The Ogun State Government has emerged runner-up for the second consecutive time at the 3rd edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Award, clinching a cash prize of $400,000 in recognition of its sustained reforms and investments in primary healthcare delivery. The award was presented at a high-level health event organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Receiving the award on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, attributed the achievement to the unwavering commitment of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to strengthening the health sector and improving the overall well-being of residents. She described the recognition as a strong validation of the administration’s deliberate and strategic focus on primary healthcare as the bedrock of a functional and resilient health system.
According to Tomi Coker, the Abiodun-led administration has prioritised expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly at the grassroots, through the rehabilitation, upgrading and equipping of primary healthcare centres across the 20 local government areas of the state. She noted that these interventions have significantly improved service delivery, especially in critical areas such as maternal, newborn and child health.
The commissioner further explained that the state government has invested heavily in human capital development by recruiting and continuously training health professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers. This, she said, has strengthened service efficiency and ensured patient-centred care at the primary healthcare level.
Tomi Coker, also highlighted the expansion of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme as a major milestone, stressing that it has helped to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending while increasing access to affordable and quality health services for residents, particularly vulnerable and underserved populations. She added that the award would further motivate the state to deepen ongoing reforms and sustain investments aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Elijah Ogunsola, described the award as a testament to strong leadership, effective coordination and teamwork within the state’s primary healthcare system. He said the board, under the current administration, has implemented strategic initiatives focused on revitalising primary healthcare centres, strengthening routine immunisation, improving disease surveillance and enhancing community engagement.
Ogunsola noted that the improved performance of Ogun State on key health indicators was driven by evidence-based planning, robust monitoring systems and strong collaboration with chairmen of the 20 local government areas. He also acknowledged the role of development partners and stakeholders whose support, he said, has been critical to the successes recorded so far.
Reaffirming the board’s commitment to sustaining these gains, the executive secretary stated that efforts would be intensified to ensure that every community in Ogun State has access to functional, well-equipped and adequately staffed primary healthcare facilities.
The PHC Leadership Challenge Award recognises states that demonstrate innovation, accountability and political will in strengthening primary healthcare systems nationwide. Ogun State’s emergence as runner-up once again reinforces its growing reputation as a model for sub-national leadership in healthcare delivery, driven by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of building a healthier state where no one is left behind.
