By Adamu Imam, Bauchi
The All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Ganjuwa East State Constituency, Alhaji Abubakar Gazali, has pledged to sponsor a special bill to address maternal health and child mortality in Bauchi State.
Gazali made the pledge in an exclusive interview, reacting to recent reports of high rates of malnutrition among children under five in Ganjuwa and its environs.
Gazali, who previously served as member representing Ganjuwa East during the administration of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, M.A., is seeking a second term in the Bauchi State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on his legislative agenda, Gazali said his next tenure will not be business as usual.
“As a lawmaker with experience in lawmaking, I can affirm that the next term will be different. I will encourage my colleagues in the chamber to prioritize women and children’s health and ensure that health challenges affecting children are reduced to the barest minimum if elected,” he said.
He added that an APC government would be more committed to the yearnings and aspirations of ordinary citizens, particularly on health-related matters.
“Addressing child malnutrition in Ganjuwa and Bauchi State in general will be a top priority of M.A. Abubakar’s government if elected,” he stated.
“We will, as lawmakers, study the gains achieved by neighbouring states in tackling malnutrition, maternal and child mortality, and deaths among children under five,” Gazali added.
The candidate stressed that increased funding would be a watchword in the next Assembly, noting that global economic changes and systemic shifts are affecting policies, programs, and the Nigerian economy as a whole.
“When government is committed to health issues, people will have the ability to go about their lawful businesses and tap into economic opportunities across the state,” he explained.
Gazali noted that the 31 members of the State House of Assembly would work to mobilize resources to ensure the government addresses health deficits affecting children and pregnant women during and after delivery.
“Any government that is committed to health will not have much problem governing its people to greater heights,” he said.
It would be recalled that the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, recently advised the Nigerian government at all levels to prioritize child and maternal health for societal growth and development.
UNICEF reiterated its commitment to women’s reproductive health and child survival, urging governments to demonstrate similar commitment to the well-being of their people.
