The Kwara State Government on Thursday launched a four-day training program for over 70 health program officers and managers in Ilorin.
This vital initiative, a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, focuses on the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) and is a core component of the ongoing reforms under the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRI).
The program, themed “Leadership, Health System Strengthening, and Health Planning Capacity Development,” aims to significantly improve health sector planning capabilities at both state and local government levels.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminat El-Imam, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Taoheed Abdullah emphasized in her opening remarks that the training is crucial for the “collective and informed development of the 2026 State Health Sector AOP.”
According to the Commissioner, the AOP will be instrumental in shaping future budgeting and policy direction for the state’s health sector. She stressed the importance of engaging individuals with the necessary technical expertise, passion, and integrity to drive genuine transformation. The workshop also seeks to overcome past hurdles in AOP development, such as tight deadlines, complex tools, and sudden changes in federal roadmaps.
Dr. El-Imam announced the adoption of a Google-based planning tool to ensure seamless integration and streamlined processes. She urged participants to fully utilize these tools and begin preparations well in advance.
The Commissioner commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Pate, for their leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She described the NHSRI as a key outcome of this vision, implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) to sustainably revitalize Nigeria’s health sector.
She also acknowledged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in Kwara, noting its strong alignment with national reform objectives.
