***“We used to lose patients on the road. Not anymore.”
Lokoja came alive with hope and gratitude as the Federal Teaching Hospital received a long-awaited miracle—a multi-slice CT Scan machine, courtesy of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company.
For years, doctors and families in Kogi State watched helplessly as patients in critical condition were rushed to Abuja or Ilorin for urgent CT scans—many not making it. But that sad chapter is now history.
The newly installed CT scanner, complete with a backup generator and advanced imaging suite, is already saving lives. Delivered through a powerful partnership between NLNG and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), this intervention has turned despair into relief for thousands.
The game-changing donation was made possible through the passionate efforts of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, pushed for this life-transforming investment.
Visiting the hospital last Sunday, Senator Natasha was welcomed like a hero. She praised NLNG’s commitment, saying, “This machine means the difference between life and death. It’s not just metal and wires—it’s mercy. It’s a mother seeing her child survive. It’s a second chance.”
Hospital staff are already seeing the impact. Five radiologists and five radiographers, including a specialist trained in India, are now working round-the-clock to provide timely diagnostics. The hospital has also launched a revolving maintenance fund to ensure the machine never goes idle.
Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olatunde Alabi, was emotional: “This is a dream come true. We’ve waited so long. Now we can respond to emergencies without delay, support training, and give patients the care they deserve.”
Senior clinician Dr. Patricia added her voice in heartfelt appreciation:
“In just two weeks, we’ve seen miracles. Every department is using the scan. We used to send patients away and hope. Now we scan and save. Thank you, NLNG. Thank you, Senator Natasha. The Creator of the lives you’ve saved will bless you.”
This donation is part of a wider federal programme on human capital development and institutional strengthening, and it’s already proving what real partnerships and people-centered leadership can achieve.