By: Ehis Ayere
As part of efforts to boost health care delivery and strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Japan, the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria has recently completed the procurement of medical equipment for Suleja General Hospital in Niger State.
The Government of Japan granted the amount of US$103,068 under the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) to a local NGO, Nigerian Women Empowerment Network, to assist in implementing the project.
The project involves the procurement of 9 kinds of medical equipment, 12 kinds of medical tools, and 13 kinds of furniture.
In response to the successful commissioning of the project, the Embassy held a reception today with representatives of the NGO, the Niger government, and the hospital.
Speaking at the reception, the Japanese ambassador, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke appreciated the efforts of the NGO, and the cooperation of the Niger State Ministry of Health and the Hospital members.
The ambassador stressed the importance of the project.
“Health sector is our priority in our ODA (Official Development Assistance) policy,” he said. “Indeed our Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe emphasizes health as ‘the most important elements’ of human security.”
“I sincerely hope that this project will contribute to better access to medical services and to reduction in child and maternal mortality in Suleja and neighbouring States and, though in a modest manner, will help enable people in the community to lead a healthier and more productive life”, he added.
Mr Kusaoke noted that the Japanese Embassy has implement 152 GGP projects in Nigeria, since 1998, with over US$10.4m.
“While Japan supports nationwide large-scale projects, we have been working on small-scale grassroots projects for many years.” He said. “We have implemented 152 GGP projects in Nigeria since 1998. The Suleja Hospital project is an important, new addition to the completed GGP projects, and I am sure it will not be the last since we are determined to continue to work together on GGPs with our Nigerian friends.”
Dr. Makuskidi Muhammed Muhammed, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Health, represented the Niger State Ministry of Heath at the ceremony.
Photos from GGP: Visit to the Embassy of Japan by the Project Representatives
Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, giving his speech
Project representatives at the Conference Room
Dr. Adedokun Adebayo Adekunle, Medical Director of Suleja General Hospital, giving his speech
Group photo with Ambassador Kusaoke and the representatives
Mrs. Anna Madziga, Programme Manager of Nigerian Women Empowerment Network, giving her speech
