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Radda releases N10bn to 34 LGAs to build health centres
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has released over N10 billion to chairmen of the 34 local government areas of the state to build primary health centres.
The governor said this during an interactive session with journalists on Monday in Katsina, saying that three primary health centres would be constructed in each council area.
He added that “when I became the governor, I talked about World Health Organisation’s resolution on the need to have functional primary health centres in rural areas that can work 24 hours.
“The aim is to reduce child and maternal mortality and other difficulties faced by rural people whenever they are sick.
“If we have functional healthcare facilities in rural areas, even a woman in labour can be attended to by a professional health worker at any time.
“And if there is need to take her to a secondary healthcare facility, the centre should have an ambulance that can convey her there.”
According to him, there should also be accommodation for health workers, enough drugs, constant/potable water, and electricity supply, among others.
Radda revealed that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) would provide those institutions with running cost, from N250,000 to N400,000.
“This fund is enough for the running of daily activities of the centres. But we cannot benefit from the fund until we have fully functional healthcare centres.
“If we have functional primary health centres in rural areas, it will assist in decongesting hospitals in urban areas, and the health level of the people will improve.
“The only challenge we are going to face is staffing, because we have shortages of staff to man these centres. To recruit health workers is not easy now, but we will do that in due course.
“However, we have over 5,000 casual staff and if we are to confirm them, their salaries would double that of the over 7,000 teachers recently recruited.
“This is because the salary of some health workers almost tripple that of teachers.
“That’s the challenge now, but in spite of that, we will recruit health workers in due course.
“Before the end of the year, we’ll make sure that no fewer than 361 functional primary health care centres are provided in the state.”(NAN)
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…