By Stephen Adeleye
In a groundbreaking feat, the Kogi State Government successfully solarized its State Cold Store with a 60KVA solar inverter, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria at the time of installation.
This innovative project has not only showcased the state’s commitment to sustainable development but has also become a benchmark for other states. Several states have drawn inspiration from this achievement, seeking guidance on replicating the success in their respective regions.
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The solar-powered cold store stands as a testament to Kogi State’s pioneering spirit and its dedication to exploring cutting-edge solutions for sustainable growth and development.
The Kogi State Government also distributed Solar Direct Drive (SDDs) Refrigerators and cooking utensils to selected healthcare facilities (PHCs), aimed at strengthening Routine Immunization and equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children in the state.
The distribution was flagged off in Lokoja by the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and partners, to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Adams Abdullazeez, who flagged off the distribution, said the initiative demonstrated the state government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly children and mothers.
Dr. Abdullazeez emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.
He thanked the partners for their support and recognized the initiative’s impact on improving immunization coverage, maternal and child nutrition.
“The deployment of these Solar Direct Drive Refrigerators and cooking utensils marks a significant leap forward in our quest to improve immunization coverage and promote maternal and child nutrition.
“We are confident that these interventions will have a profound impact on the health outcomes of our residents.
“As we flag off this ceremony, I charge all stakeholders to remain committed to our shared vision of a healthier and more resilient Kogi State,” Dr. Abdullazeez said.
Earlier, the Executive Director, KSPHCDA, Dr. Musa Omeiza Mu’azu, said that the initiative was aimed at strengthening Routine Immunization, ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children, and promoting Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in the state.
According to him, the selection of recipient PHCs was guided by critical needs, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas, as well as facilities serving a high number of children under one year with low Routine Immunization coverage.
Dr Mu’azu emphasised that the initiative was crucial in addressing gaps in vaccine storage and distribution, thereby improving immunization outcomes in underserved communities.
“We are proud to announce that a total of 246 SDDs Refrigerators have been installed across the state, replacing outdated units as needed.
“Today, we deploy an additional 20 units to further strengthen vaccine storage capacity and ensure uninterrupted immunization services.
“In addition, the Kogi State government, through the ANRiN project implementation by the KSPHCDA, is supporting the distribution of cooking utensils to 19 LGAs, with five Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in each, making a total of 95 PHCs.
“These utensils will aid food demonstrations in the facilities during Antenatal Care (ANC) services for pregnant women, which are crucial in promoting Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN),” he said.
Dr Mu’azu reiterated that the initiative would improve the health and well-being of mothers and children as well as empowered women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their nutrition.
The ED commended the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) for the initiative, with funding support from African CDC’s Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative in partnership with MasterCard Foundation.
He added that the procurement was facilitated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The commissioner and the ED, both reaffirmed the commitment of His Excellency, Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s Administration, to improving quality healthcare delivery, nutritional status of citizens, and addressing the nutrition challenges in Kogi State.
They jointly urged all the relevant stakeholders especially the host communities and LGAs to take full ownership, and to ensure proper utilization, maintenance and protection of the equipment.
On his part, Olumide Adeyeye, Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant, UNICEF, commended Kogi government for launching the program, saying it would improve the lives of the state’s residents.
Adeyeye also emphasized UNICEF’s role in supporting this initiative, and commended Kogi State for making history by installing a 60KVA solar inverter at its State Cold Store, a pioneering achievement in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the State Cold Chain Officer (SCCO), Hajia Bilikisu Adagiri, said the Kogi government had successfully solarized its State Cold Store with a 60KVA solar inverter, describing it as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria at the time of installation.
“This innovative project has not only showcased the state’s commitment to sustainable development but has also become a benchmark for other states.
“Several states have drawn inspiration from this achievement, seeking guidance on replicating the success in their respective regions.
“The solar-powered cold store stands as a testament to Kogi State’s pioneering spirit and its dedication to exploring cutting-edge solutions for sustainable growth and development, ” Adagiri said.
She commended the commissioner for his effort towards maintaining the State’s Cold Chain equipment in good working condition and urged him to continue his support.
Items distributed include: 20 units of SDDs Refrigerators, Gas cylinders, blenders, trays, knives, frying pans, pots, bowls, spoons, water collectors, plates, cups, among others.
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