Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for his outstanding achievements and landmark projects across the different sectors of the state.

Mr Obasanjo gave the commendation at the commissioning of the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and two major roads in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on Tuesday.

A statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Sulaiman Idris, said the former president urged Mr Lawal to continue on his rescue mission until Zamfara becomes one of the leading states in Nigeria.

The ex-president said: “I am in Zamfara State today to see the new, improved, and improving Zamfara under your leadership.”

“Here we are. Two things surprised me: the commissioner of health mentioned that you have had a CT scan and an MRI. I know some teaching hospitals don’t have CT scans and MRIs, and some have machines, but they are not operational. Here you have it; it is working and providing service.

“I have great pleasure to be here, to commission this remodelled and re-equipped hospital for the well-being and welfare of everybody that will come here.”

While commissioning of the Zannah Road to Abarma road, Mr Obasanjo said that the Dauda Lawal administration is making Zamfara a modern state.

“Based on my observations and what I have heard, we are partners in progress. I urge you to continue enhancing Zamfara State throughout your government’s eight-year tenure.”

In his address, Mr Lawal thanked the elder statesman for honouring the invitation to commission the key projects in the state.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of all the citizens of Zamfara State, thank you for honouring our invitation, and welcome to your second home, Zamfara State.

A State that is dear to your heart because our primary vocation here is agriculture, something you are very passionate about.

“The Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital has undergone both expansion and renewal. New facilities have been constructed.

“Doctors now have newly completed residential quarters, including two- and three-bedroom semi detached units, and a befitting residence for the Chief Medical Director.

“A serene and quiet patient relaxation arena has also been introduced alongside the redesign and beautification of the hospital landscape. We also established internal road networks that support mobility, order, and aesthetics.

“The new centres constructed are new Obstetrics and Gynecology, O&G, new Radiology Complex, new Laboratory Complex, and a Patient Relaxation Arena.

“Equally important is the extensive renovation and modernisation of 14 key departments, all of which have been revitalised and upgraded to contemporary standards.

“We have matched these infrastructural improvements with a robust supply of cutting-edge medical equipment across all critical departments. These include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools for radiology, dialysis, surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, physiotherapy, endoscopy, echocardiography, dentistry, and general clinical care.

“The hospital has also been furnished with new hospital beds, electronic systems, general furniture, and waste management infrastructure to ensure an environment that meets global hygiene standards, safety, and comfort.”

The governor emphasised that the hospital is well-equipped to function as a true referral centre for complex medical cases, a credible training facility for healthcare personnel, and a hub for medical research and innovation.

Other projects commissioned are the Zannah Road to Abarma Road and Tsalha Bungudu road to Kwanar Birnin Ruwa road.