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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
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.
He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.
A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.
The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
By: Zagazola Makama
Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 50 sheep following a distress call in Amada.
The report revealed that on Jan. 28 at about 8:22 p.m., a mob apprehended one Sani Jamilu, 25, of Sabon Kaura LGA, Katsina State, who was reportedly seen with a flock of sheep around Dolli and Shilto communities.
The second suspect, identified only as Lawali, escaped.
The injured suspect was rescued by police and taken to Amada Primary Health Clinic for medical attention.
Sources say Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Nigeria have urged the country to draw lessons from decades of Franco-German cooperation, stressing that reconciliation, friendship, and shared responsibility are critical drivers of growth, stability, and regional integration.
German Ambassador Annett Günther and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during events marking the 63rd anniversary of German-French Day, which commemorates the signing of the Élysée Treaty on January 22, 1963.
Speaking jointly, the envoys reflected on how France and Germany overcame centuries of rivalry and conflict to become close partners and allies after the Second World War.
They noted that the experience demonstrates that even the most hostile relationships can be transformed through sustained dialogue and political commitment.
“The history of reconciliation and European unification shows that no matter how dark the past may seem, a different future is possible,” the ambassadors said, adding that this message is particularly relevant for Nigeria and its partners. “We are stronger together — and stronger as friends.”
They explained that Franco-German cooperation is anchored in formal treaties that mandate continuous consultation between both countries at all levels, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials. This coordination, they said, now extends beyond Europe to global and African issues.
Fielding questions from journalists, the ambassadors pointed to Nigeria’s strategic role within West Africa, saying the country could apply similar principles to strengthen the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Fonbaustier said stronger countries within a regional bloc have a responsibility to drive integration while supporting weaker members to ensure collective progress. “A union only succeeds when all its members move forward together,” he said, noting that unity should be based on shared development rather than narrow national interests.
He described Nigeria as the leading power within ECOWAS and encouraged it to continue playing a central role in promoting regional security, economic integration, and people-to-people exchange.
Günther also echoed these views, highlighting what she described as a “Franco-German reflex” of constant consultation and coordination. She said this habit of cooperation enables both countries to respond jointly to emerging challenges and align their diplomatic efforts, including in Africa.
They both stressed that the Franco-German journey from hostility to partnership offers valuable lessons for Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in fostering regional unity, managing diversity, and building long-term peace through cooperation.
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
Katsina police arrest gun runners, recover AK-47 magazines and ammunition
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
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