Health – Zamfara State Government

Jun 17 2025

PROJECTS: I’M PROUD OF GOV. LAWAL’S ACHIEVEMENTS, SAYS EX-PRESIDENT OBASANJO

PRESS STATEMENT

PROJECTS: I’M PROUD OF GOV. LAWAL’S ACHIEVEMENTS, SAYS EX-PRESIDENT OBASANJO

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Gov. Lawal for his outstanding achievements, emphasizing the positive impact of his leadership in Zamfara State.

On Tuesday, the former president commissioned the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and two major roads in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.

A statement by the spokesperson for Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the state has, for the first time, obtained a CT scan and an MRI machine for the renovated Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital.

At the commissioning of the specialist hospital, former President Olusegun Obasanjo urged Governor Lawal to continue on his rescue mission until Zamfara is one of the leading states in Nigeria.

The ex-president said: “I am in Zamfara State today to see the new, improved, and improving Zamfara under your leadership.

“Here we are. Two things surprised me: the commissioner of health mentioned that you have had a CT scan and an MRI. I know some teaching hospitals don’t have CT scans and MRIs, and some have machines, but they are not operational. Here you have it; it is working and providing service.

“I have great pleasure to be here, to commission this remodelled and reequipped hospital for the well-being and welfare of everybody that will come here.”

Commissioning of the Zannah Road to Abarma road, former President Obasanjo said that Governor Lawal is making Zamfara a modern state. “Based on my observations and what I have heard, we are partners in progress. I urge you to continue enhancing Zamfara State throughout your government’s eight-year tenure.”

In his address, Governor Lawal thanked Former President Obasanjo for honoring the invitation to commission the key projects in the state.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of all the citizens of Zamfara State, thank you for honoring our invitation and welcome to your second home, Zamfara State. A State that is dear to your heart because our primary vocation here is Agriculture, something you are very passionate about.

“The Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital has undergone both expansion and renewal. New facilities have been constructed. Doctors now have newly completed residential quarters, including two- and three-bedroom semidetached units, and a befitting residence for the Chief Medical Director.

“A serene and quiet patient relaxation arena has also been introduced alongside the redesign and beautification of the hospital landscape. We also established internal road networks that support mobility, order, and aesthetics.

“The new centers constructed are new Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G), new Radiology Complex, new Laboratory Complex, and Patient Relaxation Arena.

“Equally important is the extensive renovation and modernization of 14 key departments, all of which have been revitalized and upgraded to contemporary standards.

“We have matched these infrastructural improvements with a robust supply of cutting-edge medical equipment across all critical Departments. These include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools for radiology, dialysis, surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, physiotherapy, endoscopy, echocardiography, dentistry, and general clinical care.

“The hospital has also been furnished with new hospital beds, electronic systems, general furniture, and waste management infrastructure to ensure an environment that meets global hygiene standards, safety, and comfort.”

The Governor emphasized that the hospital is well-equipped to function as a true referral center for complex medical cases, a credible training facility for healthcare personnel, and a hub for medical research and innovation.

Other projects commissioned are the Zannah road to Abarma road and Tsalha Bungudu road to Kwanar Birnin Ruwa road, all in Gusau, the state capital.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
June 17, 2025

ZITDA 0 Comments

May 17 2025

GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS REMODELLED GENERAL HOSPITAL ANKA, ASSURES ZAMFARA PEOPLE OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS REMODELLED GENERAL HOSPITAL ANKA, ASSURES ZAMFARA PEOPLE OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing quality and affordable healthcare to the people of Zamfara.

The governor gave this assurance on Saturday while commissioning the fully renovated and equipped General Hospital Anka.

The renovation of General Hospital Anka includes the GOPD/Old Admin Block, Male Ward, Female Ward, Pharmacy Block, New Gate Fence, a link corridor connecting the female ward, X-ray, and Theatre Block, and new constructions for Accident and Emergency, Laboratory, Eye and Dental Clinic, and Maternity/Old Lab Ward.

Other remodeled and equipped sections include the Antenatal Care (ANC), Theatre Block, X-ray, New Admin Block, Mosque, MD House (3 3-bedroom houses), and blocks of Pediatric Wards, among others.

During his address at the commissioning, Governor Lawal stated that the renovation of the buildings and the installation of all medical and electrical equipment were completed promptly and by the contract specifications within 12 months.

The governor said, “The rehabilitation of this hospital began last year and was awarded and executed by an indigenous and highly reputable company.

“This investment has upgraded the hospital into a modern healthcare facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology, significantly improving the quality of medical care for residents of Anka and nearby communities.”

“To the people of Anka and surrounding communities, this project is a fulfillment of one of our promises to deliver dividends of democracy and improve the livelihood of citizens.”

“We will continue to prioritize development issues, ensuring that our people have access to quality and affordable healthcare, education, agriculture, roads, and other critical infrastructure across the state.

“To the staff and management of Anka General Hospital, I call on you to ensure this facility’s effective management and maintenance. I also urge you to work tirelessly to provide quality healthcare services to our people.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 17, 2025

ZITDA 0 Comments

Jan 23 2025

ZAMFARA SET TO LAUNCH SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY AND LAW, GOV. LAWAL TELLS UNICEF

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA SET TO LAUNCH SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY AND LAW, GOV. LAWAL TELLS UNICEF

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his administration’s readiness to launch the Zamfara State Social Protection Policy and Law.

On Wednesday, the governor received the UNICEF country representative and other donor partners at the government house in Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF representative for Nigeria, expressed satisfaction regarding the progress in the Zamfara Health sector.

The statement added that UNICEF, GAVI, WHO, and representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum were present at the dissemination meeting of the Zamfara state social laws and policy.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized that the Zamfara State Gender Policy is a significant step towards dismantling barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for all individuals to access opportunities.

“In addition to the Gender Policy, we are also launching the Zamfara State Social Protection Policy and Law. These documents are critical in ensuring that our social systems are robust and responsive to the needs of our people, particularly the most vulnerable.

“The Child Protection Law and its Implementation Strategy reinforce our commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. As the foundation of our future, we must ensure they have a safe, nurturing environment to achieve their potential.

“The Zamfara State Disability Law demonstrates our commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. It seeks to eliminate discrimination, enhance accessibility, and promote their inclusion in society. We have involved key stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, to ensure their voices are heard.

“Accordingly, the law will be reviewed for greater inclusiveness, and a board will be established to address the specific needs of the disabled community.”

Governor Lawal further stressed that his administration inherited a health sector in a monumental crisis.

“To realize this and attain our goal of universal access to quality and affordable healthcare, we declared a state of emergency in the health sector.

“For example, through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), the state government renovated 61 health facilities, including 10 General Hospitals, and intervened in 51 other primary health clinics.

“With direct state government funding, we renovated and upgraded Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and the General Hospitals in Talata Mafara and Shinkafi, converting them to Zonal Referral Specialist Hospitals.

“We also commenced the construction of a VVF Centre for managing maternal complications and approved the construction of an advanced diagnostic center as part of our commitment to delivering quality healthcare.

“Our efforts, supported by all partners here, have already begun yielding results across all health system building blocks.

“We successfully halted the circulation of mutant poliovirus in Zamfara State and recorded a significant reduction in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, such as measles, meningitis, and yellow fever. In 2024, our state recorded only two cases of diphtheria despite large-scale outbreaks in neighboring states.

“We also invested significantly in rehabilitating the College of Nursing and Midwifery in Gusau and renovating the College for Health Science and Technology in Tsafe.

The governor appreciated the partnership of UNICEF with the state, and the interventions made an intentional impact.

“On investments made by GAVI in our state, we are particularly grateful for your connecting 50 of our primary healthcare centers with solar power, which enables them to provide 24-hour services efficiently.”

“This project enhances our capacity to store and distribute vaccines to service points. Your investment in motorized solar boreholes and toilets at 29 healthcare centers improves comfort for workers and patients, strengthening community ties to health facilities.

“We appreciate your support in enrolling 33,000 vulnerable women and children in the state health insurance scheme. This project is one of the most impactful ever, and we are dedicated to sustaining its gains.”

Earlier, Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF representative for Nigeria, said it is the first time globally that GAVI has decided to support the subnational health system. “We are happy because the results in Zamara are seen, and this will motivate GAVI to continue supporting health interventions at this level and not only at the national interventions.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
January 23, 2025

ZITDA 0 Comments

Nov 11 2024

REVEALED: GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL’S HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION IN ZAMFARA

Faced with an unprecedented and embarrassing decay in the health sector in Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal declared a state of emergency on the sector immediately after he took over as the state chief executive.

To change the ugly scenario, Governor Lawal quickly started renovating,
modernising, upgrading, equipping, and building new general hospitals across the state.

One year on, these hitherto decrepit, understaffed and life-threatening general hospitals now wear a new look, with state-of-the-art facilities, trained and well-remunerated physicians and health workers for effective, safe, people-centred, timely, equitable, and integrated service delivery to the people.

ZITDA 0 Comments

Sep 8 2024

GOV. LAWAL FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 200-BED CAPACITY AT TALATA MAFARA GENERAL HOSPITAL, PROCURES ADVANCED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 200-BED CAPACITY AT TALATA MAFARA GENERAL HOSPITAL, PROCURES ADVANCED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Governor Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s dedication to investing in the health sector of Zamfara State, recognizing the vital role that General Hospitals play in the healthcare delivery system.

On Saturday, the governor inaugurated the reconstruction and equipping of the General Hospital in the Talata Mafara local government area, including the construction of a 200-bed capacity.

Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, the former governor of Old Sokoto State, was the special guest of honor at the flag-off ceremony.

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed concern about the neglect of Talatan Mafara General Hospital, highlighting the lack of essential medical equipment and poor infrastructure over the years.

Governor Lawal revealed that previous governments had completely neglected the healthcare sector, which has driven his administration to embark on a process of revamping it.

He said: “By the will of Allah, I am here today to fulfill the promise I made a few months ago when I visited this hospital and the State University. Considering the sorry state of this health facility, I pledged to undertake its total reconstruction to provide a befitting General Hospital for an expanding commercial town like Talata Mafara.

“Our administration has prioritized the revitalization of decaying infrastructure as a critical pillar of our transformational agenda. We have deliberately placed education and healthcare at the forefront, recognizing their central roles in societal development. This hospital is just one of many facilities being constructed to provide a conducive environment for delivering quality healthcare services.

“Our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to investing in the health sector, with a clear understanding of the crucial role that General Hospitals play in the healthcare delivery system. They serve as the vital link between Primary Healthcare facilities and Tertiary institutions.

“The project we are flagging off today involves the construction of a 200-bed capacity hospital and providing modern equipment to improve service delivery to the people.

“It includes the construction of the following facilities: reception and waiting rooms, records and accounts section, pediatric ward, male medical ward, male surgical ward, laboratory, theatre, dental lab, pharmacy, female surgical ward, female medical ward, ENT department, two labor rooms with an in-charge office, treatment room, nurse’s station, CMD office with a secretary’s office, dentist office, female changing room, five consulting rooms, ICU, X-ray unit, preparation room, recovery room, pharmacy, mammogram unit, Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit, office, doctor’s on-call room, antenatal ward, restaurant with kitchen, two two-bed wards, and a matron’s office.

“It will be completed within six months, with Abdulwahab Razaq Memorial Ltd as the contractor. At this juncture, it is my singular honor and privilege to invite our special guest of honor, His Excellency, the former Governor of old Sokoto State, Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, mni, Magajin Rafin Sokoto, to flag off the construction of this hospital officially.”

Earlier, the former governor of the old Sokoto State, Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, commended Governor Dauda Lawal for making the healthcare sector one of his administration’s priorities. “I was amazed when the governor told me that all advanced equipment had already been procured for the General Hospital; this is laudable.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
September 08, 2024

ZITDA 0 Comments

Aug 20 2024

GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS RENOVATED, EQUIPPED KAURAN NAMODA GENERAL HOSPITAL, VOWS TO REVAMP ZAMFARA HEALTH SECTOR

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS RENOVATED, EQUIPPED KAURAN NAMODA GENERAL HOSPITAL, VOWS TO REVAMP ZAMFARA HEALTH SECTOR

On Tuesday, Governor Dauda Lawal commissioned the newly rehabilitated and equipped General Hospital in Kauran Namoda local government area of Zamfara State.

The General Hospital serving Kauran Namoda and its neighboring communities has been equipped to deliver quality healthcare services effectively.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the general hospital had been equipped with diagnostic sets, delivery beds, ECG machines, centrifuge machines, blood mixing machines, an automatic hematology analyzer, an electronic weighing system, and an LED theatre operating lamp, among other equipment.

The statement emphasized that general hospitals are crucial for providing advanced care, which should be accessible and affordable to the people of Zamfara state.

At the commissioning, Governor Lawal reiterated that his administration’s primary focus is revitalizing the deteriorating infrastructure and addressing the problems across all sectors of the state’s economy. “This vision guided our decision to develop a transformation agenda comprising six pillars, with health being the third pillar, following education and security.

“Our objective in revitalizing hospitals is to ensure that quality healthcare services are available to our people, whether in rural communities or urban and semi-urban centers. This understanding led us to renovate and rehabilitate dilapidated health centers, especially in critical towns like Kaura Namoda, strategically located among the urban local governments and serving as a reference point for many surrounding communities.

“I am delighted to report that in the last 14 months, we have made significant strides in improving the health sector by investing in renovating and upgrading hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the state. We are also concluding plans to recruit and train more health workers, procure essential drugs and equipment, and introduce free maternal and child health services. These interventions, we hope, will result in improved health outcomes for our people through the reduction in maternal mortality, infant mortality, and morbidity rates across the state.

“Today’s inauguration demonstrates our commitment to providing quality healthcare for all residents of Zamfara, regardless of their location, status, or income.

“The project scope included the complete renovation of the hospital, providing 32 kW of steady solar power, installing 25 streetlights, and supplying essential medical equipment. With the successful completion of this facility, I am confident that the people of Kaura Namoda and neighboring towns and villages will now have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
August 20, 2024

ZITDA 0 Comments

Mar 19 2024

GOV. LAWAL CHAIRS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, APPROVES THE PROCESS OF IMMEDIATE REMODELLING OF ZAMFARA STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the process of complete remodelling and renovation of Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital to meet the challenges of the growing need for tertiary medical services in Zamfara State.

The governor approved the process for the renovation of the specialist hospital on Monday during the nineteenth (19th) Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the process would begin immediately and that the remodelling is expected to restore the facility to a modern and functional health centre.

According to the statement, the decision was made in line with the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the Zamfara health sector.

He said: “Yesterday, while presiding over the Executive Council meeting, Governor Lawal approved the process for the immediate remodelling of the Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital.

“The State Specialist Hospital has been in disrepair for a long time and has inadequate medical equipment. As a result, patients have had to travel to Sokoto or Kaduna for kidney dialysis and other critical medical tests.

“Alhaji Mustapha Falaki, the Managing Director of Minjirya Health Services Limited, presented to the council on the specialist hospital’s current state and the next steps in the remodeling process.

“As part of the hospital’s remodeling plan, new structures and medical facilities will be built, machines will be equipped, and end-user training will be provided to make the Specialist Hospital a modern and well-equipped healthcare facility that will provide quality healthcare services to the people of the state.

During the council meeting, several crucial matters were discussed. One of the main topics of discussion was the state social protection policy. This policy aims to bring together various Social Protection Interventions that align with the vision of Zamfara State as one of Nigeria’s development hubs. The policy sets out a clear set of strategies and policies to help guide public and private investments in social protection.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 19, 2024

ZITDA 0 Comments

Feb 29 2024

ZAMFARA GOV’T CONCLUDES THIRD PHASE OF FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, TREATS 2,213 PERSONS

Zamfara State Government concluded the third phase of its free modified outreach program, treating 2,213 individuals.

The Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in July last year, providing free medical services to individuals with cataract extraction, groin swellings such as hernias and hydroceles, vesicovaginal fistula repairs, and health education.

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that 2,213 persons were treated during the free outreach’s first, second and third phases.

According to him, the third phase of the free outreach lasted between the 23rd and 25th of February 2024.

The statement said: “Governor Lawal’s administration launched a free modified medical outreach program to provide medical assistance to vulnerable individuals in need. The program offers free medical treatment for people suffering from common surgical conditions such as cataracts, hernias, hydroceles, and vesicovaginal fistula repairs.

“Besides medical assistance, the program educates citizens about the importance of maintaining good health and wellness. This initiative is a positive step towards improving the overall health and well-being of the community.

“The Outreach program has so far treated 2,213 persons using tele-screening to provide specialist care to patients from rural and semi-urban areas, covering the 14 local government areas of the State. This approach has enabled patients in remote locations to receive the medical attention they need from qualified professionals.

“The three phases have so far operated cases include 876 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 931 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).

“The dedicated centres for the outreach are General Hospital Gusau, King Fahad General Hospital, Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, and all special cases would be referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 29, 2024

ZITDA 0 Comments

Feb 6 2024

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL COMMISSIONS ROAD CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL IN BUKKUYUM LGA, DISTRIBUTES FARM INPUTS TO FARMERS

Governor Dauda Lawal has flagged off the construction of a road project and reconstruction of the General Hospital in Bukkuyum local government.

The governor was in Bukkuyum LGA on Tuesday to distribute agricultural assets and vital farm inputs to farmers for the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus under the auspices of FADAMA III.

A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the road construction starting from Mallawama junction will cover 13.4 kilometres in the Bukkuyum local government area.

He added that the General Hospital at Nasarawa Burkullu in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area will undergo significant renovation and upgrades to improve healthcare services.

In his speech at the flag-off, Governor Dauda Lawal disclosed that the 19.2 km road construction would cover the Mallamawa-Zarummai-Bukkuyum and Bukkuyum-Birnin Zauma-Gummi Road.

“On behalf of the state government, I am pleased to commission this road project. This project fulfils our campaign promises to the people of Zamfara, and I am committed to delivering on them.

“Our goal is to bring all the dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara, and this project is just one of the many ways we plan to improve their lives.

“We have already mobilised the contractors to start work, and we are confident that this commissioning will result in tremendous changes for the people of Bukkuyum.

“I urge everyone to give the contractors maximum cooperation in discharging their duty.”

During the flag-off of the distribution of agricultural assets in the Bukkuyum LGA, Governor Dauda Lawal called on beneficiaries of the farm inputs to make the best use of the opportunity to improve their production and uplift their living conditions.

“The distribution of the stimulus package signifies a crucial step in our endeavours to counter the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“By going around selected local government areas across the state’s three senatorial zones, we intend to enhance awareness concerning the stimulus being rolled out to encourage beneficiaries to use it judiciously.

“This component of the COVID-19 stimulus programme is centrally focused on agriculture, acknowledging its pivotal role in the state’s economy, which is predominantly agrarian. Over 80% of the population is engaged in one form of agricultural production. Under this stimulus package, over 100,000 farmers across the 14 Local Government Areas would be empowered with essential farming equipment and seeds over the coming four years.”

Flagging off the renovation and upgrade of the General Hospital Nasarawa Burkullu, Governor Lawal restated that the hospital would also be well-equipped with medical facilities.

“The renovation will involve refurbishing existing facilities, constructing new buildings, and installing state-of-the-art medical equipment. These upgrades will improve the hospital’s capacity to handle more patients and enhance its ability to provide specialised medical procedures.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
February 06, 2024

ZITDA 0 Comments

Jan 6 2024

GOVERNOR LAWAL FLAGS OFF RENOVATION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL ANKA, PLEDGES TO ENHANCE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has pledged to improve healthcare delivery in Zamfara State.

On Saturday, the governor laid the foundation for the rehabilitation and renovation of the General Hospital Anka LGA.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the General Hospital in Anka will be renovated to improve healthcare accessibility for the people.

He added that the governor was in the local government a few months ago, where he inspected the Anka General Hospital and identified areas of improvement.

He said: “Today, Governor Dauda Lawal flagged off the renovation of Anka General Hospital as part of his administration’s commitment to bring sanity to the health sector in the state.

“The state government will renovate and fully equip the General hospitals in all the local government areas of Zamfara state.

In his remark, Governor Lawal reiterated that he promised to rehabilitate the General Hospital Anka, and the flag-off ceremony fulfilled the promise.

“As attested by the hospital’s Medical Director, the funds for the renovation and equipment are secure. The project will be completed without any hindrance, God willing.

“We are making progress in the fight against insecurity and will continue to explore new ways to improve the lives of our people. This is just the beginning.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
January 06, 2024

ZITDA 0 Comments