By Ojukwu Emmanuel Chiadikaobi
Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, urged the Nigerian Federal Government to significantly enhance funding for the health sector. His request aims to fortify the national healthcare delivery system and reduce the country’s escalating medical tourism. Etsu Abubakar, who presides as the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, voiced his concerns during the inauguration of a new Primary Health Care Centre in Kanzhi Community, Mokwa Local Government Area, a facility sponsored by Sunti Sugar Company.
Highlighting the role of communal effort in regional development, Etsu Abubakar emphasized, “The era of leaving everything for the government and companies is long gone. You are also expected to put in your own self-help projects for the development of the community.” He praised Sunti Sugar for their ongoing contributions, including road maintenance, school construction, and water provision, which have bolstered both the community and the state at large. Represented by Galadima Rabba, Mohammed Abubakar, the Etsu urged the community to support Sunti Sugar to further local development and maintain peaceful coexistence.
From the corporate perspective, Anlo Du Pisani, General Manager of Sunti Sugar, detailed the company’s strategy of conducting independent needs assessments to identify critical development areas in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “The building of this health care center is just one of many projects aimed at enhancing the living standards of our host communities,” stated Du Pisani, who was represented by Mr. Barry Parking.
The initiative by Sunti Sugar doesn’t stop at healthcare; about three months prior, the company inaugurated a block of four classrooms, complete with offices and toilets, in Kusogi village within the same local government area, demonstrating a broad commitment to community infrastructure and well-being.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant challenges in its health sector, with many Nigerians traveling abroad for medical treatments due to inadequate facilities at home. The call from Etsu Nupe for increased health funding is a critical reminder of the essential improvements needed to retain medical services within the country and to prevent the outflow of capital and loss of faith in local healthcare services.