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Sokoto to replace 100-year-old hospital with world-class facility

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The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to replace the over 100-year-old Specialist Hospital in Sokoto with a world-class medical facility.

The new hospital is part of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s broader plan to overhaul the state’s health sector and restore public confidence in government-run hospitals.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar, disclosed this during a media chat on Wednesday, saying the current facility was no longer fit for purpose.

“This hospital has served our people for over a century. The governor has approved the construction of a world-class replacement that will offer comprehensive and specialist care to meet the needs of today’s patients,” Abubakar said.

The announcement comes amid ongoing rehabilitation of over 125 primary healthcare centres and several general hospitals across the state, alongside an aggressive equipment upgrade programme.

According to the commissioner, 240 new hospital beds and mattresses, nine ultrasound machines, and three X-ray machines have been procured and distributed across the state’s three senatorial zones.

“This is a clear break from the inaction of past administrations. We’re decentralizing services so patients in rural areas no longer have to travel to Sokoto metropolis for a simple scan or X-ray,” he said.

Recounting the situation he met upon assumption of office, Abubakar said many health centres had no electricity, sanitation, or functioning equipment.

“It was a scandal. We found maternity wards without light and widespread open defecation due to lack of toilets. But today, we are tackling those problems head-on,” he said.

To ensure uninterrupted service, the state has commenced installation of solar power systems in all healthcare centres, with a special focus on emergency and maternity units.

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Boreholes are also being drilled to provide regular water supply, while inmates from correctional centres have been engaged to clean hospital environments.

As an interim measure, the abandoned amenity ward and surgical theatre at the old Specialist Hospital have been rehabilitated pending the construction of the new facility.

“We’re not just rebuilding structures, we are rebuilding trust in public healthcare,” Abubakar stressed.

The commissioner noted that the administration’s focus on preventive care and grassroots engagement is yielding significant results.

He disclosed that vaccine rejection has dropped sharply, from 4,000 cases to just 1,000 in the last immunisation cycle, thanks to advocacy from traditional rulers and religious leaders.

“Our community outreach, combined with support from local leaders, is helping to change perceptions and save lives,” he added.

Other key interventions include accreditation of four hospitals to provide free obstetric services, including Caesarean Sections, under the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the approval of a 10% salary bonus for medical professionals working in rural areas.

The state has also strengthened disease surveillance, improved training for epidemiologists, and is collaborating with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to curb the activities of quacks in the health sector.

“This administration is not waiting for health emergencies. We are building a proactive, preventive-focused healthcare system,” Abubakar said.

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Ramadan: Adamawa gov relaxes night-time restriction on tricycles

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The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has approved a review of the existing restriction on the operations of commercial tricycles, known as Keke NAPEP, in parts of the state for the 2026 Ramadan period.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Friday.

The statement said the restriction, which previously ran from 10pm to 5am would now commence an hour later.

“Under the revised directive, the restriction which previously ran from 10pm to 5am will now commence from 11p to 5am daily throughout the 2026 Ramadan period.

“The review takes immediate effect,” the statement read.

The government explained that the adjustment was introduced to ease movement for Muslim faithful during the holy month.

“The adjustment is intended to allow Muslim faithful attend late-night tafsir sessions with ease during the holy month,” it added.

The statement recalled that the Adamawa State Government had, in February 2021, imposed restrictions on the movement of tricycles and motorcycles through the Adamawa State Restriction of Movement of Tricycles/Motorcycles Executive Order No. 1 of 2021, as part of measures to strengthen public safety and security.

It noted that the latest review reflects the administration’s effort to balance religious observance with security considerations.

“The present review is therefore informed by the Government’s commitment to supporting religious observance, while maintaining the gains recorded in peace and security across the state,” the statement said.

Fintiri also directed security agencies to intensify patrols across the affected local government areas.

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“Governor Fintiri has accordingly directed security agencies to intensify patrols, particularly within Yola North, Yola South and Girei, through the deployment of additional personnel to safeguard lives and property.

“He warned that any breach of the law will be dealt with decisively,” the statement added.

The governor further appealed to residents to act responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

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DSS to arraign El-Rufai Feb 25 over alleged cybercrime, security breach

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The Department of State Services (DSS) will on February 25 arraign former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on alleged cybercrime and breach of national security

LIB had earlier reported that the DSS on Monday, February 16, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the court papers, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, “admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, the ex-governor was alleged to have, on February 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, stated during the interview that he knew and related with a certain individual who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety and national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications.

See also  Man Escapes Death After Truck Crashes From Oshodi Bridge

The DSS said the ex-governor by his own comment during the live interview committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

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Mob besieges Benin FRSC office

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The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has praised the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force for their swift and decisive response during the recent attack on the Benin Toll Gate Unit Command Office.

The attack occurred on Thursday at the RS5.12 Benin Toll Gate Unit on the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a crash involving two trucks, the statement said.

One truck driver died in the accident, while FRSC personnel sustained critical injuries, with one officer later succumbing despite urgent medical attention.

“In the aftermath of the crash, an angry mob besieged and vandalised the Unit Command formation. However, the prompt response by security agencies helped to restore order and prevent further escalation,” Mohammed said in a statement issued on Friday by the FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja.

The Corps Marshal condemned the attack on FRSC personnel and facilities as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” emphasising that the operatives were on lawful duty to save lives.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased driver, the fallen officer, and the entire FRSC workforce.

Mohammed has ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and the circumstances that led to the mob action.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians and called on the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of its activities.

(NAN)

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