By Our Reporter

The Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, has lauded the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (Rtd), for his firm commitment to improving reproductive health and wellbeing among adolescent girls in Nasarawa State.

Dr. Saleh made this known during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s palace, where the tikO Foundation team, led by Country Director Dr. Fatima Mustapha Bunza, engaged in community dialogue ahead of the rollout of the foundation’s programmes across the state.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Saleh described the Emir’s support as “a critical pillar for the success of interventions aimed at tackling the challenges facing adolescent girls.” He emphasized that traditional institutions play an indispensable role in mobilizing communities and sustaining public health initiatives.

He highlighted the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nasarawa State Government and tikO Nigeria, which focuses on addressing the “triple threats” confronting adolescent girls, sexual and gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, and HIV.

“Our partnership with tikO Foundation is a major step toward strengthening protections for our adolescent girls. With the backing of our revered traditional leaders, especially His Royal Highness, we are confident that this initiative will achieve meaningful and lasting impact,” Dr. Saleh stated.

Dr. Saleh expressed deep gratitude to the Emir for his warm reception and readiness to collaborate, noting that the visit was strategically scheduled ahead of the implementation phase to ensure alignment with community structures. He commended the Emir’s proactive stance on gender-based violence, especially his emphasis on prevention and holistic support for survivors.

“The Emir’s commitment sends a powerful message to the entire state. His assurance of support gives us the confidence that our collective efforts will resonate strongly within communities,” he added.

He also praised tikO Foundation’s broader African footprint in countries including South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia and reaffirmed NAPHDA’s commitment to working closely with the organization to ensure smooth execution of programmes in Nasarawa State.

The collaboration among the Nasarawa State Government, traditional institutions, and the tikO Foundation marks a strengthened resolve to safeguard the health, safety, and future of adolescent girls across the state.