The Jigawa State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development has provided free hernia surgery to at least 810 vulnerable residents, according to Commissioner Mr. Ahmad Maikudi.
Speaking in Dutse after receiving an award from the National Union of Local Government Employees, Maikudi revealed that 30 patients from each of the state’s 27 Local Government Areas benefited from the initiative.
He noted that this pilot program will become a quarterly event to treat more individuals, particularly the vulnerable, and expand its reach.
“Initially, we planned to sponsor 30 hernia patients, but we ended up getting 900 across the state.
“This is why we are deciding to make it a quarterly event or every two months so as to reach more poor and vulnerable people for free treatment,” Maikudi pinpointed.
The Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Abubakar Garba, explained that the award presented to the Commissioner was in recognition of his outstanding performance over the past year.
Specifically, Garba highlighted the Commissioner’s dedication to ensuring timely and consistent payment of salaries, allowances, and other benefits to local government employees, which prompted the union to express their gratitude through this gesture.
“That is why we deemed it necessary to reward hard and good work with appreciation like this aware and we are thankful and full of joy,” Garba highlighted.
In response, Commissioner Maikudi admonished local government employees to uphold integrity and resist any temptation to engage in wrongdoing while performing their duties.
He also encouraged them to speak out and report any political office holder who requests illegal actions, ensuring that swift and appropriate action can be taken against such individuals.
” Henceforth and as long as I remain the commissioner, anything that is going to be enjoyed by members will be on merit and hierarchy, including promotion without any favourism or preferential treatment,” the commissioner assured.
Commissioner Maikudi further pledged that the ministry will soon initiate a process to enable all union members to access car loans, similar to those available to state civil service employees, aiming to motivate and enhance efficient service delivery at the local level.
