The wife of Kogi State Governor, Sefinat Ododo, has pledged to leverage her position to combat the spread of Tuberculosis within the state.
According to The PUNCH, Hajiya Ododo made this commitment during the launch of the ‘Stop TB Partnership Nigeria’ initiative, held in collaboration with the Kogi State Ministry of Health, on Thursday at the Lugard House in Lokoja, the seat of the state government.
She emphasized that the campaign marks a crucial step in increasing awareness and ensuring effective treatment for TB across the state.
“Our collective efforts today will help to drive home the message that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable,” she said.
Expressing her gratitude to the various partners, stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and communities involved, Ododo added, “I extend heartfelt appreciation to all the partners, stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and communities who have come together to support this initiative.”
As the campaign begins, she urged continued dedication, stating, “As we embark on this campaign, let us remain committed, focused, and determined to make a difference.”
Ododo accepted the role of ‘Stop TB Champion for Kogi State’ with honor and called on the wives of the 21 Local Government Area Chairmen to serve as LGA TB Champions in their respective areas.
She assured that she would lead by example and remain committed to intensifying the campaign to reduce the TB burden in the state.
Highlighting the importance of early detection, she advised residents to seek testing if they experience a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks.
Ododo also praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her leadership as the Global and National Stop TB Ambassador, a role she took on earlier this year.
She acknowledged Mrs. Tinubu’s efforts in appointing the wives of governors as TB Champions for their states to further enhance awareness and reduce the incidence of the disease.
In his remarks, the Kogi Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, noted that Governor Ahmed Ododo has made significant investments in the state’s health sector, including revitalizing primary healthcare centers.
Abdulazeez reiterated the governor’s commitment to expanding TB diagnostics and treatment services across the state’s 21 LGAs.
He emphasized the ongoing public health concern posed by TB, despite it being preventable, treatable, and curable when detected early and properly managed.
The commissioner urged individuals with a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks to get tested.
