By Rayyanu Bala

Precisely seven months ago today, Nasarawa State, through the dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment of the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHDA), Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, secured a prestigious award at the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards and Gala Night held in Abuja on 12 December 2025.
The award was presented under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, implemented in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and UNICEF, with support from the Gates Foundation.
This remarkable achievement brought pride and recognition to Nasarawa State, highlighting its outstanding progress and commitment to strengthening primary health care delivery and improving the health and well-being of its people.
This award reflects the quality of the leadership behind it. The December recognition of Nasarawa State as the North Central winner of the 2025 Nigeria Governors’ Forum Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, with a prize of US$500,000, is one such milestone.
While this achievement belongs to Nasarawa State, it is difficult to speak about the state’s remarkable progress in primary healthcare without acknowledging the man at the helm of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh.
Leadership is measured not by speeches but by results. Under Dr. Saleh’s stewardship, the agency has continued to demonstrate that vision, commitment, and strategic planning can transform healthcare delivery. His calm disposition, administrative competence, and unwavering dedication have contributed immensely to strengthening primary healthcare across the state, factors that enabled Nasarawa State to secure this prestigious award.
It is worth stating that primary healthcare remains the foundation of every effective health system. It is the first point of contact for mothers, children, families, and communities seeking quality healthcare. Improving this sector requires more than good intentions; it demands discipline, innovation, teamwork, and a leader who understands that every policy must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary people.
Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh has consistently demonstrated these qualities. Those who have followed the activities of the agency since his assumption of office can attest to its growing visibility and impact. From expanding access to essential health services to supporting immunisation programmes, improving maternal and child health, and strengthening healthcare systems across the local government areas, the agency has continued to record impressive milestones.
The US$500,000 award represents more than financial support. It is a national acknowledgment that Nasarawa State is moving in the right direction. Such recognition does not happen by chance. It is earned through deliberate planning, effective implementation, accountability, and the collective efforts of Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, healthcare workers, and development partners working towards a common goal.
Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh has distinguished himself as a leader whose commitment continues to inspire confidence. His ability to coordinate programmes, motivate his team, and pursue excellence has helped position the agency among the most respected primary healthcare institutions in the country.
Every successful institution thrives because someone accepts responsibility, embraces challenges, and remains focused even when the work goes unnoticed. Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh exemplifies that kind of leadership. Rather than seeking applause, he has remained committed to delivering measurable improvements in healthcare services for the people of Nasarawa State.
As we remember this remarkable achievement, it is equally important to appreciate those whose daily efforts make such victories possible. Recognition serves as encouragement to do even more, and there is every reason to believe that Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh and his team will continue to build on this momentum.
Congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, for providing the leadership and support that have enabled meaningful reforms in the health sector in Nasarawa State. Congratulations also to the dedicated healthcare workers across the state whose sacrifices keep the system running every day.
Above all, congratulations to Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, whose leadership of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency continues to earn admiration and respect. May this milestone mark the beginning of even greater accomplishments. May wisdom, strength, and divine guidance continue to accompany Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh as he advances primary healthcare and improves the well-being of every resident of Nasarawa State.
There is no gainsaying the fact that when dedicated leadership meets purposeful governance, excellence becomes inevitable. This is indeed, what we are witnessing in Nasarawa State today, under Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh.