* Graduates First Cohort, Inaugurates Second Cohort of 34 Fellows
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has charged beneficiaries of the National Health Fellowship Programme to apply their professional skills in healthcare planning, data collection and service delivery across the state’s 34 local government areas.
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A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the Governor gave the charge yesterday, during the graduation ceremony of the first cohort and inauguration of the second cohort, with 34 fellows completing the programme and another 34 commencing the next phase.
Radda said the programme aligned with his administration’s commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment and healthcare reforms under the Building Your Future Agenda.
“Our young people have the talent, knowledge and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of our state. What they need are opportunities, the right training and an enabling environment to demonstrate their abilities,” he said.
The Governor emphasised that the fellows were selected through screening, examinations and interviews, describing the process as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to merit, transparency and fairness.
“We believe in merit and equal opportunity. Those selected must earn their positions through competence, dedication and hard work. We will not compromise established procedures or sacrifice merit for personal interests,” he stated.
Radda stressed that reliable data was essential for effective governance, particularly in identifying healthcare gaps, allocating resources and measuring the impact of government interventions.
“I expect the fellows to use their skills to support informed decisions, strengthen healthcare planning and improve health outcomes, particularly at the grassroots level,” he noted.
He said the state government remained committed to strengthening primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions to expand access to essential services.
The Governor commended the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for introducing the programme, while appreciating the Katsina State Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies for supporting its implementation.
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He congratulated the graduating fellows and urged the incoming cohort to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, integrity and dedication to public service.
“You are ambassadors of your respective local government areas and Katsina State as a whole. I urge you to discharge your responsibilities professionally and remain committed to improving the lives of our people,” Radda said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, said the programme was strengthening the state’s healthcare system by equipping young professionals with the skills required for effective health sector planning and implementation.
Funtua explained that the fellows were selected through a rigorous, merit-based process and deployed across the 34 local government areas to support data collection, information gathering and healthcare monitoring.
“Accurate information helps government identify gaps, determine priorities and ensure that interventions reach the communities where they are most needed,” the Commissioner said.
He commended Governor Radda for supporting healthcare reforms and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to public service. He also urged both cohorts to remain professional and committed to their responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KTSCHMA), Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Safana, commended the fellows for supporting the enrolment of 140,000 poor and vulnerable residents under the Katsina State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
Safana said the fellows played a significant role in reaching underserved populations, particularly residents of remote communities, during the enrolment exercise.
“The fellows played an important role in reaching vulnerable residents during the enrolment exercise. We appreciate their commitment and the support they provided in helping us extend healthcare coverage to people in our communities,” he said.
He disclosed that the agency planned to collaborate with the second cohort on the next phase of enrolment, expected to commence in November 2026, with activities scheduled across the state’s 361 wards.
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Safana said the agency would continue working with relevant stakeholders to expand healthcare coverage and improve access to services across Katsina State.
Those in attendance included the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; members of the State Executive Council; heads of ministries, departments and agencies; senior government officials; representatives of relevant health sector institutions; members of the graduating first cohort; and the incoming second cohort.
