By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilized 1,800 personnel to collaborate with other security agencies for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Local Government Council (LGC)elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, it was announced that the mobilized officers would be strategically deployed to polling units, collation centers, and key locations to ensure security before, during, and after the electoral process.

“The deployment is part of a comprehensive security plan aimed at safeguarding voters, election officials, and materials, ensuring the elections are conducted peacefully and orderly,” the statement read.

ASC Tijjani emphasized that the officers have received thorough training and are well-equipped to handle any security challenges that may arise during the elections. “We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for citizens to exercise their voting rights without fear or intimidation,” he stated.

He also noted that the State Commandant, Muhammad Danjuma, would collaborate with other security agencies to maintain law and order throughout the election period. “NSCDC’s intelligence unit will be active in monitoring the situation, gathering real-time information, and addressing any potential threats,” he added.

The NSCDC urged all political parties, candidates, and voters to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the election process, warning that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process or engage in violence would be met with the full force of the law.

The command encouraged voters to participate in the elections without fear or intimidation and to cooperate with security personnel.
They were also advised to report any suspicious activities through the Command’s hotlines to help ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Jigawa State Government has announced plans to spend over N12.5 billion on providing free dialysis services and treatment for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease.
The significant investment is part of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and quality across the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullahi Kainuwa, made the disclosure during the opening of a three-day training session on health monitoring for Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) to the governor. According to Dr. Kainuwa, the funds will also be directed towards constructing, expanding, and renovating healthcare facilities at both primary and secondary levels in all 27 local government areas and 287 political wards in Jigawa.

Dr. Kainuwa highlighted that the government is committed to providing 24-hour healthcare services across the state. This will involve building staff quarters, ensuring constant water supply, providing uninterrupted power through solar energy, and modernizing sanitation facilities in all hospitals.

“This initiative is a key part of the Namadi administration’s 12-point agenda, which aims to improve the lives of citizens through efficient healthcare services,” said Dr. Kainuwa. “We are targeting over 143,500 beneficiaries for our Basic Healthcare Service Scheme, focusing on the most vulnerable populations in Jigawa.”

The Commissioner also noted that the state government is establishing dialysis centers in each of the five emirates. Centers in Hadejia, Gumel, and Dutse are already completed, while work is ongoing in Kazaure and Ringim.

In addition to the healthcare infrastructure, the government has allocated N3.4 billion for the construction of staff quarters at 37 Primary Health Care hospitals. Seven of these projects have been completed, with the remaining 30 nearing completion. Furthermore, contracts worth N9 billion will soon be awarded for the construction of housing for doctors, nurses, and midwives, all powered by solar energy to promote sustainability.

Dr. Kainuwa also announced the recruitment of 1,924 healthcare workers to support the state’s growing medical workforce, complementing the over 1,000 workers hired earlier this year. The state’s nursing and midwifery institutions are fully accredited and are expected to produce 720 graduates annually to meet the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.

Mr. Isah Surajo, Technical Adviser to the governor on Healthcare, emphasized the importance of the training, which aims to equip SSAs and SAs with the skills needed to monitor and oversee healthcare services in their respective areas. He stated that their role would be to track resource utilization, report issues to relevant authorities, and ensure that community grievances are addressed promptly.

“The training is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of health policies and operations, ensuring they can effectively monitor and improve healthcare delivery across the state,” said Surajo.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

A tragic accident in Gagarawa village, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has claimed the lives of six schoolchildren and left nine others injured after a commercial bus driver ran into a group of students celebrating Maulud. The driver, Usman Idris, aged 52, lost control of his vehicle while speeding, knocking down 15 pedestrians.

According to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Shiisu Adams, the incident occurred when the driver, traveling from Gashuwa Local Government Area in Yobe State to Kano State in a Volkswagen Sharon with registration number Kano NSR 452 ZX, crashed into the group of children.

Police officers quickly responded to the scene, transporting the victims to Ringim General Hospital. Upon arrival, six of the children were confirmed dead by medical personnel, and their bodies were released to their families for burial. The remaining nine victims are receiving treatment at the hospital.

The driver has been taken into police custody, along with the vehicle, as authorities work to restore order and prevent further unrest in the area.