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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.

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“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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Federal Government Approves N4 Trillion for Development Commissions

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The Federal Government has announced the approval of a groundbreaking N4 trillion budget for development commissions across the country. The funds aim to accelerate regional development and address critical infrastructure gaps in underserved areas.

This landmark decision was confirmed during a federal executive meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. According to officials, the allocation is targeted at bolstering the activities of existing development commissions, including those in the North East, Niger Delta, North Central, and other regions requiring special intervention.

Focus Areas of the Budget
The N4 trillion will reportedly focus on key development priorities such as:

Infrastructure rehabilitation, including roads, bridges, and power supply.

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Support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and resettlement programs.

Job creation initiatives to tackle unemployment in affected regions.

Social programs aimed at healthcare, education, and capacity building.

Government’s Commitment
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, stated that the budget reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and equitable resource distribution. “This is a bold step to address longstanding challenges in regions that have been neglected for years,” he remarked.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some citizens and regional leaders have praised the move as a step toward addressing inequalities, others have called for transparent implementation to ensure the funds are utilized effectively.

This allocation marks one of the largest investments in regional development commissions in Nigeria’s history, signaling the government’s intent to bridge the gaps in infrastructure and social welfare.

Stay tuned for more updates as details of the implementation strategy emerge.

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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin Distributes 1000 Motorcycles to Kano Police

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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has distributed 1,000 operational motorcycles to the Kano State Police Command, in a move aimed at enhancing the mobility and operational capacity of the police force. The distribution ceremony, held in Kano, was attended by various dignitaries and stakeholders.

In his speech, Jibrin expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian police for their efforts in maintaining peace in Kano. “I am thanking the Nigerian police Kano command for bringing peace to reign in Kano,” he said. He acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in supporting the police and emphasized the importance of their contributions to the state’s security.

Jibrin highlighted the significance of the motorcycles in improving the efficiency of the police force. “My intention is to give a motorcycle to every policeman,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to equipping the police with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.

Muktara Gashash, Chairman of the Eminent Persons Forum, commended Jibrin for his generous gesture. “This initiative will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Kano police,” Gashash remarked, praising the Deputy Senate President’s dedication to supporting law enforcement.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, also spoke at the event, urging his fellow officers to utilize the motorcycles to enhance their service delivery. “As we embrace this new chapter of enhanced mobility and operational capacity, I urge my fellow police officers to embrace these motorcycles as tools of service excellence,” Garba said. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in their duties.

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Garba further encouraged the police officers to use the motorcycles to strengthen their relationships with the communities they serve. “Let us leverage this significant investment to forge even stronger bonds with the communities we serve, fostering trust, cooperation, and mutual respect,” he added.

The distribution of the motorcycles is expected to significantly improve the response time and effectiveness of the Kano State Police Command, contributing to the overall safety and security of the state.

 

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President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation for Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday wrote the Senate, seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

“In his letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.’

Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja, however, died on November 5.

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Onanuga said, “President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.”

Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

 

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