Redemption of Pledge: ED, KSPHCDA Announce Award to Enhance Primary Healthcare Services in the State

By Joseph Adama

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has today fulfilled his commitment to reward excellence in the State Health Sector by distributing cash awards to distinguished individuals and outstanding Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state.

At a ceremony held in Lokoja, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa, representing Governor Ododo, alongside the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, emphasized that the PHC Leadership Challenge is an ongoing initiative. Dr. Musa highlighted that healthcare workers’ performance, work ethic, and responsiveness to emergencies are continuously evaluated.

Dr. Musa underscored that the challenge is designed to foster local government and community ownership of PHCs. He noted that financial support from the Federal Government and the World Bank aims to assist the state and communities in upgrading facilities, equipping them, and setting the stage for improved service delivery.

He urged stakeholders to meet expectations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among local government chairmen, traditional leaders, and religious institutions to achieve better health outcomes.

The Executive Director reminded the award recipients that the funds are specifically intended to enhance Primary Healthcare Services in their respective Local Government Areas. He cautioned that the implementation of the submitted work plans will be closely monitored for compliance and accountability, warning that any deviation will result in sanctions and appropriate disciplinary measures.

While stressing that a monitoring team is in place to ensure compliance according to the Executive Governor’s directive, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa explained that the reward given to some OICs and HMISO are individual awards for their commitment and not a facility award and also not for LGHA or LGAs and thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promises.

In their goodwill messages, the National Coordinator, Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Lokoja Mr. Shola Babatunde, the Director, Local government for Ofu Local Government, Mrs Joy Audu, Representative of the Deputy Director, Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Shaibu Abimbola, Coordinator SWAP, Dr. Bola Emmanuel, praised the effort of the Executive Director, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa for his efforts in ensuring the release of the funds and prayed God to bless and increase him.

Ogori mangongo came out over all best in the state and had a cash reward of five million Naira.

Three LGAs came out first best, they are , Mopamuro,Ogori -Magongo and Bassa with three million Naira each while the second best, Kogi, Ofu and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas got two million Naira each.

In the Personality awards for outstanding staff, Audu Unekwu from Angwan Kura, Hassan Salami from Ebogogo, Mepa Afar Victoria from Iyale, Owologbon T. Sarah from FSP/MCH Odole, Sule Arikpi Mary from PHC Ejule, Lawrence Akinwumi Raymond from Ogori -Magongo, Jatto Harunna from Adavi and Isah Pasembo from Kogi all got two hundred and fifty thousand naira each for their hard work and dedication to duty.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Comrade Ohuei Emmanuel from Ogori -Magongo and Jatto Harunna Umar from Adavi Local Government Areas expressed joy at the fulfillment of the pledge saying by this the Executive Director has shown a very high sense of simplicity and forthrightness in the discharge of his duties.