Kogi’s Revitalised Health Centres: Gov. Ododo Commissioned 80 PHCs

By: Blessing Danjuma Ugbedeojo, GOM-V’s Secretary

In the intricate tapestry of national development, few threads are as vital as the health of a nation’s people. It is the foundation upon which prosperity is built, the bedrock of a productive society, and the most fundamental right of every citizen. It is against this backdrop that the recent commissioning of 80 revitalised Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State is not just a news item, but a profound statement of intent and a cause for collective optimism.

The initiative, championed by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and rooted in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nationwide push, represents a critical pivot from a reactive, town-centric health model to a proactive, community-based one. For too long, as the Governor poignantly noted, the story of rural healthcare has been a tragic race against time—a desperate rush over long distances where, too often, the grim reaper arrived first. The narrative of patients dying en route to a distant hospital is a heartbreaking indictment of past failures.

Today, however, a new chapter is being written. By bringing quality and, importantly, free healthcare to the grassroots, this project does more than just build clinics; it restores dignity. It tells a mother in a remote village that her child’s life is valued. It assures a farmer that a sudden illness does not have to spell financial ruin or a fatal prognosis. This is the very essence of governance—touching lives directly and meaningfully.

Governor Ododo’s acknowledgment of the Federal Government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is a welcome display of collaborative federalism in action. The partnership, as detailed by NPHCDA CEO Dr. Muyi Aina, is a masterclass in effective implementation. It’s not just about handing over buildings, but ensuring they are functional. The direct funding of ₦600,000 to ₦800,000 per facility for operational costs is the lifeline that will prevent these centres from becoming the white elephants of past initiatives. It is a pragmatic approach that understands a building without light, drugs, or staff is merely a structure, not a solution.

Beyond the infrastructure, the strategic inclusion of the Leadership Challenge Awards and cash rewards is a masterstroke. It ingeniously fosters a healthy spirit of competition among local government areas, incentivising local administrators to not just manage, but to innovate and excel in healthcare delivery. This transforms health governance from a top-down directive into a shared, communal responsibility.

Of course, the Governor’s caution against vandalism is a necessary reminder of our shared duty. These facilities are not government property; they are our property. Protecting them is a civic and moral obligation, ensuring they serve generations to come.

In final analysis, Kogi State’s investment in its Primary Healthcare Centres is an investment in its own future. It is a bold declaration that the well-being of every citizen, regardless of their postcode, is non-negotiable. This is more than a political achievement; it is a moral victory. As these 80 centres swing their doors open, they do not just let in patients; they let in hope, they let in progress, and most importantly, they let in life. May this vital breath of fresh air inspire a nationwide health renaissance, one community at a time.