- Seeks lasting changes that honor children, protect future generations
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Royal Fathers in Bauchi State have been tasked to passionately guide and support implementation of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) project across the North East state.
According to the Principal Investigator of CHAMPS, Dr. Lamaran Dattijo Makama (Co-PI CHAMPS), Bauchi Catchment Area, as custodians of tradition and guardians of the people’s trust, the traditional rulers must always demonstrate leadership in their roles.
Speaking during the quarterly meeting of the CHAMPS’ Community Advisory Board (CAB), held in Bauchi, Dr Makama said strong partnership with the traditional institution will bring about lasting changes that honor the children and protect future generations.
He said, “At CHAMPS, our mission is simple yet vital which is to better understand the causes of child mortality and to use that knowledge to prevent further deaths or at least minimize it.”
Dr Dattijo Makama, who was represented by Dr Abubakar Umar, told the monarchs thus, “We cannot succeed without your voices, your insights, and your blessings. Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do, and we are here today to listen, to learn, and to work together.”
“We deeply value the feedback and guidance of this advisory board. Your cultural, social, and community wisdom strengthens our scientific efforts and ensures that our work remains respectful, relevant, and impactful,”
Furthermore, he said, “Let me reaffirm that the CHAMPS Project and it’s team remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and respect for all stakeholders.
“It is with deep respect and appreciation that I welcome you all to this important Community Advisory Board meeting. I especially recognize and thank our distinguished traditional leaders and local government representatives for honoring us with their presence today.”
“Your presence here today signifies the strength of our partnership and your commitment to the health and well-being of children in our communities
“Together, we can make lasting changes that honor our children and protect future generations. Once again, thank you all for being here. May our deliberations today be fruitful and may our partnership continue to grow in strength and purpose.”
In his remarks at the event, Chairman of the CHAMPS Community Advisory Board (CAB), Baba Mohammed Gidado, lauded the project implementation in the State, noting that it has positively impacted primary healthcare delivery services.
Gidado, who is the District Head of Ganjuwa, pledged that the traditional institution will continue to support the implementation of the project for the good of the people of the State especially women and children.
He also stated that the meeting will review past performance of the project in order to further strategies to ensure that the objectives of the project were achieved.
Attending the meeting were Madakin Bauchi (Hakimin Ganjuwa), Baba Mohammed Gidado; Danjikan Bauchi (Hakimin Miri), Hussaini Abubakar; and Sarkin Miya
The participants also included Malam Abdullahi Muazu (Deputy Chairman, Bauchi Local Government), Dr Rilwani Mohd (Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board) and other esteemed members of the Community Advisory Board.
The theme focused on encouraging pregnant women to attend antenatal and enrol on CHAMPS pregnancy surveillance during first trimester as well as managing rumours that may emerge from the community as they relate to the project.
