
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has emphasized the importance of effective healthcare services in the state.
Governor Ododo made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lokoja.
The meeting, organized by the Kogi State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, brought together various stakeholders to discuss healthcare issues in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo, the Governor acknowledged the contributions of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other critical Agencies present at the meeting towards the wellbeing of the people of the State in the health sector.
He also expressed gratitude to the participants and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare services in Kogi State.
He highlighted the significance of primary healthcare and the state’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to its citizens.
In his remark, Kogi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adeiza Adams emphasised the importance of a sector-wide approach to healthcare in the state.

He explained that the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) is a collaborative effort that involves all stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Adams noted that SWAP is aimed at building a more productive and effective sustainable health sector.
He highlighted the importance of primary healthcare in the state, noting that it is the foundation of the healthcare system.
According to him, the State Government is working to strengthen the primary healthcare system, with a focus on ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to everyone in the community.
The Commissioner also emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address healthcare challenges in the state.
He stressed that the State Government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to its citizens, but requires the support and collaboration of all stakeholders.
Dr. Adams presented some challenges facing the healthcare sector in the state to include; inadequate infrastructure and equipment and noted that the State Government is working to address the challenges, but requires the support of stakeholders.
The Executive Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Musa Muazu Omeiza, appreciated all the stakeholders for attending the meeting.
He noted that the Agency had come a long way in implementing primary health care development programs in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Abu Jibril Okikiri, praised the Governor’s efforts in improving healthcare services in the state.
He called on Local Government Chairmen to engage more health personnel, noting that this would enhance the Governor’s efforts in the health sector at the grassroots level.
The Executive Secretary of the State Health Insurance Agency Dr. Aledare Adekunle in his presentation on Basic Health Care Provision Fund said the essence is to help the country achieve Universal Health Coverage .
According to him , the funding is drawn from not less than one percent of consolidated revenue fund of the Federal Government.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Egwaba, represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, at the meeting. commended the Ministry of Health and all its agencies saddled with primary health care for their efforts.
The Deputy Speaker called on health personnel in the state to step up their commitment to duty in the interest of the health of the people.
She emphasized the need for synergy between health workers at the local government level with their chairmen, noting that primary health care falls directly under their supervision.
The Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Adabenege A., described the stakeholders’ meeting as an opportunity to chart the way forward for the health sector and commended the state Governor for his commitment to improving primary health care in the state.
The Ohinoyi of Ebirra land and Vice chairman of the State council of Traditional rulers His Royal Highness, Doctor Ahmed Tijani Anaje emphasized the importance of community engagement in primary health care development.

He noted that improved healthcare facilities are crucial for effective and efficient service delivery.
The representative of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Secretary-General of the Organisation, Alhaji Isa Adegboye, as well as the Representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended the Governor’s commitment to the health sector.
They noted that Local Government Chairmen and traditional rulers are key to the successful implementation of primary health care programs.
Prominent among stakeholders at the meeting were Chairmen of local government areas, members of the state House of Assembly, Traditional rulers, Religious bodies and others.