Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, has commissioned 80 revitalized Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Government House on Friday in Lokoja, was attended by stakeholders, partners, and healthcare officials.
Governor Ododo highlighted the significance of the event, which also included the presentation of State Leadership Challenge Awards and the handover of medical equipment and commodities donated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to improving healthcare in Nigeria, noting that the President’s efforts have freed up resources for states to invest in PHC delivery.
He specifically thanked the President for appointing Dr Muyiwa Aina, a Kogi State indigene, as Executive Director and CEO of NPHCDA, describing it as a recognition of merit and a boost to the state’s healthcare advancement.
The Governor emphasized that the revitalized PHC facilities would significantly improve healthcare service delivery at the grassroots, bringing quality medical services to rural communities.
He commended the efforts of healthcare workers and partners, urging communities to protect the facilities against vandalism and ensure their sustainability.
The State Leadership Challenge Awards were presented to outstanding Local Government Areas and individuals, recognizing their dedication to healthcare delivery.
Governor Ododo congratulated the recipients, encouraging others to strive for excellence.
The Governor thanked development partners and supporting agencies for their contributions to Kogi State’s healthcare system, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening PHC centres across the state.
Governor Ododo urged all stakeholders to protect and preserve the revitalized facilities, warning that acts of vandalism or misuse would not be tolerated.
He commended Commissioner for Health, and the Executive Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA),, for their outstanding work in improving healthcare in Kogi State.
In his remarks, the Executive Director,National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, lauded Ododo’s efforts in ensuring quality healthcare service delivery to the people of Kogi.
Aina assured the state government of NPHCDA’s continued support in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to better the lives of Nigerians.
Aina, who handed over the equipment, commended Gov. Ododo’s efforts in ensuring quality healthcare service delivery to the people of Kogi.
“Today, we are also handing over a stock of PHC equipment that will be distributed to about 24 facilities initially, with more to come.
“We’ve worked with His Excellency to provide equipment for vaccine storage and essential medicines.
“Currently, about 237 PHCs receive basic healthcare provision funds from the third quarter.
“We’re adding another 249 facilities, which will now receive quarterly funds directly from the NPHCDA—₦600,000 for low-volume facilities and ₦800,000 for high-volume ones.
“This will help them pay for utilities, hire ad hoc workers, and cover other operational needs,” Dr Aina said.
The Commissioner for Health, DHealth, Dr. Adeiza Adams Abdulazeez, expressed gratitude to the World Bank, NPHCDA and other partners for their complementary roles and support in improving healthcare delivery in Kogi state.
Dr Abdulazeez, who assured of quality healthcare service delivery at the PHCs, urged the health workers to make the best use of the medical equipment and facilities in their various facilities.
The ED NPHCDA, Dr. Muazu Musa Omeiza, said the commissioning of revitalized PHCs was a testament to the revolution of primary health care with a sense of responsibility, accountability and reward system.
“Today, we are commissioning 80 Primary Health Centers, revitalized and taken from level 1 to level 2 as first phase using PHC Old Market, Lokoja as a prototype.
“This means in the nearby future, phase 2 of these facilities will also be commissioned. Many thanks to the support from the world Bank assisted project – the IMPACT project and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency for making this possible.
“These facilities now have a staff quarters to ensure 24 hours service, borehole for steady water supply, solar for uninterrupted power, parameter fencing to secure the service provision environment and then a security post.
“By the grace of God, maternal, infant and child mortality will be brought to its barest minimum as timely interventions are closely than ever before,” Dr. Muazu said.
He thanked Governor Ododo for prioritizing health, noting that his exemplary leadership style is worthy of emulation.
Dr. Muazu assured the Governor that the agency will keep the flag of Kogi state flying high as it render services to compliment his administration’s efforts.