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Governor Mutfwang Launches Solar Power Project to Boost Healthcare in Plateau’s Rural Communities
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), a significant initiative aimed at providing solar power to over 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
The project is supported by the European Union (EU) and is designed to ensure a reliable power supply to these healthcare facilities, improving the quality of services they provide.
At the inauguration of the project’s Steering Committee, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the essential role of electricity in modern healthcare, noting its importance in operating diagnostic equipment, storing vaccines, and preserving medicines. He commended the EU and NISHP for selecting Plateau State as a beneficiary and reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success.
“This project is a testament to our administration’s commitment to functional PHCs and access to quality, affordable healthcare at the grassroots. When we assumed office, less than 5% of the over 1,000 PHCs in the State were operational. This prompted us to award contracts for the renovation of 82 PHCs. The NISHP project will significantly improve the energy situation in the healthcare sector across the State,” the Governor stated.
Earlier, the Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, EU-Nigeria, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, noted that the project focuses on delivering clean and renewable energy solutions to improve healthcare and commended the Plateau State Government for fulfilling its obligation by providing 30% counterpart funding for the initiative.
“Access to steady electricity is indispensable for effective healthcare delivery. Research indicates that only 40% of functional PHCs in Nigeria have regular power supply, which hinders their efficiency. The NISHP project aims to reverse this trend,” she explained.
Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, added that the project is to positively impact healthcare delivery and boost economic activities, saying, “Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of 75 small businesses located within these facilities. For this phase, at least one PHC per LGA will benefit.”
The nine-member Steering Committee for the project is chaired by Mr. Ponzing Gamde, Executive Director of the Plateau Energy Corporation, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, serving as co-chair while the Secretary to the State Government. Samuel Jatau is among the other members.
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The Nigerian Army says 14 kidnap victims were rescued in separate operations in Kogi, while sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
The army disclosed this in its latest operational update covering August 15 and 16, on Sunday. In Kogi, the troops of 21 Battalion rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Ofu council area.
The troops had launched a search-and-rescue operation after the victims were kidnapped on Tuesday.
The operation covered the Emeweopada-Abocho axis in Dekina council area, where sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to flee.
“The victims were subsequently released and taken to the palace of the Onu Abocho for further action. In another incident in Ofu, troops responding to a suspected kidnapping attack along the Ochadamu-Okabo Road rescued a pregnant woman abandoned by kidnappers.
“The troops had discovered that four civilians, including the pregnant woman, were abducted by the criminals. The kidnappers abandoned the woman and fled after sighting the advancing troops from a distance. The rescued woman was subsequently reunited with her family,” the report said.
In Plateau, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to a report of the kidnapping of two civilians at Nhantina Village in Bokkos council area.
One of the victims had gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Bokkos Cottage Hospital for medical attention, while troops continued pursuit of the abductors.
“Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested another suspect linked to a notorious arms and explosives dealer in Zamfara. The development followed the Aug. 14 arrest of the arms dealer while transporting 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi Local Government Area.
“Based on information obtained from the suspect, troops of 1 Military Intelligence Regiment arrested another suspect at the Gusau Central Motor Park on August 15,” the report said.
In Sokoto, troops responding to a terrorist attack at Jijira Village in Sabon Birni council area forced the attackers to flee into nearby bushes. According to the report, troops have begun efforts to track the fleeing terrorists, rescue the abducted persons and recover the rustled livestock.
“Troops also foiled an attack by suspected armed militias targeting Murish Community in Mangu Local Government Area. Troops responded to reports of sporadic shooting, forcing the suspected militias to withdraw from the area. They subsequently dominated the area to deny the criminal elements freedom of action,” it added.
The latest operations underscored the military’s continued focus on disrupting kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities while supporting efforts to restore peace in affected communities.
(NAN)
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