By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, May 7, 2026 (Series News Online) - The Kebbi State Government has officially transferred the newly upgraded Accident and Emergency Unit of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, to the hospital authorities to improve emergency medical services.
At the official commissioning in Birnin Kebbi, the State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Samaila Yakubu-Augie, described the project as evidence of Governor Nasir Idris’s dedication to advancing healthcare across Kebbi.
“This facility’s rehabilitation reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to healthcare, which stands as a key pillar of government policy,” Alhaji Yakubu-Augie said.
He noted that the Accident and Emergency Unit had been completely refurbished after years of neglect. “Prior to this intervention, the unit was in a poor condition. It has now been upgraded into a modern, fully functional centre that will serve the public effectively,” he stated.
The commissioner appealed to medical personnel and stakeholders to maintain the facility and use it responsibly. “I urge healthcare staff and all relevant parties to ensure the facility is well managed and preserved, given the substantial investment the government has made,” he emphasized.
Alhaji Yakubu-Augie also acknowledged the governor’s continuous support for the health sector. “Health is wealth, and we pray that Allah grants the governor continued wisdom as he leads the state,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Shehu Nuhu-Koko, expressed gratitude to the state government for the upgrade.
“We deeply appreciate the Kebbi State Government for restoring this unit,” Dr. Nuhu-Koko said. “The unit now benefits from a constant water supply and uninterrupted electricity throughout the day, which will significantly enhance patient care and emergency operations.”
He further stated, “We are pleased to formally take over this upgraded facility from the government and assure that it will be put to optimal use for the benefit of patients and the wider community.”
Separately, the commissioner handed over the newly renovated morgue at the Kebbi State Teaching Hospital, KSTH, Kalgo, to the institution’s management.
According to Alhaji Yakubu-Augie, the decision to refurbish the morgue followed an on-site assessment by Governor Idris, who was concerned about its state.
“During our joint visit, the governor observed the poor state of the morgue,” he explained. “In addition, the introduction of medical and health-related programmes at Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, made it imperative to bring the teaching hospital’s facilities up to standard.”
The commissioner lauded Governor Idris for prioritizing citizens’ welfare and for his efforts to reposition health institutions in Kebbi. He described healthcare infrastructure projects as resource intensive and called on the hospital management to ensure the renovated morgue is properly maintained.
Alhaji Yakubu-Augie revealed that the upgraded morgue contains six storage compartments for bodies and is supported by a steady power supply from both the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, and an installed solar energy system.
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Healthcare Delivery