Kogiflame
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has approved the sum of over 7 Billion Naira to revamp additional 88 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 21 local government areas in the state
He disclosed this on Saturday at a ceremony held at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre Oworo Estate in Felele, Lokoja to officially hand over sites of the 88 additional Primary Healthcare Centres to contractors by the state government for revitalization across the state.
Governor Ododo was represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams.
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 toward 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.
“The revitalization of the new set of 88 Primary Healthcare Centres follows the commencement of the revitalization of over 70 Primary Healthcare Centres which are already at various stages of completion following approval by the state government in March, 2024.
“The revamping of the Primary Healthcare Centres which will upgrade over 150 of such institutions in the state to functional level-2 health facilities reflects the commitment of the present administration to enhance access to healthcare delivery across the state.
‘The upgrade of primary healthcare facilities is part of the strategic plan of the Kogi State government to improve access to quality healthcare services in all parts of the state with support by the World Bank.
“This marks another bold step towards achieving effective healthcare delivery and universal health coverage for our people.
“Today, we officially hand over these project sites to contractors who have successfully navigated a rigorous procurement process and proven their capacity to execute these projects. On behalf of the government, I urge you to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and complete the upgrades within the stipulated timeframe of four months.
“I implore you to actively engage with the communities where you will work. Collaborate with Local Government Chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth representatives. This inclusive approach will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the communities. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of adhering to social and environmental safeguards throughout your assignments.
“To the communities, I appeal for your cooperation. Protect the personnel and equipment on site, as the benefits of this project will serve us all. Your support is essential for timely and successful delivery. Take ownership of the projects and ensure that they are protected and secured to serve you.
“To our government officials at both state and Local Government levels, I charge you to take personal responsibility for supervising these projects within your communities. Ensure continuous monitoring and report your observations through the Ministry of Health and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to my office. This is the wisdom behind the appointment of Local and Ward Special Assistants by our administration. We must always supervise our projects and get value for money.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership that accords utmost priority to the wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians through enhanced access to healthcare especially for people at the grassroots level.
He equally acknowledged efforts by the immediate past administration of former Governor Yahaha Bello for laying a solid foundation in the health sector in the state.
“The contractors should adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in the execution of the projects and also ensure timely completion of all the projects within four months.
The Governor who urged the contractors to engage with the local government authorities and stakeholders in the communities for inclusive approach towards social and environmental safeguards in project implementation also called on the local authorities and stakeholders in all communities where the projects have been sited to take ownership and ensure adequate protection of personnel, equipment and the Primary Healthcare Centres when completed.
He also called for effective supervision of the projects by all relevant authorities of the government under the coordination of the state ministry of health.
