News
Wike’s Giant Strides in Health Sector in FCT
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
Having met a dilapidated, unfunded and uncompleted structures harboring general hospitals in some area councils of Gwagwalada , Kuje, Bwari, AMAC, Kwali and Abaji and the desire for urgent rehabilitation and reconstruction of some departments of the hospitals , the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike commenced the process through mass action in the FCT general hospitals, clinics and Primary Health Care Centers.
This included reconstruction and upgrade as well as rehabilitation of the General Hospitals among others to meeting the desire and needs of FCT residents in the area of provision of adequate and quality health care.
In this regard, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has engaged over 34 new Medical Doctors through employment, as plans are underway to employ more Doctors, Nurses and medical personnel along with other health workers, with a view to providing adequate health workers for FCT hospitals .
In the last one year , FCT has enrolled 198,810 under Federal Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) and 10,065 free pregnant women, as the free enrollment included vulnerable persons which allow them free access to Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) and to all services covered Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).
The Wike led administration in the FCT surpassed the annual target of enrollment of 25,000 by enrollment of extra 17,000 and 25,000 per annum.
This is with a view to keeping the residents of the FCT healthy, fit and capable of addressing the growing congestion and medical problems of people in the nation’s city.
The expansion, reconstruction and rehabilitation as well as engagement of more medical personnel among other innovations was to also guarantee healthy living for diverse people.
Recently , the Minister inaugurated VIP ward in Maitama Hospital named after him Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (BNW) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)
“Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, explained during the event in Abuja, that the initiative was designed to provide comfortable space to access quality health care services in the FCT.”
“Fasawe explained that the ward was named after the FCT Minister, Wike, for his commitment to improve access to quality healthcare in a serene environment and curb medical tourism.”
“She explained that the ward was transformed from a three-bedroom ward to a five-bedroom amenity ward with support from kind-hearted individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations as corporate social responsibility.”
*According to her, the establishment and upgrading of physical health infrastructure is very crucial to the Wike-led FCT Administration.”
“Beyond being a VIP ward, it will equally serve as an amenity ward because every person is important.
“She described the BNW as “strategic intervention” to ensure that residents going to private hospitals to see doctors because of the conducive environment and facilities could access similar services in public hospitals.”
“According to her, the move will ensure that patients, do not stay in the comfort of the homes and practice self-medication, but visit the hospitals to see a doctor in a very comfortable space.”
“We want our patient to be comfortable.
“As we unveil the BNW VIP Ward today, let me reaffirm Wike’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve patients’ care.
“This initiative will serve as a beacon of hope and progress in our continued poise to elevate the standard of healthcare in our dear nation.”
“She disclosed that considering the contributions of health workers in healthcare services, doctors and nurses within the HSES system would access the ward’s services free.”
“The mandate secretary added that while the ward would be open to every resident that could afford to pay, those with health insurance cover would access the BNW ward’s services at subsidised rate.”
“She said that so far, the ward had been booked till the end of June.”
“Fasawe also announced that the FCT minister had made provisions for the rehabilitation and upgrade of 14 general hospitals in the FCT in the 2025 budget, including doctors’ call-rooms.”
“Earlier, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Rita Idemudia, explained that the BNW VIP ward was initiated by Fasawe, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
“The WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walta Mulombo congratulated the FCTA HSES for the initiative.”
“According to him, the BNW VIP ward will provide space for Nigerians and those living in the country to access services in a very good environment.”
“He, however, advised that the ward should not be exclusive to only VIPs but accessible to all Nigerians.”
“This is why we are supporting the development of the National Health Insurance so that the scheme can take charge of the expenses for all Nigerians to be admitted in the VIP ward.”
“Mr Jama Medan, Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, described the provision of a good healthcare environment as “crucial” to the delivery of quality healthcare services to FCT residents.”
“Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Emeka Ayogu, commended Wike and Fasawe for the initiative, saying “it will curb medical tourism abroad”.
“Ayogu added that the plan to rehabilitate and upgrade FCT general hospitals would equally curb brain drain in health facilities in the territory.”
Wike’s determination was to provide similar facilities across the FCT hospitals with a view to providing quality and adequate health care to the people.
This also included other provisions with healthcare services and facilities at the front burner of the Wike led FCT administration.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat at Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the Lord Almighty reward the kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.