By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Gwaram Local Government Council in Jigawa State has provided free medical treatment to over 5,000 individuals suffering from mental illness, eye conditions, and other ailments through three rounds of medical outreach programs. These initiatives, conducted across the council’s 11 political wards, took place within the first 100 days of the council’s administration.

Council chairman and Jigawa State ALGON (Association of Local Government of Nigeria) Chairman, Professor Salim Abdurraman, disclosed this in an interview with National Update. He noted that the council’s interventions targeted rising cases of mental illness linked to the harmattan season. Over 350 individuals with psychiatric conditions received free treatment and follow-up medications.

“We called on families with mentally ill patients to report to their respective councilors, and we registered 350 patients across the area,” Abdurraman stated. He added that the council engaged psychiatric specialists who were stationed in Dingaya town to treat the patients. Those requiring further attention were referred to psychiatric hospitals.

The chairman further highlighted that the medical outreach program addressed common health challenges and cost the council over N30 million. The interventions also included extensive eye care services, benefitting over 5,000 individuals.

“In October, shortly after assuming office, we treated over 2,000 patients with eye conditions during the first medical outreach, which included minor surgeries. This exercise restored sight to many and cost over N10 million,” he revealed.

The second round, costing N9.7 million, provided treatment for over 750 patients, including surgeries for 196 individuals. During the third exercise, held in Fagam and Tsangarwa towns, 1,229 patients received eye care, 210 received corrective glasses, and each patient was given N5,000 for transportation.

Professor Abdurraman expressed gratitude to Governor Malam Umar Namadi for supporting local government autonomy and ensuring non-interference in their administration and finances, which enabled the council to execute these impactful programs.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Chairman of the Jigawa State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and Gwaram Local Government Council, Professor Salim Abdurraman, has dismissed allegations suggesting he is positioning himself for the deputy governor’s role in 2027.

In an interview in Dutse, the state capital, Professor Abdurraman denied the claims, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
He stated, “There is no iota of truth in this allegation. I have never made such an attempt or expressed such an interest.”

The controversy stemmed from a viral video circulating on social media, purportedly showing a figure alleged to be Abdurraman discussing the deputy governor’s position.
The ALGON chairman condemned the video, labeling it as political witch-hunting aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
“The video shows the back of someone who cannot be identified or confirmed. How can anyone prove it was me? This is the handiwork of enemies of peace, unity, and progress within or outside our party,” he said.

Professor Abdurraman attributed the smear campaign to individuals seeking to create disunity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for selfish gains.
However, he assured the people of Gwaram Local Government and APC members that such distractions would not deter him from his official duties.
“This is not the first time they have tried to create crises in the party by spreading lies about credible individuals. But I remain focused on serving my people and fulfilling my responsibilities,” he added.

The ALGON chairman reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Malam Umar Namadi, his administration, and the APC.
He commended the governor’s commitment to policies and programs that are transforming lives across all sectors in Jigawa State, regardless of status or location.

Governor Namadi, currently in his first term alongside his deputy, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, is expected to seek re-election in 2027.
Gumel, formerly the Commissioner for Works, served alongside Namadi, who was the Commissioner of Finance under former Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, now the Minister of Defence.

Professor Abdurraman vowed to continue supporting the unity and prosperity of the APC at all levels, emphasizing his dedication to the party’s goals and the governor’s vision for the state.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has commended Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State for releasing N250 million as a counterpart fund for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in partnership with UNICEF.

In a statement issued by the state’s CS-SUNN Coordinator, Comrade Shu’aibu Musa Kafingana, the group praised the governor’s dedication to improving the welfare of children in the state. The funding will support efforts to combat malnutrition among children, a persistent health challenge in the state.

“This remarkable milestone is the result of the governor’s commitment to improving children’s lives, coupled with tireless advocacy and awareness campaigns by CS-SUNN and other stakeholders,” the statement read.

The Ministry of Health had earlier presented the initiative to the State Council, which ratified the governor’s executive approval for the release of N250 million. The funds will serve as a matching grant to UNICEF for the purchase of RUTF to address acute malnutrition in Jigawa State.

CS-SUNN also urged the state government to consider extending maternity leave from three to six months for lactating mothers. This, the group argued, would provide mothers with sufficient time to exclusively breastfeed their babies, promoting better health outcomes.

As a coalition of civil society organizations, media, and academia, CS-SUNN remains committed to improving nutrition and reducing stunting rates in Jigawa State.

The organization called on all stakeholders to sustain the momentum in tackling malnutrition and ensuring a healthier future for the state’s children.