The Kwara State 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 the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) in Ilorin.
The training is part of ongoing reforms under the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRI), aimed at strengthening health systems and improving service delivery across the country.
According to the report, the exercise is designed to enhance the capacity of health officials in planning and implementation of health programmes in line with national priorities.
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The programmed themed, “Leadership, Health System Strengthening, and Health Planning Capacity Development,” aims to enhance capacity for health sector planning at the state and local levels.
In her opening remarks on Thursday, Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminat El-Imam, stated that the training was designed to ensure a collective and informed development of the 2026 State Health Sector AOP.
El-Imam was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Taoheed Abdullah.
According to her, this plan will shape future budgeting and policy direction.
She emphasised the need to engage individuals with the technical expertise, passion, and integrity to drive real transformation in the health sector.
“The workshop also aims to address previous challenges encountered in AOP development, including time constraints, complex tools, and abrupt roadmap changes from the Federal Ministry.”
To improve efficiency, El-Imam announced the adoption of a Google-based planning tool for seamless integration and streamlined processes.
She encouraged participants to make effective use of the tools and begin preparations early.
The commissioner also lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, for their leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She described the NHSRI as a key outcome of that vision, implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) to sustainably revitalise Nigeria’s health sector.
El-Imam further acknowledged Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to improving healthcare in Kwara, noting its alignment with the national reform objectives.
On the sidelines, Dr Ahmed Ola, State Coordinator for SWAP, said the training was meant to enhance planning and coordination across all tiers of the health system in anticipation of the 2026 AOP.
“The focus will be on creating realistic, rational, and people-centred plans that are integrated into budgets and informed by data,” Ola said.
He added that building technical capacity, strengthening data systems, and promoting evidence-based planning are essential to shifting healthcare delivery in resource-limited environments.