The Kogi State Government has once again emphasized its strong commitment to initiatives aimed at improving the healthcare system, empowering emerging professionals, and enhancing the overall welfare of the people of the state.
The pledge was restated by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, during the graduation ceremony of National Health Fellows Cohort 1.0 and the official onboarding of Cohort 2.0, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo, who was represented at the occasion by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, congratulated the fellows of Cohort 1.0 for successfully completing the fellowship programme.
He also extended a warm welcome to the new members of Cohort 2.0, encouraging them to approach the programme with dedication and a strong sense of purpose as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to the development of the health sector in Kogi State.
The Governor described the event as not only a moment of celebration for the graduating fellows but also an opportunity to renew collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through leadership, innovation, and service.
According to him, the National Health Fellows initiative is a vital platform that equips young professionals with the necessary knowledge and experience to support effective policy implementation and drive improvements in healthcare delivery.
Governor Ododo further expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued commitment to transforming the nation’s health sector. He noted that the administration’s support for programmes that nurture young health professionals has helped build a new generation of leaders capable of improving health outcomes across the country.
He also commended the Honourable Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, whose visionary leadership and strategic direction have strengthened the National Health Fellows Programme. The Governor stated that through the initiative, young health professionals are being equipped with the expertise and leadership capacity required to support healthcare reforms and improve service delivery at both national and subnational levels.
Governor Ododo also acknowledged the role played by the Kogi State Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, for his dedication to advancing health sector reforms in the state. He noted that the Commissioner’s guidance and support have created a conducive environment for fellows to thrive, enabling them to actively contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the state’s healthcare system.
The Governor equally appreciated the efforts of the State SWAp Desk Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Bola Jonah, whose coordination and commitment have strengthened collaboration between the fellows, the Kogi State health system, and the national programme. He noted that such coordination has been instrumental in translating the vision of the fellowship into concrete results within the state.
Commending the graduating fellows of Cohort 1.0, Governor Ododo praised their resilience, commitment, and professionalism throughout the fellowship programme. He noted that their dedication demonstrates the immense potential of young professionals to drive meaningful reforms within Nigeria’s health sector.
He reminded the fellows that the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the programme should not mark the end of their journey but rather serve as a foundation for a lifelong commitment to improving healthcare delivery. According to him, the true impact of the fellowship will be measured by the positive changes the fellows bring to communities, institutions, and policy frameworks.
Governor Ododo encouraged them to remain passionate advocates for improved healthcare services, stressing that their contributions would play a critical role in building a stronger and more responsive health system for the people of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.
Addressing the incoming fellows of Cohort 2.0, the Governor urged them to seize the opportunity presented by the programme to develop their skills, broaden their perspectives, and contribute innovative ideas that can strengthen the health sector. He emphasized that the Nigerian healthcare system requires the creativity, dedication, and energy of young professionals to overcome existing challenges and achieve sustainable progress.
He further urged the new fellows to approach the programme with humility, discipline, and a strong commitment to service, reminding them that the fellowship offers a rare opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to policy implementation and system strengthening at the grassroots level.
In his remarks the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Ashiru Adamu Abubakar, Technical Assistant to the Minister on Sector-wide Approach (SWAp), appreciated the Kogi State Government for hosting the event colourfully. He congratulated the new fellows on their onboarding and admonished them to apply themselves diligently to the program.
He further applauded the immense contribution of NHF 1.0 to the health sector and appealed to them to utilize their knowledge and skills to continue improving the country’s health system.
Several speakers at the event, including: Hon. Usman Ochidi (Powerful), Chairman House Committee on Health, Mr. Momoh Steven Aziz, Permanent Secretary SMOH, Dr. Ayo Olayemi CMD/CEO Hospital Management Board, Dr. Stephen Shaibu CMD CUSTH-TH Okene, Dr. Monday Ajodoh ES KOSACA, Dr. Musa Muazu ED KSPHCDA, Pharm Salamat Onize ES DMA, HRH King Khalid A. Bukar II
Ohiogba of Mozum Kingdom, Mr. Yusuf Acheku from Sultan Foundation, Mr. James Anaza Duro Joseph Provost College of Nursing Obangede, ES KSHIA Rep., NHF Mentors, Representative of JNI and CAN amongst others, also commended the National Health Fellows Programme for its role in developing young leaders within the healthcare sector. They encouraged members of Cohort 2.0 to demonstrate integrity, diligence, and professionalism as they carry out their assignments across the various local government areas of the state.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards and certificates of excellence to members of Cohort 1.0 in recognition of their outstanding performance during the fellowship programme. Letters of introduction were also formally presented to the incoming fellows of Cohort 2.0, marking the beginning of their journey in contributing to the advancement of healthcare delivery in Kogi State.
