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The Story of an Igbo man behind the building of the first private Hospital in Kano. Late Dr. Madueke Ugwunze.

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Jamilu Uba Adamu

Some years ago, (in late 50’s) some big companies and wealthy men formed an organisation in Kano for the purpose of contributing funds to build a second Hospital in Kano to obviate the excruciating congestion at the General Hospital in Kano city, (presently renamed in honor of Former Nigeria head of State Late Gen.Murtala Ramat Muhammad).

The first target of the organization whose name was “Kano Voluntary Hospital Society” was for a £25,00 hospital and clinic. The Society’s Chairman was Prince Alh Ado Sunusi, the then Dan Iyan Kano, and it’s Secretary was Mr. Micheal A. Agbamuche, Barrister-at-Law.

The members Kano Voluntary Hospital Society were 28: Alh. Ado Sunusi,Alh. Haruna Kassim, E.N Grey, J.R. Jones,F.E. Okonkwo, T.U. Akwule, J.B. Egbe, M.A. Agbamuche, Dr. I. S. Audu, Alh. Baba Dan Babangu, H.E. Okena, E.L. Thomas, C. Anueyiagu, J.N.O Ugoji, C.A. Duru, S. Racca, Messrs Abed Brothers, P.A. David, C.A. Jones Okpala, British and French Bank, Bank of the North, U.A.C of Nigeria Ltd, Messrs Irving and Bonnar, M.O. Okoye, Ali Shout and Sons, F.A. Thanni, Alh. Baba Dan Bappa, and A.N. Obiora.

” The aim of the society is to subscribe to and foster the setting up a voluntary and privately supported general clinic and children’s Hospital in Kano.

“This was thought desirable to augument the over worked Hospitals and clinics of Native Authority and Government in Kano”. It reads in one of handbills distributed to enlighten the members of public.

Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory (1917-1992):Nigeria’s Islamic Scholar Who Wrote Over 100 Books And Journals

There was a wide publicity about the business and intention of the society. But, to the utter surprised of highly interested public at that time the organization failed to actualize it’s intention to build the first private Hospital in Kano.

The Kano Voluntary Hospital Society announced it’s folding up on November 3, 1962, it said that there wasn’t enough response from the public on its appeals for finance. There the the grandiose scheme died.

The failed efforts of the Kano Voluntary Hospital Society was fulfilled by an an Igbo man Late Dr. Madueke Ugwunze.

His Private Hospital Sahara Hospital located in Sabon Gari Area, Kano, was formerly opened on November 30th, 1963 by the late Emir of Kano Alh. Ado Bayero.

Late Dr. Ugwunze worked as medical officer in charge of Kano City General Hospital (present asibitin Murtala) between 1962-1963, earlier he was Medical officer,Yola in 1961, and medical Officer, Makurdi.

An ex-student of the Dennis memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. He studied at the University of Bristol in 1952 and University College Hospital, Ibadan where he served his housemanship both in medicine and surgery in 1960.

In those days his clients in Kano, include large number of leading firms that comprise’s: Nigerian Airways, Bank of the North, U.T.C, S.C.O.A. United Bank For Africa, H.W. Romain and Sons, Yorkshire Insurance company, Steel Construction Limited and more.

So, whenever you spot private hospital building or signboard in Kano, remember Dr. Ugwunze, he is the pioneer.

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76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

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The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

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“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

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ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

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Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

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The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

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HRC-RFT Decries Violation of Minors’ Rights in Protest Detentions

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The International Human Rights Commission – RFT Nigeria Chapter (IHRC-RFT), accredited by the United Nations ECOSOC, has issued an urgent plea to the Nigerian judiciary to protect the rights of minors unjustly detained following the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The press release was signed by Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director, IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter.

The call comes after distressing images of malnourished children were seen in court today, raising concerns that many detainees may not even meet the age threshold required by law for formal arraignment.

Bakoji said the IHRC-RFT highlighted that it appears ages have been exaggerated to bring these youths within judicial scope, thereby undermining their fundamental rights and violating national and international child protection standards. “The faces of these young detainees bear the weight of a systemic failure that has left Nigeria’s children vulnerable at home, in school, and in society,” the commission stated.

Deprived of proper guidance and support, children are exposed to exploitation and abuse. Instead of addressing the root causes of their plight, the government is seen as punishing them for attempting to survive in a challenging environment. “Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution both affirm the government’s duty to safeguard the welfare and security of all citizens, especially vulnerable children,” IHRC-RFT emphasized.

The commission called on the judiciary to reflect deeply on these standards, recognizing the ethical implications of allowing such harmful practices to persist. IHRC-RFT urged the judiciary to thoroughly verify the ages of detainees, protect minors from inhumane treatment, and reject executive overreach. “Ensure no child below the legal age is subjected to undue criminalization due to manipulated documentation or other forms of coercion,” the commission urged.

IHRC-RFT appealed to global partners and Nigeria’s human rights community to speak out against these injustices. “The exploitation of children, especially under the guise of legal proceedings, demands a collective response,” the commission said.

The IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter stands resolute in its commitment to protect and defend the rights of all individuals, especially children. “We implore the Nigerian judiciary to rise to its duty by rejecting harmful executive actions that put minors at risk,” the statement concluded.

 

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