Kogiflame
The outgone Executive Director (ED), Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Abubakar Yakubu has officially handed over the mantle of leadership to the new ED, Dr. Musa Muazu.
In his valedictory speech, Dr Yakubu, expressed his gratitude to the Almighty God for the gift of life and for sustaining him since his assumption of office on October 3, 2017 till date.
He also appreciated the former Governor Yahaya Bello for considering him worthy of the appointment in the first instance and also reappointing him for the second term, saying he counted it as a great privilege to have served the state in such capacity.
“I assumed office on October 3, 2017 when the agency was unpopular as most of the people posted to the agency always sought for redeployment
“But I told the people that under my watch, all the staff will work tirelessly to the extend that there would be no time to go on leave, and it came to past.
“To the glory of God, I was able to achieve my set goals as at the time of my exit today when the ovation is high,” he said.
Yakubu highlighted some of his achievements to include: the repealed and reenactment of law establishing the Agency, signed into law by former governor in April 2019; repositioning of the agency to accommodate the delivery of the PHC under one roof (PHCUOR) and creating additional departments for effective service delivery.
“As at 2018, after conducting a survey assessment of PHCs, we discovered that the State had 838 PHCs, but as at today through our efforts and collaborations with partners, it has been increased to 872 with additional 34 PHCs.
“We also facilitated the constitution of the agency’s Board for the first time. Kogi was certified as polio free under our watch, and we got a benefiting office accommodation for the Agency
“We also commenced the Impact Project with distribution of laptops, motorcycles and quarterly fund disbursement to PHC facilities to 239 wards across the state.
“We also repaired and expanded our working cold room and we have one of the best cold rooms in the country. We upgraded it from 20 tons to 50 tons and we solarized it,” Yakubu said.
The outgone ED further itemized several of his accomplishments and give glory to God for the opportunity to serve the state.
Yakubu, however enumerated some challenges facing the agency which he advised predecessor to tackle headlong.
According to him, challenges such as construction of permanent office accommodation, constitution of Primary Health Care Taskforce, increase political will and support for PHC activities and pushing for timely release of counterparts funds from government among others.
Dr. Yakubu asked for forgiveness of his shortcomings throughout his period of service with the agency, saying that any staff he has offended in one way or the other should endeavour to forgive and forget.
He further urged all the staff and management of the agency to give the new ED all the necessary support that would enable him to succeed and surpass his own achievements in office.
In his inaugural speech, the new ED, Dr Musa Muazu, promised to live above board in ensuring effective healthcare delivery service in the state.
Muazu appreciated Governor Ahmed Ododo for finding him worthy to serve the state in that capacity, and vowed to run an open door administration where every staff would have access to approach him on any official matters.
He described his appointment as a way of contributing his quota to the promotion of quality primary health care delivery to Kogi citizens.
“We will work as a team with both the management and entire staff to sustain the legacies of my predecessor, Dr. Abubakar Yakubu and also strive to surpass his wonderful record of achievements since assumption of office seven years ago
“We are going to build on the foundation laid by my predecessor with a view to consolidating on his previous achievements. No policy will be arbitrarily changed
“With the crop of staff on board and their commitment to duty, we will work as a team to deliver even better than before.
“I therefore, solicit the support of all through encouragement and prayers that would facilitate my success in this assignment
“Iam not going to disappoint anybody in course of my stay as the executive director,”. Muazu promised.
