…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an immediate increase in the rural allowance for health personnel at General Hospital Damasak, from 12% to 30%.
The Governor announced the measure on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the hospital as part of his ongoing security and resilience-building tour of Northern Borno. The visit included an interactive session with health workers, where he listened to their operational challenges.
“I have listened to all your concerns,” Governor Zulum stated. “Let me at this moment announce the immediate increase of rural allowance for all health personnel in General Hospital Damasak from 12% to 30%. This is to motivate the workers and ensure retention of frontline health workers in hard-to-reach areas.”
In addition to the increase in allowance, Governor Zulum directed the employment of additional laboratory staff to strengthen diagnostic services. He also confirmed that health workers currently engaged by non-governmental organisations would be automatically absorbed into the state civil service upon the expiration of their contracts.
Furthermore, the Governor approved the automatic employment of all 30 volunteer health workers at the facility into the state health system. “I further directed that they be enrolled in government-supported training and capacity-building programmes to enhance their professional skills,” he said, also presenting each volunteer with a cash support of ₦50,000 in appreciation of their frontline service.
The Governor equally approved the immediate provision of a 120KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the deployment of an ambulance to enhance emergency response, and the renovation of staff quarters.
He stressed that his vision is to deliver quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare to every community. He emphasised that “health is wealth” and remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Borno State.
…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures
Prior to the hospital visit, Governor Zulum conducted an early-morning inspection of key public institutions in Damasak, including the Central Primary School, a newly completed Mega High Islamic School, a 20-unit housing estate, and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where he directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated buildings.
“The visit was to enable my administration to take immediate and informed decisions on renovation,” the Governor said, stressing that “no child should be forced to learn in an unsafe or unconducive environment.”
He added: “I want to reassure the IDPs of continued government support. Improving the living conditions for displaced families remains a moral obligation and a key pillar of my administration’s recovery and resettlement agenda.”
Upon his arrival in Damasak on Tuesday, Governor Zulum visited troops of the 5 Brigade Nigerian Army who was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General R. O. Agbi, where he paid tribute to their service. He praised what he described as their “exceptional doggedness and gallantry” in safeguarding lives and communities, reaffirming that security remains the cornerstone of his administration’s agenda for peace and development.
