By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano state government government has assured its readiness to Partner with relevant stakeholders for the development of the state.
The state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced this during the official handing over of the pressure swing Absorption Oxygen Plant to the state by IHS Towers Nigeria, UNICEF and Government of Canada.
He said, the intervention was in line with the present administration policy in improving health the sector.
The Represented by the permanent secretary state ministry for health Pharmasit Aminu Bashir said the oxygen plant donated to the state will be put in good use.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf pointed out that within Two years of his administration all the state General Hospitals was Renovated while the primary healthcare centers across the 44 local government areas of the state are under renovation while some will be upgrade to General Hospitals.
The governor thanks IHS Towers Nigeria, UNICEF and Government of Canada for the donation assured his readiness to work tiredly with the partners for the development of the state.
Speaking earlier, the Nigeria UNICEF Representative Mrs Wafaa Saeed described the oxygen plant is a life-saving intervention.
“It gives me great pleasure to share in the joy of this momentous occasion with Your Excellency and the wonderful people of this beautiful State. As we gather to commission and hand over this building and solarized oxygen production plant, along with all its accessories, to the government of Kano State, we are taking a bold step towards improving access to medical oxygen, particularly for vulnerable women and children.” She said.
Wafaa Saeed also said the installation of the solarized medical oxygen plant is a groundbreaking achievement. Oxygen is a critical life-saving intervention, particularly for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.
“By harnessing solar power, we ensure a reliable and sustainable oxygen supply, even in times of limited electricity. This plant is a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives and provide a model for similar initiatives across the country.”
She pointed out that UNICEF’s partnership with the Kano State government to strengthen its medical oxygen system, has enabled capacity building of health workers across all three tiers, as well as biomedical engineers and technicians, for them to treat illnesses causing low oxygen concentration, the correct use of oxygen therapy, and the maintenance and repair of oxygen delivery equipment.
“I wish to assure you, Your Excellency, that this will not be the last of our efforts. We will continue to collaborate with your government to enhance the capacity of health workers to deliver high-impact interventions for women, newborns and children. We will continue to provide technical support and strengthen systems for service delivery.
Permit me to acknowledge the contributions of our esteemed partners who share the vision of strengthening the medical oxygen system in Nigeria and are contributing to saving the precious lives of our children and women. The Government of Canada, the Government of Norway and IHS Towers have played a crucial role in making the dream of building and equipping this solarized oxygen plant a reality.” Wafaa emphasized.
She said, UNICEF Is partnering with Kano state government in Polio immunization as well as Ready-to-use Therapeutic food RUTF Distribution worth One billion Naira.
Other speakers during the event are senior Vice president for IHS Nigeria Mr Dapo among others.
