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Over 70 health Programme Officers and Managers in Kwara State are undertaking a four day training on Annual Operation Plan, AOP, for improved health outcomes.
The training which is at the instance of the State Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is in line with ongoing reform under the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, NHSRII with the theme ” Leadership, Health System Strengthening, and Health Planning Capacity Development.”
In an opening remark at the workshop, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminat Ahmed El Imam said the goal of AOP is to ensure a collective design and implementation of a S.M.A.R.T 2026 State Health Sector Annual Operational Plan 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 – those with the technical know-how, the passion, and the integrity to drive meaningful change in our health system.”
Dr El-Imam who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdullah, said the workshop would address challenges faced in preparation of the last annual operation plan development, including time constraints, cumbersome tools and
unexpected change in the roadmap from the Federal Ministry of Health.
“However, these obstacles have been tackled head-on by starting the preparation early, adopting a Google-based tool that ensures seamless integration, and streamlining the application of these tools to enhance efficiency. I encourage everyone here 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 pointed out that the workshop presents a unique opportunity to strengthen leadership in the health sector, systems, and planning capacities.
She expressed appreciation to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Co-ordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof Alli Pate for their visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The NHSRII, 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”.
Dr El-Imam also thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq whose passion for better health for residents of State align with the objectives of the initiative.
“His commitment to health sector reform in Kwara State is commendable, and it is our responsibility as health leaders and managers to translate this vision into tangible outcomes”.
The State Coordinator for Sector-Wide Approach Program, SWAp, Dr Ahmed Ola expressed hope that the training would boost health sector planning and coordination across the State and local government areas in preparation for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan.
Dr Ahmed affirmed that the importance of the SWAp programme is that it will ensure coordination and uniformity in Nigeria’s health system.
“The focus for 2026, plan would be on realistic, rational, and people-centred plans that are budget-integrated and data-informed”
“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 Dr Ahmed, the approach is a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
Addressing the participants , the SWAp Technical Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of Health , Dr Ashiru Abubakar, emphasized the importance of the 2026 AOP as a critical benchmark for the implementation of Nigeria’s flagship health sector reforms.
Also, a representative of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Nwanne Ajah emphasized the need for States Government to develop a statewide plan that connects with the needs of the people from the facility level to other areas and make informed decisions when negotiating with development patners.
Mrs Ajah listed realistic budgeting and timely fund releases as crucial for States to access Federal health interventions for improve health outcomes in rural areas.
In separate goodwill messages, the UNICEF State Coordinator, Mr Bolaji Adebayo and representative of the World Health Organization, Dr Eyitayo Emmanuel, said the initiative will improve the health system and encouraged participants to create a roadmap that will translate into a healthier communnity.
By Rasheedat Iliyas
