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UMTH: Orchard, for the Benefits of Patients’ Healing
UMTH: Orchard, for the Benefits of Patients’ Healing
By: Balami Lazarus
Hospitals are considered universally to be the most serene environment where patients are expected to have the best healthcare services and attention and also to be provided with quality medical treatment and care through their doctors and caregivers, aided by other health workers, to enable the sick ones to recuperate, feel better, and get well. How can our hospitals achieve this?
However, this can be achieved not only by discharging their primary objectives through the provision of medical treatments but also in some other related friendly environmental health windows.
When the NEWSng team took a post-flood visit to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) recently to assess some projects like the one and only Interventional Radiology Centre (IRC) in Nigeria and the Stroke Centre (SC), among other few ongoing projects that are not peculiar to most hospitals in Nigeria.
Farms are of different types, but the one in question herein is an orchard, a special kind of farm. Orchards have never been part of the hospital environment, while gardens and parks are a common sight in our hospitals. Therefore, UMTH, under the able good leadership of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, decided to make yet another landmark by establishing a large orchard within the hospital premises in Maiduguri.
Why an orchard in UMTH? Speaking to the CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo on the Orchard project, he happily said, “The Orchard is meant to provide a conducive environmental atmosphere/space for patients, their relatives, visitors, staff, and students to have contact with and the feel of the natural environment provided by the Orchard.” He further emphasized by saying that “patients will have a natural environment for them to relax, which will help in their healing processes.” He informed NEWSng that it is also meant to provide sources of fresh fruits for the patients and members of the hospital community at affordable prices. “The Orchard is not only established to provide leisure/relaxation, but its products—fruits—are going to be sold to assist in maintaining the facilities of the orchard.”
In the course of our reports, NEWSng spoke to Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Dawule, officer in charge of the orchard, who took us round. The Orchard is 1.75 hectares of land totaling 26 plots that are 25 meters in size. Abubakar Dawule said that each plot is planted with a single variety of economic tree that bears quality fruits. All the plots are planted with single different varieties of economic trees like cashew, custard apple tree , mango , orange, banana, guava, mango apple, pawpaw, date trees, tangerine, berries of different kinds, watermelon, and other varieties of economic trees/plants.”
Sadiq further informed NEWSng that the aims of the orchard are “to create a green area of plantation that will provide economic trees for the production of fruits.” He also said that is to help reduce global warming and provide protection for the hospital’s environmental beauty. “To have natural environment space for nutritional benefits of patients to improve their healing.
UMTH Orchard has standard functional facilities like a water fountain, a set of concrete backrest seats in each plot, and an office block consisting of shops, stores, and restrooms. The orchard is beautifully designed with paved walkways to each plot and free flow of water to all the plots. It is fenced with one main entrance. These efforts are carried out by an 18-man workforce, including security operatives, to secure the orchard.
Interestingly, the UMTH Orchard was sponsored by a well-meaning Nigerian Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu Bungudu (Zanna Bungudu), a member of the National Assembly—House of Representatives representing the Bungudu/Maru Federal constituency of Zamfara State, with the sum of 20 million Naira.
Challenges faced by the Orchard, according to Abubakar Sadiq Dawule, are the need for additional borehole walkways and lights and more fertilizer/manure.
Garden scissors, an axe, a cutlass, and watering cans, among other handy tools, “are necessary for the maintenance of the orchard.”
UMTH: Orchard, for the Benefits of Patients’ Healing
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have cleared multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and recovered items during an ongoing offensive operation in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Security sources said the operation, conducted by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies, is part of sustained efforts to dislodge suspected IPOB/ESN elements from the Ubah–Orsu axis.
The sources disclosed that at about 8:45 a.m. on May 1, troops advanced into the Mother Valley area following intelligence reports of possible re-infiltration by suspected fighters.
According to the sources, the troops also acted on credible intelligence indicating a suspected burial site of a late military officer, Capt. Stanley Chukwumerije Onweka, within the valley, with the aim of locating and possibly exhuming the remains for DNA analysis.
They added that during the advance, troops successfully detected and disposed of nine IEDs planted along the route.
The sources, however, said two civilian guides (pointers) sustained injuries from an IED explosion during the operation and were evacuated to a medical facility, but one later died en route, while the other is in stable condition.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of IED-making materials, Biafran uniforms, ranks, belts, mats, and unserviceable motorcycles.
The sources noted that despite extensive search, the exact location of the suspected burial site could not be established.
They added that operations are ongoing in the area to maintain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities.
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has graduated a new set of drone pilot trainees at the 8 Division Training School, Giginya Military Cantonment in Sokoto State.
Security sources said the ceremony, held on May 1, was attended by senior officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, alongside formation commanders, commanding officers and staff officers of the division.
According to the sources, the training focused on enhancing the operational capacity of personnel in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
In his remarks, the GOC emphasised the importance of force protection and operational preparedness, noting that drone technology has become a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.
He said the effective use of UAVs would improve reconnaissance capabilities, optimise resource deployment and enhance overall operational efficiency.
The sources added that the event was conducted successfully without any incident.
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four suspected terrorists during a patrol along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on Friday when the troops came under attack by armed assailants while on routine patrol.
The sources disclosed that the soldiers responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers and killing all four suspects without recording any casualties on their side.
According to the sources, items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to N153,400.
They added that some of the recovered Android phones contained images of the suspects dressed in military uniforms and have been handed over for forensic analysis.
Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.
The sources further revealed that the suspects were linked to a series of attacks in Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and other communities within Dutsinma and Matazu Local Government Areas.
They noted that the operation is considered a significant blow to a bandit network reportedly led by one Muhammadu Fulani, which has been associated with violent activities across Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia areas.
A security official said the development reflects ongoing intensified offensive operations aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring normalcy in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Troops Neutralise Four Suspected Terrorists, Recover Arms in Katsina
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
Troops Clear IEDs, Recover Items in Imo Offensive Operation
Army Graduates Drone Pilot Trainees in Sokoto
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