By Suleiman Yakubu

A committee established by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to assess challenges in the state's health sector has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing remodelling of the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna. The committee, led by the State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Mohammed Tukur, inspected the hospital's projects and engaged with its management to address issues affecting the facility.
During the visit, Dr. Tukur outlined the committee's objectives: to interact with hospital staff and management to understand their challenges, to evaluate the remodelling of the facility and construction of new doctors' quarters and a trauma centre, and to address public complaints regarding service delivery, particularly staff attitudes.
Dr. Tukur highlighted the committee's earlier visits to Minna General Hospital, Jummai Babangida Neonatal Hospital, and Umaru Sanda General Hospital, as well as hospitals in New Bussa and Suleja. He emphasised that the present administration is committed to ensuring that every life in the state counts and every loss of life is accounted for, reflecting the government's responsiveness to public concerns.
Regarding the ongoing remodelling, Dr. Tukur acknowledged the need to expedite the construction of the doctors' quarters and trauma centre while commending the progress on the renovation of existing structures. He also addressed communication gaps that have led to public dissatisfaction, citing a recent incident involving the death of a young girl at the hospital as an example of the need for improved public relations and staff training.
"We are committed to addressing these challenges, including the proper communication of medical situations to the public," Dr. Tukur said. "The quality of service is crucial, but so is the way we communicate and how the public perceives our efforts."
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of timely visits to healthcare facilities and encouraged citizens to enrol in the state's health insurance scheme to access affordable healthcare.
Dr. Murtala Mohammed Bagana, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, reiterated the committee's mandate to assess the functionality of healthcare facilities across the state, emphasising the importance of maximising the health benefits derived from government investments.
The Chief Medical Director of IBB Specialist Hospital, Dr. Bala Waziri, expressed gratitude for the committee's visit, noting that it provided valuable insights for improving service delivery and maintaining the hospital's standards.
The visit concluded with an inspection of various hospital units and ongoing projects, including the doctors' quarters and the trauma centre.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has firmly denied allegations that its officials extorted ₦25,000 from the parents of artisanal miners who lost their lives at Kakaki Village in Paikoro Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Monday by the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Muti, the NSCDC refuted claims that its personnel demanded money to fuel their vehicle during a condolence and fact-finding visit to the mining site.
"The allegations are false, baseless, and misleading," DSC Muti stated. "We urge the public to disregard these claims." He emphasised that the NSCDC is a reputable organisation committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
DSC Muti clarified that the visit to Kakaki Village was solely to gather facts about the incident. He assured that NSCDC personnel are well-trained to conduct themselves with respect and compassion, especially in sensitive situations.
The statement concluded by advising the public to dismiss the allegations as unfounded and assured that ongoing investigations would reveal the truth.