WAHO: Stronger Regional Cooperation Vital to Safeguard West Africa’s Health

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has marked its 39th anniversary with a bold declaration that the future of healthcare in the ECOWAS region hinges on stronger regional cooperation, sustainable financing, technological innovation and preparedness against emerging health threats.

In a landmark anniversary statement issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agency, WAHO Director-General, Dr. Melchior Aïssi, reflected on nearly four decades of regional health collaboration, while outlining an ambitious roadmap aimed at tackling some of the most pressing health challenges confronting West Africa.

Founded on July 9, 1987, by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), WAHO was established to coordinate regional responses to health emergencies, harmonise health policies and strengthen healthcare systems across member states. Dr. Aïssi said the organisation has remained steadfast in pursuing that vision despite evolving political and institutional realities.

Describing the anniversary as particularly significant because it coincides with the completion of his tenure as Director-General, Aïssi said the organisation had weathered numerous challenges while recording remarkable achievements through collective commitment by ECOWAS institutions, member states and development partners.

According to him, even the relocation of WAHO’s headquarters to Côte d’Ivoire and wider changes within the ECOWAS community failed to slow the organisation’s momentum.

Instead, he noted, the developments underscored the resilience of the institution and the dedication of its workforce.

The Director-General highlighted several major initiatives pursued over the past year, including efforts to strengthen national health systems, promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, mobilise protected domestic resources for healthcare financing and expand implementation of the regional community health policy.

One of the defining milestones, he said, came during the 27th Assembly of ECOWAS Ministers of Health held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where ministers adopted far-reaching regional policy instruments expected to shape healthcare delivery for years to come.

Among the landmark decisions were the adoption of a Regional Framework for Malaria Elimination, the Freetown Charter on technology and data-driven reduction of maternal, neonatal and infant mortality, regional recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding and new commitments to strengthen domestic financing for healthcare.

Aïssi described the decisions as evidence of a growing determination among ECOWAS member states to build more resilient, innovative and equitable health systems capable of delivering quality healthcare to millions across the sub-region.

The Director-General also welcomed renewed confidence expressed by ECOWAS Ministers of Health in WAHO’s leadership and performance, saying the recognition belonged to the organisation’s staff, member states and partners whose commitment enabled the institution to achieve results despite operating under difficult conditions.

Looking beyond the anniversary celebrations, Aïssi warned that West Africa faces increasingly complex health threats requiring coordinated regional action.

He identified health security, emerging and re-emerging diseases, climate change, digital transformation of healthcare systems, regional pharmaceutical production and sustainable financing as critical priorities that demand stronger collaboration among governments and stakeholders.

“I remain deeply convinced that the future of our Organisation rests on this collective capacity to innovate, to pool our experiences and to act together for the benefit of our populations,” he said.

Paying tribute to those who have contributed to WAHO’s journey over the past 39 years, Aïssi praised ECOWAS leaders, ministers of health, healthcare professionals, technical and financial partners, and the organisation’s staff for building what he described as one of Africa’s leading regional health institutions.

He expressed confidence that WAHO would continue to advance the vision of universal access to quality healthcare for every woman, man and child in West Africa through sustained support from member states and international partners.

WAHO: Stronger Regional Cooperation Vital to Safeguard West Africa’s Health

Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies

By: Zagazola Makama

The Christopher Gwabin Musa has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s current security challenges will soon be overcome, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

Musa made the remarks on Wednesday in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles procured by the Sokoto State Government for deployment by various security agencies operating in the state.

The security assets, valued at about N27.7 billion, are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The defence chief stressed the need for security personnel to remain resolute in confronting criminal elements, while urging Nigerians to regard security as a collective responsibility through timely intelligence sharing and community support.

He described Sokoto as his home state, recalling that he was born and raised there, and commended the efforts of the state government in sustaining peace despite recent security challenges in some parts of the state.

According to him, the administration of Ahmed Aliyu has consistently supported security agencies with critical logistics, noting that the latest intervention would further boost troop morale and operational effectiveness.

Musa appealed to other state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Sokoto Government by supporting security agencies with logistics and other resources needed to combat insecurity.

He also said that security remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across the country.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles would be deployed to identified flashpoints to strengthen ongoing operations against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The governor said the intervention was aimed at improving the operational efficiency of security agencies and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.

He disclosed that his administration had previously spent more than N36.27 billion on similar logistics support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in Sokoto State.

Aliyu further revealed that the Sokoto State House of Assembly was considering legislation that would prescribe sanctions for informants aiding criminal groups, similar to those imposed on bandits.

He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority under his administration’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda and commended the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and stakeholders for their continued efforts in addressing insecurity.

The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his sustained support towards improving the nation’s security architecture.

In his remarks, the Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the governor for his sustained investment in security, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to the protection of lives and property in the state.

Sokoto donates 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles to security agencies

President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the strategic highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration, and national security.

The two road projects, regarded as economic lifelines of North-East Nigeria, serves as key gateways to neighbouring African countries, which will bolster cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen security operations in a region recovering from over a decade of insurgency.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

The Vice President said the rehabilitation of the roads would improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State.”

The President also commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a strong partnership with the Federal Government.

“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions are united by the urgency of service. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” Tinubu stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole.

“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Governor Zulum also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The Governor equally praised his representative Vice President Shettima for his sustained support towards the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

“Your Excellency, your personal interest in the reconstruction and development of our state continues to inspire confidence among our people. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and steadfast commitment.” said Zulum.

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

He recalled the construction of Dangote Village, the donation of ₦1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ₦1 billion to the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood, and the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons.

“Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, thousands of displaced persons received food and non-food items. Essentially, in 2017, he donated 106 trucks of food to IDPs.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote has also donated ₦1.5 billion to NEMA to support flood victims in Borno State in the year 2024.”

Governor Zulum assured that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure value for money and strict compliance with quality standards. He also appealed to the Minister of Works to grant the Borno State Government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers using the roads intermittently.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.

The ceremony was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori; senators; members of the House of Representatives; the Shehu of Borno, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa; ministers; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; APC leaders; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service; the Acting Chief of Staff; commissioners; heads of government agencies; and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects