The Kebbi government says it has visited a malnutrition centre over claims of hundreds of children being admitted at the facility daily. It said it would not condone false narratives aimed at discrediting its efforts at promoting good governance.
Governor Nasir Idris made this statement on Sunday during a visit to the Médecins Sans Frontières-supported Malnutrition Stabilisation and Treatment Centres at Maiyama General Hospital in Maiyama LGA.
”This visit is to personally verify the authenticity of a recent viral report claiming that no fewer than 400 malnourished children are admitted daily in this centre. It has now come to light that 1,406 children have been admitted here since September 2024, when the centre was established. This is a fair ratio.
”It is simply not possible that 400 children are admitted daily. If that were true, it would mean over 2,000 children are being admitted every week, which is clearly unrealistic,” Mr Idris said.
He also expressed confidence in the credibility and professionalism of MSF while urging the NGO not to allow its activities to be manipulated for political motives.
”We recognise the important work MSF is doing around the world and in Kebbi State in particular. However, this particular report is misleading and amounts to fake news. MSF must not allow its platform to be used to spread falsehood or to malign the state government,” the Kebbi governor said.
The governor added that while his administration welcomed constructive criticisms from well-meaning individuals and organisations, it would not condone false narratives aimed at discrediting its efforts.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support MSF in its humanitarian and medical interventions across the state.
“MSF is a recognised partner of both the United Nations and the federal government. We appreciate the scope of its health interventions in Kebbi, and we remain committed to collaborating with them for the good of our people,” he said.
Mr Idris reiterated that his administration remained committed to enhancing the well-being of all residents and would continue implementing people-oriented projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery and overall development.
The governor expressed happiness that the head office of the organisation had dismissed the false publication of the malnutrition figures.
(NAN).
