Kogi Rewards Top Health Workers, LGHAs as PHC Agency Hails Gov Ododo’s Commitment
Kogi PHC Agency praises Governor Ododo for rewarding outstanding health workers and LGHAs, as top-performing councils receive millions in performance-based incentives.
LOKOJA
The Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for fulfilling his commitment to reward outstanding performance in the state’s primary healthcare system, following the disbursement of cash incentives to top-performing health workers and Local Government Health Authorities (LGHAs).
The Executive Director of the Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza, gave the commendation during the presentation of cheques at the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards ceremony held in Lokoja.
The awards saw seven LGHAs, seven Officers-in-Charge (OICs), and one Health Management Information System (HMIS) officer recognised for excellence, with individual health workers receiving cash rewards of N250,000 each.
In the LGHA category, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area emerged overall best, receiving a top prize of N5 million. Mopamuro, Ogori-Magongo, and Bassa LGAs were recognised in the first category with N3 million each, while Kogi, Ofu, and Ajaokuta LGAs secured second positions, earning N2 million apiece.
Dr. Omeiza praised Governor Ododo for honouring his pledge, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through performance-based incentives.
He also acknowledged the role of the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, in facilitating the successful implementation of the programme, noting his continued support for the agency’s initiatives.
According to the Executive Director, the PHC Leadership Challenge is designed as an ongoing programme aimed at driving efficiency, accountability, and improved service delivery across the state’s primary healthcare system.
He stressed that performance indicators such as responsiveness to emergencies, work ethic, and timely submission of data would continue to be closely monitored, urging health workers and local authorities to remain committed to excellence.
Dr. Omeiza further explained that the initiative aligns with broader efforts supported by the Federal Government and development partners, including the World Bank, to revitalise healthcare infrastructure and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
He, however, emphasised that sustainable progress depends on the collective efforts of stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
Addressing the award-winning LGHAs, the Executive Director cautioned that the funds must be strictly utilised for improving primary healthcare services in their respective areas. He disclosed that implementation of approved work plans would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and accountability, warning that any misuse would attract sanctions.
He clarified that the cash rewards presented to OICs and the HMIS officer were personal recognitions based on merit and dedication, rather than institutional allocations.
Dr. Omeiza also revealed that a dedicated monitoring team has been established in line with the governor’s directive to oversee the utilisation of funds and ensure compliance with set guidelines.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the KSPHCDA, Mr. Shola Babatunde, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare delivery to thrive. He urged health workers to remain diligent, uphold integrity, and continue to deliver quality services.
Babatunde also encouraged the award recipients to sustain the standards that earned them recognition and serve as role models within the system.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, some of the awardees expressed appreciation to the state government for recognising their efforts and pledged to redouble their commitment to service delivery.
The initiative is widely seen as part of the Ododo administration’s broader strategy to strengthen the healthcare system through incentives, accountability, and improved grassroots participation.