By Friday Idachaba | Lokoja
The World Bank has praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State for expanding healthcare access to underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Dr Onoriode Ezire, Senior Health Specialist with the World Bank, made the commendation during a monitoring visit to facilities under the IMPACT Project and other revitalized primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state.
The IMPACT Project—Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services—focuses on renovating over 239 PHCs and equipping 88 with modern medical tools. The initiative also delivers solar power, clean water, staff housing, and enhanced immunization and malaria services, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality while strengthening healthcare at the grassroots.
Dr Ezire lauded the Kogi State Government for its investments in well-equipped facilities, qualified personnel, and supportive infrastructure. He encouraged residents to make full use of the improved PHCs for better health outcomes.
He also commended Health Commissioner Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza and Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Muazu Omeiza Musa, for their dedication to healthcare delivery. During the visit, he appealed to the Maigari of Lokoja to guide locals in using and protecting these facilities.
The IMPACT Project Manager, Theophilus Olorunmaiye, confirmed that all equipment and resources are being effectively used to achieve the programme’s goals. Dr Adeiza reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to quality healthcare and sustained investment in the health sector.