By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an immediate increase in the rural allowance for health workers at General Hospital, Damasak, raising it from 12 per cent to 30 per cent.
The approval was announced on Wednesday during the Governor’s inspection visit to the facility as part of his ongoing security and resilience-building tour of Northern Borno.
During an interactive session with health personnel, Governor Zulum listened to their operational challenges and assured them of government support, “I have listened to all your concerns,” the Governor said.
“I am pleased to announce the immediate increase of the rural allowance for all health personnel at General Hospital, Damasak, from 12 per cent to 30 per cent.
This is to motivate our workers and ensure the retention of frontline health professionals in hard-to-reach areas.”
Governor Zulum also directed the recruitment of additional laboratory staff to strengthen diagnostic services at the hospital.
He further disclosed that health workers currently engaged by non-governmental organisations would be automatically absorbed into the state civil service upon the expiration of their contracts.
In a similar vein, the Governor approved the immediate absorption of all 30 volunteer health workers at the facility into the state health system.
He directed that they be enrolled in government-sponsored training and capacity-building programmes to enhance their professional competence.
Each volunteer was also presented with a cash support of ₦50,000 in appreciation of their dedication and frontline service.
To improve service delivery, Governor Zulum approved the provision of a 120KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the deployment of an ambulance to boost emergency response, and the renovation of staff quarters.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to healthcare delivery, the Governor stressed that access to quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare remains a priority. He described health as a cornerstone of sustainable development in Borno State.
Governor Directs Rehabilitation of Public Facilities
Earlier, Governor Zulum conducted an early-morning inspection of key public facilities in Damasak, including the Central Primary School, a newly completed Mega High Islamic School, a 20-unit housing estate, and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
He directed the immediate rehabilitation of dilapidated structures identified during the visit.
“The essence of this inspection is to enable my administration to take prompt and informed decisions on renovation,” the Governor said, emphasising that no child should be made to learn in an unsafe or unconducive environment.
He also reassured displaced persons of the government’s continued support, noting that improving living conditions for IDPs remains a moral responsibility and a core element of his recovery and resettlement agenda.
Upon his arrival in Damasak on Tuesday, Governor Zulum paid a courtesy visit to troops of the 5 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, where he was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General R. O. Agbi.
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He commended the troops for their “exceptional doggedness and gallantry” in safeguarding lives and communities, reaffirming that security remains central to his administration’s peace and development drive.
