By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
In a significant move to enhance healthcare services in Kogi State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo has embarked on upgrading 88 primary healthcare centers across the state. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system and provide quality services to its citizens
During the official handing over of the site to contractors today, January 11, 2025, at the Model Primary Health Care Center, Felele, Lokoja, the Governor emphasized the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring that citizens have access to quality healthcare.
The Governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Abdulazeez Adams noted that the gesture was a step towards achieving effective healthcare delivery and universal health coverage for our people.
In his words “As we step into the New Year 2025, we are proud to launch a groundbreaking initiative—the upgrade of 88 additional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, complementing the ongoing upgrade of 70 PHCs to functional Level-2 facilities.
“This marks another bold step towards achieving effective healthcare delivery and universal health coverage for our people.
“With the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Kogi State Government has committed over ₦7 billion to this project, a testament to our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our citizens”, Governor Ododo said.
Governor Ododo’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to all-inclusive development, prioritizing the needs of its citizens.
The healthcare upgrade project is a commitment aiming to provide modern facilities and healthcare equipment to the people of the State.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Kogi State Government and the World Bank.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and acknowledged the efforts by the immediate past administration of former Governor Yahaha Bello for laying a solid foundation in the health sector.
The Governor called on the contractors to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure timely completion of all projects within four months. He also urged the contractors to engage with local government authorities and stakeholders in the communities for an inclusive approach towards social and environmental safeguards.
While responding, the Site Supervisor of Inknuel Ltd, Brig Gen S.I Bawa rtd assured the state Government of quality jobs and promised to engage the youth on the job. Among the Contractors for the job are Inknuel Ltd, Multipurpose Erand Men Service Ltd, RSA Nigeria Ltd and Base-San Venture Ltd.
With this project, Kogi State is poised to take a significant leap forward in healthcare development, and the government’s efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of its citizens.
