Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda will embark on a three-week medical leave abroad starting August 18, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, has announced.
Radda, in an official statement, said the decision was necessary to safeguard his health and ensure he could continue to serve effectively.
“Taking the necessary steps to prioritize my health is essential so I can continue to serve effectively and make the best decisions for our state,” he stated. “I look forward to returning to my duties as soon as I finish my medical check-up.”
In his absence, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal-Jobe will oversee the affairs of the state, with assurances that ongoing programmes and projects will continue without interruption.
Growing concern of leaders’ neglect of public health sector
The development comes amid growing public concern over the rising trend of Nigerian political leaders seeking medical care abroad, a phenomenon critics say underscores the persistent neglect of the country’s health sector. Despite repeated promises to upgrade medical facilities, many public hospitals remain underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped, prompting even top government officials to shun them for foreign alternatives.
Effect of medical tours on our healthcare systems
Public health advocates argue that such frequent “medical tours” not only drain public funds but also signal a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s own healthcare system. For citizens, this trend serves as a painful reminder of the widening gap between political elites and the millions who rely on the struggling public health infrastructure at home.
