Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
An elder statesman, General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), has expressed concern on the poor maintenance culture exhibited by Nigerians.
Danjuma stated this during the commissioning of a Morgue Building, donated by the T.Y. Foundation at the Federal Medical Center, FMC, Jalingo.
Narrating the episode that led to his decision to build a morgue for the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Jalingo, he said it was a personal experience involving one of his workers that caused it.
 “Barrister Dan Agbu mother died and was brought here. He was out of the country. When he returned to see his mother’s corpse, he found a dilapidated morgue with bodies littering the place. It was a terrible experience.
“When we met, he narrated his gruesome experience to me. That’s when I said I will commit to changing the narratives. With my other worker, Joshua, we were able to swing into action and build this Mortuary. “
“Barrister Dan Agbu was in abroad, when his mother died in this hospital and her body was deposited in the mortuary, but when Dan Agbu came, only to find out that the body of his mother has decompose due to lack of good facility.
“When Dan Agbu saw it, he contacted me to do something about it and I called the contractor Mr. Joshua Kempeneer to see what he can do.
“I warned the contractor from using substandard equipments because it was during COVID-19 period. Work resumed after that period.
He disclosed that the equipments were manufactured specifically for Taraba State.
“So we have the best equipments that can last longer time, but must be maintain.
“In Nigeria, we have culture of lack of maintenance, we only maintain for sometimes and throw it away after four years.
“The Federal Government is not expected from such attitude of maintaining their equipments.
He urged the management of the Federal Medical Center FMC Jalingo to maintain the equipments for the benefit of the state.
“Mortuary work with refrigerators and Solar lights, and God has given us plenty Sun light in Jalingo and Nigeria, so we can use it to put our equipments in good use.
He said that culture warrant quick burial of the deaths, but some tribes takes longer time to bury their people.
“If we are copying from the White people, we should do that properly. This morgue is working properly, and we pray that the users will use it well and maintain it,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Dr. Bordiya Gbansheya Buma, said that it marks a great step forward in the advancement of healthcare services in the state.
“This facility is not just a testament to the growth of our healthcare infrastructure but also reflects the deep compassion and commitment of General TY Danjuma to the people of Taraba.
“His foresight and generosity have provided us with a state-of-the-art facility that will greatly improve how we preserve dignity in death, as well as enhance medical research and training,”said Buma.
According to him, the health sector in Taraba State continues to benefit from strategic interventions, and that the donation underscores the importance of collaboration between the government, private individuals, and the community.
“With the provision of modern equipment and essential services, this facility will serve as a vital support to the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, ensuring professional mortuary services and contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery in our state.
He express his profound gratitude to General TY Danjuma for his steadfast support and investment in the people.
“His contributions have set a standard for others to follow, and we are truly blessed to have him as a champion of healthcare development in our state.
He also appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas, for his leadership and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our people.
“Your vision for a healthier Taraba is what drives these transformative projects, and we are excited to witness the positive impacts in the years to come,” he said.
In her remarks, the Medical Director, Federal Medical Center FMC Jalingo, Dr. Aisha Shehu Adamu, appreciated General T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd), for his support, describing it as significant mile stone in providing health care system in the state.
“This structure is a testimony for the commitment we have for our community.
“Thank you very much for your tireless efforts.
“We appreciate your efforts and contribution, we look forward working together.
Also speaking, the Contractor, Mr. Joshua Kempeneer, thanked General T. Y. Danjuma (Rtd), for carrying out Projects for the benefit of the people.
He pointed out that the facility will stay in a taste of time considering the quality of the equipments.
“All equipments are in place,”he said.