Gov. Agbu Kefas Takes Bold Steps to Transform Healthcare Services
In a resolute effort to rejuvenate the healthcare landscape, a high-level assembly was convened by His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas today with Principal Medical Officers (PMOs) from all Government Hospitals in Taraba.
The focus of the meeting was to strategize the enhancement of healthcare provisions, aiming to position Government Hospitals as premier healthcare institutions within the state with a commitment to elevate healthcare offerings and optimize the functionality of Government Hospitals, which is one of the administration’s clear-cut vision.
As part of this overarching objective, the introduction of mobile clinics across the state is on the horizon, poised to complement the existing hospital network and further extend healthcare accessibility to all corners of Taraba.
Gov. Agbu Kefas Approves Free Medical Check-ups for Traditional Rulers
Press Conference held at the conference hall of the Bureau on Thursday (10th August 2023).
His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas has granted a remarkable opportunity for all the esteemed Chiefs in the State to undergo comprehensive medical check-ups at their preferred hospitals. This initiative covers Traditional Rulers of the 1st Class, 2nd Class, and 3rd Class categories.
The announcement was made by Mr. Babangida Hassan (FCNA, PhD), the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government, Tradition, and Chieftaincy Affairs, during a press conference held at the Bureau’s conference hall on Thursday, August 10th, 2023.
Mr. Hassan expressed his honor and pleasure in informing the traditional rulers about the generous approval of Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State.
The traditional rulers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to undergo thorough diagnostic examinations for their well-being, thus acknowledging the resources provided and reciprocating the goodwill of His Excellency.
‘Traditional rulers must play their role in maintaining peace, security, and harmonious coexistence,’ emphasized Mr. Hassan. He extended his congratulations to His Royal Majesty Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, Aku-Uka, and the entire members of the Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers for the approval of the Executive Governor, expressing gratitude and wishing everyone a safe return to their destinations after their medical trips.
Wife of Taraba Governor Marks Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week 2023.
In commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week 2023, Her Excellency, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, addressed the need for families and all stakeholders to help nursing mothers to achieve adequate breastfeeding of their babies, saying this will have positive effects on national health in the long run.
Mrs. Agyin, said breastfeeding promote the importance of family-friendly policies to enable breastfeeding and help parents nurture and bond with their children in early life, when it matters most stressing that mothers also need access to a parent friendly workplace to protect and support their ability to continue breastfeeding upon return to work by having access to breastfeeding breaks; a safe, private, and hygienic space for expressing and storing breastmilk; and affordable childcare.
World Breastfeeding Week 2023.
Breastfeeding decreases the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It is estimated that increased breastfeeding could avert 20,000 maternal deaths each year due to breast cancer.
The world health body recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is 6 months old. Nutritious complementary foods should then be added while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.
The World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1-7 to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.The Day commemorates the Innocent Declaration signed in August 1990 by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organisations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Health: Wife of Taraba Governor Flags Off CHIPS Programme
Wife of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Her Excellency ,Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas has flagged off the Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) programme in Taraba State.
The flag off was done in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state. The Governor’s wife acknowledged the initiative and appreciated the efforts of the officials of the Taraba Primary Health Care Development Agency (TPHCDA) and CHIPS agents.
Agyin described the programme as a laudable initiative aimed at improving and providing equitable coverage for essential health services especially those related to maternal and child survival.
She added that the programme is designed to improve on the Village Health Worker concept established by the TPHCDA and endorsed by the State government.
Gov. Agbu Kefas Committed To Cleaner and Healthier Environment; Engages About 300 Sanitation Workers
Governor Agbu Kefas in a snapshot with some cleaners he engaged around FGGC road.
Early Thursday morning, a significant number of young men and women were observed diligently cleaning and clearing drainages in various locations, including Roadblock and the vicinity of the flyover. The area had previously been littered with broken bottles, used plastics, dirty nylons, and rags.
Accompanied by their brooms, the enthusiastic cleaners sang while sweeping the streets, exuding a sense of pride and enthusiasm for their work. They paid particular attention to the refuse along the roads, near the flyover, and the motor parks, ensuring a thorough cleaning process.
During their cleaning activities, the cleaners chanted “sai Kefas,” meaning “only Kefas,” in a show of support for the governor’s proactive approach to tackling environmental issues in the state.
The initiative received widespread praise from residents who witnessed the exercise. They commended the new governor for taking immediate steps to address the long-standing problem of environmental pollution in the capital city.
Taraba State’s capital has historically faced sanitation challenges, with many areas plagued by poor hygiene and unpleasant odors. Therefore, the efforts made by the new administration to clean the city came as a pleasant surprise to both residents and shop owners.
Helen Yakubu, one of the cleaners, expressed her excitement during an interview with journalists. She revealed that around 300 individuals were hired on Tuesday, receiving a monthly stipend of N20,000 each.
Governor Kefas Agbu’s swift action in engaging the youth and women for city cleaning purposes highlights his commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of Taraba State. It also serves as an encouraging sign of the governor’s proactive approach to governance and his dedication to addressing the pressing needs of the people.
The handover ceremony took place at the state exco chambers in Jalingo, and it was officiated by the state’s Attorney General, Yakubu Maikasuwa. Notable attendees included the Secretary to the State Government, G.T Kataps, Commissioner for Health Dr. Bordiya Bama, and Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation Barr Zainab Usman Jalingo.
This move reflects the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare and enhancing medical education. With Wukari General Hospital now under the university’s management, students will benefit from hands-on training in a clinical setting, better preparing them for their future careers.
Governor Agbu Kefas’s decision is a significant step toward improving healthcare and education in the area, showcasing the potential of collaborations between government and academia. This marks a promising future for both healthcare services and aspiring medical professionals in the region.