The Kaduna State Government has reiterated its commitment to provide healthcare facilities closer to the people.

Gov. Nasir El-rufai stated this during an inspection tour to a Primary Healthcare Center at Unguwar Shanu, on Thursday in Kaduna.

He said since the inception of his administration in 2015, it had embarked on the upgrading, equipping and staffing of primary healthcare centres across Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

According to him, 255 primary healthcare centres across the state have been upgraded with the aim of ensuring easy access to health facilities by the people.

In an interview shortly after the tour, Gov. El-rufai expressed satisfaction with the achievement recorded so far by his administration in the health sector.

El-rufai noted that his administration has upgraded 290 health centers in the state, exceeding the initial target of 255 health centers.

He explained that so far, about N8 billion has been expended on the project and called on people of the state to key into the advantage provided by the government by registering with the Kaduna State health contributory scheme.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has commiserated with his Lagos counterpart, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the people of the state over Thursday’s train accident that left six people dead and many injured.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Kunle Somorin, Abiodun expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

The governor noted that the staff bus collision with the train was an avoidable accident that had unfortunately claimed the lives of innocent workers.

He asked the Lagos governor and the people to take solace in the fact that others were receiving treatment and recuperating fast.

Abiodun also condole with the bereaved families, urging them to see the accident as an occurrence destined to happen, while believing that death is the annihilator of all things.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead and urged road and rail users to be cautious.

“We are deeply pained and shocked by this unfortunate occurrence. It is an avoidable one. We join in the mourning of our dear neighbours, and we pray that God in His mercies will repose the soul of the dead and grant them Heavenly passage.

“We urge the drivers on our roads as well as those in charge of our coaches to be more proactive and take utmost caution whether in public or private spaces,” he said.

Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, Sector 2 Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI which is operating in the North-East, visited traditional rulers in Yobe and solicited their support.

This is contained in a statement on Friday in Damaturu signed by Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, Saraso visited Dr. Bashir Bukar, the Emir of Nguru, Alhaji Mustapha Mai-Kyari.

Another emir visited was that of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, who is also the Deputy Chairman, Yobe Council of Traditional Rulers.

Saraso said the visit was meant to register his presence, pay his respect and seek royal blessings and guidance from the emirate councils.

He said the visit was in line with the tradition of the Nigerian Army.

He appealed for more support from the emirs, especially in the areas of information sharing and intelligence, pointing out that it would create a stronger civil-military relations in the state.

The statement said that the emirs thanked the sector commander and his entourage for the visit and assured him of support that would bring about peace, improved socio-economic activities and development in the state.

The emirs offered blessings and prayers for the war commander and his troops for a successful tour of duty in the state.

According to the statement, Saraso also paid a familiarisation tour of military formations and units under his command.

He visited 241 Battalion Nguru, 159 Battalion at Gashua and one of the unit’s duty locations at Kanama.

While addressing officers and soldiers at the various locations, he urged them to remain apolitical, disciplined and dedicated to their assigned duties.