Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has been nominated for the “Health Governor of the Year” award by Blueprint Newspaper for what the publication described as outstanding achievements in the health sector.
The Managing Director of Blueprint, Malam Salisu Umar, presented the nomination letter to the governor on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Umar said the recognition was based on the visible transformation in the health sector under the Buni administration.
“The award is intended to spur Your Excellency to continue serving your people diligently with the excellence already achieved in the health sector,” he said.
Responding, Buni commended the newspaper for its impartial assessment and recognition.
“I am happy you saw it yourselves, and your judgement was informed by what you witnessed,” the governor said.
He outlined several key projects executed under his administration, including the establishment of 140 Primary Healthcare Centres, the upgrading of six PHCs to General Hospitals, and four General Hospitals to Specialist Hospitals.
He also noted the re-equipping of the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital with modern facilities and the establishment of Nigeria’s largest maternal and child care centre.
Buni dedicated the award to the people of Yobe for their support and to health workers for their commitment.
“This award will further inspire us to serve our people better,” he said.
The governor also charged journalists to practice developmental journalism and focus more on positive developments across the country.
“Some reports are not verified and others recycle past events that are no longer news but counterproductive to economic development and national growth,” he said.
He stressed the media’s role in nation-building, urging practitioners to inspire resilience and encourage good governance through balanced reporting.
