Healthcare: FCTA backs NOWA’s proposed 200-bed hospital

By Stanley Onyekwere

In order to improve access to efficient healthcare services, the FCT Administration said work towards identifying a suitable plot of land for a proposed 200-bed space maternity and children hospital in the Territory.

Making this disclosure, Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, expressed pleasure at the plans of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) to build the proposed healthcare project, which will be open to members of the public.

Bello, who spoke when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z Gambo paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA, however called for the possibility of increasing the hospital capacity beyond its proposed capacity.

His words: “We will definitely work towards identifying a proper location that you can really quickly move in and start development”.

Also,  the Minister commended the plans of the navy to open the primary and secondary schools located in its barracks at Pegi, Kuje Area Council, to members of the public as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility

He equally expressed the appreciation of the FCT Administration to the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in the provision of security for the nation’s capital.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy always participated actively in the FCT Security Committee and the Commanders of its Units in the FCT, were in the forefront of providing the needed operational support during joint operations.

He adds: “Your Commanders have been very active in our FCT Security Committee. In most instances, when issues come up that require joint operations with other agencies, your Commanders have always been in the forefront of providing the needed support and we thank you very much for that”.

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged the cordial relationship that exists between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Navy especially in the task of providing security in the FCT.

Gambo expressed happiness at the Administration’s efforts in rehabilitating the Kuje to Pegi road, as its completion will improve security and commuting along that axis.

He also commended the efforts of the Administration on the construction of the Apo –Karshi road which he said will enhance movement into the city and equally improve the security situation within the city.

Also present at the at visit were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, Director of security, FCTA, Mr Adamu Gwary and other senior officers of the Nigerian NAVY and the FCTA.