SKJF Lauds Handover Of Yakowa Memorial Hospital For FMC Take-Off In Kafanchan

…commends stakeholders

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has welcomed the official handover of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, by the Kaduna State Government to the Federal Government as a significant milestone towards the take-off of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Kafanchan.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Richard Plus Garba( RPG) and Secretary-general, Samaila Idris, respectively, the forum further expressed its appreciation and commendations to specific individuals for their invaluable roles in the feat achieved.

The Forum describes the development as a major step in the collective quest to expand access to quality, affordable and specialised healthcare services for the people of Southern Kaduna and neighbouring communities.

The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan represents an important intervention towards addressing longstanding healthcare challenges in the region, reducing the burden of travelling long distances in search of advanced medical care, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the capacity of the local health sector.

SKJF particularly commends all individuals and stakeholders whose commitment, advocacy and contributions helped translate this long-standing aspiration into reality.

Among those deserving special recognition are Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District; Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency; Hon. Daniel Amos, representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency; General Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence; and the many other sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who contributed, in diverse ways, to advancing the vision.

The Forum acknowledges that the realisation of major public institutions often requires sustained engagement, political will, cooperation across levels of government and the collective determination of the people. The successful handover of the hospital is therefore a commendable outcome of efforts that transcend individual interests and political affiliations.

SKJF urges the Federal Government and the relevant health authorities to sustain the momentum by ensuring the prompt commencement of operations at the Federal Medical Centre, with adequate funding, modern medical equipment, qualified personnel and other essential facilities required to deliver effective healthcare services.

The Forum also calls for a transparent and timely transition process, with clear operational plans to ensure that the hospital fulfils its intended purpose and becomes a centre of excellence in medical services, training and research.

SKJF Commends Katung as Senate Passes Manchok Teaching Hospital Bill at Third Reading

Beyond the development in Kafanchan, the Forum also commends Senator Sunday Marshall Katung for sponsoring the bill seeking the establishment of a Federal University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, to be located in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

SKJF notes that the bill has successfully passed its third reading in the Senate, marking a significant milestone in the legislative process towards the establishment of the proposed institution.

The Forum describes the legislative development as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between medical education, research and healthcare delivery while expanding access to specialised medical services across Southern Kaduna and beyond.

The proposed teaching hospital, when established, would complement the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan and contribute to building a stronger healthcare network in Kaduna State. It would also support clinical training, medical research, professional development and the production of skilled healthcare personnel needed to address the country’s growing health needs.

While commending Senator Katung for advancing the bill through the Senate, the Forum notes that the legislative process will require the concurrence of the House of Representatives, after which the bill will proceed to the President for assent, subject to the completion of the constitutional legislative process.

SKJF therefore calls on members of the House of Representatives to give the bill the necessary consideration and concurrence to facilitate its onward transmission for presidential assent and eventual implementation.

The Forum also acknowledges the roles of Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji and Hon. Daniel Amos, alongside other elected representatives and stakeholders, in advancing development initiatives across Southern Kaduna. It encourages sustained cooperation among federal and state authorities, legislators, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that these healthcare projects translate into tangible benefits for the people.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

The Forum emphasises that the benefits of these institutions must be measured not merely by their establishment but by their capacity to provide accessible, affordable and quality services to the people.

It therefore encourages the people of Southern Kaduna to embrace a spirit of cooperation, protect public infrastructure and hold relevant authorities accountable for the effective management and sustainability of these investments.

As an independent professional body committed to responsible journalism and public accountability, SKJF will continue to highlight developments that advance the collective interests of Southern Kaduna while constructively engaging public institutions on the delivery of democratic dividends.

The Forum congratulates the people of Southern Kaduna on the handover of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital for the take-off of the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, and expresses optimism that the proposed Federal University Teaching Hospital in Manchok will also become a reality.

Together, these institutions hold the potential to become enduring symbols of progress, improved healthcare, medical education and sustainable regional development.