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BIG STORY

FG To Build New Medical Centre In Buhari’s Hometown, Few Months To Tenure Expiration

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The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has budgeted N500 million for the establishment of a new federal medical center in Daura, Katsina State, President Buhari’s hometown.

This is contained in the N20.5 trillion 2023 budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by the President earlier in October.

When completed, the hospital will rank Katsina as the only state in Nigeria with two Federal Medical Centres while 15 other states are without such a hospital.

The Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, is one of the existing 22 Federal Medical Centres distributed across the states of the federation and Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The distance between Daura and Katsina is said to be 83.6 kilometers, taking about one hour, and seven minutes by road.

While Katsina is billed to have two FMCs, there are 15 other states of the federation that are currently without such a medical center.

But the government has kept mute on the matter, describing it as a policy decision.

FMC Distribution
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, based on the six geopolitical zones, four states of Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, and Ondo in the South-west region have a federal medical center each, while only Delta and Bayelsa in the South-south region have one each.

Like the South-South region, only two states – Imo and Abia in the South-east have the presence of FMCs while in the North-east, five states – Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, and Adamawa, have a center each.

In the North-central region of the country, Niger, Kogi, Benue, and the FCT have one each, and in the North-west, four states of Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Katsina also have one center each. But this may change soon if the new proposal by the President is accepted and another FMC is completed in Mr. Buhari’s hometown of Daura in Katsina State.

The states without FMC include Oyo and Osun in the South-west; Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Edo, and Cross River in South-south; Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu in the South-east; Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto in North-west; Plateau and Kwara in North-central, and Borno in North-East.

Plan for FMC Daura in top gear
According to Premium Times, Governor Aminu Masari-led administration in the state has declared support for the establishment of the new federal medical center.

The governor has approved that an existing general hospital in the President’s town should be upgraded by the Federal Government to the new FMC. And in addition, the governor announced a donation of 50 hectares of land for the project.

The government has since directed the Katsina State Ministry of Health to liaise with the Ministry of Lands and Surveys to commence the demarcation of the land in Daura as well as the process of issuing the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) to the Federal Ministry of Health.

More than FMC
Since Mr. Buhari assumed office as the President of Nigeria in 2015, his hometown of Daura has been regarded by many Nigerians as a “construction site” following the growing and an unprecedented number of capital projects located in the town.

In August 2019, the Nigerian government inaugurated the Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital in the town.

According to Daily Trust, the hospital has equipment for radio-diagnosis, cancer screening, dialysis, laboratory diagnosis, and research, and the President was quoted to have said the hospital would “minimise the need for people to travel to other states and even abroad for health reasons”.

Similarly, in November same year, the Women and Children Hospital, Daura was established in the town by a philanthropist. The effort, the donor was quoted to have said, would reduce maternal and infant mortality.

The Project Manager, Mansor Korfi during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the health facility, stated that the hospital was to be built by Belamaoil Producing Limited “based on the demand of the people of Daura, who were asked to name a particular project to be sited in their area.”

There are other projects including the Transport University and others such as electrification and provision of solar systems, and rehabilitation of the Kongolam-Daura-Kano road.

In fact, more than 13 ongoing projects in the President’s hometown have been allocated more than N200 million in the 2023 budget proposal. They include the establishment of a booster station, the establishment of a Bioresources center, the fabrication of prototype machinery for the production of jute bags and allied products, and the development of an industrial tannery, among others.

The President has consistently emphasized his plans to retire to his hometown after completing his tenure in 2023 to take charge of his “abandoned farm”. Therefore, the turnaround of his hometown may not be unconnected with the retirement plan.

Lowest budget for State House clinic
Meanwhile, for the first time since his election into office, the Aso Rock clinic, otherwise regarded as the State House clinic, is expected to take care of the health of the first family, the family of his deputy, and other officials of the government has received the lowest budgetary allocation.

Commentators have linked this to the President’s end of tenure in 2023, while also arguing that the location of various capital projects in his hometown may be part of his plan to retire to his hometown.

PREMIUM TIMES observed that the State House Clinic for the first time in eight years is getting the lowest allocation of N455,204,236 from the N20.51 trillion 2023 budget proposal.

A breakdown of the allocations shows that in 2015, the clinic got N3.94 billion and N3.87 billion in 2016. This was followed by another allocation of N3.20 billion in 2017 and N1.03 billion in 2018, but reduced to N823.44 million in 2019 and N723 million in 2020.

But in spite of the heavy allocations to the clinic, the President’s wife, Aisha Buhari, had in 2017 criticized its management shortly after her daughter, Zahra reportedly took to her Instagram page to call out the management.

She criticized the then Permanent Secretary of the State House Clinic, Jalal Arabi, for not being able to provide ‘ordinary paracetamol’ in the clinic despite a budget of N3 billion for the provision of drugs to the hospital.

In 2020 and 2021, the sum of N416.6 million and N1.06 billion were budgeted respectively for the construction of the Presidential (VIP) Wing of the State House Clinic, and as of March, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijanni Umar, confirmed the money had already been paid in full.

Mr. Umar also disclosed that out of the N20.8 billion allocated for the same project in the 2022 budget, the federal government had paid N8.5 billion, meaning that between 2020 and 2022, at least the sum of N10 billion has been spent on the construction of the Presidential Wing of the State House Clinic.

The huge investment in the State House’s medical facilities has, however, not stopped the President from his frequent trips to the United Kingdom for

Expert speaks
The former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, said though the new federal medical centre will serve both the President and the people of Daura community, it is still politically motivated.

Mr Yusuf, now the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), added that the allocation of money for new projects is mostly designed to achieve some particular political interests.

He said: “Obviously allocation of money for some projects is mostly politically influenced. This is not restricted to the federal level, it also happens at the state level. Projects are mostly designed to suit some particular political interests.

“At the National Assembly, most legislators try to influence projects for their constituents. A university was also established in former President Jonathan’s village. These are decisions that are politically driven.

“The establishment of a new medical centre in Daura is not a coincidence, it was deliberate, although I see it as a way to serve the people of Daura and not the president alone”.

Govt keeps mum
The government has declined comment on the development, describing it as a policy decision.

The Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Ahmadu Chindaya, declined to speak on the matter in a terse response to PREMIUM TIMES’s reporter’s message after many calls to his telephone line were unanswered.

The official, who rather volunteered to link up to a director in charge of policies at the ministry, however, noted such would not be feasible immediately.

He said: “We are holding National Council on Health. It started yesterday running to Friday. So you can’t meet me on the seat.”

 

Credit: Premium Times

BIG STORY

Troops Kill 24 Terrorists In Borno, Repel Kebbi Bandits

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 24 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in coordinated operations across Borno and Adamawa states.

The defence operations, which spanned between July 4 and 9, featured ambushes, clearance patrols, and close air support in Platari, Komala, Kawuri, Madarari, Leno Kura, Ngoshe-Gava, Ngoshe-Ashigashiya, Amuda-Gava, Bula Marwa, and Pambula, Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages.

Also, the 223 Light Battalion successfully repelled a large-scale attack by over 400 bandits on Ribah town in Kebbi State.

The swift military response in Kebbi led to the neutralisation of several bandits, recovery of weapons, and return of normalcy to affected communities.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters, Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Reuben Kovangiya, on Thursday, said the operations in Borno involved a collaboration between land and air components of OPHK, Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters.

The statement read, “In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 to 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists.

“In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle.

“The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of three terrorists.”

It added that “Following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralising another fighter.

“On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists’ food items.”

The statement said troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists’ hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government where they came into contact with the insurgents.

“Consequently, two terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items,” it said.

It added, “In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area.

“The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorist, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area.

“In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions.

“Accordingly, three terrorists met their waterloo, while troops continued to exploit the area.”

It stated that “Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorists’ crossing point along the roads Ngoshe-Gava, Ngoshe-Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda-Gava areas. Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralised while others fled.

“On 7 July 2025, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists’ logistics suppliers and successfully neutralised two insurgents.

“On the exploitation of the area, the gallant troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items.”

Speaking on the July 8 operations, the statement said, “Troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave.

“In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, and terrorists’ uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed.

“Additionally, troops, in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a fighting patrol at terrorists’ hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

“During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray.

“Consequent upon the firefight, the troops neutralised a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon. The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorist activities.”

Also on July 8, the statement said troops, at Bula Marwa, neutralised a terrorist fighter, while others fled, adding that a gun and terrorists’ uniforms were recovered.

“On 9 July 2025, troops in joint operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted a clearance operation in the JAS/ISWAP enclave at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa.

“After a heavy firefight, three insurgents were eliminated. Terrorists’ life-supporting structures in the camp were also destroyed completely. Troops recovered six AK 47 rifles, 47 magazines and ninety rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during the exploitation of the area.

“In furtherance of the offensive operations, troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted an ambush at Ngailda, Manjim and Wulle villages, where contact was made with the insurgents.

“Following the contact, troops successfully eliminated six terrorists while others fled in disarray. Items recovered by the troops during exploitation included motorcycles and bicycles,” it added.

Reuben said the killing of 24 insurgents with close air support underscored the determination, collaboration, and concerted efforts by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai to ensure terrorists were placed on the back foot, to create a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region.

The Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, also successfully repelled a large-scale attack by over 400 armed bandits on Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The daring operation, which took place on Wednesday, saw the troops respond swiftly to the invasion, as they engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel that lasted several hours.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as a battlefield, with the superior firepower and tactics of the army ultimately forcing the bandits to retreat in disarray.

Military sources confirmed that many of the bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while others fled with injuries, abandoning a cache of weapons and ammunition.

The Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, Alhaji Abdulrahman Zagga, while addressing newsmen on Thursday, lauded the courage and professionalism of the soldiers.

“The troops displayed uncommon bravery. Their swift response and combat efficiency turned what could have been a major disaster into a remarkable victory,” he said.

Zagga also applauded the Nigerian Air Force for its timely intervention and aerial support, which he said inflicted heavy casualties on fleeing bandits and disrupted their escape routes.

“The situation is now fully under control. The people of Ribah can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the coordinated efforts of our security forces,” he added.

Intelligence reports suggested the attackers were part of the same criminal syndicate responsible for recent attacks in Niger State.

In a related development, troops from the Dukku Barracks repelled another bandit assault on Mera in Augie Local Government Area.

The attackers, identified as Lakurawa bandits, attempted to rustle cattle but met stiff resistance from the Nigerian Army, which forced them to flee empty-handed.

Reacting to the successful operations, Governor Nasir Idris commended the gallantry of the security personnel and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the state.

“These victories are proof that with sustained support and collaboration, our security agencies can defeat banditry and restore peace to our communities,” the governor stated.

Just two days earlier, a joint security operation in the same Danko Wasagu axis led to the rescue of six abducted persons and the recovery of stolen livestock.

Residents of Ribah and Mera expressed relief and gratitude, calling on authorities to maintain the current tempo to prevent future attacks.

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BIG STORY

“Your Turn Will Come To Leave Power” — El-Rufai Tells Political Office Holders

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Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, has reminded current office holders that their tenure is temporary, urging them to lead with fairness and keep in mind that “power is transient”.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the public unveiling of Mohammed Bello Adoke’s memoir titled “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 billion Nigerian Oil Block”, el-Rufai said Adoke, a former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, should be praised rather than targeted for his role in strengthening the nation’s democracy.

He noted, “Everyone knows that Mohammed Bello Adoke was one of those that stood and persuaded President Jonathan to actually concede the 2015 elections.”

According to him, “we should actually thank him as the APC government of 2015, not persecute him.”

Reflecting on his time in government, el-Rufai spoke about the betrayals that often come with public service.

He recalled, “About 12 years ago in this hall, I presented ‘The Accidental Public Servant’, which was a record of my experience in public service at the time, which showed how friends abandon you, betray you, and how those that you’ve been good to turn around against you.”

He continued, “And everyone told me I made a mistake, that I will never go near public service again. Because in Nigeria, when you are in government, you eat, you keep quiet, and you come back, and you remain silent.”

El-Rufai said he had no regrets about his service and believed Adoke had no reason to fear scrutiny.

“I don’t think I had anything to hide in public service, yes. I still don’t,” he said.

“And I know Bello Adoke has nothing to hide. So, you can write a book like that and hold your head high, because you know you did nothing wrong while holding public office.”

He encouraged today’s leaders to act with integrity and always remember how brief time in power can be.

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BIG STORY

Buhari Couldn’t Have Won 2015 Election Without Tinubu’s Strategic Support — Bayo Onanuga

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Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, says the 2013 merger that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the “important votes” that helped former President Muhammadu Buhari win the 2015 presidential election.

During an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Onanuga responded to comments made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who claimed that the APC merger added only three million votes to Buhari’s tally in the 2015 election.

The merger brought together the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

Mustapha argued that Buhari had consistently polled over 12 million votes even before the merger, suggesting those votes formed the majority of the 15.4 million he received to defeat ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

But Onanuga contended that despite those numbers, Buhari lacked sufficient presence in the south and required the support of the ACN to achieve the necessary electoral “spread.”

He noted that the ACN delivered the “important votes” Buhari needed from the southern region.

“It was clear to ACN, a very strategic arm of that alliance, that without additional support, there was no way Buhari could have won the election,” Onanuga stated.

“Yeah, he was getting 12 million votes if you put all the 19 states together, but in the south, Buhari was nowhere. Buhari needed the spread. ACN had six.

“Buhari got the votes he needed in those six states. They may not be in millions, but there were important votes.

“He won in all those six states, and he got more than 25 percent. At the end of the day, he won in about 25 states, more than the constitutional requirement of 24 states.”

Onanuga also said Buhari “never forgot the help that Tinubu rendered to him” and maintained that without Tinubu’s contribution, Buhari would not have become president.

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