By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and other development partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and expanding the Community Reorientation Women Network (CRoWN), describing it as a successful model for community-led healthcare delivery and women's economic empowerment.
The commitment was made during the 2026 CRoWN Stakeholder Convening held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi. The event brought together the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and hundreds of CRoWN Ambassadors to review the programme's progress, celebrate its achievements and chart a roadmap for its sustainability.
Welcoming participants, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, described CRoWN as one of the state's most effective community engagement initiatives, saying it has strengthened public confidence in the health system while complementing government efforts to improve routine immunisation, maternal and child healthcare, nutrition and other primary healthcare services.
He noted that the annual convening provides an opportunity to assess progress, recognise the dedication of CRoWN Ambassadors, strengthen partnerships and promote community ownership of health programmes.
In her keynote address, the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, commended the commitment and sacrifice of CRoWN Ambassadors, describing them as a vital link between health facilities and communities.
She said the volunteers have played a significant role in promoting antenatal care, routine immunisation, skilled birth attendance, child nutrition and healthy living, thereby improving the wellbeing of mothers and children across Bauchi State.
The First Lady also reaffirmed the commitment of the Almuhibbah Foundation to supporting medical outreaches, maternal and child health interventions, girls' education, prevention of gender-based violence and women's economic empowerment.
She urged development partners and the private sector to continue investing in CRoWN, stressing that healthy, educated and economically empowered women remain central to sustainable community development.
Speaking virtually, Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Dr. Zouera Youssoufou, described CRoWN as a model of successful community-led development driven by local ownership and strategic partnerships.
She disclosed that Bauchi, where the initiative originated, now has 622 CRoWN Ambassadors serving 211 communities, while the programme has expanded to more than 7,900 ambassadors reaching over 900,000 households across 10 northern states, including border communities in Niger Republic and Chad.
Youssoufou commended the Bauchi State Government, traditional institutions, women groups and development partners for sustaining the initiative, urging stakeholders to institutionalise CRoWN, strengthen community-based data systems and consolidate its achievements.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of SCIDaR, Dr. Uchenna Obekwe, Dr. Rihanna Ibrahim praised the Bauchi State Government and the leadership of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board for driving the success of the initiative.
She explained that the stakeholder convening was organised to review implementation progress, share lessons learnt, showcase CRoWN's impact and discuss strategies for sustaining and expanding the programme.
According to her, the initiative has grown beyond Bauchi to other states as well as neighbouring Niger Republic and Chad, while empowering women socially and economically through health promotion and livelihood support.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to community-centred healthcare, noting that although government continues to invest in health infrastructure and medical commodities, sustainable progress depends on informed and active community participation.
He described CRoWN as a critical partner in boosting immunisation coverage, improving antenatal care attendance, strengthening referrals and increasing accountability within the health sector.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Emir of Dass and Chairman of BASECCOH, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, described CRoWN as one of Bauchi State's finest examples of community ownership.
He recalled that the initiative evolved from a pilot study conducted in Konkiyel community of Dass Local Government Area, which demonstrated the effectiveness of trusted women in driving positive behavioural change within communities.
The Emir pledged the continued support of traditional institutions towards sustaining the initiative through stronger community ownership, volunteerism and collaboration with government and development partners.
Also speaking, the District Head of Konkiyel, Alhaji Sulaiman Magaji Abdulkadir, expressed pride that an initiative pioneered in his community has expanded across northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries, urging community leaders to continue supporting women volunteers.
Representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Aliko Dangote Foundation and SCIDaR also pledged continued collaboration to strengthen the initiative.
A major highlight of the event was an economic empowerment exhibition where CRoWN Ambassadors displayed agricultural produce, food items, crafts and other locally made products established through community empowerment programmes.
The event also featured colourful cultural performances celebrating the role of women in community development.
CRoWN is a women-led, community-owned initiative implemented by the Aliko Dangote Foundation and SCIDaR in partnership with state governments and development partners to improve access to healthcare, nutrition, education and economic opportunities while strengthening community resilience.
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