Governor Yahaya Bello has been put forward for next year’s Nobel Prize.
The Centre for Peace and Justice in Africa recommended the governor for his “groundbreaking feat in healthcare”.
The Nobel Prizes are awarded “to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”.
And in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Ifure Ifure, the centre said Bello has bucked the trend with health infrastructures uncommon in Africa.
Ifure listed the Reference Hospital Okene (RHO), Maimunat and Usman Yahaya Foundation Hospital, a community-based hospital in Ankpa and remodelling and re-equipping of 21 existing Primary Health Care Centres (one per Local Government) with solar-powered boreholes and electrification as part of the governor’s footprints.
He added that the Psychiatric Center in Lokoja, Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Ultra-modern General Hospital Badoko, in Ajaokuta, Ultra-Modern General hospital in Gegu Beki and Ultra-modern Clinical Center Isanly, in Yagba are others.
” In particular, the Reference Hospital is one of a kind. It is no longer news that Governor Bello built this state-of-the-art facility in Kogi to end the trend of medical tourism. But he didn’t stop there. The governor has continued to cram the hospital with world-class equipment,”he said.
“For example, the 1.5T MRI Scanners designed by GE Health is the first to be installed in Africa. The device examines organs, tissues and the skeletal system, producing high-resolution images of the inside of the body that help diagnose a variety of problems.
“Our findings reveal that the MRI scanner installed in Kogi is the second in the world manufactured and installed by GE and first in Africa. This is an absolute phenomenon considering the state’s low internally generated revenue.
” Governor Bello is reputed as the best governor in security. This has somewhat overshadowed his achievements in other critical areas such as healthcare.
“With the Bello Cares initiative, citizens now enjoy free medical care in the state – the first of its kind in the country. Pregnant women, children under the age of five, people with disabilities and persons above the age of 65 are currently enjoying free healthcare services.
” We are, therefore, using this medium fo recommend Governor Bello for this international recognition to motivate other African leaders to invest more in healthcare. This will also lead to better lives for Africans.”
[11/11, 4:51 pm] Thenigerian: *Flooding: Group canvasses for increased budget, international support for NEMA*
The Inter-Society for Humanitarian Needs (ISHN) has called for more budgetary allocation for the National Emergency Management Agency to cope with the rising humanitarian needs of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its convener, Dr Njoku Ike, the group said this is necessary to meet with international best practices, considering the effect of climate change globally.
Ike said the interventionist agency has been overstretched in the last year due to the rampaging flooding, insurgency and other criminalities in the nation.
According to Dr Ike, NEMA has risen to the occasion despite the limited funds and resources at its disposal.
Commending the agency under Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the group said NEMA has been up to its responsibilities, touching every part of the country affected by the natural disaster.
Ike said NEMA has become synonymous with transparency and accountability in its operation, adding that the recent distribution of over 12,000 tonnes of grains to the 36 States attests.
But he added that a lot more needs to be done, especially as the NEMA boss has warned of worse flooding next year.
Ike said it is good that Ahmed understands the challenges ahead and must be supported adequately to avert the tragedies of 2022 worsened by the neglect of state governments.
The Inter-Society for Humanitarian Needs, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to consider improved funding for the agency.
The group also urged international NGOs and CSOs to channel aid to victims of humanitarian issues in the country through NEMA.
While calling for more proactive measures from state emergency agencies, Ike obliged the Federal Government to implement hazard allowance for the agency staff who risk their lives to go to the most obscure places to provide succour for Nigerians.
Ike, however, expressed confidence with more support, NEMA will do even better than it has done, implying better life for Nigerians.
