By Iyemah David
The Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation (AMG Foundation) has unveiled an initiative to celebrate health journalism excellence and honour Nigeria’s unsung healthcare heroes; the frontline workers at primary healthcare facilities.
The awards, scheduled to take place later in the are designed to spotlight the contributions of journalists and healthcare workers in improving public health outcomes in the country.
Chairman of the foundation, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba said this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the 3rd Annual Award of Excellence for Abuja Frontline Health Workers.
Dr Magashi shared the motivation behind the initiative, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era.
“We were inspired to create this award to recognise the incredible work being done by health workers, especially those at the grassroots and primary healthcare facilities.
“Many of them, whether volunteers or staff, have shown extraordinary dedication, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These women and men are true heroes, and they deserve to be celebrated,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and communities in recognising and supporting these workers.
“This initiative is a small motivation, but it has the potential to create a significant impact in improving health outcomes in Nigeria.
“The awards will also focus on encouraging healthier living among Nigerians. In this challenging economic situation, it is vital to prioritise healthy living.
“We must eat nutritious food, maintain proper hygiene, ensure our environments are clean, get enough rest, and improve our overall lifestyle.
“These small changes can help reduce infections and lead to a healthier, more productive life,” Magashi said.
He revealed plans to expand the awards beyond Abuja, where the initiative began.
He noted, “Abuja was our starting point, but by year two, we scaled up to Kano in the northwest.
“By year three, we included Bauchi state in the northeast. This year, we aim to include more states while sustaining Abuja as a central hub due to its importance in healthcare delivery,” he said.
He said that the 2025 edition would also inaugurate a special category for health journalists.
“We are combining the celebration of frontline health workers with the recognition of journalists who go to the grassroots to report impactful stories.
“Media professionals play a critical role in driving health awareness and advocacy, and they deserve to be celebrated,” he said.
Malam Muhammad Yahaya, who won the most volunteer staff from the Karshi Primary HealthCare, Abuja, Municipal Area Council, Abuja, said commended the foundation for the recognition.
“Working at the grassroots and in primary healthcare facilities has its challenges, but it is also incredibly rewarding to see lives being changed for the better.
“This award is not just for me; it is for all my colleagues who continue to dedicate themselves to improving health outcomes in their communities.
“This recognition motivates me to keep pushing for better healthcare delivery, and I thank the foundation for shining a spotlight on our efforts,” she said.
Mrs Zainab Ladan, who won the most committed volunteer staff, at Gwagwalada Township clinic, said that the award encourages her to continue serving the community
Founder of the Lafiya Wealth Initiative, Hon. Mohammed Usman said that the recognition of frontline health workers by the foundation was a remarkable step toward improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Usman said that grassroots health workers played a critical role in providing care to underserved communities, often under challenging circumstances.
“At Lafiya Wealth Initiative, we strongly believe in supporting such initiatives that celebrate dedication and inspire excellence in the health sector.
“I commend the foundation for their vision and urge all stakeholders to continue investing in our health systems and the heroes who sustain them,” he said.
