By Joy Salami
In a significant move to improve healthcare services, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare across the state.
This pledge was underscored by the launch of a comprehensive training programme for 1,282 frontline healthcare workers across the 21 Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Lokoja, Governor Ododo emphasised the critical role of primary healthcare workers in delivering quality medical services to residents.
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Represented by his Deputy Comrade Joel Oyibo,he highlighted his administration’s plans to revitalise more than 150 primary healthcare centers while equipping health personnel with the necessary skills and tools to enhance service delivery.
He acknowledged the vital role of frontline health workers as the backbone of the healthcare system, adding that his administration remains committed to their welfare, safety, and capacity development to ensure improved healthcare services for all residents.
The training program, organised by the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, focused on key areas such as maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and health promotion.
In his remarks, Dr. Muazu Musa, the agency’s Executive Director, described primary healthcare as the foundation of the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would empower participants to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
While acknowledging challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and workforce shortages, Dr. Musa remained optimistic that such programmes would help bridge gaps and improve healthcare delivery.
Echoing this sentiment, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza, stressed the importance of ongoing training and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.
He noted that these measures were essential for both emergency response and routine healthcare services.
The event also saw commendations from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Represented by Dr. Ngozi Nwosu, NPHCDA’s Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, praised Kogi State’s proactive efforts, which aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national initiative to train 120,000 healthcare workers under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRI).
Dr. Aina highlighted several federal healthcare interventions in Kogi, including the establishment of two Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) centers and the revitalisation of 125 primary healthcare centers. Of these, 95 were funded by the Kogi State Government, 23 by the NPHCDA, and eight through support from development partners.
He also highlighted the launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in Lokoja, aimed at addressing maternal and child mortality in high-burden areas.
Additionally, Dr. Aina urged the state government to integrate 443 volunteer health workers into permanent roles to sustain improvements in healthcare delivery.
He also expressed gratitude to development partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, GAVI, and USAID, for their contributions to enhancing healthcare services in Kogi.
A key highlight of the event was the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline healthcare workers across all primary healthcare centers in the state.Governor Ododo concluded by reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system, ensuring that all citizens have access to essential medical services.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Kogi State’s efforts to address healthcare challenges and improve the well-being of its residents.
