Representative of the Defence minister with other invited guests at the event
Nigeria has pledged to make judicious use of medical facilities established by the German government for the benefit of Nigerians.
Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi retired made the pledge at the handing and taking over ceremony of extended rehabilitation clinic at the 44 Army reference hospital Kaduna.
Represented by Dr Olajude Johnson, the Defence minister explained that the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG) established the rehabilitation clinic and handed it over to Nigeria last year, as part of support against insurgency.
He maintained that the clinic was one of its kind with state of the art medical equipment and had attracted patronage across the country, which necessitated the GTAG to initiate expansion of the clinic to accommodate large turnout of patients.
Major General Bashir Magashi retired expressed gratitude to German government for its support in supplyimg medical equipment and provision of other technical expertise over the years.
Also speaking, German ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Birgitt Ory who was represented said the programme was a valuable form of cooperation with key partners to enhance mutual security interests.
In an address, Chief of Defence staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin noted that the project would improve the well-being of troops and their families as well as assisting injured and sick personnel to restore lost skills and regain abilities needed for daily living.
In a message, Chief of Army staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai said the upgraded reference hospital was commissioned last year with capacity to meet contemporary healthcare needs of not only the Nigerian Army, but also to serve as a regional reference facility in the United Nations level four category.
In a remark, Acting Corps Commander medical, Colonel Idris Solebo added that the extended physical rehabilitation centre had special provisions for paediatric physiotherapy section, massage section, additional therapy rooms, gymnasium and offices for staff.
COV/Usman Sani.