Category: Health

by Babajide Fadoju

For far too long, the healthcare sector in Kwara State suffered from the neglect and mismanagement of past administrations. Up until the most recent tenure, the state’s medical training system was left to rot. Facilities deteriorated, accreditation was lost, and young people who aspired to become healthcare professionals were left stranded. It was a damning legacy of abandonment that forced many Kwarans to seek training opportunities elsewhere, draining the state of potential and talent.

That dark era has finally ended.

Under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State has reclaimed its place as a serious player in the healthcare sector. The recent approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to allow Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and General Hospital, Offa, to train nursing interns is nothing short of a landmark achievement. For the first time, Kwara will be able to groom its own nurses rather than watching them leave for other states in search of training opportunities. This is not just about infrastructure; this is about restoring dignity to a profession that had been disregarded by previous administrations.

A Legacy of Neglect

Let’s be clear: the decay did not happen overnight. The previous political leaders had nearly two decades to build a robust healthcare training system, but they failed spectacularly. Instead of investing in critical manpower development, they focused on politics of patronage, leaving the healthcare sector in shambles. Nursing schools struggled for accreditation, hospitals lacked the personnel to provide quality care, and patients bore the brunt of a failed system.

The absence of proper training institutions meant that Kwara had to rely heavily on importing medical personnel from other states. The result? A fragile, unsustainable system that left communities vulnerable. It was an avoidable crisis, but past leaders simply didn’t care enough to fix it.

A New Dawn Under AbdulRazaq

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has rewritten the script. Unlike his predecessors, he recognizes that investing in healthcare is not just about building hospitals—it’s about ensuring those hospitals are staffed with well-trained professionals.

His administration’s efforts in securing accreditation for the training of both pharmacy and nursing interns speak volumes. For the first time, Kwara’s young, aspiring nurses have a homegrown path to professional excellence. This means better healthcare services, reduced brain drain, and greater employment opportunities within the state.

And it doesn’t stop at nursing. Governor AbdulRazaq has prioritized the overall revitalization of the health sector, from equipping hospitals to improving staff welfare. The government has been intentional about fixing dilapidated health centers, upgrading medical equipment, and recruiting more healthcare workers. This is governance that works. This is leadership that cares.

What This Means for Kwara’s Future

The implications of this achievement cannot be overstated. With an expanded capacity to train nurses and other medical professionals, Kwara is positioning itself as a healthcare hub in Nigeria. In the coming years, we can expect:

● Improved healthcare delivery: More trained nurses mean better patient care across the state.

● Job creation: Young people who previously had to leave for other states can now build their careers right here at home.

● Economic growth: A well-functioning healthcare sector attracts investment and boosts the local economy.

● A healthier population: With better-trained personnel, health outcomes will improve, saving lives and reducing preventable deaths.

The Future is Bright

Governor AbdulRazaq is proving, time and again, that good governance is about making real changes that impact lives. The accreditation of Kwara’s hospitals for nursing internships is not just another policy move; it is a bold step toward securing the state’s future.

Kwara’s healthcare sector is on the rise, and for the first time in decades, we can say with confidence that the future looks promising. The failures of the past are being corrected, and under AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Kwara is finally getting the healthcare system it deserves.

…As Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) approves training

The Kwara State Government has secured the approval of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to commence the training of graduate intern nurses in Kwara State for the first time in the history of the State.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, disclosed this today during the Board’s management meeting, where he announced that Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and General Hospital, Offa, will serve as the pioneer hospitals for the internship training.

According to Dr. Malik, “This is yet another great step in the right direction by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq towards laying a solid academic foundation that will last a lifetime in our health sector, closing manpower gaps, and sustaining the improvements we have achieved over the years in our healthcare service delivery.”

He emphasized that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the health of Kwara residents remains a top priority.

“This trust reposed on us by the regulatory body will not be taken for granted, and all preconditions that got us here today will be sustained. If you recall, we recently secured a similar approval from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to start training graduate pharmacist interns,” Dr. Malik affirmed.

The Executive Secretary further urged all stakeholders in the health sector to work together to ensure that healthcare services in the state are delivered professionally and in line with global best practices.

“Kwara State has now joined the league of states in the country that train intern pharmacists and nurses. The management of the Hospital Management Board is actively working on securing accreditation to add Medical Laboratory Scientists to the State’s internship training program,” he added.

In her remarks, the Director of Nursing Services (DNS), Mrs. Oyewole Risikat, urged prospective graduate nurses to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that significant resources have been invested in healthcare training in Kwara State to enable them to compete favorably with their counterparts globally.

Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Femi Joseph, commended the Kwara State government and the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, for driving the initiative and strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

With this development, Kwara State further cements its position as a forward-thinking state committed to human capital development, particularly in the critical sector of healthcare.

…Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gets commendations

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and drug abuse prevention through strategic investments and policies.

Speaking at the 2nd Kwara State Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Control, Hon. Aileru Olalekan Mukail, Special Assistant to the Governor, highlighted initiatives such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Sugar Film Factory, Garment Factory, and Kwapreneur, designed to create jobs and steer young people away from drugs and crime.

Themed “Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for Safer Kwara,” the summit underscored the administration’s dedication to tackling the growing menace of synthetic drugs.

As part of proactive measures, the government has introduced mandatory drug testing for tertiary students and unveiled the State Drug Prevention Campus Ambassadors, a volunteer group dedicated to combating drug abuse across institutions.

The summit, attended by government officials, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and students, featured paper presentations, panel discussions, and drama performances. Speakers, including NOA Director General Mallam Issa Lanre Onilu, Prof. Issa Baba Awoye, and Dr. Mahmoud Danjuma, called for a multi-sectoral approach to prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation, commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for championing youth-focused policies.

…Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Healthcare

The Kwara State Government has assured residents of improved access to quality healthcare with the unveiling of the newly renovated General Hospital, Afon, in Asa Local Government Area. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, emphasized the administration’s dedication to ensuring that citizens, especially those in rural areas, receive top-notch medical services. She urged residents to make full use of the upgraded facility while calling on the local government to take responsibility for its maintenance and proper use.

Dr. El-Imam highlighted the government’s significant investment in equipping the hospital as part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the state. The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Seun Oguniyi, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing public health, while Asa Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Yahyah Shehu, praised the initiative and encouraged continued community support for the administration’s developmental projects. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Hon. Yinusa Oniboki, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, and community leaders.

…Governor AbdulRazaq Leads Efforts to Combat Synthetic Drug Crisis, Launches Campus Ambassadors Initiative

The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is set to host the second edition of the Kwara Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control. Themed “Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for a Safer Kwara,” the summit aims to address the growing menace of synthetic drug abuse, which has become a critical public health and security concern, particularly among young people.

Organized through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, the event will bring together a wide range of stakeholders to develop preventive strategies, enhance rehabilitation efforts, and implement sustainable solutions to curb drug abuse in the state. Unlike traditional narcotics, synthetic drugs are highly potent, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous, making it imperative for the government and concerned parties to act swiftly.

A key highlight of this year’s summit is the official launch of the Kwara State Drug Abuse Prevention Campus Ambassadors, an initiative aimed at empowering young leaders in tertiary institutions across the state. The program seeks to create a network of student advocates who will lead awareness campaigns, promote responsible behavior, and foster a culture of prevention within their campuses.

The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin, with a 9:00 AM prompt start. It will feature distinguished keynote speakers, including the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Oyatoye Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Olufayo; Professor Issa Baba Awoye, the Medical Director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba; and Dr. A.A. Isiaq, a renowned lankotheorist, author, researcher, and social commentator.

In addition to the keynote addresses, the summit will include a panel discussion featuring notable figures such as Olaide Ahli, CEO of Olaidedahli Sports and Entertainment Management Company Ltd; Ambassador Mukhtar Afonja RN, Provost of Adewale Ibrahim College of Health Sciences; Dr. Mahmud Danjuma Musa, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ilorin; Hon. Asefon Dayo Sunday, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Student Matters; Miss Monisola Oluwadamilola Akindele, Founder of Muni’s Sickle Cell Anaemia and Drug Abuse Foundation; and Pastor Oyedapo Ademuyiwa Ipadeola, a senior pastor at RCCG Hopehall, Ilorin.

The summit is expected to attract a broad range of dignitaries, including government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, school administrators, students, sports administrators, entertainers, media personalities, health professionals, and law enforcement agencies. With a focus on collective action, the Kwara State Government is urging all stakeholders to actively participate in the conversation and contribute to building a drug-free society.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at addressing social challenges, and this summit underscores his commitment to tackling drug abuse through preventive measures, education, and rehabilitation. The event promises to be a crucial platform for collaboration, policy discussions, and actionable strategies to combat the synthetic drug crisis and create a safer Kwara for all.

…. State intensifies efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases

No fewer than 72 indigent patients in Kwara State have benefitted from free hydrocelectomy surgeries as part of the state government’s commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, disclosed this during the 2024 State Review Meeting on NTDs held at G Pinnacle Hotel, Ilorin. She noted that beneficiaries were drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts and provided with logistical support for transportation to and from the surgery centers.

Dr. El-Imam commended the medical team and health officials for translating the government’s vision into action. While acknowledging the reduction in NTD cases across Kwara, she stressed the need for intensified efforts toward total elimination, emphasizing prevention as the first line of defense since treatment alone is not sustainable.

“We need to improve our efforts to eliminate these diseases. The first step is prevention, as we cannot afford to treat all cases. Local Governments play a crucial role in ensuring people take preventive measures. Information at the grassroots level has a greater impact,” she said.

She urged NTD Local Government Coordinators, their Assistants, and other key stakeholders to take proactive steps in combating Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH), and Lymphatic Filariasis to foster a healthier society.

Dr. El-Imam further stressed the importance of ensuring access to preventive measures and treatment, particularly for children and young people, as improved health directly enhances academic performance and overall well-being.

Also speaking, State NTDs Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Bamgboye, highlighted the significant progress made in reducing NTD cases across Kwara due to government interventions and support from development partners. She expressed optimism that the state will eliminate NTDs before the 2030 global target, given the steady decline in cases of Schistosomiasis, STH, and Lymphatic Filariasis under the present administration.