Kogi Primary HealthCare Development Agency (KSPHCDA) Strengthens Primary Healthcare Through Traditional Rulers’ Engagement.

By Joseph Adama

The Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa, has underscored the pivotal role of traditional rulers in advancing community health initiatives, particularly in immunization, polio eradication, and broader primary healthcare (PHC) delivery.

Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa was represented at the Quarterly Review Meeting of Traditional Rulers Committee on Health, held at the AKK Hotel in Lokoja by the Director Administration of the Agency, Mr. Okpanachi Ijalija.

The meeting, hosted by the KSPHCDA in collaboration with Chigari Foundation, brought together traditional rulers, health experts, and stakeholders to evaluate progress and strategize for improved PHC outcomes.

The Executive Director emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the traditional institutions and Health Authorities.

He urged Traditional Rulers to demonstrate sustained commitment to the health and well-being of their communities.

Discussions at the quarterly review meeting centered on feedback and enhancing the organization and coordination of Traditional Rulers on Health for more effective community engagement, building the capacity of traditional institutions to champion polio eradication, routine immunization, and other essential PHC services, strengthening community-based information sharing, accountability, and mobilization for health programmes.

In a speech, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, expressed his profound gratitude for the active participation and valuable contributions of traditional rulers throughout the engagement.

According to him, the Ministry remains fully committed to strengthening grassroots governance, preserving our rich cultural heritage, and fostering peaceful coexistence across all local government areas in Kogi State noting that the insights and recommendations shared will greatly inform our policies and actions as we work towards more responsive, accountable, and development-oriented local administration under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

In a closing remark, the Ohiegba of Mosum, King Khalid Ali Bukar,
highlighted the traditional rulers’ unique position as custodians of community trust.

He urged fellow monarchs to continue mobilizing their subjects for immunization drives, antenatal care, and hygiene practices, commending partners for their support while calling for accountability and measurable outcomes.

Challenges of the foundation included pending compliance, absenteeism, capacity gap, low community awareness and team selection.

The foundation also prayed the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee to as a matter of urgency ask NTLC to take direct ownership of all unresolved cases as well as ensure every H2H team is accompanied by a verified, dedicated and replacement of absent leaders among others.

There were good will messages from Sultan Foundation, MSI Reproductive Choice, Malaria Consultium Consultant, and the State Chairman of Civil Society Organisation, Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition.