By Umma Ahmad

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As someone deeply involved in shaping Kaduna State’s healthcare system, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation taking place under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership. Between 2023 and early 2025, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has made significant efforts to improve healthcare access, infrastructure, and service delivery. But what do these achievements mean for the everyday citizens of Kaduna?

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Let’s take a closer look at the real impact of Governor Uba Sani’s health sector initiatives.

Revamping Healthcare Infrastructure: A New Dawn for Local Clinics

For years, many residents of Kaduna struggled with poorly equipped public hospitals and clinics. That picture is rapidly changing. Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been either built or rehabilitated. I recently visited a newly renovated clinic in Kafanchan, where a mother of three shared how the facility saved her newborn’s life when he developed a sudden, high-grade fever. “Before now, we had to travel miles to get proper care. Now, we have doctors and nurses right here,” she said, relief evident in her voice.

Virtually all the 255 political wards in the state can boast of a befitting PHC facility at level-2 status, equipped with modern tools and staff, providing a 24-hour medical service. PHCs U/ Shanu, U/ Sanusi and the Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Nutrition Unit at PHC Gidan Daji are among the latest facilities commissioned. Interestingly, the facility recently launched by His Excellency at Tudun Biri is already withnessing a massive patronage from within and neighbouring settlements, recording an attendant improvement in health indices locally.

At the secondary health facility level, the Governor has awarded contracts to totally over-haul and revitalize 14 general hospitals and most of them have reached advanced levels of completion. This will, no doubt, ensure delivery of sepcialized care to more complex medical cases across the state.

Having withnessed challenges with coventional power grid, His Excellency has instructed Installation of solar-powered alternative in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH), ensuring uninterrupted electric supply healthcare service delivery and for medical research purposes.

Investing in Healthcare Workers: More Hands, More Hope

A healthcare system is only as good as the people running it. Recognizing this, the government has recruited over 500 healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, and midwives—to bridge staffing shortages, and has just approved the recruitment of another 1,800 to manage our PHC facilities. It’s not just about numbers; they are also receiving better incentives, training, and support, as motivation.

One of them is Dr. Musa Ibrahim, who was posted to a rural hospital last year. He admits that conditions were tough initially, but things have improved. “The government is providing accommodation for us now, and our salaries are paid on time. More of my colleagues are willing to work in rural areas,” he told me.

Affordable Healthcare: A Game-Changer for Individuals, Families and communities

One of the biggest barriers to healthcare access is cost, largely, as out-of-pocket expenditure. With the expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme, more people, especially low-income earners, now have access to free or heavily subsidized medical care. Enrollment in the scheme has jumped by 40%, a statistic that translates into real impact. I met Baba Sule, a retired civil servant in Zaria, who told me that his wife’s diabetes medication is now covered under the scheme. “Before now, we had to buy everything out of our pockets. Now, we don’t have to worry as much,” he said with a grateful smile.

Tackling Disease: Winning the Battle Against Malaria and Infant Mortality

Preventive healthcare is another area where progress is glaringly visible. The administration has strengthened immunization programs, achieving a record-high 95% vaccination rate for children. Malaria, a leading cause of death in many parts of Nigeria, is being aggressively tackled with the distribution of over one million insecticide-treated nets. The result? A significant reduction in new cases as well as mortality rate, especially among children.

Aisha, a young mother in Birnin Gwari, recalled how she lost a child to malaria a few years ago. Now, with free mosquito nets and readily available malaria drugs at the local clinic, she feels more secure. “I just had my second baby, and this time, I know she is safer,” she said.

Embracing Technology: Bringing Healthcare Closer to the people

Innovation has also played a role in transforming healthcare. Digital medical records have been introduced in key hospitals, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. A client-satisfaction survey conducted recently revealed that majority of respondents strongly believe that the Electronic Medical Records at BDTH and many other centres greatly shortened time-to-consultation and significantly reduced the turn-around-time for most investigations at the laboratories
Challenges and the Road Ahead

While these improvements are commendable, challenges remain. Some remote areas still lack adequate health facilities, and demand for services continues to outstrip supply. But there are plans in motion—Governor Uba Sani’s administration is committed to constructing more health centers and further expanding health insurance coverage.

My Final Thoughts: A Healthier Kaduna, One Step at a Time

As I reflect on Governor Uba Sani’s health sector scorecard, the most striking aspect is not just the numbers or statistics, but the human stories behind them. From mothers who no longer fear childbirth complications to elderly citizens who can afford medications, these changes are making a difference in people’s lives. The journey is far from over, but one thing is clear—Kaduna’s healthcare system is on the right path – Governor Uba Sani has made that a reality thereby attaining flying colours on this score-card. 

What are your thoughts? Have you or someone you know benefited from these improvements? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Umma is Commissioner of Health, Kaduna State

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By Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim

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If I had the power to do so, I would name Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan the freedom fighter of the decade. She is an irrepressible combatant for her rights, she lives beyond intimidation as she has no fear and above all she is very conscious of her constitutional rights and ready to defend her. The most recent episode was when her governor learnt she was going home for Sallah celebration with her constituents.

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He immediately banned public meetings and processions in her constituency, closed all roads leading into the State and barricaded access to the constituency. His concerns were easy to see. He is leading a campaign to recall her and her presence would have revealed the lie that half of her constituency had signed a petition to recall her. By now, virtually all Nigerians know the signatures were forged. She knew it and had to expose the lie. She checked the law; freedom of movement and association remain fundamental human rights in Nigeria that no governor could withdraw. She rented a helicopter and went and the entire country saw the massive and enthusiastic crowd that welcomed her home. Being intimidated is not her portion.

Almost the entire Senate considers her a loose cannon that is ready, willing and above all ABLE to challenge the autocracy and myogenic institution that the organ has become. It is no longer an organisation of peers as it has lost its collegiate nature. It is today a crass dictatorship run by a dictator that will not even allow “distinguished” members to vote as he interprets the voice vote he organises to be what he decides no matter how loud the nay or ayes voices are. The decision of INEC yesterday that even the forged signatures procured for her recall did not meet the 50% + 1 requirement is another dagger at the heart of the Senate dictatorship.

It would be recalled that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the brave warrior, had accused Mr Akpabio, the Senate President of sexual harassment but the upper Chamber had dismissed the allegations in a cavalier manner. Senator Akpoti reported the matter, along with her suspension from the Senate, to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a move that shocked and destabilised the Senate.

After all, they know that the evidence is clear that the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months is an unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative governance. The suspension of an elected senator contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the lawful processes for a legislator to lose their seat. Section 68(1) & (2) states that a legislator’s seat can only be declared vacant under specific circumstances such as resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Section 69 stipulates that the recall process is the only constitutional means for removing an elected legislator, making the Senate’s decision legally baseless. By suspending Senator Natasha, the Senate has effectively denied the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation, an action that constitutes an abuse of power. Many judicial rulings have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful.

The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate was designed to be punitive. Her salaries, allowances, and those of her legislative aides were halted. Her security details were withdrawn for the period while she was receiving death threats. She was even banned from going anywhere the national assembly building. She was then ordered to go on her knees and beg but has refused to do so and continues the struggle.

She filed a contempt against Imasuen, the senate committee chair on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, and president Akpabio over her suspension. Before her suspension, the federal high court in Abuja had restrained the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, gave the order following an ex parte application filed by counsels to the Kogi senator. But the senator was suspended 48 hours after.

One of the clearest signs of the crisis of democracy in Nigeria is that elected legislators and executives believe and act as if the own the people. They are rude and dismissive when addressing citizens and literally expect ordinary people to hold them in awe and respect. They have completely lost sight of the core principle of representative democracy that the citizens are the masters and elected officials only mandate is to do what pleases the citizen. Of course, what has created great power asymmetry in Nigeria is that our elected representatives are among the richest in the world as they funnel resources from the public purse to their private pockets in a society that has become one of the poorest in the world. We cannot begin to address the problem of disrespect to citizens until we are able stop public office from being a permanent site of the looting of the national treasury.

One of the strengths of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is her commitment to building projects and distributing empowerment materials to her constituents. After just one year in Senate, the projects she launched in her constituency included:

Construction of a 1km road network at Abdul Azeez Memorial College in Okene;

The reconstruction of the college, which now includes nine classroom blocks, four boarding houses, and 5,000 digital learning devices for students.

Reconstruction of Ihima Police Station;

A scholarship scheme through the Natasha Foundation has supported empowerment programs have trained over 1,300 artisans in various fields, from renewable energy to catering, with start-up grants provided for all participants;

Water projects that have brought potable water to many communities, including a large solar-powered system that serves 300 locations with 1,800 water taps;

Lighting 30km of roads across Kogi Central to enhance safety.

If more Nigerians learn to defend their rights and freedoms, the lack of accountability that surrounds the exercise of power will begin to weaken. May we all learn to struggle for ourselves and our society.

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By Fred Itua

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The recent ruling of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, which saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lose its bid to overturn the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo, marks a defining moment in the state’s political landscape. While elections and legal challenges are essential aspects of democracy, what follows is even more crucial—the role of the opposition in ensuring governance is accountable, effective, and people-centered. However, this must be pursued in a manner that prioritizes the development and stability of Edo State rather than fueling acrimony, political tension, and divisive rhetoric.

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A vibrant opposition plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy. It is expected to provide constructive criticism, propose alternative policies, and ensure that the ruling government remains accountable to the people. However, for this role to be beneficial, it must be driven by the genuine interest of the people rather than personal vendettas, obstructionist tactics, or an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the government.

In Edo State, the focus should now shift from post-election bitterness to responsible opposition politics. The people of Edo have made their decision through the ballot, and the legal process has affirmed it. It is now imperative that the opposition, especially the PDP, restrategizes its approach by offering meaningful policy alternatives rather than engaging in actions that could destabilize governance.

One of the most damaging aspects of opposition politics in Nigeria is the tendency for acrimonious engagements that serve only to inflame tensions rather than address pressing governance issues. When opposition leaders resort to inciting the public against the government, spreading misinformation, or engaging in character assassination, they create an environment of hostility that hinders governance rather than improving it.

Edo State cannot afford to be embroiled in unnecessary political squabbles that distract from the task of development. The challenges before the Okpebholo-led administration require cooperation, innovative thinking, and a commitment to service delivery. Any opposition that seeks to continuously heat up the polity for selfish political gains is doing a disservice to the very people it claims to represent.

True opposition is not about opposing for opposition’s sake; it is about providing credible alternatives and engaging constructively with the government of the day. There are many pressing issues in Edo State—economic development, infrastructure, education, security, and healthcare—that require the collective input of all stakeholders, including the opposition.

Rather than staging protests or engaging in campaigns to delegitimize the government, the opposition should leverage democratic institutions such as the State House of Assembly, public discourse forums, and the media to articulate well-thought-out policy alternatives. Political parties that lost at the polls should focus on rebuilding, strengthening their grassroots engagement, and preparing robust policy proposals that can win public support in future elections.

Democracy thrives when all parties respect the electoral process and its outcomes. The people of Edo have chosen their leader, and the court has validated this choice. Any attempt to undermine Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration through disruptive tactics would not only be undemocratic but also counterproductive. The opposition must recognize that its role is not to create instability but to ensure that governance is people-centered and effective.

As Edo State moves forward, it is time for all political actors to set aside differences and focus on governance. The ruling party must be open to constructive criticism, while the opposition must act responsibly, engaging in issues-based politics rather than resorting to acrimony. The interest of Edo people must remain paramount, and every political action should be geared toward their well-being and progress.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has a mandate to govern, and he must be given the space to deliver on his promises. The opposition, rather than being an obstacle, should be a partner in ensuring that democracy works for everyone. Politics should be a contest of ideas, not a battleground of personal or party rivalries. Edo State deserves better, and it is only through responsible and constructive engagement that true progress can be achieved.

Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.

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