Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo Commissions Oxygen Production Plants Across Senatorial Districts

By Rotimi Odofin

The Kogi State Government has established oxygen production plants in each of the state’s three senatorial districts. These facilities are located at PAAUTH Anyigba, the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, and the Mohammed Buhari Mother and Child Hospital Iruvochinomi in the Central Senatorial District. Each plant boasts a daily production capacity of 76 cubic liters and can fill 12 oxygen cylinders every four hours.

Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, Kogi State Commissioner for Health, representing the Executive Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all partners involved, particularly the Global Fund, for their support in making this initiative a reality.
The State Governor expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment to enhancing the health sector. He highlighted the significant achievements within the sector, notably the establishment of oxygen plants across the three senatorial districts in Kogi State.

While emphasizing the critical role of security, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams pledged the state government commitment to strengthening adequates security and protection of the facilities, underscoring the importance of safeguarding these facilities.

The Governor equally extended his appreciation to Professor Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, for his impartial national support in healthcare. He also acknowledged the vital contribution of the Global Fund through NACA in supporting the oxygen plant project.

Dr Abdulazeez Adams elaborated that the oxygen plants have been strategically distributed across the three senatorial districts, including Kogi Central, where the current event was held.

The event’s purpose, he explained, was to commission the plant and provide training for its handlers.

The Commissioner expressed sincere gratitude to the hospital, partners, and government for their steadfast support, as well as to the Global Fund and the government for their ongoing assistance.

Mr. Onoja Kingsley, North Central Oxygen Zonal Coordinator from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, congratulated the Kogi State Government and the Global Fund for their successful efforts. He underscored the importance of sustainability, highlighting the need for a robust maintenance culture and effective monitoring and evaluation to ensure the infrastructure’s optimal use and impact.

During the commissioning ceremony of the PSA Oxygen Plant in Kogi State, Director Barnabas Olowasegun expressed his pleasure in welcoming attendees. He emphasized that the establishment of these plants is a testament to strong commitment and collaboration, supported by the Global Fund, marking a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare development.