Kogi State has taken a major step toward strengthening its healthcare system with the inauguration of eighty newly revitalized primary health care centres spread across the state. The initiative reflects the administration’s push to ensure that communities, especially those in rural areas, have access to reliable and affordable healthcare.
Speaking at the ceremony in Lokoja, Governor Usman Ododo praised President Bola Tinubu for reforms that, according to him, have made it easier for states to invest in critical areas like primary healthcare. He also acknowledged the support of development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, whose contributions of medical equipment and essential supplies helped make the project possible.
Ododo described the commissioning as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to building a health system that meets the needs of people across every local government. The upgraded facilities, improved under the World Bank IMPACT Project and the NPHCDA, are expected to enhance service delivery at the grassroots and boost confidence in public healthcare.
During the event, the governor also presented State Leadership Challenge Awards to individuals and local government areas that have shown dedication to improving health outcomes. He warned against vandalizing public infrastructure, stressing that anyone found undermining government efforts would be held accountable.
He extended appreciation to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, and the Executive Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muazu Musa Omeiza, describing their work as instrumental to the transformation unfolding in the state’s health sector.
Dignitaries and partners who attended the ceremony pledged continued support for the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
In a welcome address, Dr Muazu Omeiza explained that the eighty facilities were upgraded from Level one to Level two, which includes improved structures, solar powered electricity, functional toilets, boreholes, staff quarters and secure fencing. He said the upgrades will enable continuous service delivery, especially in maternal and child health, offering hope for a reduction in preventable deaths.
He urged communities, traditional rulers and religious leaders to take ownership of the facilities and safeguard the improvements.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams, applauded the collaboration between the state and its development partners, noting that the visible progress is the result of focused leadership and consistent partnership. He added that the improved centres, now equipped to operate around the clock, will bring better healthcare outcomes for residents of Kogi.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina, also commended Governor Ododo for what he called exemplary leadership and responsiveness. He said the state’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare sets a model that other states can learn from.
According to him, the progress in Kogi is helping bring President Tinubu’s vision of equitable and accessible healthcare closer to reality.
In a closing remark, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, thanked all stakeholders, singling out Dr Aina for his continuous support and strong connection to the state. He assured that the government will continue to work with partners to sustain the gains made.
