The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, has received an ‘Excellent Public Service Award’.

The award, given by the Civil Society Coalition for Transparency, described him as “Doyen of the Nigerian

Health Sector”.

The honour is coming after a similar award was presented to him by Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG).

President of the Coalition, Comr. Mike Femi, said the award is in recognition of Dr. Shuaib’s selfless service to Nigeria, particularly in the areas of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) eradication, together with efforts,  aimed at improving primary health care services across the country.

“Also, the declaration of state of emergency in public health by the NPHCDA on maternal and child mortality, renovating a good number of PHCs, establishment of NPHCDA leadership academy and recently, training of over two hundred thousand healthcare workers across the country, on COVID-19, amongst several others makes Dr. Shuaib stands out as CEO,” Comr. Femi added.

Dr. Shuaib, in his response, ascribed the polio eradication success story to the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

He said in an era where criticism is the order of the day, he is humbled by the award.

Shuaib, dedicated it to the resilience and tenacity of the NPHCDA staff, whom he described as “the very best.”

He also commended the efforts of the donor-partners, survivors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups in the country, for their roles in the fight against the WPV.

The NPHCDA boss, charged them to take the campaign on the fight against COVID-19 to the doorsteps of all Nigerians.