The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib says he is spurred to do more towards the realization of the mandates of the agency.
Dr. Shuaib made this known while playing host to the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Muhammad Bage at the headquarters of the agency in Abuja.
He said that he was truly overwhelmed with emotions, deep sense of humility and gratitude to have the highest honour bestowed on him by the visit of the monarch in recognition of the work the agency is doing for the children and people of Nigeria.
The Executive Director also said that the visit was first of its kind as the monarch is the first traditional leader to lead the traditional council of a state to his office to congratulate him on his recent reappointment.
“The visit is the first of its kind; in one’s life there are very important points of reflection, fund memories, and this is perhaps the highest,” Dr Shuaib said
The Chief Executive Officer noted that the presence of the monarch will further enhance the bond between traditional institutions and the agency, given the long and fruitful collaboration that ensued during the fight against the Wild Polio Virus in Nigeria, through the establishment of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare on polio eradication.
He stressed that the visit “is not only a testimony to your humble character and your love for the people of Nasarawa State, but a clear appreciation of President’s Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts, and all stakeholders including every staff of NPHCDA.”
Earlier, the Royal father, Justice Sidi Muhammad Bage said that he was in the agency to congratulate the Executive Director on his reappointment by President Muhammad Buhari.
He said the visit was conceived and debated by the entire Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs to say thank you to everyone in the agency who has contributed to the success of the son of the Nasarawa State, Dr. Faisal Shuaib.
The monarch also said that the state was elated when the news of the reappointment of Dr. Shuaib filtered into the state and that the council will soon visit President Muhammadu Buhari to also say a big thank you for extending the tenure of one of the illustrious sons of the state.
He however called on the management and staff of the NPHCDA to further support the Executive Director as he alone cannot do the work of the agency, adding that the ED has done the state proud and the state is proud of him.
He assured the ED that the people of Nasarawa State will continue to pray for him to do even more than he did during his first tenure in office.
In a remark, the Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Board and Chairman, Forum of Executive Secretaries of States Primary Healthcare Development Boards, Dr. Adis Muhammad said that the delegation was in the agency to felicitate with ED on his reappointment, noting that the extension of the ED’s tenure did not come to the people of the state as a surprise given the successes recorded.
He said that by winning the fight against polio, Dr. Shuaib has not only made Nasarawa State and Nigeria proud but the entire black race.
Dr. Adis pointed out that the ED should be rest assured that all the people of Nasarawa State are solidly behind him in his quest to transform the primary healthcare space in Nigeria.
On his part, the Chairman, NPHCDA Governing Board, Mr. Attahiru Salihu Aliero said that he is delighted to work with Dr. Faisal Shuaib who is hardworking and listens to advice.
