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Special features: Borno Health sector, why Zulum is in a hurry to move it to the next level

Published

4 months ago

June 16, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Special features: Borno Health sector, why Zulum is in a hurry to move it to the next level

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state is a man of many parts as he has displayed in his handling of ministries departments and agencies (MDA’s)
of government since inception.
One area he has displayed very empathetic and competent tendencies for his people is the health sector. From the onset this academic turned politician left no one in doubt that he was ready to turn around this critical sector battered by war to a much more service oriented one. He pays specific attention like a father who wants the facilities to be good enough for his immediate family members to receive treatments long after he has left office.

His midnight visits to General hospitals in Borno State to see who is sincerely working for the people or not is an indication that he is not ready to tolerate mediocrity for any reason. Apart from that he had already drafted a ten points agenda of which revamping of the health sector was one of the strong pillars and was going to follow it to the letter. These acts of leadership by example manifested in the very early days of his reign as Governor.

With these leadership actions by visiting hospitals were the most vulnerable receive treatments to get better, he endeared himself to many residents in the state. Some medical workers started wondering if the Professor turned politician slept at night or not. This was because most times he will show up at such wee hours to inspect the register of attendees himself and take special note of their basic challenges. Many of them who never took their call duties important started adjusting because Zulum could appear by 2 am the next morning to check him out. It was obvious a new sheriff was in town and everyone in the medical team must be serious or face the hard music for dereliction of duties.

This to many observers is a major achievement in a war torn sub national economy where the health sector was not spared by the aggressors who destroyed the entire infrastructure of at least 22 out of 27 council areas. Both the primary and secondary sub sectors were rendered useless due to lack of basic infrastructure and manpower. It was like starting all over when Zulum took over and his night visits allowed him to see things for himself and correcting same the following day or week. Many of the secondary hospitals which used to survive on touch lights were given instant solar panels and batteries to keep them out of darkness.

Consequently, before the end of his first term, Governor Zulum knew he had to hurry up to fix most of these infrastructure which were brought down so that the people will benefit from them. By the end of his first term, a lot of primary and secondary facilities had been built in areas were they were non existent before now. And within the last two years, he has set the foundation for a state teaching hospital to come on stream at least for the first set of medical students of the Borno State University (BOSU) to acquire practical experience from cadaver to real patients. The maiden board has been created for the State Teaching hospitality and the respected Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Professor Ahmed Ahidjo was appointed the chair.

Professor Ibrahim Kida was appointed the maiden chief medical director of the facility located at the jimtilo area of greater Maiduguri. Professor Kida is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, Senior Registrar West African College of Physicians, and Registrar West African College of Physicians, specialising in infectious diseases and epidemiology with a special interest in HIV/AIDS management. Alongside Prof Kida, Zulum appointed Professor Usman Tela as Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC). Similarly, Ali Mohammed was appointed Director of Administration of the Hospital and Secretary to the Management Board. Other members of the management board include a representative of the Ministry of Health; a representative of the Medical College, BOŞU; representative of the Senate, Borno State University; representative of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); representative of the Allied Health Professionals in Borno; representative of the UMTH, and a representative of the Vice Chancellor, Borno State University. Others include Abba Marte, Samson Dibal, and Dr Musa Aji, who will represent the public interest from the three senatorial districts of Borno State. A statement then by the spokesman of the Governor Dauda Ilya quoted Zulum as saying, “Our goal is to provide our people with the best possible healthcare while also training the next generation of medical professionals.” Off course, the appointment of Professor Kida as the first CMD is a landmark because this is a man who gave his all during the covid infection years. When many thought that covid was a clear death sentence and should be avoided, Kida gave his life at the UMTH to ensure that residents of the state were well and alive. He was the live wire of the state that period because many people who should have gone to the great beyond are still alive today.
Without mincing words, obviously this is the only way to set the foundation of his own man power base which has eluded the state long before the beginning of insurgency. The appointment of Profs Ahmed Ahidjo and Ibrahim Kida is one of the best decision taken by Prof Babagana Zulum.

Primary Healthcare Sub Sector

Two years into his second term, some residents spoken to by this reporter stated that they were comfortable with the new arrangements in which solar powered primary health centres are now located in their areas. Some of them called on the Governor to bring in foreign doctors to assist at this critical primary level to ease the stress on the secondary sub sector.

They however commended him for the increase in primary health centres at almost every ward of municipal (mmc) and jere council areas of greater Maiduguri. A typical example was the building of an ultramodern primary health centre in Wulari and many other areas within greater Maiduguri which has the highest population because it still houses residents who came to stay with relatives due to the lingering insurgent war and have not gone back.

To further demonstrate his seriousness in taking the primary facilities to every council area in the state, the government has established six new Primary Healthcare Centers ( PHC) at Milda (Kwaya Kusar), Diyar (Kwaya Kusar), Ngwa (Hawul), Danbitam (Bayo), BOSU and MCH Kwaya.

Complete renovation has also taken place in 44 PHC and 3 Maternal Health Centers in 14 LGAs. They include: Mbulatawiwi, Kwajjafa-harang, FSP Askira, Jaradali, Jaragol, Teli, Gumsuri, Gora, Kubo, Lakundum, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umar, Gwoza town, Benesheikh, Mainok, Furram, Hoyo, CBDA, Dalaram, Fori, Ngomari, Gongulong, Jiddari, Maimusari, Mashamari, Dalori, Njimtilo, Jakana, MCH Konduga, Mafa, Ngwom, Mala Kyariri, Abbaganram, Bulabulin, Fatima Ali Sheriff, Gamboru, Herwa Peace, Kaalmari, Mala Kachallah, Gwange I, Gamboru Main, Gwange III, Yerwa MCH, FSP Tandari and Maternal Health Centers at Magumeri, Gubio and Bama.

With these achievements due to the right leadership, simple ailments which some residents used to rush to secondary facilities like Umaru Shehu, General Hospital Biu and the state specialist hospital could now be handled easily at these primary levels.

The second most tormenting challenge the government was facing was recruiting the right human resource to maintain these facilities. Most of the doctors working to save lives were overstretched. Nurses had the non governmental organizations (NGO’s) daily dangling carrots at them to cross over. And hundreds of nurses have indeed crossed over in the last 15 years of lingering insurgency. In spite of that the Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has been encouraging them with mouth watering scholarships to enable them finish their training and start work.

To retain more doctors, special quarters like the Buba Marwa Doctor’s Quarter’s were built for them to stay. Leaving the service meant leaving the quarters. That alone was a major attraction to keep the doctors in the state service. The second attraction activated by Governor Zulum to keep the man power was the implementation of federal pay package for doctors. That was seen as a good move by observers and it has really helped to keep the doctors down in Borno.

Achievements in the secondary health sub sector

A lot has been achieved in this sub sector which needed infrastructure and man power. Some of it includes the establishment of 150 bed capacity General Hospital Damboa, completion of the reconstruction of General Hospitals in Azare (Hawul), Uba, Magumeri, Gubio and Mafa Borgu (Shani).

While waiting for the tertiary sub sector to take off fully, the specialist hospital located at the post office area of the centre of Maiduguri has been chewing a lot more than it can bite because of its strategic roles in the well being of residents of the state Capital and beyond. So as a result of this, tremendous developments has been taking place within the complex even after the flood of September 10th last year.

As part of the achievements of Governor Zulum in this specialist hospital, there is an on going construction of a 3 storey orthopedic ward for patients. Others include the consultant offices, conference room, complete renovation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) department (including the Labour ward and Theatre), Anesthetic dept, Pharmacy, Specialist Out Patient Department (including departmental consultants’ offices), surgical wards, Accident and Emergency (A&E) and maintenance units at State Specialist Hospital.

Others include: General renovation of Theaters, 7 Bedroom staff quarters at General hospital Ngala, two theaters, and seven bedroom at General Hospital Damasak, Maternity wing, staff quarters, wards, theaters, Pharmacy and Records office at General Hospital Gwoza and off course staff quarters at General Hospital Benisheikh.

To ensure efficiency in this sub sector the government had to purchase and install power supply facilities in many general hospitals where the lingering war had caused enormous damages to these facilities. Some include the installation of 100 KVA solar power supply to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the specialist hospital, 77.5 KVA generators distributed across departments and units at State Specialist Hospital, 70 KVA generator at Mamman Shuwa Memorial Hospital, 40 KVA generator each at Brigadier Abba Kyari hospital, Maryam Abatcha Women and Children Hospital, Nganzai, Ngala, Mafa, Konduga, Gwoza and
Bama General Hospitals, 75 KVA generator at Damasak and 25 KVA at Rann.

Further procurement and supply of equipment was made in the Hematology, Histopathology, Labour and Theater departments. Supply of dialysis reagents and consumables were also made to the Abdulkadir Aliyu Kidney Center in the State Specialist Hospital where dialysis is still free. During the period under review supply was made of clinical equipment, office furniture at Mamman Shuwa Memorial Hospital and procurement, installation of
manual X-ray machines at Ngala, Gwoza, Mobbar, Biu, Askira, Monguno and Rann General Hospitals.

Again to boast power supply in the absence of supplies from the grid, installation of solar power system was made at Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital Maiduguri.
End

Related Topics:Special features: Borno Health sector why Zulum is in a hurry to move it to the next level

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National News

Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

Published

4 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

By: Our Reporter

Data obtained from daily reports indicates that over 740,000 civilians have been killed across ten Nigerian states between 2015 and 2025, according to an extensive analysis conducted by News Net Global Limited from reported cases in three national newspapers: The Daily Trust, Leadership Newspapers, and Daily Post Nigeria.

This staggering figure underscores the severity of violence primarily driven by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other armed attacks affecting states such as Borno, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina in northeast, north-central, and northwest Nigeria.

The persistence of these violent activities has not only resulted in a high death toll but also contributed to widespread displacement and socio-economic destabilization within these regions.

Despite government efforts to curb the violence, criticism remains regarding the effectiveness of security measures implemented during this period.

The complexity of the conflict is further compounded by military actions such as airstrikes that have inadvertently caused civilian casualties, raising questions about operational accountability and humanitarian consequences.

As these challenges persist, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the protection of civilians and address the root causes of insecurity in affected regions.

Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, and collaboration with international partners to effectively dismantle the networks of armed groups and restore stability in the regions.

The involvement of local communities in peace-building initiatives has been identified as a crucial element in mitigating violence and fostering long-term stability. The integration of conflict resolution frameworks that emphasize dialogue and reconciliation is essential to bridging the gap between communities and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable peace.

To effectively address these multifaceted issues, it is imperative for both national and international stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts that enhance security frameworks and prioritize the well-being of affected populations.

Strengthening governance structures and promoting transparency in military operations are also vital to rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens.

To address the widespread violence effectively, it is crucial to implement policies that not only enhance military precision and accountability but also focus on socioeconomic development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and providing education as a means to deter youth from joining armed groups.

Addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and lack of education, is paramount in curbing the recruitment of youths into armed groups and fostering a more peaceful society.

Furthermore, the integration of community-based peacebuilding initiatives and grassroots advocacy can play a pivotal role in empowering local populations to actively participate in creating solutions that address their unique security concerns.

Also, by fostering collaboration between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, Nigeria can develop a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses immediate security threats but also promotes long-term stability and resilience within affected communities.

It was observed that investing in education and economic development programs can also provide alternative pathways for youth, reducing the allure of joining armed groups and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous society.

Dialogue between conflicting communities and strengthening local governance structures can enhance peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that the root causes of conflict are addressed effectively.

This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and increased accountability measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.

To effectively address these challenges, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to implement robust security reforms and enhance accountability mechanisms, ensuring that both state and non-state actors are held accountable for their actions.

Also, bolstering the judicial system to ensure swift and fair trials for those implicated in acts of violence can deter future atrocities and reinforce public trust in the rule of law. Additionally, fostering stronger collaboration with international human rights organizations can help monitor and report on human rights abuses, ensuring that global attention remains focused on these issues and prompting necessary interventions.

Similarly, investing in community-based early warning systems can empower local populations to identify and report potential threats, facilitating timely interventions and potentially saving lives.

Also, integrating community policing initiatives can foster trust between law enforcement and local communities, creating a more inclusive approach to security that prioritizes the protection of civilians.

Nigeria: Over 740 civilians killed in ten states between 2015 and 2025—Reports

National News

FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

Published

19 hours ago

October 22, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

*We’re bridging transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of graduates, says VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian government has concluded plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

The initiative is to be spearheaded in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who disclosed on Wednesday when he formally flagged off the NJFP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the goal is “to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians; graduates who have the education, but not always the opportunity.”

According to him, this will translate the nation’s demographic strength “into productive economic power, proving that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.”

The VP noted that while the NJFP is a Nigerian programme shaped by national priorities and guided by the nation’s sense of purpose, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deepen the ownership by embedding the programme into government’s national planning and budgeting frameworks.

He stated: “This government will do its part — by ensuring that our financial commitment to the programme reflects our belief in its transformative potential. But national ownership must also mean national participation.

“As we launch NJFP 2.0 today, I call on our partners — from the private sector, the development community, and the donor ecosystem — to join us in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism to secure the programme’s future.

“Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset: our young people.”

VP Shettima implored the EU, the UNDP and other partners to consider the flag-off of the programme as an opportunity to prove that “youth employment is not just a policy priority but a shared responsibility.”

He observed that when resources are pooled and intentions are aligned in the course of building together, a multiplier effect is created that benefits the nation’s economy.

The Vice President acknowledged the contributions of the EU and the UNDP, noting that their belief in Nigeria’s youth has demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.

He said it was now time for Nigeria, through its public institutions, private sector champions, and philanthropic community to lead from the front, even as he maintained that inclusivity is key to driving the process.

His words: “As we scale NJFP 2.0, inclusivity remains at the heart of our design. We recognise that our young people are not a single story. They live in different realities, across regions, genders, and social backgrounds.

“Therefore, this next phase will intentionally reach every corner of the country, aligning placements with the sectors that will define our economic future: agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.”

Senator Shettima expressed hope that the second phase of the NJFP would turn out to be a success story “of how Nigeria turned its demographic advantage into a generation of productive citizens — creating jobs, building enterprises, and shaping the future of our great nation.

“The task before us is both serious and inspiring. The young Nigerians we seek to serve are not asking for handouts — only for a fair system that recognises effort, rewards merit, and provides opportunity. They are ready to build if we are ready to back them,” he added.

For his part, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the NJFP 2.0 as a continuation of the federal government’s success in youth empowerment.

He noted that since the programme began in 2021, it has helped over 13,000 youths to gain skills, assuring that the initiative will build on its progress and achieve its long-term goal of placing 100,000 youths in jobs within five years.

In her welcome address, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the generous funding from the European Union and implementation support from the UNDP, over the years, are aimed at connecting potential to opportunity.

She noted that the vision behind the NJFP has come to light, resulting in over 40,000 Nigerians being placed in various economic sectors.

She stressed that millions of Nigerians need the NJFP platform to thrive in today’s economy.

Also, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, said the EU was looking forward to seeing the NJFP 2.0 programme integrated into Nigeria’s governance agenda to ensure its sustainability.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Building a National Workforce for the Future,” the CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized that millions of Nigerians can perform the jobs currently being outsourced to foreign companies if they are given the right opportunities, such as those provided under the NJFP programme.

He urged relevant authorities and stakeholders not to ignore the millions of Nigerians who, without support, may never transition from graduates to gainful employment.

FG To Invest $220m In Creating Job Opportunities For Young Nigerians

National News

CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct

Published

19 hours ago

October 22, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct

By: Michael Mike

The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take immediate disciplinary action against Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for alleged professional misconduct relating to his participation in the recent “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, CAIDOV condemned the lawyer’s appearance and participation at the protest ground, describing it as a clear breach of professional ethics and a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2023, particularly Rule 33, which deals with sub judice statements.

Soloki said, according to the rule: “A lawyer or law firm engaged in or associated with the prosecution or defence of a criminal matter, or associated with a civil action shall not, while litigation is anticipated or pending in the matter, make or participate in making any extra-judicial statement that is calculated to prejudice or interfere with, or is reasonably capable of prejudicing or interfering with, the fair trial of the matter or the judgment or sentence.”

He stated that by joining a public protest concerning a case he is directly handling, Ejimakor acted in a manner that could influence public perception and potentially compromise the impartiality of the court.

“The law expects that lawyers argue their cases in court, not on the streets, in protest grounds, or on media platforms. Mr. Ejimakor’s participation in the protest is tantamount to trying to sway public opinion and, by extension, the court’s view on a matter still under adjudication,” he said in the statement.

He further emphasised that the legal profession demands discipline, restraint, and respect for judicial processes, warning that “emotions must never override ethics.”

“This act by Mr. Ejimakor amounts to professional misconduct. The law is not emotional, and every lawyer is bound by its standards, regardless of who their client is,” he added.

CAIDOV therefore urged the law enforcement agencies to investigate the lawyer’s actions to determine if his involvement in the protest constituted a breach of national security or contempt of court.

Similarly, the group called on the Nigerian Bar Association’s Disciplinary Committee to review Ejimakor’s conduct and impose appropriate sanctions to preserve the integrity and credibility of the legal profession.

“Mr. Ejimakor made a very big mistake by publicly protesting for a client in a case he is handling. The NBA must take swift disciplinary measures to send a clear message that professional ethics cannot be compromised,” the group said.

CAIDOV Calls on NBA to Take Action Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Over Professional Misconduct