Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has flagged off the distribution of essential drugs, personal protective equipment, PPE and emergency response materials to hospitals across the state.
The distribution event was held on Thursday at the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, in Damba, Gusau’s state capital.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the distribution is part of a series of activities initiated by the state government to enhance the people’s well-being.
The statement added that over N1 billion worth of vital drugs and resources were distributed to cover the wide gap in the state’s health sector.
While delivering his remark at the flag-off event, Mr Lawal explained that the decision to provide the drugs and emergency response materials is a proactive measure to improve patient outcomes by ensuring healthcare facilities are well-stocked.
He said, “This distribution of over N1 billion worth of vital drugs and resources is not just a symbolic gesture but a concrete demonstration of our commitment to the state of emergency we declared in the health sector and our resolve to tackle health challenges head-on. Recently, we have faced various health-related issues, and this initiative is a critical step towards fortifying our healthcare system.
“The items distributed will significantly enhance our capacity to respond to health emergencies, prevent disease outbreaks, and provide timely and effective care to those in need. It is worth noting that, due to this administration’s dedication to being proactive, I can proudly say that Zamfara State has not had any polio cases since September 2023.
“I would like to urge all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community leaders, to work together to ensure the continued success of all our initiatives, interventions, and improvements in this time of emergency we have declared in the health sector. I believe we can only achieve our health-related goals and continue making meaningful progress through collective effort and shared responsibility.”
“Furthermore, I urge the good people of Zamfara State to take full advantage of the resources provided. We should cultivate a culture of health consciousness and proactive engagement with our healthcare system. By doing so, we can prevent the spread of diseases, reduce mortality rates, and enhance our communities’ overall quality of life.”
The governor further expressed his heartfelt appreciation to foreign partners, whose unwavering support and generosity have made the monumental initiative possible. “Your commitment to our cause of promoting health and the general well-being of the people of Zamfara State is sincerely appreciated,” he said.
Similarly, the governor has offered full scholarships to 30 Zamfara gifted students studying at the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, Niger State.
The governor announced the offer on Wednesday when he received the students alongside the leadership of the Muhammad Kabir Danbaba Centre for Women and Youth Development Centre at the Government House, Gusau.
A statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Suleiman Idris, on Thursday said the scholarship covers all expenses of the students during their studies.
Mr Lawal also reiterated his administration’s commitment to education reforms.
Mr Lawal noted that the centre played a vital role in Zamfara State’s emergence as the top-performing Northern State in the National Examination Council, NECO, entrance exams for gifted students
The statement added that many of the students with the highest entrance exam performance were from public schools.
While commending the students and their parents for bringing pride to Zamfara State, Mr Lawal said, ,“Your remarkable performance was a positive indication that our administration’s declaration of emergency was not in vain.
“In the past, Zamfara was consistently at the bottom regarding education in Nigeria. This is why I declared a state of emergency in the educational sector last year,” he added.
The governor disclosed that his administration is currently renovating and equipping over 300 schools across the 14 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to revamp the education sector.
