Kogi commissioners tour part of over 256 upgraded primary healthcare centres in governor’s health revolution 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, and his counterpart for Works, Hon. Mohammed Yusuf, led a media tour showcasing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s healthcare projects in the Western Senatorial District of the state.

The commissioners’ tour geared towards highlighting the administration’s focus on rural healthcare transformation specially took them to Mopamuro and Kabba/Bunu Local Government Areas of the district.

During the tour, they inspected newly remodeled and constructed primary healthcare facilities, with over 256 centres being upgraded across Kogi’s 239 wards, featuring improved infrastructure, solar power and clean water supply, aiming to make healthcare more accessible and effective for rural communities.

Hon. Fanwo described the projects as part of Ododo’s health revolution, complementing previous investments in tertiary and secondary healthcare by bringing quality services to grassroots levels, emphasizing the slogan “rural lives also matter”.

“We have 239 wards in the state, and the government is currently remodeling over 256 primary healthcare centres. What you’re seeing here is not just renovation, it’s a complete transformation. We’ve improved the infrastructure, provided solar power, clean water supply, and equipped the centres with facilities that will make them fully functional for our people,” Fanwo said

A staff member, Mrs. Aguda Ruth, expressed gratitude for the upgrades, noting the facilities now have modern equipment and no longer require referring most cases to general hospitals, greatly benefiting local populations.

She stated that before now, the roof was leaking, the environment was not conducive, and even the staff were scared whenever it rained. But today, the story has changed. We now have a modern, fully equipped centre with water, solar power, and facilities to treat patients effectively. We no longer have to refer most cases to the general hospital. This is a big relief to our people, and we’re sincerely grateful to our Governor,” she said.

At Aiyegunle Igun in Kabba/Bunu LGA, the Commissioners inspected a newly constructed primary healthcare centre complete with staff quarters. Speaking at the site, Hon. Fanwo described the project as part of the health revolution under the Ododo administration.

The Commissioner noted that the previous administration invested heavily in tertiary and secondary healthcare facilities.

“This government is complementing the efforts of the previous administration by bringing quality healthcare to the grassroots. What you see here is not just a health facility but a comprehensive system with staff accommodation, ensuring sustainability. This demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to rural development. Our slogan is that rural lives also matter, and we are proving that with actions,” he emphasised.

The Ododo administration plans to establish one general hospital in each of Kogi’s 21 LGAs and remains focused on agriculture, rural development and healthcare to improve residents’ quality of life.