Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, has praised the Gombe State Government for its groundbreaking health sector reforms, describing the state’s approach as both innovative and inspiring.
In a personal letter sent through the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) and the CEO of Human Capital Managers Nigeria Limited, Gates commended Gombe’s commitment to sustainable health development following a recent high-level meeting in Abuja.
“I was impressed by Gombe’s problem-solving mindset and commitment to achieving results,” Gates wrote.
According to a statement from the Governor’s Director-General of Press Affairs, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, Gates lauded the state’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement, strong governance, and practical strategies, noting that they provide a model for others to emulate.
One innovation Gates highlighted was the state’s Human Resource for Health (HRH) biometric attendance platform—a digital tool that enhances staff accountability, monitors attendance, and supports data-driven resource allocation. He described it as “a compelling example of a state-led initiative to improve data availability for decision-making.”
Gates also commended the detailed presentation delivered by the Gombe health team in Abuja, stressing: “Your leadership and innovation are remarkable. I look forward to following your progress closely.”
Through GoHealth and other agencies, Gombe continues to strengthen partnerships with local and international organizations to expand healthcare delivery and promote inclusive growth.
About the author
Rainstorm kills two, destroys over 50 houses in Kaduna LGA
A violent rainstorm has killed two people and destroyed more than 50 houses in Dokan Mai Jama’a community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident occurred after a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds that lasted for over an hour. Local sources said the storm ripped off roofs, pulled down walls and damaged property worth millions of naira. Several families were left homeless as their houses were either completely flattened or badly affected by the wind and rain. Community leaders have called on the Kaduna State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian agencies to come to the aid of affected residents. They are appealing for relief materials such as roofing sheets, food items, bedding and other basic supplies to help victims rebuild their lives. The rainstorm is one of the first major weather related disasters […]
Akpabio says ADC is dead amid fresh National Assembly defections
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the African Democratic Congress is “dead” following a fresh wave of defections by its lawmakers in the National Assembly. He made the remark during plenary while reading letters from senators and members of the House of Representatives who announced their exit from the party. Akpabio’s comment came shortly after he read the resignation letter of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who defected from the ADC to the Labour Party. As more defection letters were tabled, the Senate President joked that lawmakers leaving the ADC should “just compile everything in one paper” because, in his view, “ADC is dead.” Abaribe, who represents Abia South, said in his letter that his decision was driven by “ongoing legal uncertainties, multiple court cases and leadership crises” within the ADC. He described remaining in the party under such conditions as […]
BREAKING: Jim Ovia retires as Zenith Bank chairman
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the retirement of its founder and Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, following the expiration of his tenure on the bank’s board. The bank said his exit is in line with corporate governance rules that limit how long non executive directors and chairmen can serve in Nigerian financial institutions. In a notice issued in Lagos and confirmed at the bank’s 35th Annual General Meeting, Zenith Bank explained that Ovia has completed the mandatory 12 year tenure allowed for non executive directors and chairmen under Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines. These rules are part of wider efforts to promote board renewal, accountability and stronger governance across the banking sector. Ovia, who founded Zenith Bank in 1990, has been central to its growth into one of Nigeria’s largest and most profitable financial institutions. Under his leadership, the bank expanded […]
BREAKING: 18 Reps dump ADC, defect to NDC and APC
Eighteen members of the House of Representatives who were elected on the platform of the African Democratic Congress have resigned from the party, with 17 of them defecting to the Nigeria Democratic Congress and one crossing over to the All Progressives Congress. The mass exit marks a fresh blow to the ADC as opposition realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to notices read on the floor of the House, the lawmakers cited internal crises, leadership tussles and alleged hijack of the party structure as reasons for leaving the ADC. Many of them had previously aligned with the Obi Kwankwaso bloc that recently dumped the ADC for the NDC. Of the 18 departing lawmakers, 17 are heading to the NDC, which is rapidly emerging as a new rallying point for opposition forces. One lawmaker has opted to join […]
France launches one euro university meals for all students
From May 4, every enrolled student, including undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral candidates and some recognised volunteers, can access the one euro meals at university canteens run by the Crous network. The usual price of a standard meal in these canteens is 3.30 euros, meaning the state subsidises most of the cost. For one euro, students receive a three course meal, typically including a starter, main course and dessert. French authorities say the measure is designed to support students struggling with inflation, high rents and rising food prices. A student union survey cited by officials found that almost half of students had skipped meals for financial reasons, with nearly a quarter doing so several times a month. In 2024, around 667,000 students benefited from the one euro scheme when it was still restricted, with about 46.7 million meals served at both the […]
Shank sparks debate with story of mum’s reaction to tattoo
Nigerian skit maker and comedian Adesokan Emmanuel, popularly known as Shank, has stirred debate on social media after sharing how his mother reacted when she discovered he has a tattoo. In a recent video, he narrated that the revelation immediately turned into a Bible quoting session at home. According to Shank, he had kept the tattoo hidden from his mother for some time. When she finally found out, she was visibly upset and began citing Bible verses and religious teachings to express her disapproval. His story quickly went viral, with many Nigerians relating it to broader arguments in Christian circles about whether tattoos are acceptable for believers. The conversation has revived earlier debates triggered by comments from Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, who previously said during a live broadcast that there is no specific Bible verse that outright forbids tattoos for Christians. […]
Related
More criticism trails Makinde over Wetie comment
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is facing growing criticism over his recent reference to Operation Wetie, a violent episode in the political history of the old Western Region.The governor reportedly used the expression during a political gathering in Ibadan at the weekend, a remark that many now see as irresponsible and dangerous. Opposition figures, civil society groups and concerned citizens have condemned the statement, warning that such language could encourage political thuggery and undermine peace in the state.They argue that referencing a period associated with arson, killings and severe unrest sends the wrong signal ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Some critics insist that leaders must promote calm and constructive engagement instead of inflammatory rhetoric.They stress that Oyo State has enjoyed relative stability in recent years and should not return to a climate of fear or politically motivated attacks. Political […]
Iranian sailors leave Sri Lanka after attack
More than 200 Iranian sailors who had been stranded in Sri Lanka following a naval incident have now returned home after spending over a month in the country. According to Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, a total of 238 sailors were repatriated. This included 32 crew members rescued from the Iris Dena and 206 from the Irins Bushehr. The group departed on Tuesday night after being flown out of Sri Lanka. The incident began on 4 March, when the Iris Dena sank approximately 40 kilometres off Sri Lanka’s southern coast after being struck by a torpedo reportedly launched from a US submarine. The attack resulted in the deaths of 104 sailors. The following day, Sri Lankan authorities took control of the Irins Bushehr after it requested permission to dock due to engine failure. The vessel was allowed into port on […]
China says it ‘welcomes’ Middle East ceasefire agreement
China has said it “welcomes” the ceasefire agreement reached in the Middle East between the parties to the Iran conflict. “China welcomes relevant parties announcing the reaching of a ceasefire agreement,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a regular briefing in Beijing. She expressed hope that all sides would “earnestly implement” the truce, which includes a two‑week halt to strikes and a controlled reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. China reiterated its long‑standing position that hostilities in the region must stop immediately to prevent further escalation and spillover. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the country supports diplomatic efforts and dialogue to resolve disputes, and backs a greater role for the United Nations and Gulf states in promoting regional security. Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously outlined a framework calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and […]
Lilian Afegbai apologises to AMVCA for outburst over snub
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has apologised to the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her earlier outburst over being left out of this year’s nominations. She had previously gone viral for angrily telling them to eat their award after her name was missing from the list. In a new post on her X page, Afegbai admitted that her apology was overdue and that her earlier reaction was disrespectful. She said her words were driven by hurt and disappointment and did not reflect the respect she has for the AMVCA platform and those who work behind the scenes. The actress, who played the character Idia in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix series To Kill a Monkey, had initially expressed shock at not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She argued that her role was one of the most talked about […]
Court orders final forfeiture of $13m linked to Oceangate Engineering
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 13 million dollars linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, a company associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the money to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that neither Oceangate Engineering nor Achimugu was able to prove that the 13 million dollars was legitimately earned. He said there was no credible evidence before the court to support their claim that the funds came from gifts and earnings from oil and gas contracts. The judge rejected arguments by Oceangate’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, who had insisted that the money was lawfully acquired. Ozurumba had argued that the funds were derived from personal gifts to Achimugu and proceeds of genuine […]
Bandits raid Kwara church, abduct worshippers during service
Armed bandits have attacked a church in Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a service. The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The attackers reportedly arrived at the church in the evening and opened fire from outside before storming the building. Worshippers fled in different directions as gunshots rang out, while some were seized and taken into the bush by the gunmen. Police authorities in Kwara confirmed the attack and said two people were killed, while a vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries. The victims who died were identified as worshippers who were shot during the raid, and their bodies were later recovered in and around the church premises. The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command said operatives, working with local vigilantes, responded quickly after receiving distress calls about […]