FCT news

Leadership with Compassion in FCT

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2021

By Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

“Hello Ronke, good morning, are you aware of what happened at the Maitama Market in Kubwa yester night, read your WhatsApp messages please,” call from a friend woke me at 6am on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

Opening WhatsApp, I saw gory images of human bodies burnt beyond recognition, videos of people running helter skelter, and cries of victims. So heartbreaking!

About an hour later, I received a WhatsApp message from the Honorable Minister of State, FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, asking me to make my way to the scene of the incident. Immediately, I joined my colleagues.

MAITAMA MARKET, KUBWA

The Minister, on getting to the market commenced immediate assessment of the ruins, she engaged and condoled family members of victims and some eye witnesses, On the spot, she gave an order for development control to re-organize the market, remove illegal structures and kerosene tanks placed beside electricity transformer.She asks them to stop the sale of adulterated kerosene that had led to the tanker explosion. She left the scene and made her way to the hospital where survivorswere admitted.

KUBWA GENERAL HOSPITAL
The compassionate Dr Tijjani Aliyu visited burn victims, and on getting to the hospital, unpleasant smell of fresh wounds rented the air. She went round the ward to check on fire victims which includes a baby. I watched her wiped a tear or two.

After seeing the victims, she proceeded to the mortuary where remains of dead victims were kept, we met people with sad faces, some were crying, while some rolled on the floor.

Unfortunately, Kubwa hospital do not have a burn unit. She became worried, I overheard her mutter some words like, we must do our best to support these people. We left in search of a suitable hospital for the victims.

FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER, JABI

On arriving FMC Jabi, she went straight to the emergency unit where we met a nonchalant doctor on duty. “I am the minister of state, FCT, could you please show us your burn unit, we have some victims that we want to move to your hospital, your help will go a long way please,” the doctor looked at the minister slowly from head to toe, kept mute without uttering a word, reluctantly, she picked her phone and excused herself to make a call. Another doctor on duty saved the day by apologizing on her behalf and made it known that FMC do not have a burn unit. In a hurry, the Minister left.

NATIONAL HOSPITAL, ABUJA

On getting to the National hospital, we were received by friendly nurses and doctors on duty, willing to help, and immediately, she introduced herself and the situation, they started coordinating one another, and created bed spaces for the victims.

Calls were made and ambulances, one after the other, brought in victims from Kubwa.

Some victims were immediately wheeled to the theatre, while she received each victim and accompanied them to the prepared bedspace with assurance that all shall be well. Despite her ill health, she went all out for FCT citizens.

After the admittance of everyone, the minister left National hospital in the night. She seems so sad but fulfilled to know that victims are in safe hands. All her efforts were not in vain. We all left, sad, tired, hungry and worn out. Pheeew, what a day!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2021

I received an sms at midday, “HMS said you should proceed to the National Hospital now” by the time I got there, the minister was already on ground to check on victims. She went round, bed by bed, engaging the patients and their caregivers. Sadly, two of them had died on Sunday morning.

Before leaving the hospital, she reiterated to Nigerians to stop selling adulterated kerosene. For proper follow up, the Minister has commissioned people to visit the hospital for daily report of the recovery process.

This is leadership with compassion. I witnessed it live and direct. I hope our leaders could emulate Dr Tijjani Aliyu.

For her, it was never about photo ops, but result, tender care and compassion. Hoping the patients recover fully soon. May the departed souls Rest in Peace!

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello is an award-winning Nigerian Journalist and Gender Advocate, currently serving as Special Assistant on New Media to the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. She writes from Abuja

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FCT news

AMAC names crescent after Akwa Ibom governor

Published

4 weeks ago

March 22, 2024

The Gleamer

By Philomina Attah
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), on Thursday in Abuja, unveiled a crescent named after the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Eno Umo

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crescent, located in the Idu industrial area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was named after Umo in recognition of his track record as governor.

The naming of the crescent is seen as a fitting tribute to the governor’s achievements and a testament to his contribution to the advancement of the area.

Speaking during the unveiling of the crescent, the Chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, described the governor as a “son of the soil” whose achievements in road construction, agriculture, education, and other sectors have been remarkable.

The AMAC chairman, represented by the council’s Supervisory Councillor on Special Duties, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, praised the governor’s commitment to development and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the progress of the community.

“He has done very well within the shortest time of his tenure in office.

“In terms of road infrastructure, in terms of agriculture, in terms of education, in terms of other activities that he has been able to put in place.

“Arising from your numerous contributions to your fatherland, AMAC has deemed it fit to recognise your contribution and issue a ‘symbol of award of the street name’ in your honour in appreciation of your commitment to developing the country.

“We see this as an opportunity to encourage you to do more for the people of your state.

“We wish you more grace as you discharge your responsibility and give enviable service to your fatherland,” the chairman said.

Akariyere Tommy, the Transitional Chairman of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, expressed gratitude to the council for recognising the governor’s contributions to the development of the area.

Tommy emphasised the importance of history and how naming the crescent after the governor would serve as testimony to his achievements.

He applauded the council members and staff for their dedication and support.

In his comments on behalf of the governor, Mr Jeremiah Efeh, the Director of Finance, Akwa Ibom Liaison Officer Abuja, thanked the council for finding the governor worthy of the honour. (NAN)

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