BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, OCTOBER 14, 2026/ 09:05AM
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, BOSCHMA, Dr. Saleh Abba Kaza, and the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah, have emerged among the recipients of the distinguished GovTech Trailblazer Awards 2026.
The award is in recognition of their contributions to digital innovation and institutional transformation in the public sector.
Dr. Saleh, who also received an award on behalf of BOSCHMA as the Best State Ministry, Department or Agency, MDA, in Digital Health Service Delivery, said he was honored that the presidency had recognized the efforts of the agency and its staff.
He attributed the recognition to teamwork and the support of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, noting that the administration's commitment to rebuilding Borno State had inspired public servants to contribute to its recovery.
'It was never a one-man job; it was the collective effort of the team, and we all got our inspiration from the governor.
'If he is everywhere ensuring that Borno must rise again, why don't we do our best in helping that cause?' Dr. Saleh said.
The BOSCHMA boss said he had believed in e-governance from the beginning of his tenure and had prioritized the digitalization of the agency's operations, including the enrollment of healthcare units and the management of accredited healthcare facilities.
He explained that the agency had adopted electronic processes to minimize paperwork and improve efficiency in healthcare administration and service delivery.
The awards were presented by the Presidency through the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, in recognition of their commitment to adopting e-governance and advancing the digital transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The awards ceremony followed a technical session at the State House Auditorium, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where representatives of the European Union, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Estonia and Nigerian government institutions discussed strategies for strengthening digital public infrastructure and improving e-governance.
Justice Zannah, who spoke on behalf of the award recipients, described the recognition as particularly meaningful, noting that the Borno State Judiciary had also been recognized for its electronic court system.
He said the recognition of the judiciary's e-courts alongside his individual award made the honor especially significant.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of BPSR, Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, said the awards celebrated innovation and excellence in public service, urging government institutions to continue using emerging technologies to improve governance and citizens' lives.
'Today, we celebrate innovation and excellence in public service.
'I urge us to remain steadfast as we continue to harness the power of emerging technologies to create a brighter future for our communities and Nigeria at large,' he said.
Other recipients included Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State; Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State; and Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State.
Arabi also acknowledged members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the armed forces, the Federal Character Commission, heads of government agencies and other stakeholders who participated in the conference.
He said the annual international GovTech Conference was designed to accelerate digital transformation in governance, improve public service delivery through technology, promote innovation and efficiency, and facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
According to him, the initiative also supports the service delivery objectives of the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda by encouraging public institutions to use technology to advance governance and socio-economic development.