Every so often, a public official does something refreshingly simple yet profoundly impactful: they show up. Not with a convoy of noise or a speech laced with politics, but with open ears, humility, and a readiness to work. That’s exactly what Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), always demonstrated in all his engagement tours across several communities around Lafia.

Last weekend as usual he embarked on such tours which it took him to various Majalisars within Lafia town and it’s environs.

For example from Akurba to Mararaba Kayarda, Dr. Saleh didn’t just pass through, he engaged, listened, and took action on the spot. In a time when communities often feel neglected or only remembered during election season, his visit carried a different tone. His visits were not only personal but down to earth.

Take Anguwan Rare, for example. Residents voiced their concerns, and instead of promising to “look into it,” he immediately appointed a female health attendant for their Primary Healthcare Center. This Acton alone shows how responsive Dr Saleh is in terms of promoting health related issues.

Or consider Wakwa Baba, where Dr. Saleh not only promised essential hospital equipment to start up services but also committed to hiring two health workers from within the community. That’s how you boost healthcare access and empower residents at the same time: create jobs where people live, for the people who live there.

Then there’s Dr. Saleh’s decision to approve midwife positions in Agyaragun Tasha and Agyaragun Toffa. Again, he didn’t just acknowledge the other problems these two communities sought for solutions from him, but he provided them the practical solutions.

But perhaps the most striking part of Dr. Saleh’s visits wasn’t the pronouncements of his gestures and the tune of pronouncements but rather the urgencies gestures are being carried out.

In all the Communities visited,  members repeatedly said they appreciated that Dr. Saleh gestures came without political undertones. They remembered his past actions too, like prioritizing local youth in recent recruitment drives. When people feel seen and included, it strengthens trust, hence, trust is the foundation of effective governance.

What stands out about Dr. Saleh’s approach is that it blends leadership with presence. He didn’t wait for reports to land on his desk; he visited the places where issues begin. He didn’t assume what communities needed; he asked and addressed concerns in real time. That’s the kind of leadership people crave.

As Dr. Saleh  ended up his tours on Saturday, the gratitude from residents was palpable. They weren’t thanking him alon, they were thanking Governor  Sule for finding someone like Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh to spearhead the affairs of NAPHDA at this critical time. Someone willing to step into their world, understand their struggles, and commit to making things better.

If this kind of engagement continues, the bond between NAPHDA and the communities it serves will only grow stronger. More importantly, healthcare delivery in Nasarawa State stands to improve in a way that feels grounded in real lives, not boardroom strategy.

In a world where leadership often feels distant, Dr. Saleh’s engagements reminds us of a simple truth: good governance starts with showing concerns to the plight of the people.