In a bold move to strengthen the health sector, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has appointed UK-based occupational health consultant, Alhaji Abdulfatai Usman, as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Health Matters in Kogi State.
Alhaji Usman, a dual Nigerian-British citizen, brings over 36 years of experience spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He has held senior roles in renowned institutions such as Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Leicester Community Hospital, and Blackpool Victoria NHS Trust, where he led initiatives in disease prevention, workplace safety, infection control, and staff development.
He is the founder and director of AFUS Occupational Health Consulting Ltd in the UK, offering strategic occupational health solutions across sectors. His academic credentials include a B.Sc. in Occupational Health from Brunel University, London, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Law and Ethics from Anglia Ruskin University. He is also a licensed Registered Nurse, initially trained at Kwara State School of Nursing.
A proud indigene of Kogi, Alhaji Usman’s early career included roles at Nigerian Breweries Plc and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, where he championed industrial health standards and public health education.
Reacting to his appointment, Alhaji Usman expressed gratitude and pledged to apply his global expertise and local insight to advance healthcare delivery in the state. He emphasized a focus on improved health access, policy implementation, and disease prevention.
Health stakeholders have hailed the appointment as a progressive step by the Ododo administration. Many believe that with Alhaji Usman’s extensive experience and strategic vision, Kogi is on course to achieve significant improvements in healthcare outcomes.
He is expected to work closely with the Honourable Commissioner for Health and relevant stakeholders to drive outreach programs, shape policy, enhance health surveillance, and promote risk management best practices across the state.