Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has announced an additional N200 million donation to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul Local Government Area, increasing the state’s total financial support for the Federal Government-owned health facility to N400 million.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday during an inspection visit to the hospital, where he commended its remarkable achievements within six months of full clinical operations, describing the institution as a model of visionary leadership, prudent management and resilience.
Established following President Bola Tinubu’s approval about a year ago, the National Orthopaedic Hospital has treated nearly 4,000 patients and successfully conducted more than 300 major orthopaedic procedures, including hip and knee replacements as well as complex spinal surgeries, despite reportedly operating without capital releases or overhead allocations from the Federal Government.
Addressing the hospital’s management, Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the facility.
“As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to support this institution. Yesterday, I told the management I would give them N50 million, but today I am announcing an additional donation of N200 million to further strengthen the hospital,” he said.
The governor described the hospital’s rapid transformation as a testament to what committed leadership and efficient management can achieve even under severe financial constraints.
“The efforts here are truly amazing. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria approved the establishment of this National Orthopaedic Hospital about a year ago, and the hospital began operations only about six months ago. Yet, despite not receiving capital releases or overhead funding from the Federation, you can see the wonders that commitment has achieved,” Zulum stated.
He attributed the hospital’s progress to the leadership of its Medical Director, Dr. Ali Ramat, and the management team, as well as support from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Borno State Government, which had earlier provided N200 million to facilitate the hospital’s take-off.
Although established as a specialist orthopaedic centre, the governor noted that the hospital has expanded its services to include obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and other specialised healthcare, significantly improving access to medical services in the region.
Zulum also praised the facility for successfully carrying out complex procedures, including hip replacement operations, major fracture repairs and spinal surgeries, while attracting patients from across the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon.
“Apart from its core mandate as an orthopaedic hospital, it is now providing gynaecological services, paediatrics and many other medical services. We have seen successful hip replacement surgeries, major fracture operations and even spinal cord surgeries being carried out here,” he said.
The governor commended the Federal Government, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the hospital’s management for transforming the institution into a functional referral centre serving the region.
“We can only express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Ramat and her team, the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Pate, and the CMD of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for identifying capable leadership to drive this institution. May Almighty Allah reward them abundantly,” he added.
Zulum stressed that although the hospital is owned by the Federal Government, it plays a critical role in meeting the healthcare needs of Borno residents, neighbouring states and patients from Cameroon, underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration among all tiers of government.
He further noted that the institution has begun generating revenue through its services despite limited resources and now receives hundreds of patients daily from across the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon.
“This hospital belongs to the Federal Government, but it is serving the people of Borno State and beyond. What we need is commitment. Nigerians must work together because no government can succeed without the dedication of its people. Above all, we must remember that we are Nigerians first, and together we can move our country forward,” the governor said.
