Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening health systems through investments in health promotion, prevention care and community engagement.
He said the Government had greatly invested in the renovation and equipping of many primary and secondary healthcare facilities in the State and woild do more.
The governor spoke in Ilorin at the opening ceremony of the 27th Annual National Conference of Nigerian Association of Health Educators (NAHE), with the theme: “Dimensions and Adaptation to Health and Illness Behaviours; Repositioning Health Education in Nigeria Healthcare System”.
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The governor, represented at the event by Kayode Alabi, the Deputy Governor, said, Our administration is working round the clock to ensure that our health workers are well-trained, that our schools incorporate health education into their curriculum, and that our citizens are equipped to make healthier decisions,” the governor said while declaring the Conference open.
“Our Government has huge investments in health care services in the state. We have renovated and equipped our primary healthcare centres and maternities across the State.
“The secondary health care facilities are not left out. This is in addition to frequent recruitment of health care personnel across all cadres into our workforce. Salaries and wages including promotion of health care workers are regular and prompt”, he said.
Governor Abdulrazaq noted that the task of turning around the health sector requires a collective approach, soliciting for value partnerships with NAHE and other professional bodies.
He however, commended the organisers for the Conference, believing that the theme would stimulate rich conversations, innovative ideas, and practical solutions to the pressing health challenges we face as a nation.
He also lauded the health care workers for their brilliant performance at duties especially during and after COVID-19 outbreak in the State.
“Twenty-seven years of consistent national conferencing is no small feat. It reflects your resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians.
“We are confident that the outcomes of this conference will inform policy, improve practice, and contribute to the overall development of our people,” he added.
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In her submission, Bidemi Lafiagi-Okuneye, Professor and Vice Chancellor Lagos State University of Education, implored Government at all levels to see health education not as an optional add-on or an ancillary service, but as a strategic imperative for sustainable national development.
She equally called for an adequate investment in the sector, its full integration across relevant sectors, and provision of a robust, enabling policy environment for it to truly flourish.
