BY: FAIZA JIBRIN, MARCH 11, 2025/ 10:17PM
Vulnerable groups in Borno State are set to benefit from several initiatives aimed at improving their healthcare and education.
This is following the unveiling of programs by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum including the construction of state-of-the-art eye and dental hospitals in Biu Local Government Area which will provide specialized medical care to children, women, the elderly, and underserved populations.
The governor has on Tuesday inaugurated eye and dental hospitals in Biu.
The move is expected to ensure access to specialized medical care for children, women, the elderly, and underserved populations.
The newly commissioned 40-bed capacity eye hospital and 30-bed dental hospital are designed to serve children, women, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by vision impairment and oral health issues.
The facilities are equipped to provide free ophthalmic surgeries, treatment for cataracts and glaucoma, and essential dental services, reducing the burden on low-income families who previously had to travel long distances for specialized care.
During the commissioning on Tuesday at Biu Local Government Area, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare.
'Healthcare is one of the cardinal pillars of the Borno State's 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
'Reflecting on this commitment, we allocated 15% of the state's budget to health sector in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year in line with the Abuja declaration recommendation for healthcare financing to prioritize health and well-being of our people.' he said.
According to Prof. Abubakar Ali Kullima, Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, the eye hospital will immediately commence free eye surgeries, particularly benefiting elderly citizens suffering from cataracts and other vision-related ailments.
Recognizing the healthcare needs of rural communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved populations, Gov. Zulum announced the construction of five new general hospitals in Askira Uba, Magumeri, Gubio, Mafa, and Dikwa local governments.
'To enhance health infrastructure, the Borno State Government has awarded contracts for the construction of modern General Hospitals in Uba, Gubio, Magumeri, Mafa and Dikwa.
'We recognize that the development of a resilient healthcare system necessitates more than just physical infrastructure. The availability of skilled healthcare professionals is equally crucial.' the governor added.
Borno Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, noted that Borno is now the first state in Nigeria to have eye and dental hospitals in all three senatorial zones, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the necessary care without financial or geographical barriers.
Also in Biu, the governor commissioned a mega secondary school in Miringa to provide quality education for children in Southern Borno.
The school will accommodate over 1,300 students, expected to displaced families, orphaned children, and low-income households.
He distributed free textbooks, uniforms, sandals, and bicycles to students from neighboring villages, reducing the financial burden on parents.