By Salihu Inusa, Maiduguri
The Emir of Biu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha OON, has commissioned a 15-bed Primary Healthcare Centre constructed and fully furnished by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume at Yawi, a densely populated community at the outskirts of Biu Local Government Area in Borno State.
During his guided tour of the facility, the monarch commended Senator Ndume for his commitment to his constituents, describing the project as a vital intervention aimed at tackling grassroots healthcare deficits.
The Royal Father also laid the foundation/performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new housing estate initiated by the Senator in Biu town.
The 20-housing unit project is part of Senator Ndume’s broader constituency interventions across Borno South, coming alongside the presentation of solar streetlights to District Heads in the Council.
At the commissioning site, the monarch said access to healthcare within communities remains critical to improving the quality of life of the people, noting that the establishment of the facility would help address some of the challenges faced by residents who previously had to travel farther for medical attention.
“Whoever gives you healthcare at your doorstep has solved half of the community’s problem. Hence, remain eternally grateful,” the Emir said.
The traditional ruler also expressed appreciation to Senator Ndume for responding to the healthcare needs of the people and for ensuring that the request for the facility translated into a tangible project.
“I am fully aware of the medical interventions across my Emirate—from the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, Hawul LGA, and now the newly commissioned Yawi Primary Healthcare Centre. These interventions clearly demonstrate that you have the health and welfare of our people at heart.” He added.
The Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Hon. Man Sule Ali Yimi, also commended Senator Ndume for choosing Yawi, describing it “as a densely populated community with a pressing need for accessible healthcare”.
According to him, the intervention would complement the efforts of the local government in improving healthcare delivery across Biu.
“As politicians, Senator Ndume has eased our work, and from our end, we will definitely deliver all APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
Representing Senator Ndume at the occasion, his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Shehu Usman Aliyu, popularly known as Babandi, explained that the project was initiated after constituents from Biu formally presented the need for a healthcare facility in the community.
He said Senator Ndume responded promptly by ensuring that the request was captured in the budget and eventually translated into the completed facility.
“Without delay, the Senator put their request in the budget, and today, it has become history,” Babandi said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Borno State Chapter, Dr. Kaka Gazali, said the association considered it part of its corporate responsibility to support healthcare interventions in underserved communities.
He recalled that the NMA-supported medical outreach in Hawul had attended to more than 5,000 people, with 57 surgeries successfully conducted at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, and assured residents that similar professional support would be extended to the new Yawi facility.
Beyond the construction and furnishing of the centre, Senator Ndume has personally undertaken the drilling of a borehole to provide water for the facility and supported the installation of solar-powered streetlights around it, while the Chairman of Biu Local Government, Hon. Man Sule, has also directed the fencing of the healthcare centre to further enhance its security and overall functionality.
In another development, the Reverred Emir yesterday paid glowing tribute to Senator Ndume as he performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new housing estate initiated by the lawmaker in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The 20-unit housing project is part of Senator Ndume’s broader constituency interventions across Borno South, coming alongside the presentation of solar streetlights to District Heads in the Biu Emirate
The Emir, accompanied by the Chairman of Biu Local Government, Hon. Yimi, members of the Emirate Council, executives of Biu Forum, local government officials, and supporters of Senator Ndume, commended the lawmaker for what he described as impactful interventions that would directly touch the lives of his constituents.
Speaking shortly before the groundbreaking, the Emir said the traditional institution had followed Senator Ndume’s interventions closely and acknowledged his contributions to the development of Biu and Borno South.
“As a traditional institution and custodian of our people, Senator Ndume has exceeded our expectations. We may demand for more, but certainly, he has done great things that will stand the test of time.”
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Biu Local Government, Hon. Man Sule Yimi, described Senator Ndume’s interventions as significant achievements that would remain part of his legacy.
“For Ndume, he has done what we sent him to do at the National Assembly. But for us, we will repay him in ways he never imagined.”
Representing Senator Ndume, his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Shehu Usman Aliyu (Babandi), said the housing project was conceived to complement government efforts in addressing the housing needs of the people.
He explained that similar housing projects had been initiated by Senator Ndume in Gwoza and Damboa local government areas, adding that the lawmaker considered it necessary to extend the intervention to Biu.
According to him, the initial plan was for 40 housing units, but approval was secured for 20 units at this stage, with efforts ongoing to secure approval for the remaining 20.
“The Senator has done similar projects in Gwoza and Damboa, and he felt it was important to bring the same intervention to Biu. The plan was originally for 40 houses, but 20 have been approved for now. Hopefully, before construction commences, the remaining 20 will also be approved, bringing the total to 40 units.
“The Biu Housing Estate will become the third housing estate initiated by Senator Ndume in Borno South, following similar interventions in Gwoza and Damboa.
“In keeping with his approach in the other housing estates, Senator Ndume is also expected to personally provide a mosque within the Biu estate”. He concluded.
