A SEASON OF PHCs TAKEOVER IN OKEHI, MOPAMURO AND OFU LGAs, KOGI STATE

The Ogidi-Ikuehi community in Ihima, Okehi LGA was agog with celebration and cheers at the commissioning of a 20-bed PHC in their domain. This good tiding was made possible through a daughter of the soil- Mrs Hajara Egbra, wife to the Head of Sustainable Project Unit and Facilitator of the project, QS Samuel Egbra working with the Presidency on SDG.

In his remarks at the event, the SA to Kogi State Governor on SDGs- Hon Nasir Isah Ohiani, he said the PHC project is a product of patriotism and giving back to the society as it was fully facilitated by one of their own – Mrs Hajara Egbra and her worthy husband. The SA extolled the facilitators of the project quoting Albert Pile that “what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us but what we have done for others and the World remains with us and is immortal”.

Others who gave goodwill messages at the event included Hon Zakari Otokiti representing the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Hon A. K. Salihu, Hon Ibrahim Saidu-Secretary Okehi LGA representing the Okehi LGA Chairman, HRH Ohi of Ihima- Alh Ibrahim Ogido, Head of Procurement-SDGs- Alh Shaibu Usman and DLG Okehi LGA- mr Joseph Omolowo. They took turns to appreciate the facilitators of the project –QS Samuel Egbra and wife Mrs Hajara, advised the community to take charge and secure the facility, maximize the benefits and maintain it considering the fact that scarce resources were used to bring the laudable project to the fore.

QS Samuel Egbra – facilitator of the project – in his speech said the PHC project is  one of the numerous initiatives of OSSAP-SDGs across the Country and is the third of the 17 goals of SDG- “Healthy lives and well being for all”. They are glad to give back to the community, expressing hope that the facility will be put in use and adequately secured.

The Executive Director KSPHCDA-Dr Abubakar Yakubu while receiving the PHC on behalf of the State Government, immensely appreciated and commended his “sister” and her husband for the kind gesture to the community stating categorically that the gesture was in agreement to one of his philosophies that “wherever you are, bring development Home”. He added his voice to urging the community to protect the facility for their own good and pledged the Agency’s commitment to adequately staff the facility.

The ED also commended the Chairman Okehi LGA for standing out in support of PHC activities in his domain.

In would be recalled that in recent past, the ED KSPHCDA-Dr Abubakar Yakubu took over some PHCs in different LGAs and communities.

One of such communities is Takete Ide in Mopamuro LGA, country home of the Hon Commissioner for Information – Hon Kingsley Fanwo. The PHC was built by the Hon Commissioner as his contribution to his people to access quick, affordable and efficient health care service delivery. In his remarks, Hon Fanwo reiterated the fact that ‘health is wealth’ and topmost on his list of contributions to his people is to ensure they can access quality health care services irrespective of age, status or lineage. For him, it was indeed a dream come true and this is just one of the other plans he has for his people, God sparing his life and granting him more opportunities.

His decision to further handover the PHC to the State Government was to ensure provision of qualified health personnel, compliance to standard procedures is adhered to and for proper supervision.

The Executive Director KGSPHCDA – Dr Abubakar Yakubu who is the direct recipient of the facility on behalf of the State Government, in his speech at the occasion reiterated the position of the State and Nation to upgrade and revitalize already existing PHCs to acceptable standard. He added that having new and equipped structures to the PHCs in the State is a welcome and commendable idea.

Dr Yakubu appreciated the laudable gesture from the Hon commissioner and encouraged him not to relent on his sacrifices and services to his people.

To the people of Takete Ide community and the LGHA, Dr Yakubu urged them to do all within their abilities to ensure the security and efficiency of the facility and encourage community engagement. The ED also seized the opportunity to challenge other Political leaders within and outside the State to take cue and do likewise for their respective communities.

The occasion at Takete Ide was chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, Pharm Jamiu Asuku. In his remarks, the CoS expressed gladness that an appointee in the present administration could think of and make such tremendous sacrifice, noting that the choice of the Governor in selecting him to serve in his capacity is justified. Giving thanks and adoration to God for the success of the day and that the Commissioner for Information couldn’t have succeeded in the plan without the help of the Almighty God, the CoS actually broke out in a song to express his gladness…

“My helper ooo, My Helper – 2x

There is something that makes me come into your presence

My Helper”…

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Pharm Asuku took up the challenge to replicate what Hon Fanwo has done for his community to do same in his.

Special guests in attendance at the ceremony were the SSG to Kogi State Government – Dr Mrs Ayoade Arike Folashade, Hon Member representing Mopamuro State constituency and other political appointees within and outside the State, Traditional Rulers and a host of others.

A few days later and in like manner, the good people of Ajogidibeje community in Ofu LGA turned out in their numbers to witness the commissioning and handover of the renovated PHC sponsored by one of their sons Dr Stephen Yusufu to the State.

The ED KGSPHCDA – Dr Abubakar Yakubu who was ably represented by the DAF of the Agency – Mr Nuhu Baba said the PHC would go a long way in addressing the health needs of the community. He challenged them to jealously guard the facility because “to him whom much is given, much is expected”. He expressed gratitude to Dr Yusufu for the renovation and urged the LGHA to ensure qualified and committed staff are posted to the facility.

The Zonal Director North Central NPHCDA –Dr Utibe Urua-Abasi appreciated the community for the warm reception and show of commitment. He assured the community that NPHCDA is available to assist communities with projects to address health needs, encouraging them to patronize the facility especially for MCH, ANC and Immunization.

The HOD Health Ofu LGA, Councilor for Health and the Community Header, took turns to appreciate NPHCDA and State PHCDA for the efforts in making life better for the people and pledged to do their best to secure the facility.