,,,,, Expands Healthcare Access with Solar Refrigerators and Cooking Utensils
By Stephen Adeleye.
Kogi State Government has successfully solarized its State Cold Store, installing a 60KVA solar inverter, marking the first of its kind in Nigeria, a development described by many residents in Lokoja as a groundbreaking achievement.
This pioneering initiative not only demonstrates the state’s commitment to sustainable development but also sets a national benchmark, with other states now seeking to replicate Kogi’s success.
The solar-powered cold store highlights Kogi’s dedication to exploring innovative solutions for sustainable growth and development.
The project has drawn attention from across Nigeria, with several states looking to Kogi as a model for their own ventures in renewable energy and cold storage.
Additionally, the state government has distributed Solar Direct Drive (SDDs) Refrigerators and essential cooking utensils to selected Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), a move designed to enhance Routine Immunization and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children across the state.
The distribution was launched in Lokoja by the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners.
The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s healthcare system and improve access to essential services, particularly for children and mothers.
Dr. Adeiza Adams Abdullazeez, the Commissioner for Health, who flagged off the distribution, expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens. He highlighted the critical role of strategic partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery in Kogi.
“The deployment of these solar-powered refrigerators and cooking utensils is a significant step forward in our efforts to improve immunization coverage and promote maternal and child nutrition. These interventions will have a lasting positive impact on health outcomes in our state,”he said.
Dr. Musa Omeiza Mu’azu, Executive Director of the KSPHCDA, elaborated on the initiative’s objectives, which include bolstering Routine Immunization and improving maternal and child nutrition (MIYCN).
He explained that PHCs in remote and underserved areas, particularly those with low immunization coverage, were prioritized for this program.
“The installation of 246 SDD refrigerators across the state, replacing outdated units, and the addition of 20 more units today, will ensure better vaccine storage and continuity in immunization services,” Dr. Mu’azu said.
He also disclosed that cooking utensils are being distributed to 95 PHCs, benefiting 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs), to support food demonstrations during Antenatal Care services.
The initiative, funded through the African CDC’s Saving Lives and Livelihoods program in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and UNICEF, is expected to significantly enhance health services for women and children in the state.
Olumide Adeyeye, Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant at UNICEF, praised Kogi for its leadership in healthcare innovation, particularly the installation of the solar-powered cold store, which he noted as a historic achievement for Nigeria.
Hajia Bilikisu Adagiri, the State Cold Chain Officer (SCCO), also applauded the project, highlighting its importance as a trailblazer for sustainable energy solutions in cold storage and health delivery.
The items distributed include 20 solar-powered refrigerators, gas cylinders, blenders, trays, knives, frying pans, pots, bowls, spoons, plates, cups, and other essential utensils aimed at improving health services and nutrition for mothers and children across Kogi State.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
