Gov Ododo Inaugurates 80 Revitalized Primary Health Care Centres To Improve Quality Healthcare 

Gov Ododo Inaugurates 80 Revitalized Primary Health Care Centres To Improve Quality Healthcare

By Muslimat Itopa

In a landmark stride toward strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring access to quality medical services for all citizens, the Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank Impact Project, has commissioned 80 revitalized primary health care (PHC) facilities across the state as part of the first phase of its healthcare revitalization initiative.

The event, held at the Old Market Primary Health Care Centre the prototype facility for the project brought together key stakeholders, development partners, traditional leaders, and top government officials to celebrate the state’s commitment to delivering accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for every Kogite.

In his address, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the inauguration as “another milestone in our administration’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, equitable and quality healthcare for all Kogites.”

He commended the joint efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the World Bank for their continued support.

“These activities commissioning of 80 allied PHC facilities, presentation of the State Leadership Challenge Award, stakeholder engagement, and official handover of medical equipment symbolize our vision of building a sustainable, people-centered healthcare system that serves every community across our 21 local government areas,” Governor said.

Governor Ododo expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lauding his dedication to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.

“Mr. President has invested enormous resources into primary health care as a key instrument for bringing quality medical services to the doorstep of the rural poor. His leadership has opened opportunities for states like Kogi to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and uplift millions from poverty,”
he added.

He also praised Doctor Muyi Aina, Executive Director and CEO of the NPHCDA, describing him as “a visionary reformer and proud son of Kogi State whose passion for innovation continues to deliver game-changing results for Nigeria’s health secor.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza, highlighted the transformation of the 80 PHC facilities from Level 1 to Level 2 status.

“A Level 2 facility means improved infrastructure, two consulting rooms, uninterrupted power supply through solar energy, functional toilets, fenced compounds, staff quarters, and portable water supply,”Dr. Omeiza explained.

He noted that the upgrades will enable round-the-clock service delivery, especially for maternal and child health.

“By God’s grace, maternal, infant, and child mortality rates will be reduced to the barest minimum,”
he affirmed.

Dr. Omeiza also emphasized the importance of community ownership and stakeholder engagement, calling on traditional institutions, religious leaders, and local communities to play active roles in sustaining the progress made.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, hailed the collaboration between the state and development partners.

“These glaring evidences of performance cannot be hidden. What we see today is the product of visionary leadership, selfless service, and partnership between government and key health agencies,” he remarked.

He reiterated that the revitalized PHC facilities is equipped with solar power, boreholes, staff accommodation, and essential medical equipment would now provide 24-hour healthcare services, significantly improving healthcare outcomes across Kogi State.

“The security and maintenance of these facilities depend on us all. Communities must take ownership and protect what belongs to them,”
he urged.

In his remarks, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, lauded Governor Ododo’s exemplary leadership and responsiveness.

“I engage with many state governors across Nigeria, and I must say, Your Excellency, you stand out in your commitment and responsiveness. You never say no when we make an ask—and that’s true leadership,”Doctor. Aina said.

He praised the state’s consistency in stakeholder engagement and its dedication to healthcare innovation, noting that the standardization of the PHC centers’ design was “a model that other states can emulate.”

“Kogi State is translating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of high-quality, equitable, and financially accessible healthcare into reality. We have never had it this good,”he added.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly Dr. Muyi Aina.

“Dr. Aina is a true son of Kogi who continues to point proudly to his roots with the right hand. His contributions to our state’s development embody the spirit of Kogi people committed, resilient, and dedicated to progress,”
he said.

Fanwo assured that the state government remains committed to working with all partners to sustain the achievements recorded.

The commissioning of the 80 revitalized PHC facilities marks the first phase of a broader plan to modernize healthcare infrastructure across Kogi State. With the support of federal partners and international agencies, the state aims to extend these improvements to all 239 wards across its 21 local government areas.