Joy and gratitude filled the air in Damaturu on Tuesday as the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Board (YSPHCB), Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, hosted a walimah celebration at his residence to mark a major national milestone—Yobe State’s emergence as 1st Position, 2025 National Champion in the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge.
The modest but symbolic gathering drew health sector stakeholders, community leaders, colleagues and well-wishers who converged to thank God for what many described as a historic breakthrough for Yobe’s health system.
Yobe’s top finish in the highly competitive PHC Leadership Challenge places the state ahead of its peers nationwide, underscoring years of sustained reforms, innovation and commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery. Observers say the achievement reflects strong teamwork across all levels of the primary healthcare system, backed by strategic leadership and political will.
Speaking informally at the walimah, Dr. Machina expressed deep gratitude to Almighty Allah and dedicated the victory to the Yobe State Government, health workers across the state, development partners and frontline personnel who kept primary healthcare services running even in the most challenging circumstances.
“This achievement belongs to Yobe State—our health workers, our partners, and our communities,” he said, describing the national recognition as a motivation to do more rather than a reason to rest.
The PHC Leadership Challenge is designed to assess states on leadership, governance, service delivery, innovation and impact at the primary healthcare level—areas where Yobe has steadily built a strong reputation.
As prayers were offered and congratulations poured in, the walimah became more than a personal celebration; it turned into a moment of collective pride for Yobe State—one that signals the state’s growing stature as a national model for primary healthcare excellence.
