The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Southern Kaduna.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Isaac Abrak, it highlighted the urgent need for enhanced healthcare services in the region, which covers 57% of Kaduna State’s landmass and houses 52.1% of its population.
NCYP emphasised that the proposed FMC would bridge the significant healthcare gap in Southern Kaduna, where residents currently travel up to 300 kilometers to access advanced medical care in Zaria or Jos.
Abrak stated, “This crucial initiative will not only save countless lives but also significantly enhance healthcare delivery across the region.”
“Southern Kaduna is home to 12 out of Kaduna State’s 23 local government areas but has only one federal institution: the Federal School of Statistics in Manchok.
Abrak noted that establishing an FMC would not only provide advanced medical care but also attract health professionals and bolster the efficiency of existing public hospitals.”
The NCYP also commended President Tinubu for the recent establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, facilitated by a bill from Senator Marshal Katung. However, the group criticised the concentration of federal institutions in Zaria, which already hosts 12 federal establishments.
He said recent allocations of four additional institutions to the town include a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, a Federal College of Education, a Federal Open University, and a Federal College of Legal Studies.
“Zaria now hosts 16 federal institutions, leaving other parts of Kaduna State, including Southern Kaduna, at risk of marginalisation and underdevelopment,” Abrak said.
The NCYP urged President Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and other stakeholders to ensure a more equitable distribution of federal institutions across the state.
He argued that such fairness would promote balanced development and foster inclusiveness.
“As ardent supporters of President Tinubu’s leadership style of inclusiveness and fairness, we remain steadfast in advocating for initiatives that promote the equitable development and well-being of all Nigerians,” Abrak added.
