Tag: Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed a report it borrowed N36 billion in the past six months, describing the report as false and misleading.

The government clarified that it is actually paying nearly three times the size of loans taken by the past administration due to the massive devaluation of the Naira.

This was contained in an official rebuttal by the Commissioner of Planning and Budget, Mukhtar Ahmed, who noted that exchange rate fluctuations would definitely affect the ongoing repayment of the inherited loan burden.

The government stated that the inherited debt burden from the previous administration, consists of long-term loans. “These loan commitments, including World Bank programs such as AGILE, SURWASH, and ACReSAL, were all agreed upon during the previous regime” the Commissioner further explained.

While emphasizing that no new loans have been taken under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, he said the surge in borrowing receipts, by the second quarter of 2024, is attributable to the dramatic devaluation of the Naira.

He added: “Previous administration’s loan agreements, based on exchange rates of ₦415-₦480 to the dollar have now seen the Naira plunge to over ₦1,600 to the dollar, effectively tripling the value of these debts in local currency. 

The Kaduna State Government, according to the Commissioner, also expressed disappointment with Sahara Reporters for failing to seek clarification before publishing the report. It accused the platform of spreading falsehoods in the manner of “digital terrorism” and serving external interests by attempting to distract from ongoing investigations into financial mismanagement under the former administration.

The Commissioner added that, despite the inaccurate reporting, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to debt transparency and financial discipline, focusing on improving the state’s economy without adding new financial burdens.

“It (the state government) reaffirmed its resolve to hold accountable those responsible for mismanaging the state’s resources, vowing to reposition Kaduna for the benefit of its citizens”, Ahmed stressed.

Governor Uba Sani has pledged to complete and inaugurate a 300-bed Specialist Hospital with an oncology unit in Millennium City, Kaduna by the end of 2024.

This hospital project, initiated by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, received $148 million in support from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and aims to provide a comprehensive health facility for the population of Kaduna state.

Despite efforts by previous administrations, including those of Patrick Yakowa, Mukhtar Ramadan Yero, and Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, the project remains incomplete.

Speaking through the Commissioner of Health, Hajia Umma K. Ahmed at a press conference highlighting the administration’s strides in the area of healthcare delivery, Governor Sani said: “In the last quarter of 2024, we shall be inviting you to attend the August occasion to commission the facility that boosts state-of-the-art medical equipment aiming to transform and reform the State health care delivery while also reducing medical tourism, as the 300-bed hospital has an oncology unit for the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancers.”

The governor said his and the ministration’s investment in infrastructure cut across all the spectrum of health, including the primary, secondary and tertiary facilities in the state, saying that, the government is upgrading nine secondary facilities, three each in the senatorial districts.

“The hospitals are GH Maigana with 72% completion, GH Rigasa with 69% completion, GH Gwantu with 65% Completion, GH Ikara with 47% completion, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital Kafanchan with 43% completion, General Hospital Giwa with 45% completion.

“The newly awarded hospital of Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital, Lere, GH Sabon Tasha, and RH Kachia were handed over to the Contractors who are currently mobilizing to commence work. These facilities are currently at various stages of extensive reconstruction, re-modeling, and equipping as part of our Government’s initiative to improve healthcare infrastructure.

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“Additionally, the state is upgrading 30 high-volume healthcare facilities into “centres of excellence,” ensuring that residents, particularly in rural areas, have access to modern healthcare services,” he said.

The governor added that the infrastructural efforts were being done to ensure every level of care is transformed to provide the best care for the people of Kaduna State.

The commissioner said that as part of efforts to improve service delivery, Governor Sani has approved the distribution of modern medical equipment worth over 3 billion naira to 290 upgraded PHCs, significantly enhancing their capacity to provide quality healthcare services.

While noting that, the State’s intervention in nutrition is designed to ensure that malnutrition is treated and prevented by ensuring children receive adequate nutrients for sustained growth and development even after recovery, Hajia Ahmed said: “Ready-to-use therapeutic Food (RUTF) plays a crucial role in addressing malnutrition, particularly in children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. His Excellency, the Governor has just directed the distribution of 31,000 cartoons which is equivalent to 4,650,000 doses of RUTF.”

She emphasised: “Since taking office on 29th May, 2023, Governor Uba Sani has shown an unwavering commitment to revolutionizing healthcare delivery, driven by his SUSTAIN manifesto, which emphasizes the critical importance of investing in human capital development.

“Governor Uba Sani’s ambitious vision for the health sector aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage and promote healthy lives for all residents of Kaduna State. This vision is structured around five strategic objectives: enhancing health infrastructure, improving service delivery, strengthening human resources for health, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and increasing sustainable health financing.

“These are not just goals; they represent a transformative agenda designed to significantly improve the health outcomes of our citizens. The 2024 budget allocates N71.65 billion (15.6% of the state budget) to health, marking a significant investment in the sector. This made the health sector the 4th in ranking among other sectors in the state,” she said.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the Uba Sani’s government has equally reviewed the agreed end with Fly Zipline International Nigeria Limited, to deliver essential drugs ANC’s vaccines too hard to reach communities of Kaduna State.

“Under Governor Senator Uba Sani’s guidance, the Service Level Agreement with Fly Zipline International Nigeria Limited has been reviewed to enhance the delivery of medicines, vaccines, blood products, and other health supplies to hard-to-reach locations. Aerial drone delivery offers a just-in-time logistics solution, ensuring that essential medical supplies are available to remote health facilities across the State,” she said.

Ahead of the October 19 local government elections in Kaduna State, candidates from various political parties staged a protest at the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) over the unexpected closure of the payment portal for the upcoming polls.

The protesting candidates urged Governor Uba Sani, recognized for his democratic reforms and equitable project distribution, to intervene and ensure the portal is reopened.

Gathered outside the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD SIECOM) headquarters, the candidates voiced their frustration over the high fees and unclear guidelines surrounding the election process.

One of the Protesters, Hon. Bulus Bitrus, a chairmanship candidate from the Labour Party, “Majority of us are not wealthy politicians; we’re ordinary people trying to serve our communities. These fees are not only a barrier to our participation but the sudden closure of the payment portal also contradicts section 5.11 of the KAD SIECOM 2024 election guidelines.

“Our key demands are that; the payment portal should be re-opened to allow candidates to balance their fees; the SIECOM guidelines should be reviewed; there is a need for clarification on payment procedures to prevent confusion; there is a need for fair representation; there is need to ensure community members are not disenfranchised.”

The candidates urged Governor Sani to use his office to address these concerns, citing his “unstoppable momentum” and unprecedented achievements in just one year.

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He, however, expressed hope that, as the world watches, Governor Sani will heed the candidates’ call and safeguard democracy in Kaduna state, adding that, Governor Uba Sani’s reputation for democratic reforms and fair distribution of projects gives hope to the candidates and the people of Kaduna State.

Bitrus said: “Governor Sani’s administration has focused on government reform, education, and urban development. Now, it is time for him to take action and ensure fair representation for all community members.

“The people of Kaduna State await Governor Sani’s response. Will he intervene and protect democracy in the state?”

Bandits attacked a church service in the Bakinpah-Maro community of the Kajuru local government area in Kaduna state on Sunday, leaving three people feared dead and 30 others reported kidnapped.

Although the Police authorities were yet to comment, the former chairman of Kajuru LGA, Cafra Caino, confirmed the incident, noting that the assailants, who arrived in large numbers around 10:00 am, targeted both an ECWA church and a Catholic church.

Among those abducted is Bernard Gajera, a pastor from one of the churches. The police have yet to release a statement on the attack.

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The Nation recalled that last month, the Maro community had raised funds to build a security post for law enforcement as part of their efforts to attract more security personnel, following repeated attacks that have kept farmers from their fields.

No fewer than 35 Muslims heading to Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State for a Maulud celebration died in a tragic motor accident.

The victims of the accident were in a chartered J5 bus, which collided head-on with another vehicle near Samunaka.

Although authorities were yet to officially comment on the incident, one of the organisers of the Maulud event, Malam Abdullahi, told journalists that the accident had thrown their celebration plans into disarray.

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He revealed that about 35 others who sustained injuries in the accident were rushed to a medical facility in Plateau state for treatment.

He added that another vehicle on the same road in their convoy was also involved in an accident, colliding with a motorbike, which left several people dead and others injured.

“I did a headcount, and there were about 70 people in total, including women and children. It was a tragic incident. The injured have been taken to JUTH in Jos for medical attention,” Abdullahi said.

The incident, which is said to have occurred on August 28, 2024, involved the accidental release of Hydrogen Fluoride gas, a highly toxic and corrosive substance.

In a statement by Dr. Barr. Ishaya Tanko Damina, the GDU President, the union reported that the gas leak had devastated farmlands and caused health complications among residents, some of whom experienced convulsions, vomiting, and fainting. 

Damina said nine individuals were hospitalised at Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital following an intervention by Kaduna Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Buba.

The GDU criticised KRPC’s response to the crisis, accusing the refinery’s management of negligence and failing to take swift action.

According to Damina: “Despite the involvement of Federal Agencies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), KRPC has yet to implement remediation measures, stating it would only act after conducting tests.”

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Dr. Damina also pointed out that this was not the first time such incidents had occurred, noting that previous gas leaks and oil spills linked to KRPC had resulted in environmental degradation without adequate response from the refinery’s management.

The union demanded immediate evacuation of affected residents, cleanup of contaminated areas, and provision of medical care to those exposed to the gas. It also called for long-term environmental monitoring and compensation for the affected communities.

Efforts to get official reaction from KRPC proved abortive but a staff posted on a WhatsApp group that KRPC had since taken palliatives and medications to the community.