First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has directed the Mandate Secretary of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, to facilitate the establishment of a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Sauka village, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the territory.
The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare services and combat tuberculosis (TB) in the region through the support of FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
A statement by Special Assistant (Media) to Mandate Secretary, FCT HSES, Bola Ajao, which disclosed these, added that Mrs. Tinubu, who also serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, made the call on Monday during the commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day 2025 in Sauka community.
The event was organized by Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with FCT HSES and Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, World Health Organization (WHO), among other development partners.
According to Ajao, speaking during the event, the First Lady disclosed 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 I 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 through the support of our dedicated FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
She explained that the new facility will 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 burdens globally.
This underscores the need for improved healthcare services and stronger community-based interventions.
In her response, the Mandate Secretary,HSES, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe commended the First Lady for her dedication and strong support in the fight against TB elimination.
She further noted the dedication of FCT Administration’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 toward enhancing healthcare services, improving TB control, and ensuring accessible healthcare for all in the FCT,” Fasawe reaffirmed.
The event featured an exhibition by the Public Health Department of the FCT HSES where attendees received free TB testing.
This year’s celebration brought together key stakeholders, including wife of the Vice President,Hajiya Nana Shettima; members of the National Assembly; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Adekemi Nanpad; wives of the Federal Executive Council members; WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo; Sapeyi of Garki, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Nga Kupi, and other dignitaries.
