Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has promised to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve healthcare services in the state.
The Governor made the pledge on Tuesday during the opening of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN) 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Book Launch and Commissioning of projects at the UMTH in Maiduguri.
He said the event marked another milestone in the collective pursuit of stronger healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services for the people of Borno State and the North-East.
Governor Zulum re-stated his administration’s commitment to continue supporting the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) within available resources, alongside other federal health institutions in the state.
“As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum stated.
The Governor noted that UMTH had remained steadfast in saving lives, training medical professionals and providing essential specialist services throughout the difficult years of insurgency and flooding in the state.
He commended the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the institution’s growth.
According to Zulum, the hospital has recorded notable progress in infrastructure development, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development under Professor Ahidjo’s leadership.
“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” the Governor said.
“Professor Ahidjo has demonstrated that effective leadership is about building strong institutions, developing people and leaving a lasting legacy. Under his leadership, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has continued to make significant progress in infrastructure, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development.”
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the state, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.
Governor Zulum also commended NEDC for its intervention in the hospital and other development institutions in the region.
He said the ARIN Conference, book launch and inaugural lecture underscored the importance of research, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development in addressing healthcare challenges.
Governor Zulum congratulated UMTH management and staff on the achievements. He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned projects would enhance the quality of healthcare services and further consolidate the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has donated the sum of N100 million on behalf of the government of Borno State for the book “Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo 2018-2026 written by Dr. James Bwala, which chronicles his achievements as the Chief Medical Director of UMTH.
The high point of the event was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Center and En-Suite Maternity Complex constructed by the North East Development Commission and the public presentation of the Book.
The event was attended by Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of House of Representives; Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmodu; representative of the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Deputy Speaker Borno State House of Assembly and other members of the state assembly; Commissioners; traditional rulers; MD North East Development Commission and other dignitaries.
