It is globally acknowledged that every responsive government creates channels for direct feedback from its citizens, fostering a society where both leaders and the governed work in harmony toward shared goals.
The principle is clearly demonstrated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
Through one of its key reform-driving departments, the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RC&SID), the administration has institutionalized the monthly FCTA Knowledge Café as a platform for dialogue, accountability, and service delivery improvement.
The 6th edition of the Knowledge Café was held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the ICT Lab of the Hospital Management Board (HMB) Complex, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, with the theme: ‘Timely Response to Emergency Cases at FCT Secondary Health Facilities’.
A press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), FCTA Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Winnie A. Tanu, and made available to People&Politics today, which disclosed these, stated that the event was graced by key stakeholders, facility managers, emergency response heads, and frontline health professionals to critically examine the challenges surrounding emergency care in the FCT—and to co-create practical, context-specific solutions.
The statement read: “In her welcome address, Acting Director, RC&SID, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu explained that the Knowledge Café was designed as an interactive platform to identify service delivery gaps, especially those reported by residents, and to generate collaborative, actionable solutions.
“Dr. Ahmadu declared that every hospital staff member, from security guards to consultants, is a vital link in the chain of survival,” she remarked.”
Dr. Ahmadu also highlighted the growing role of communication and social media in exposing service gaps, encouraging stakeholders to view such platforms not as threats, but as tools for reflection, advocacy, and institutional reform.
Tanu added: “In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello, echoed this vision, calling for a focus on sustainable solutions. He underscored the importance of ambulance availability and proper utilization as essential components of an effective emergency response system.
“The Director of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Dr. Osayande Osagie, added that provision of adequate personnel is crucial to service delivery.
“Health workers at the forum raised concerns about patients and their relatives using mobile phones to film and harass medical personnel during emergencies.
“Responding to this, keynote speaker, Mr. Maxwell Gabari advised that many health professionals tolerate such behavior because they are unaware of their legal rights.
“He emphasized that staff members have the right to withhold consent to being recorded, and encouraged them to assert their boundaries as a form of professional protection.”
The spokesperson stated that,at the close of deliberations, certain key recommendations were adopted at the event, listing them as:
“Strict enforcement of existing health policies;
“Expansion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to boost capacity;
“Implementation of the Good Samaritan Law;
“Basic emergency care training for all levels of hospital staff;
“Development of a Digital Framework for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the FCT;
“Enhanced public awareness campaigns on emergency care protocols;
“Strategic infrastructure investments;
“Improved data collection and health system digitization; and
“Comprehensive strategies to address manpower shortages across facilities.”
The session ended with a collective resolve that timely emergency response is not just a technical concern, but a governance and accountability imperative.
Stakeholders were urged to leave not only with insights, but with actionable steps to ensure that no life is lost again due to avoidable delays.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Administration, including the Director of Administration, HMB, Comrade Kassim Ghali, other hospital leadership, and frontline emergency personnel from across the FCT.
