Gov Sule Inaugurates Specialist Hospital Board

Nasarawa State Governor,  Abdullahi Sule has inaugurated the chairman and members of the governing board of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Akwanga.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Sule said the establishment of the hospital in Akwanga became necessary following the donation of the former Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia to facilitate the takeoff of the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.

The Governor said the relocation ensured that each of the three senatorial zones of the state has a tertiary health facility.

He disclosed that the state government has committed about N6 billion to infrastructure development at the new hospital site, adding that the facility was temporarily relocated to allow for a comprehensive reconstruction to modern standards.

He said board members were selected based on proven experience, commitment, professionalism and patriotism, and charged them to carry out their responsibilities diligently and without sentiment or favouritism.

Governor Sule also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state to reduce pressure on tertiary institutions.

Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, SAN, read out the list of inaugurated board members, with HRH, Pastor Samson Gamu Yare II, the Chun Mada as chairman of the board.

Other members include Dr. Abene Esela Ezekiel, the pioneer Chief Medical Director of the hospital; Dr. Machunga Rimini Kefas, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Okpanaki, Dr. Jude Yekpowudu, a family physician; Mr. Jerry Abimiku Maikasuwa, a healthcare technocrat with over three decades of experience; Dr. Ibrahim Alhassan Adamu, a public health expert and permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Health; Barrister Fatima Dalhatu Araf, daughter of the late Dr. Dalhatu Araf after whom the hospital is named, and currently head of the Appeal Unit at the National Industrial Court; Hajiya Habiba Sani Abdullahi, a retired director from the Nasarawa State Civil Service; and Muhammad Shamsuddeen Abubakar.

Tsaku Kassa Angbashim, Director of Administration and Supplies of the hospital, was named secretary of the board.

Responding on behalf of the board, the chairman, the Chun Mada, HRH Samson Gamu Yare II, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that the board would work with integrity, transparency and accountability to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

He assured that the board would work closely with management and staff of the hospital to promote excellence and place the interests of the people above personal interests.