Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria, has given the green light to a 100% hazard allowance increment for medical doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state, aiming to uplift their spirits.
The announcement was made during a Wednesday meeting at the Government House, Lokoja, where the governor received pioneer medical students from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Governor Bello’s administration inherited accreditation challenges faced by the first batch of medical students from the previous government. In response, the governor placed these students on scholarships at various tertiary institutions across the country, allowing them to pursue their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees.
Accompanied by their parents and the management of Abubakar Audu University, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Marietu Ohunene-Tenuche, the students who completed their MBBS expressed gratitude during the courtesy visit.
Prof. Ohunene-Tenuche commended the governor for his financial support for the students and overall investments in the state’s education sector. She highlighted the university’s expansion into various programmes such as anatomy, physiology, nursing science, and more.
Dr. Olusola Baoku, Chairman of the NMA Kogi chapter, praised Governor Bello for advancements in the state’s health sector. He acknowledged Kogi as one of the seven states in the federation addressing hazard allowances for medical doctors with a 50% payment.
Baoku, recognising the improved medical infrastructure provided by the Bello administration, stated, “Its clear now that Kogi is ready to establish and run a medical college.”
Governor Yahaya Bello affirmed his commitment to enhancing healthcare by utilising the state’s resources and policies to train medical professionals within and outside the state. He explained that this initiative aims to address the manpower gap caused by the “Japa Syndrome” in the country.
The Kogi state governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to creating a conducive working environment for professionals within the state. He also announced that the 100% hazard allowance increase for medical doctors and health workers in the state would take immediate effect.
Accompanied by Governor-elect Usman Ododo, Bello assured continued improvements across all economic sectors in Kogi, with a special focus on enhancing healthcare delivery.