budgetary provisions and timely fund releases for nutrition-sensitive programs under the Jigawa State Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (JARDA).
“JARDA plays a critical role in preventing malnutrition, but we’ve observed gaps in budget allocations and releases, which need to be addressed for sustained progress,” he said.
Kafingana emphasized that CS-SUNN is a robust network advocating for better nutrition across Nigeria. With over 400 member organizations, CS-SUNN’s mission is to make Nigeria a nation where every citizen is food and nutrition secure.
He outlined the group’s strategic focus areas, which include partnerships, advocacy, capacity building, evidence-based interventions, and institutionalizing nutrition movements.
“We work closely with government bodies, policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders to drive awareness and actions that combat malnutrition, aligning with national and international nutrition goals,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ilyasu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing malnutrition. He emphasized the administration’s focus on food security, a priority under the 12-point agenda of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s administration.

Addressing concerns about JARDA’s funding, Alhaji Ilyasu clarified:
“Nutrition budgets are allocated annually under JARDA. However, last year, funds were not released, possibly due to the absence of a formal request. Ensuring such requests are made will streamline fund access in the future.”

The ministry assured stakeholders of its readiness to strengthen partnerships and sustain efforts to combat malnutrition in Jigawa State.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

In a major welfare boost, the Jigawa State Government has disbursed over N1.54 billion as retirement and death benefits to 609 civil servants and deceased workers’ families.
The payments, covering retirees from August to December 2024, were announced in a statement by Mr. Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse, the Public Relations Officer of the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Flagging off the payments at the Pension House in Dutse, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State and Local Government Pension Board, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, revealed the categorization of recipients to include 465 Retirees, paid a total of N1.17 billion after attaining 35 years in service or reaching the retirement age of 60 years.
“The second categories of 103 staff are those who died while on active service, where their relations were paid the sum of N315,023,121.01, while the third batch consist of 39 retirees who retired from service and started receiving monthly pension but died before reaching their minimum period of five years after retirement. These people were paid N54,193,759.77million”.

Others are two Contributors Below Five Years – Paid N749,010 plus 15% interest, adhering to pension law requirements for minimum contributions.
Dr. Aminu emphasized the state government’s dedication to prompt payment of pensions and entitlements, ensuring retirees’ well-being and fostering a fulfilled life after service.
He praised Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for prioritizing pensioners’ welfare, noting that the payments had boosted retirees’ morale and eased their post-service lives.
The Executive Secretary cautioned pensioners to avoid fraudsters, stressing that the Board’s services are free of charge and governed by strict pension regulations.
Dr. Aminu further urged citizens to support the government’s shared prosperity agenda through prayers and cooperation, envisioning a Jigawa where comfort and security are guaranteed for all.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government, acknowledging the timely intervention as a step toward improving pension administration and retirees’ welfare in Jigawa State.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has expressed deep concern over the poor sanitary conditions in public spaces, particularly in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities and local government secretariats across the state.

The governor, represented by his Technical Adviser on Healthcare Services, Malam Isah Surajo, voiced his concerns during the disbursement of consumable and non-consumable items to PHC facilities in the state.
Surajo lamented the unhygienic state of some PHC clinics and government offices, describing them as unfit for human occupation. He stated, “It is disheartening that one cannot sit down comfortably or even drink water in some of these offices, let alone medical facilities.”
He urged Heads of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Departments in the 27 local government areas to prioritize cleanliness, not limiting sanitation exercises to the last Saturday of every month. Instead, he advocated for daily sanitation activities to maintain proper hygiene standards.

“The poor sanitary condition of such places can pose serious health risks, especially to children, exposing them to communicable diseases,” Surajo emphasized.

He stressed the importance of extending sanitation efforts beyond individual homes to public spaces, urging officials to work closely with PHC managers to ensure health facilities remain clean and safe.

Surajo also directed the WASH officials to expand their operations, involve health facility heads, and implement measures that would make clinics as hygienic as personal homes.

The governor’s aide highlighted the availability of environmental health workers in PHC facilities and assured that where additional support is needed, the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and council chairmen would provide assistance.

Surajo further warned against mismanagement or diversion of the distributed items, urging officials to use them judiciously to benefit the intended facilities and communities.