Kogi State is undergoing a healthcare overhaul with the remodeling of over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. This large-scale intervention, described by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, as one of the most ambitious in the state’s history, aims to deliver accessible, community-based healthcare to residents across all local government areas.
Fanwo disclosed that the state government is funding 95% of the project, showing strong commitment to sustainable health infrastructure. Many of the PHCs have reached advanced stages of construction and are awaiting final touches like equipment and medicine.
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Kogi’s health insurance rollout is also gaining attention nationally. All state civil servants and local government workers have been enrolled, and pensioners earning below ₦50,000 now enjoy free coverage under the government’s BelloCare initiative. This scheme also covers vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five.
Fanwo emphasized that the state’s progress isn’t just in numbers. “Though we rank 14th in total enrolment, we’re doing far better when enrolment is measured against population size,” he explained.
The health insurance initiative has also been extended to students in tertiary institutions and members of the informal sector like artisans and commercial bike riders who pay a token for annual coverage.
Secondary and tertiary healthcare systems are also undergoing significant improvements. The state government has partnered with the federal government to revitalize one General Hospital per local government.
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Meanwhile, tertiary-level efforts include converting the Reference Hospital in Okene into a teaching hospital for the MBBS program at Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. Plans are also underway to revive medical training at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Hon. Fanwo commended both Governor Ododo and Health Commissioner Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Omeiza for their dedication and innovation. He urged Kogites to embrace and protect these investments.
“What we are building is not just a healthcare system, it is a legacy of equity, access, and dignity for every resident of Kogi State,” Fanwo declared.
