Zulum Pledges Stronger Federal Collaboration to Improve Healthcare in Borno

Zulum Pledges Stronger Federal Collaboration to Improve Healthcare in Borno

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve healthcare delivery across the state.

Governor Zulum made the commitment on Tuesday at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, during the opening of the 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN), alongside a book launch and commissioning of development projects.

The Governor described the event as an important milestone in efforts to advance healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services in Borno State and the wider North-East.

He assured that the state government would continue to support UMTH and other federal health institutions within available resources while strengthening partnerships with the Federal Government and development organisations.

“As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum said.

The Governor commended UMTH for its resilience and continued provision of critical healthcare services, medical training and specialist care despite the security challenges and flooding that have affected the state over the years.

He also praised the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for his leadership and contributions to the development of the institution.

According to Zulum, the teaching hospital has recorded significant progress in infrastructure, specialist services, medical education, research and professional development under Professor Ahidjo’s leadership.

“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” the Governor said.

Zulum further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for Borno State, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.

He also commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its interventions in UMTH and other development projects across the region.

The Governor noted that the ARIN conference, book launch and inaugural lecture provided an important platform for research, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development, which he said were essential to addressing emerging healthcare challenges.

Zulum Donates ₦100 Million for UMTH CMD’s Biography

As part of the event, Governor Zulum announced a ₦100 million donation on behalf of the Borno State Government towards the publication and support of the book titled Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, 2018–2026, written by Dr. James Bwala.

The book chronicles Professor Ahidjo’s tenure and achievements as Chief Medical Director of UMTH from 2018 to 2026.

The Governor congratulated the management and staff of UMTH on their achievements, expressing optimism that the newly commissioned facilities would further improve healthcare delivery and strengthen the hospital’s position as a centre of medical excellence in the North-East.

New Fertility and Maternity Facilities Commissioned

The high point of the ceremony was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Centre and En-Suite Maternity Complex, constructed through the intervention of the North East Development Commission.

The facilities are expected to expand access to specialised reproductive, maternal and newborn healthcare services for residents of Borno State and neighbouring communities.

The event was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi; Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of the National and State Houses of Assembly; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; commissioners, traditional rulers, officials of the NEDC and other dignitaries.

The gathering underscored a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, professional capacity and specialist medical services as part of efforts to build a stronger and more resilient health system in Borno State and the North-East.

Zulum Pledges Stronger Federal Collaboration to Improve Healthcare in Borno