BORNO STATE ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM AND LAFIYA PROJECT TEAM UP FOR HEALTH TI3194410719699081 TRACKING

Maiduguri, Borno State - July 11, 2024: In a bid to boost transparency and accountability in the health sector, the Borno State Accountability Mechanism (BOSAM) held a workshop on budget tracking for local government focal persons, supported by the Lafiya Project, a UK-funded initiative. BOSAM is a collective effort of civil society actors, government officials, and media professionals working together to ensure accountability in governance.

Amb. Ahmed Shehu, Co-Chairman of BOSAM, expressed gratitude to the Lafiya Project for supporting the meeting, aimed at receiving assessment reports on health situations in various communities across the state. He emphasized the importance of advocating for improvement in health services, thanking the Lafiya Project for their support to BOSAM.

The event brought together local government focal persons, civil society organizations, health sector stakeholders, and the media. Participants validated assessment reports from three senatorial zones and designed a work plan to achieve set indicators. Dr. Largema Buukar, State Lead of the Lafiya Project, emphasized the project's goal of strengthening institutional capacity in health service delivery and acknowledged BOSAM's vital role in achieving this mandate.

The workshop received goodwill messages from Prof. Bukar Bakii, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, and Dr. Rukkaya Imam, Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Medical Association, reiterating their support for the accountability initiative. Amb. Bulama Abiso, Executive Director of the Network of Civil Society Organizations, Borno State, expressed the network's readiness to support the initiative.

Hussaina Mohammed, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, took participants through the workshop objectives, while Mr. Bunu, Secretary of BOSAM, inducted new members, explaining the organization's mission and goals. Each report from the three senatorial districts was presented with detailed reports on health facilities, personnel strength, accessibility, drug availability, and security of facilities, based on a standardized assessment form used by BOSAM.

The work plan includes monthly meetings of the BOSAM, establishment of BOSAM situation room, enriching reports for advocacy, and capacity building for focal persons with a clear timeline for actions. This collaborative effort is a significant step towards ensuring accountability in the health sector in Borno State, ultimately impacting citizens' lives. With a validated work plan in place, the partnership between BOSAM and the Lafiya Project is poised to drive positive change in the health sector.

WEEKEND DIGEST: Revitalizing Education in Borno: Commissioner Wakilbe's Visionary Leadership. By Aliyu Tong

Since 2019, the Governor Zulum administration has been committed to revolutionizing the education sector in Borno. A key aspect of this reform has been the revitalization of the School Quality Assurance Unit, spearheaded by Commissioner of Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe. 

With unwavering dedication, Engr. Wakilbe has prioritized the Governor's vision, ensuring that effective teaching and learning become the hallmark of Borno's education system. Through regular school supervisions conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of each term, and unscheduled supervision carried out as needed, Commissioner Wakilbe has led by example, inspiring a culture of excellence among teachers and students alike.

The impact of this reform has been remarkable. Teachers' attendance and performance have significantly improved, while student enrollment and retention have increased. Most notably, academic performance has shown a remarkable upsurge, with 70% of students who sat for SSCE exams achieving five credits and above, including English and Mathematics. This impressive feat is a testament to the Commissioner's unwavering commitment to excellence.

In addition, Governor Zulum has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to education by reconstructing, rehabilitating, and newly constructing almost 70% of schools in the state, providing modern learning facilities for students. Furthermore, the recruitment of qualified teachers to staff these schools has ensured that students receive quality education. This comprehensive approach has transformed the education sector in Borno, providing a solid foundation for the future.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to education have been instrumental in driving this transformation. His administration's dedication to rebuilding and strengthening the education sector has created a solid foundation for a brighter future for the children of Borno State. The governor's efforts have not only improved access to quality education but also restored hope and inspiration to a generation of young minds. His leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and a passion for the development of others.

Education is the bedrock of every community, and Borno State has made tremendous strides in revitalizing its education sector, defying the odds of insurgency and displacement. Commissioner of Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, has been instrumental in spearheading this transformation, restoring hope to a generation of young minds and providing them with access to quality education. Despite the challenges posed by insurgency and displacement, Commissioner Wakilbe's leadership has inspired a new era of progress in education. His unwavering commitment has instilled a sense of purpose among teachers and students, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience. The remarkable improvement in teacher attendance, with a 90% increase, is a testament to the Commissioner's dedication to ensuring that students receive the guidance they need.

As education remains the bedrock of every community, Borno State's remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future, where peace, development, and progress reign supreme.