Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has on thursday officially commissioned a multi-million naira mortuary donated to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Jalingo, Taraba State, by former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma.
The state-of-the-art mortuary, the first of its kind in the North-East region, was constructed and equipped by the TY Danjuma Foundation to fill a significant gap in the hospital’s services. The facility boasts a comprehensive service and administrative area that includes offices, an electrical room, conveniences, and storage spaces.
Additionally, the mortuary features a technical area equipped with a body reception and preparation unit, autopsy section, and a body holding unit. To ensure uninterrupted operations, the facility is powered by a 3-phase 20KVA standby generator, a 15KVA solar-powered inverter system, and is connected to the main electricity grid. A borehole and filtration system have also been installed to provide clean water.
During the commissioning ceremony, General Danjuma explained that the idea to construct the mortuary came after his personal lawyer, Dan Agbu, lost his mother years ago.
Disturbed by the deplorable state of the old mortuary at FMC Jalingo, where bodies were carelessly kept in an unrefrigerated shipping container, Danjuma felt compelled to intervene.
“When I saw the ugly condition, my lawyer contacted me and appealed that I should intervene. I then directed my team to visit the hospital and give me a budget for a mortuary, including the best facilities to be provided,” Danjuma said.
He urged the hospital management to ensure the proper maintenance of the new facility and its equipment for sustainable use.
Dr. Bodiya Buma, Taraba State Commissioner of Health, praised Danjuma’s foresight and generosity, acknowledging the contribution the new mortuary would make in preserving dignity in death and enhancing medical research and training.
He emphasized that the health sector in Taraba has continually benefited from the strategic interventions of the TY Danjuma Foundation.
“This facility will serve as a vital support to FMC Jalingo, ensuring professional mortuary services and contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery in our state,” Dr. Buma said.
Dr. Aisha Adamu, the Medical Director of the hospital, also expressed her appreciation to the retired General, noting that the mortuary was completed at a crucial time. She assured the public that the management would prioritize the maintenance of the facility for the benefit of future generations.
