The Aminu Magashi Foundation (AMF) has introduced an initiative to celebrate excellence in health journalism and honor Nigeria’s unsung healthcare heroes – frontline workers at primary healthcare facilities.
The awards, set to take place in 2025 in Abuja, aim to spotlight the critical contributions of journalists and healthcare workers in improving public health outcomes across the country.
Founder of the foundation, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba announced the initiative on Tuesday in Abuja during the 3rd Annual Award of Excellence for Frontline Health Workers held in 2024.
Magashi highlighted the inspiration behind the initiative, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. “We were motivated to create this award to recognise the remarkable work being done by health workers, especially those at the grassroots and primary healthcare facilities,” he said.
“Many of these individuals, whether volunteers or staff, have demonstrated extraordinary dedication during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These women and men are true heroes, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and communities in recognising and supporting these workers.
“This initiative may be a small motivation, but it has the potential to create a significant impact on improving health outcomes in Nigeria,” he noted.
Beyond recognising health workers, Magashi stressed the need for healthier living among Nigerians, especially during challenging economic times.
“In this economic climate, prioritising health is essential. Eating nutritious food, maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring clean environments, getting adequate rest and adopting healthier lifestyles are small but impactful steps,” he advised.
The foundation also announced plans to expand the awards beyond Abuja. According to Magashi, “Abuja was our starting point, but by the second year, we scaled up to Kano in the northwest. By the third year, we included Bauchi State in the northeast. This year, we aim to cover more states while keeping Abuja as a central hub due to its importance in healthcare delivery.”
To further motivate participation, Magashi revealed several innovations for the 2025 edition. “We’re introducing on-site celebrations where healthcare workers will be honored directly at their workplaces in addition to formal ceremonies.
“Additionally, we’ve increased the prize value by over 100 percent to inspire greater participation and enthusiasm.”
He added that the 2025 awards would also inaugurate a special category for health journalists. “We are combining the celebration of frontline health workers with the recognition of journalists who venture into grassroots communities to report impactful stories. Media professionals play a critical role in driving health awareness and advocacy and they deserve to be celebrated,” he said.
The Aminu Magashi Foundation remains committed to fostering a culture of appreciation for healthcare professionals and media practitioners contributing to building a healthier Nigeria.
“For more updates on the awards, including application guidelines, interested participants are encouraged to stay connected with the Foundation,” Magashi added.
Past recipients of the awards shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Muhammad Yahaya, who was awarded Best Volunteer Staff for his work at Karshi Primary Healthcare Facility in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Aminu Magashi Foundation.
“Working at the grassroots and in primary healthcare facilities has its challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding to see lives being changed for the better.
“This award is not just for me; it is for all my colleagues who dedicate themselves to improving health outcomes in their communities. This recognition motivates me to keep pushing for better healthcare delivery. I thank the Foundation for shining a spotlight on our efforts.”
Similarly, Zainab Ladan, awarded Most Committed Volunteer Staff at Gwagwalada Township Clinic in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, expressed her gratitude.
“I am humbled and grateful to receive this award. Volunteering at the Gwagwalada Township Clinic has been a fulfilling journey and I dedicate this recognition to the hardworking team I am privileged to work with.
“This award encourages me to continue serving my community and contributing to improved healthcare delivery. Thank you to the Aminu Magashi Foundation for acknowledging the efforts of grassroots health workers,” she said.
Founder of the Lafiya Wealth Initiative, Hon. Mohammed Usman commended the Foundation’s initiative, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“This recognition of frontline health workers is a remarkable step in improving healthcare delivery. Grassroots health workers, such as those celebrated today, play a critical role in providing care to underserved communities, often under challenging circumstances,” Usman said.
“At Lafiya Wealth Initiative, we strongly believe in supporting initiatives that celebrate dedication and inspire excellence in the health sector. I commend the Foundation for their vision and urge all stakeholders to continue investing in our health systems and the heroes who sustain them,” he added.
Science Nigeria reports that over 10 healthcare workers were awarded across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2024.
Since its inception, the Aminu Magashi Foundation has recognised 49 community healthcare workers across Nigeria, highlighting their unwavering dedication to improving public health.
