The management of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, has refuted media report that funds for capital projects, including the hospital, are withheld by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In a statement signed by Umar Samuel Onotu, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday, the hospital management said the publication by Sahara Reporters was false, misleading and a fallacy of the highest order.
The management said Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja has continued to enjoy immense government support, both under the previous administration of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, and now being consolidated by Governor Ododo.
“The publication falsely alleged that His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, withheld funds meant for capital projects from certain government agencies, including our hospital.
“Ordinarily, such an unfounded report should be ignored, but for the sake of public clarity, we find it necessary to correct these distortions.
“It is on record that the hospital structure was comprehensively overhauled and rebuilt by the immediate past administration, with several modern facilities such as dialysis machines procured. Through the support of the current administration, these machines have been delivered, installed, and are fully functional.
“The hospital has also acquired state-of-the-art facilities across its laboratories and wards; developments that are verifiable both through our official social media channels and by physical inspection,” the hospital management said.
In addition, the management mentioned the ongoing construction of House Officers’ Quarters and Resident Doctors’ Lounge within the hospital premises which further demonstrates the government’s genuine commitment to enhancing staff welfare and motivation.
It added that the State Government currently pays the hospital’s electricity bills, amounting to over ₦6 million monthly, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and effective service delivery.
“Importantly, the State Government releases 100% of the hospital’s internally generated revenue (IGR) back to the institution, enabling us to meet operational needs and execute capital projects as required. This singular policy underscores the government’s magnanimity and prioritization of healthcare delivery in Kogi State.
“Furthermore, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo recently approved a ₦300,000 motivation allowance for all medical doctors across the state, of which our doctors are beneficiaries. This has significantly boosted morale and improved productivity, thereby increasing our service efficiency and internally generated revenue.
“Given these verifiable facts, it is both astonishing and disappointing that the hospital was mentioned among agencies allegedly denied funding. Even more misleading is the report’s reference to the hospital as a ‘teaching hospital’, whereas it is public knowledge that the only teaching hospital in Lokoja is federally owned. This exposes the authors’ poor research and intent to discredit a focused and transparent administration.
“While we trust that the Kogi State Government will address these merchants of falsehood appropriately, we wish to dissociate our institution entirely from such spurious claims. We also extend an open invitation to credible media organizations and interested parties to visit the office of the Chief Medical Director for verifiable information regarding our finances and operations.”
The management of the hospital urged the general public to disregard the said publication in its entirety, and to remain assured of the health institution’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of Governor Ododo to deliver accessible, reliable, and quality healthcare services to the good people of Kogi State and beyond.
