By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare has commenced a four-day training programme for over 70 Programme Officers and Managers on Annual Operation Programme (AOP).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is part of ongoing reforms under the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRI).
The theme of the programme is entitled: “Leadership, Health System Strengthening, and Health Planning Capacity Development.”
In her remarks, the Kwara Commissioner of Health Dr Aminat El-Imam said the goal of programme is to ensure a collective design and implementation of the 2026 State Health Sector AOP that will inform budgeting and policy direction.
“It is also important to emphasize that in all health-related activities, we must ensure that the right people are engaged, including those with the technical know-how, the passion, and the integrity to drive meaningful change in our health system,” she said.
The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Taoheed Abdullah said the workshop was aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced in the last AOP development.
He added that this includes time constraints, cumbersome tools and unexpected change in the roadmap from the Federal Ministry of Health among others.
El-Imam stated that the government is adopting a Google-based tool that ensures seamless integration, and streamlining the application of these tools to enhance efficiency.
She encourage healthcare workers to make the most of this opportunity use these tools effectively and start early to ensure your success in this year’s operation development”.
The Commissioner further said that the workshop presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the leadership, systems, and planning capacities.
El-Imam expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Co-ordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate for their visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The NHSRI, as you are aware, is a product of this vision, coordinated under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP), aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector in a holistic and sustainable manner,” she said.
She also commended Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq whose passion for better health for citizens align seamlessly with the objectives of the initiative.
Speaking on the sidelines of the training, the State Coordinator for SWAP, Dr Ahmed Ola explained that the training initiative is aimed at boosting health sector planning and coordination across the state and local government areas in preparation for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan.
He stated that the essence of the SWAp programme is to ensure coordination and uniformity in the health system in Nigeria.
“The focus for 2026, plan would be on realistic, rational, and people-centred plans that are budget-integrated and data-informed” he stated
“We must close technical capacity gaps, strengthen data systems, and equip programme officers with skills in systems thinking, data interpretation, and evidence-based planning,” he stated
According to him ,This approach has been recognized as a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
