Bauchi Gov Praises Tinubu Over Health, Security Interventions

Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s health and security sectors.

Governor Mohammed gave the commendation yesterday when he received the minister of Health and coordinating minister for Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, during a visit to the Bauchi Government House.

The governor specifically commended the federal government for establishing a world-class diagnostic centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, describing the project as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to complementing the efforts of state governments in improving healthcare delivery.

“Two years ago, I was part of the team that flagged off this project in Bauchi. Coincidentally, we were in the opposition, just as some of the other beneficiary states were. That shows the kind of person and statesman Mr President is.

“We do not always oppose or criticise for the sake of criticism. When we see good things, we say it. Mr President has done so well in many areas, especially in health and finance,” he said.

According to him, the diagnostic centre would significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery in Bauchi and improve access to quality and affordable medical services for the residents of the state and neighbouring communities.

Governor Mohammed also commended the federal government for the improvement in revenue generation, saying the development had enabled the state government to undertake several projects across different sectors.

He also appreciated the federal government for augmenting the state’s efforts, particularly in tertiary healthcare, noting that the majority of Nigerians live at the sub-national level and therefore require effective collaboration between the federal and state governments.

The governor further commended President Tinubu for his intervention in strengthening security in Bauchi State, revealing that the President had approved the establishment of two military battalions in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa local government areas.

He recalled that Bauchi had previously experienced serious security challenges that resulted in the displacement of communities, but said the intervention of the federal government had contributed significantly to restoring peace and enabling displaced residents to return to their homes.

He assured that the state government would continue to work with the military high command to facilitate the speedy establishment of the approved battalions, taking into consideration the peculiar security challenges confronting the state.

On the Federal Government’s economic reforms, Governor Mohammed said Bauchi would continue to provide constructive input whenever necessary, stressing that the state’s position would not be determined by partisan considerations.

“A lot of macroeconomic stability is being established, and we will work together to ensure that we educate Nigerians. Where there are areas where we think we can give our input, we will tell you.

“If there are pieces of information that can augment what you are doing, we will provide them because we have the same people, the common people of Nigeria,” he said.

He commended Prof. Ali Pate for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the country, describing him as a son of Bauchi whom the state was proud of.

Governor Mohammed assured the federal government of the continued cooperation of the state, stressing that health and education should not be subjected to partisan politics.

Earlier, the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Development, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the delegation was in Bauchi to commission the diagnostic centre at ATBUTH.

Pate said the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) had commenced the commissioning of 10 world-class oncology and diagnostic centres constructed across the country as part of efforts to transform Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

He described the initiative as the largest expansion of health infrastructure and equipment in the country’s history.

According to him, the foundation stone for the Bauchi facility was laid two years ago, adding that all 10 diagnostic centres established across the country had now been completed.

He said Bauchi was selected as the starting point for the commissioning exercise, after which the team would proceed to Oyo State to commission another facility, while the remaining centres across the country would also be commissioned.

Pate said the development represented a major step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to revitalise the health sector through the provision of modern diagnostic equipment, infrastructure and quality hospital services.

He added that the initiative would also support medical training and research, thereby improving access to quality healthcare services for Nigerians.

The minister commended the Bauchi State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government, describing the partnership as essential to the successful delivery of the project.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the diagnostic centre was a product of the reforms being pursued by the Federal Government.

He said the reforms were built around four key pillars, including strengthening the macroeconomic foundation, restoring investor confidence and strengthening institutions.

Oyedele assured that the federal government would continue to work with Bauchi State and other states to translate macroeconomic stability into tangible benefits for Nigerians, including improved healthcare, better infrastructure and a more productive economy.