By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) has conferred its Technical Luminary in Healthcare Accountability Award on Dr Aminu Magashi in recognition of his outstanding technical support and invaluable contributions to advancing maternal and child health in Kaduna State.
The award was presented as part of post-activities of the just-concluded #OpenKadunaHealthSector Policy Dialogue held in Kaduna, which brought together stakeholders from government, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen accountability in the health sector.
Dr Magashi, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Health Budget Network and a key technical supporter of KADMAM, expressed delight at the remarkable growth of the mechanism over the last decade.
He recalled how he first encountered the opportunity to provide technical support to KADMAM about 10 years ago, contributing to its establishment and nurturing the commencement of the quarterly #OpenKadunaHealthSector Dialogue.
According to him, recent developments within the civil society space have shown that KADMAM’s structure is solid and steadily delivering on its mandate as an accountability mechanism in the health sector.
He called on Social and Legislative Accountability Mechanisms (SLAMs) across the country to understudy KADMAM’s governance and coordination model, describing it as a best practice worthy of replication.
Speaking at the event, Hon Muhammad Usman, Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Tajuddeen Abbas, who accompanied Dr Magashi, commended KADMAM for its strides over the years.
“The fact that the world has acknowledged your contribution as a civil society organisation in the health sector within just 10 years of existence is worthy of commendation and emulation,” he said.
He also congratulated the awardee, describing Dr Magashi as a tireless advocate who dedicates his time and expertise to improving Nigeria’s health sector.
Earlier, while presenting the award on behalf of KADMAM, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mustapha Jumare, said Dr Magashi has remained a pillar of accountability mechanisms not only in Kaduna State but across the country.
“His technical support has positioned KADMAM on the global map,” Jumare noted. He further solicited support to strengthen partnerships and linkages for KADMAM, adding that the mechanism currently works across RMNCAH+N, immunisation and family planning.
In his remarks, the Co-Chair of KADMAM, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, attributed many of the organisation’s success stories to the sustained contributions and support of partners like Dr Magashi.
He highlighted the institutionalisation of the quarterly #OpenKadunaHealthSector Dialogue, which brings together government officials, development partners, CSOs and other stakeholders to promote accountability and improve service uptake, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
The Co-Chair further expressed appreciation to key institutions and partners whose support contributed to the successes recorded at the just-concluded 2025.
#OpenKadunaHealthSector Dialogue. He specifically acknowledged the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Board, KADSHMA, KADCHMA, and the Zazzau Emirate Council for their sustained collaboration and commitment to strengthening health sector accountability in the state.
He also commended development partners and civil society organisations, including the Gates Foundation, EngenderHealth Consortium, FCDO Lafiya, Nigeria Health Watch (CCSI), LISDEL, ISMPH, BudgIT, Development Delivery Partners (DDP) and Pathfinder International, alongside other stakeholders, for their technical, financial and strategic support which ensured the successful hosting and outcomes of the 2025 policy dialogue.
According to him, the collective efforts of these partners continue to reinforce KADMAM’s mission of promoting transparency, accountability and improved service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level across Kaduna State.
