World’s richest black man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is at it again! This time, he has zeroed in on the health sector and has commenced work on what is expected to be one of the best hospitals in the world.

History was made yesterday when Dangote Foundation laid the foundation for the construction of a 1,000-bed capacity ultramodern medical theatre complex and a diagnostic laboratory within Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano State.

The ultramodern medical theatre complex which has been named Mariya Sanusi Dantata would cost an estimated N2 billion and would comprise a diagnostic laboratory, 10 operating theatres, three intensive care units, patients’ wards and administrative/service rooms for doctors and nurses, serving the medical needs of Nigeria and its neighboring countries.

According to Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, “It is not just about building a best in class medical facility in Kano State; it is about fulfilling our commitment to sustainably improving the health and well-being of Nigerians. We believe that every Nigerian has a right to quality healthcare, we also believe that it is our collective duty to rally our resources to improve health infrastructure, support the development of health care professionals and improve preventive health measures in Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the event, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi expressed his sincere gratitude to Dangote Foundation for their intervention in the health sector, stating that the initiative would help reduce over N80 billion spent annually by Nigerians on “medical tourism.”

The Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also commended Dangote Foundation on the health project and other numerous interventions in the state, citing the recent N600 million women empowerment grant scheme for women and youth. He called on other well-to-do-Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s philanthropic spirit.

•Photo shows Dangote, assisted by CBN Governor Sanusi and other dignitaries, laying the foundation stone of the hospital.

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