Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has pledged his unwavering support for the ongoing development efforts in Zamfara State, describing the transformation under Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership as impressive and worthy of emulation.

The former president made the commitment during the official commissioning of the remodelled, upgraded, and newly equipped Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau. The event was part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Lawal’s administration.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Obasanjo disclosed that he had held extensive discussions with Governor Lawal on key sectors such as education, healthcare, industrialisation, and the exploitation of the state’s solid mineral resources. He expressed optimism that with sustained effort, Zamfara would witness remarkable growth in these areas.

“You invited me, and I came. But next time, even if you don’t invite me regularly, I will invite myself regularly because there is so much we have to do together,” Obasanjo stated, noting the visible transformation taking place in the state.

He thanked the governor for bringing him back to Zamfara and commended the state’s progress, highlighting the importance of human capital development and the critical roles of security, food security, and healthcare in achieving sustainable development.

Chief Obasanjo also praised the administration for its inclusive approach, particularly in empowering young professionals to contribute to development projects. Commenting on the health sector, he emphasized the need for trained personnel in addition to infrastructure, urging government at all levels to find ways to retain medical professionals who are increasingly leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

“Hospitals need more than buildings and equipment—they need skilled people. With the right incentives, we can keep our trained professionals here,” he said.

He lauded the state government for integrating infrastructure, equipment, and personnel in the hospital’s upgrade. Obasanjo added that with a population exceeding six million and vast land resources, Zamfara holds the potential to become a model state in Nigeria.

“You have everything it takes to lead. You’ve been given the responsibility—go on, regardless and relentless,” he urged.

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal revealed that the healthcare sector was in a dire state at the time he assumed office.

“When we took over, we conducted an assessment and the findings were shocking. Despite having over 600 primary health centres, 18 general hospitals, and one tertiary hospital, there wasn’t a single functional ultrasound machine in the entire state,” he said.

This, he noted, prompted his administration to declare a state of emergency in the health sector in January 2024, initiating a comprehensive, policy-driven reform involving stakeholders and development partners.

Governor Lawal explained that the Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital had undergone significant expansion and modernisation. New facilities were added, including residential quarters for medical staff and the Medical Director, along with modern diagnostic equipment.

“With these upgrades, patients no longer need to travel out of the state for quality healthcare,” he said, describing the intervention as revolutionary.

To further improve service delivery, the governor announced the deployment of a full Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) at the facility. The system, he said, integrates all departmental operations, enhances transparency, improves data management, and ensures better outcomes for patients.

Also during the anniversary celebrations, Chief Obasanjo commissioned the newly constructed Zanna Road – Abarma GRA and Tsalha Bungudu – Kwanar Birnin Road projects, all located in Gusau Local Government Area.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including the Emir of Gusau, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mumini, Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, and other top government officials.