The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has directed the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, to facilitate the establishment of a primary healthcare centre in Sauka Village under the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare services and combat tuberculosis (TB) in the region, with the support of the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, CON.
Mrs Tinubu, who also serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, made this call on Monday during the commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day 2025 in Sauka Community, Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, the World Health Organization, and other development partners.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady highlighted the importance of grassroots interventions in the fight against TB. She explained that this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” was locally translated to “We Fit Run Am; A Collective Call for Action Against TB” to better connect with the community.
“To support the fight against this communicable disease, I will not only donate ₦1 billion but also approve the request for the establishment of a Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka Community.
This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for an efficient healthcare system. The Mandate Secretary, Dr Fasawe, will oversee the implementation of this project with the support of our dedicated FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike,” Mrs Tinubu stated.
She further noted that the new facility would serve as a critical hub for TB detection, treatment, and general healthcare services, ensuring that residents receive timely and quality medical attention.
Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, ranking the country among those with the highest TB burden globally. This underscores the need for improved healthcare services and stronger community-based interventions.
In her response, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, commended the First Lady for her dedication and strong support in the fight against TB elimination.
She also acknowledged the dedication of the FCT’s healthcare workers, whose efforts have led to major improvements in the health system.
“The establishment of the new Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services, improving TB control, and ensuring accessible healthcare for all in the FCT,” Dr Fasawe reaffirmed.
The event featured an exhibition stand by the Public Health Department of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, where attendees received free TB testing.
This year’s celebration brought together key stakeholders, including Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President; Honourable Members of the National Assembly; Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health; Mrs Adekemi Nanpad, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service; Wives of the Federal Executive Council Members; Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative; HRH Alh Dr Usman Nga Kupi, Sapeyi of Garki; and other dignitaries.
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