Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has officially inaugurated 83 newly revitalised Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the state, a significant move aimed at bolstering access to quality healthcare services for its citizens. The symbolic unveiling took place on Monday at the Oloje Primary Healthcare Centre in Ilorin, underscoring the administration’s commitment to public health infrastructure. This extensive project, a collaborative effort, received funding from the Kwara State Government, the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project, the Basic HealthCare Provision Funds, and the Leadership Challenge Funds secured by the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor AbdulRazaq articulated his administration’s vision for a robust health sector, emphasising that the delivery of these facilities marks a pivotal moment in the state’s health history. He stated that the initiative not only fulfils a key campaign promise but also lays a crucial foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future generation. The Governor highlighted the dire state of the primary healthcare system inherited by his government, which he described as being in extreme disrepair with far-reaching consequences for the populace.
The upgrades are designed to directly address long-standing challenges in healthcare accessibility and service delivery. With the renovated facilities, pregnant women will no longer face arduous journeys to access essential antenatal care and safe delivery services. Children are expected to receive timely immunisations and prompt treatment for common childhood illnesses, while youth will benefit from improved access to vital reproductive health information and services. Furthermore, the elderly will now receive care for chronic conditions closer to their homes, significantly easing their burden.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the various partners whose support proved instrumental in the project’s success. He specifically commended the World Bank for its contribution through the IMPACT Project and acknowledged the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for its overarching coordination and support. Special recognition was also extended to the leadership of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) for their diligent execution and successful implementation of the revitalisation programme.
Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, who was represented by Amina Abdul-one Muhammed, the National Programme Manager for the IMPACT Project, lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s proactive approach. Aina commended the Governor for effectively leveraging the Immunisation-Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transformation (IMPACT) project to drive substantial and meaningful change within Kwara State’s health landscape. The national scope of the IMPACT project was also highlighted, with over 2,500 facilities benefiting from upgrades and revitalisation across 31 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Aina further stressed the critical importance of community engagement and ownership in sustaining these vital healthcare assets. She urged local communities hosting the newly upgraded facilities to actively take responsibility for their maintenance and protection, safeguarding them against vandalism to ensure their long-term benefit for all residents. This emphasis on local stewardship aims to foster a sense of collective responsibility for public infrastructure.
Professor Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, provided compelling evidence of the state’s remarkable progress in healthcare delivery. She proudly announced that Kwara State has consecutively won the prestigious PHC Leadership Challenge Fund Award three times, earning significant national recognition for its outstanding performance in basic healthcare service provision. This achievement has brought a total of $1.4 million in incentives to the state, further bolstering its health initiatives.
Professor Elelu detailed how these funds have facilitated the expansion of the healthcare workforce, thereby reinforcing service delivery capabilities. Additionally, they have provided crucial support for maternal and child health programs, including the distribution of thousands of free delivery kits across all 16 local government areas. These strategic investments directly translate into improved outcomes for vulnerable populations within the state.
Presenting an array of impressive statistics, Professor Elelu underscored the tangible impact of these interventions. As of the latest assessment, the state has recorded over 722,000 outpatients visiting its PHCs, a substantial increase. The number of recorded deliveries has soared to over 30,000, a dramatic rise from just 8,020 in 2020. Furthermore, over 500,000 pregnant women have received haematinics, compared to 120,000 in 2020, and more than 1.6 million children have been reached with Vitamin A, a significant leap from just over 100,000 children reached in 2020.
These figures, Professor Elelu asserted, are not merely statistics but represent countless individuals whose futures have been secured and lives improved through the life-saving services now readily available. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to the health sector and acknowledged the tireless involvement of Kwara’s First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in advocating for the welfare of women and children across the state.
The community’s appreciation for the significant investment in healthcare infrastructure was evident, with Hon. Busari Jimoh speaking on behalf of the Oloje community. He expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for the upgrade of their local facility, highlighting its expected boost to their access to quality healthcare services and overall well-being. This local endorsement reinforces the perceived positive impact of the state’s health policies.
This latest development in the health sector follows other recent policy decisions by Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration. Days prior, the Governor approved a 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance for educators statewide, an initiative introduced shortly after he presented the 2026 budget to the state house of assembly, signaling a broader focus on human capital development and fiscal planning.
