Governor Ododo Moves to End Medical Japa in Kogi, Approves N300,000 Monthly Incentive for Doctors

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja

In a decisive step to address the brain drain in Kogi’s healthcare sector, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved a special monthly intervention allowance of N300,000 for all medical doctors in the state civil service.

The move is designed to discourage the growing trend of doctors and health workers leaving the state in search of better opportunities abroad, widely known as the “japa syndrome.”

The governor made the declaration at the official launch of the Access-to-Care coverage for more than 76,000 residents under the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme. He also introduced a free healthcare insurance package for pensioners, local government workers, and students.

According to the state government, the scheme will benefit 28,056 local government civil servants, 3,429 pensioners, and 44,760 students under the TISHIP program.

Speaking on behalf of retirees, the Director-General of the Kogi Pension Commission, Hajia Maryam Abedo, hailed the free insurance initiative as “unprecedented,” stressing that it would ease the heavy medical burden on pensioners. Development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), also commended the state for creating an enabling environment that fosters stronger collaboration in the health sector.

Governor Ododo’s healthcare interventions, which include the launch of the Access-to-Care program and commissioning of new medical equipment, underscore his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state. These measures are expected to boost healthcare outcomes and improve the well-being of citizens across Kogi.