The Kogi State Government has graduated the first set of participants in the National Health Fellows Programme while also welcoming a new group of fellows, describing the initiative as a major step towards training and empowering young professionals to strengthen the health sector.
The graduation of Cohort 1.0 and the onboarding of Cohort 2.0 took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja, bringing together government officials, health leaders, policymakers, and development partners.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the fellowship programme has become an important platform for preparing young professionals with the skills and practical experience required to support healthcare development in the state and across Nigeria.
The Governor, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, congratulated members of Cohort 1.0 for successfully completing the programme and praised their commitment throughout the fellowship.
According to him, their graduation represents an important milestone in Kogi State’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more responsive healthcare system.
“This event is not only a celebration of the achievements of the graduating fellows, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to building a stronger healthcare system through leadership, innovation, and service,” the Governor said.
He explained that the National Health Fellows Programme was designed to equip emerging professionals with the knowledge, leadership capacity, and practical experience needed to contribute meaningfully to health policy implementation and service delivery.
Governor Ododo noted that young professionals have a critical role to play in addressing challenges within the health sector and driving reforms that can improve health outcomes for citizens.
“The National Health Fellows initiative provides a valuable platform for young professionals to gain the expertise and experience required to support effective health policies and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country,” he said.
While congratulating the graduating fellows, the Governor encouraged them to see the completion of the programme not as an endpoint but as the beginning of a long-term commitment to improving healthcare in their communities.
“The knowledge and leadership skills you have gained during this fellowship should serve as a foundation for continuous service and innovation within the health sector,” he added.
He further urged the fellows to remain passionate about improving health systems and to use their training to bring positive change to communities, institutions, and policy structures.
Governor Ododo also used the occasion to welcome the newly admitted fellows of Cohort 2.0, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the programme.
According to him, the fellowship offers young professionals a rare chance to learn, gain experience, and contribute to meaningful health sector reforms.
“You are entering a programme that provides a unique opportunity to develop your skills, broaden your perspective, and contribute innovative ideas that can strengthen the healthcare system,” he told the new fellows.
The Governor advised them to approach the fellowship with humility, discipline, and dedication to service, noting that the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system depends largely on the commitment and creativity of young professionals.
“The Nigerian healthcare system requires the creativity, dedication, and energy of young professionals to overcome existing challenges and achieve sustainable progress,” he said.
Governor Ododo also expressed appreciation to the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system and supporting initiatives that nurture young health professionals.
According to him, programmes such as the National Health Fellows initiative are helping to build a new generation of leaders who will drive improvements in healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
The Governor also commended the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for his leadership in strengthening the programme and promoting reforms within the national health system.
He noted that the Minister’s vision and strategic direction have helped create opportunities for young professionals to contribute meaningfully to health sector transformation.
Governor Ododo equally acknowledged the role played by the Kogi State Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, in supporting health sector reforms and ensuring the successful implementation of the fellowship programme in the state.
He said the Commissioner’s guidance and support have created an enabling environment for the fellows to participate actively in initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services.
The Governor also recognised the contribution of the State SWAp Desk Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Bola Jonah, whose coordination has strengthened collaboration between the fellows, the state health system, and the national programme.
According to him, such coordination has been essential in ensuring that the objectives of the fellowship programme are effectively translated into real improvements within the healthcare system.
In his remarks, the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Ashiru Adamu Abubakar, Technical Assistant to the Minister on Sector-wide Approach (SWAp), commended the Kogi State Government for hosting the graduation and onboarding ceremony.
He congratulated members of Cohort 1.0 for their achievements during the programme and encouraged them to continue applying the knowledge and skills they acquired in ways that will strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
“The contribution of the first cohort of fellows to the health sector has been remarkable. We encourage them to continue using the knowledge and skills gained through the programme to support the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he said.
Dr. Abubakar also welcomed the newly admitted fellows and urged them to dedicate themselves fully to the programme.
He advised them to approach the fellowship with seriousness and commitment, noting that the programme offers an important opportunity to contribute to policy implementation and health system improvement.
Several other speakers at the event also praised the National Health Fellows Programme for its role in developing young leaders within the health sector.
Among those who spoke were Hon. Usman Ochidi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health; Mr. Momoh Steven Aziz, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health; Dr. Ayo Olayemi, CMD and CEO of the Hospital Management Board; Dr. Stephen Shaibu, CMD of CUSTH-TH Okene; Dr. Monday Ajodoh, Executive Secretary of KOSACA; Dr. Musa Muazu, Executive Director of KSPHCDA; and Pharm. Salamat Onize, Executive Secretary of DMA.
Traditional and institutional leaders who attended the event also expressed support for the programme and encouraged the fellows to demonstrate integrity and professionalism as they carry out their responsibilities.
They urged members of Cohort 2.0 to use the opportunity to gain valuable experience while contributing to the improvement of healthcare delivery across the local government areas of Kogi State.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards and certificates of excellence to members of Cohort 1.0 in recognition of their outstanding performance during the fellowship programme.
Letters of introduction were formally presented to members of Cohort 2.0, marking the beginning of their participation in the programme and their involvement in initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare services across the state.
