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FG begins nationwide distribution of life support ambulances, others
The federal government has started the distribution of advanced life support ambulances and tricycle ambulances nationwide to strengthen emergency medical response and improve access to timely healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The permanent secretary, federal ministry of health and social welfare, Daju Kachollom, disclosed this on Monday at the flag-off ceremony at the National Trauma Centre, Riyom, Plateau State.
Ms Kachollom said the intervention would improve emergency transportation and address last-mile challenges in hard-to-reach communities, where delays could determine whether lives were saved.
“The intervention is anchored on the principle that distance should not determine whether a life is saved,particularly during maternal and newborn emergencies, childhood illnesses, road crashes and other trauma cases,” she stated.
Commending the state government for its partnership and commitment to healthcare delivery, Ms Kachollom explained that the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) provides the framework for coordinated emergency services nationwide.
According to her, existing interventions in the state include the State Ambulance System, JUTH’s emergency-care pathway, and the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) initiative, strengthened by the SAVEMAMA Digital RESMAT platform.
“Minutes matter in emergency care. The difference between timely transportation and delay can quite literally be the difference between life and death,” she added.
The permanent secretary said the initiative reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, urging Plateau and other beneficiaries to take ownership of the assets and deploy them to areas of greatest need.
“The Federal Government has made its contribution, and we expect the State Government to complement this investment through appropriate budgetary commitments and contributory funding to strengthen and sustain emergency medical services across Plateau State,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, commended Mr Tinubu for the intervention, describing the ambulances as a strategic investment in emergency healthcare.
“The vehicles would improve timely transportation of patients, facilitate referrals between healthcare facilities and strengthen the emergency response chain, particularly when every second matters.” the governor stated.
Nigeria’s Falconets have completed their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against South Korea U-20 in their final warm-up match in Poland.
Sports247 reports that the encounter provided Nigeria’s coaching crew with one last opportunity to assess the squad before the team begins its campaign at the global tournament.
Mary Mamudu put the Falconets ahead in the 29th minute, giving Nigeria a deserved advantage as the young West Africans looked to finish their preparations on a winning note.
South Korea, however, fought back after the interval and eventually drew level from the penalty spot in the 78th minute. Neither side could find a winning goal thereafter, leaving the two teams to share the spoils in a competitive final test.
The result means Nigeria conclude their Poland-based friendly programme with one victory and one draw, providing valuable match experience ahead of the World Cup.
The Falconets have been preparing extensively for the tournament following a successful qualification campaign in which they overcame Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 on aggregate and Malawi 3-2 on aggregate.
Nigeria will now shift their attention fully to their opening Group F fixture against Spain on September 7. The team will subsequently face China PR on September 10 before rounding off the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.
Nigeria remain the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, underlining the country’s remarkable consistency at the youth level.
The Falconets have also come agonizingly close to lifting the trophy, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. Their latest campaign therefore presents another opportunity for Nigeria to pursue a first-ever world title in the competition.
The draw against South Korea will give the technical crew plenty to analyze as the final preparations are completed, particularly with the opening game against Spain now approaching.
With the warm-up fixtures behind them, the Falconets can now focus on the task ahead in Poland. The preparations are over. The World Cup journey begins on September 7.
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