An emotional moment marked the 2025 staff awards ceremony of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA) as Ali Bukar, a cleaner, was recognized as the agency’s most punctual and dedicated staff member.
Speaking at the event Friday, Dr. Abba Saleh, executive secretary of BOSCHMA, said the award reflected Bukar’s consistency and commitment.
Regardless of how early anyone arrives at the agency, Ali Bukar is always there before them, he said. 'Over the years, he has never failed in this regard.'
Saleh said staff recognition often focuses on senior and middle-level employees, but stressed the need to acknowledge the contributions of cleaners, security personnel, and other junior staff.
For Ali Bukar, the recognition means more than just an award, because five years ago, he was just an IDP from Kawuri at the door of the agency, seeking a job to move on, not a standing ovation and such recognition from the agency.
The ceremony featured several categories, including most outstanding department, senior staff, middle-cadre staff, junior staff, most innovative staff, most outstanding team player, and most progressive department.
Saleh said three nominees were selected for each category, with winners determined through a staff-wide voting process.
Each winner received a cash prize of ₦100,000 and a commemorative award.
He added that he did not participate in any category as he served as the chief returning officer for the voting process.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition of Modu Mohammed Bosoma, who was named most outstanding junior staff, ahead of Babagana Mohammed and Ibrahim Ali Musa.
Hajiya Mairo Bunu, Chairperson of the Board, congratulated the award recipients and said the recognition should serve as motivation for all staff.
She urged employees to continue supporting efforts to provide accessible healthcare services across Borno State under the administration of Babagana Umara Zulum.
In the middle-cadre category, Garba Haruna emerged as the winner, ahead of Zara Aji Bukar, Head of Media, and Mustapha Mohammed, Head of Information and Communications Technology.
For the senior staff category, Dr. Inna Mohammed Alimi, Director of Standards and Quality Assurance, won ahead of Umara Yerwa, Director of Administration, and Yada Babakura Imam, Director of Finance and Accounts.
She appreciated the award, noting that she joined the agency as a medical doctor with no prior managerial experience and was appointed deputy director.
She credited her remarkable professional growth to the mentorship of the executive secretary, which enabled her to develop strong leadership and management skills and eventually rise to the position of director.
In the most outstanding team player category, Ibrahim Ali Musa secured the highest number of votes.
Abdullahi Mohammed and Adamu Abubakar Sulaiman were jointly named most innovative staff after receiving equal votes.
The Department of Standards and Quality Assurance was named best department, while the Department of Finance and Accounts received the most progressive department award.
Bunu also presented a special recognition award to Zara Aji Bukar for managing multiple responsibilities within the agency.
Speaking at the event, Habib Inuwa, a junior staff member, said working at BOSCHMA builds experience and resilience.
'Anyone who can successfully work at BOSCHMA can work anywhere in the world,' he said.
Mustapha Mohammed, Head of ICT, said his experience at the agency has strengthened his ability to manage operations and work under pressure.
He said BOSCHMA has exposed him to handling large numbers of clients and stakeholders.
Staff at the event expressed appreciation to Dr. Abba Saleh for his leadership and support.