No fewer than 18 open-heart surgeries have been successfully carried out on paediatric patients from across Nasarawa State, who were battling various heart conditions, over the past two years. This was disclosed by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba-Adamu, during an interaction with journalists in Lafia, the state capital, following an Annual Lecture and Award Series organised by The Eyewitness Newspapers.
The CMD, who was honoured as the Newspapers’ Icon of Public Service, 2025, commended the collective efforts of paediatric surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare specialists at the medical centre for their dedication, which contributed to the success of the surgeries.
While acknowledging the contributions of healthcare professionals from other hospitals who collaborated with FMC Keffi in performing the operations, Baba-Adamu shared that the children were treated for various heart-related conditions, ranging from simple anomalies to complex heart diseases.
He said, “Because we have upgraded our equipment, it was possible for us to open and operate not less than 18 children’s hearts. Open inside their hearts, operated on them and they are all alive.
“Frankly, this recognition would not have been possible without the selfless efforts of all staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi. The dedication of this award to me is for all the staff of the FMC, Keffi, with whom I am always very proud of what they do.
“Before now, there were several cases where, when you come to the FMC Keffi, you only had to be forwarded to Abuja for further treatment. Now, we are not just treating people in Keffi; we receive patients from as far as Benue and other surrounding states.”
Dr. Baba-Adamu further confirmed that kidney patients requiring dialysis no longer need to travel to Abuja, as the FMC Keffi is fully equipped to provide adequate care and work toward their recovery.
He also highlighted the establishment of a new Multi-Speciality Clinic at the hospital, which currently caters to patients with ear, nose, throat, eye, and dental needs.
“We have also made sure that patients who travel on the highway and get injured by accidents, who ordinarily were sent to Abuja, no longer have to go there. This is because our services have improved,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, emphasised that his administration views the media as an essential partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, the governor assured that his administration will remain committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate freely and responsibly.
While praising The Eyewitness Newspapers for its dedication to public service, Governor Sule noted that his government consistently engages the media as a bridge between the people and the state, encouraging open dialogue, constructive criticism, and accurate reporting.
The Guest Speaker at the event, former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Timothy Anjide, highlighted that Governor Sule’s administration has prioritised education reform, youth employment and empowerment, technical skills development, and equipping citizens for the modern economy.
Among the awardees, former Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, represented by former Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Abdulhameed Kwara, expressed appreciation to The Eyewitness Newspapers for recognising his humanitarian contributions to the people.
On his part, Donatus Nadi, publisher of The Eyewitness Newspapers, extended gratitude to Governor Sule and other stakeholders for their continuous support, which has been instrumental in the organisation’s achievements in the state.
The Guardian corespondent reports that the event’s highlight was the presentation of awards to representatives of Governor Abdullahi Sule; Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd); former Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, John Attah; Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, among others.
