Health Sector Managers Begin Workshop In Lokoja

Kogi State commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, on Monday opened a four-day workshop for Lokoja’s health leaders and managers on Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Ïnvestment Initiative (NHSRII).

The workshop focuses on leadership, health systems strengthening, and capacity development.

The commissioner, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Stephen Azeez Momoh, expressed gratitude to the organisers for their unwavering commitment to healthcare delivery in the state.

He emphasised that over the next four days, the workshop will concentrate on three critical areas essential for the advancement of the state’s health sector: health systems, problem-solving, data management, and innovation.

He noted that the primary objective of the workshop is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP), which will serve as a strategic blueprint for action and decision-making in the upcoming year.

The permanent secretary encouraged participants to engage actively, share their insights, and learn collaboratively from one another.

Director of Planning, Budget, and Research, Mr Johnson Aiyedogbun, noted that in the past, budgeting was often done without a clear plan, but now the approach has changed.

“The new approach involves developing comprehensive plans that inform budget preparation, ensuring that funds are requested appropriately.

“This planning process is informed by grassroots input, with the state government hearing directly from local governments on their needs and how to improve health service delivery. This approach will help move the state health outcome forward and support the achievement of universal health coverage by 2030.

Mr Aiyedogbun emphasised that this initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen healthcare services across Nigeria. He welcomed participants to the workshop and encouraged them to be attentive and committed to developing a good health plan to move the state health system forward.

The executive director of Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Muazu Musa Omeiza, emphasised the importance of proper planning and budgeting to ensure effective use of resources in the health sector.

Dr Omaiza cited an example of potential duplication of efforts by different stakeholders and stressed the need for collaboration to avoid waste and ensure that resources are appropriately channelled.

He highlighted the importance of quality data for informed planning, especially in the MDAs.

Dr Emmanuel Bola Jonah, Kogi State SWAP focal person, highlighted the importance of planning in the health sector and the need for a synchronised healthcare system.

Dr Adekunle Aledare, executive secretary of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, emphasised the importance of the strategic training for health leaders.

The training aims to align the Federal Ministry of Health’s sector-wide approach, ensuring one conversation, plan, budget, and report that addresses health indices. This will help facilities and the state tackle worsening maternal and child health issues.

Dr Aledare noted that the training will equip participants with the knowledge to align priorities, budgets, and national plans. He expects that after the training, each facility will have a specific plan tailored to its needs, rather than copying the same plan.

This alignment will enable the state to benefit from Displacement Link Indicators (DLIs) and ensure effective tracking and monitoring at the federal level. He encouraged participants to be attentive and engaged.

Dr Oluseye Folagbade, the chief medical director of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, emphasised the importance of collaborative planning for the 2026 budget. He urged stakeholders to come together to ensure that limited resources are utilised effectively, avoiding wastage and maximising benefits for the people of Kogi State.

Patients can expect improved healthcare services as a result of this workshop, with strengthened healthcare systems and better utilisation of manpower and resources. Dr Olapade noted that this will lead to enhanced service delivery, ultimately benefiting the people of Kogi State.