OBASANJO PLEDGES SUPPORT TO TRANSFORM ZAMFARA INTO A LEADING STATE 19-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has pledged to support ongoing efforts to transform Zamfara State into one of Nigeria’s leading states in development.
He made the pledge while officially commissioning the remodelled, upgraded, and newly equipped Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, as part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.
Chief Obasanjo revealed that he had discussed critical development areas with Governor Dauda Lawal, including education, healthcare, industrialization, and the exploration of solid minerals.
He emphasized that, there was much to be done in the sectors, expressing optimism that, significant progress would be achieved.
“You invited me, and I came. But next time, even if you don’t invite me regularly, I will invite myself regularly because there is so much we have to do together,” he said.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said his visit had enabled him to witness the transformation taking place in Zamfara State.
“I thank Governor Dauda Lawal for bringing me back to Zamfara to see the new, improved, and still improving state under his leadership,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of human development, Obasanjo noted that security, food security, and healthcare delivery are fundamental pillars for any society to thrive.
He also praised the state government for working tirelessly to fulfill its mandate and particularly commended Governor Lawal for empowering young, talented individuals to carryout out developmental projects in order to exhibit their talents.
Commenting on the state’s healthcare initiative, Obasanjo said: “You told me about the nursing schools, and I emphasized that hospitals need more than infrastructure, they need personnel. Many trained Nigerian medical professionals are leaving the country in search of better conditions. We must find ways to provide incentives to keep them here.”
He stressed that effective hospital services require the right environment, proper equipment, and well-trained personnel, and commended the administration for integrating all the elements.
“With a population of over six million, Zamfara is more populous than about 12 African countries and larger in landmass. You have everything it takes to make this state a model in Nigeria. You’ve been given the leadership, please go on, regardless and relentless,” he concluded.
In a remark, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal noted that, health is one of the Piller of their rescue mission
“When we came in as Government, we immediately conducted a assessment of the healthcare in Zamfara State”
“The results were shocking and disturbing. In a state with over six million people, more than 600 Primary Health Centres, 18 General Hospitals, and one tertiary hospital, there was not a single functional ultrasound machine. The situation was very bad,” he stated.
He said the dire state of the sector prompted his administration to declare a state of emergency in the health sector in January 2024.
According to the governor, the response was strategic and deliberate — a comprehensive, policy-driven reform involving consultations and planning sessions with healthcare professionals and development partners.
Governor Lawal explained that the Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital has undergone both expansion and renewal.
He said new facilities have been constructed, and doctors now have access to newly completed residential quarters, including two- and three-bedroom semi-detached housing units. Other improvements include a residence for the Medical Director and the provision of modern medical equipment in a conducive work environment.
“With this development, patients in Zamfara will no longer need to travel outside the state in search of quality healthcare,” he said,
He described the project as a revolutionary intervention in the health sector.
To enhance operational efficiency, Governor Lawal also announced the deployment of a complete Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) at the facility.
“This system integrates all departmental services, including patient registration, through interconnected modules.
According to him, the system marks the beginning of a digital health system in Zamfara and it will help to reduce delays, enhance transparency, improve data management, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.
Similarly, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has commissioning Zanna Road – Abarma GRA and Tsalha Bungudu – kwanar Birnin Road all in Gusau local government.
The event was attended by the Emir of Gusau, Zamfara Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini, Speaker Zamfara state House of Assembly among other government officials.