The wife of Kogi State Governor, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, has vowed to leverage her position to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in the state.
This commitment was made during the launch of the “Stop TB Partnership Nigeria” campaign in collaboration with the Kogi State Ministry of Health, held on Thursday at the Government House in Lokoja.
Hajiya Ododo emphasized that the campaign is a critical step in raising awareness and ensuring the effective treatment of TB in Kogi State.
“Our collective efforts today will drive home the message that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable,” she stated.
She expressed deep gratitude to all the partners, stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and communities who have united to support this initiative.
“As we embark on this campaign, let us remain committed, focused, and determined to make a difference,” she urged.
In her role as the ‘Stop TB Champion for Kogi State,’ Hajiya Ododo called on the wives of the 21 local government area chairmen to serve as TB champions in their respective areas.
She assured that she would remain dedicated to leading the campaign and setting an example for others, with the goal of significantly reducing the incidence of TB in the state.
Hajiya Ododo also encouraged the public to seek testing if they experience a persistent cough for more than two weeks, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
She further commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her leadership as the Global and National Stop TB Ambassador.
Earlier this year, Senator Tinubu had appointed the wives of governors as TB champions in their states to amplify awareness and ensure the disease is controlled.
Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, also spoke at the event, noting that Governor Ahmed Ododo has made significant investments in the health sector, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centers across the state.
He confirmed the government’s commitment to establishing more TB diagnostics and treatment centers in all 21 local government areas.
“Though TB remains a public health concern, it is preventable, treatable, and curable if detected early and managed properly,” Dr. Abdulazeez reiterated, urging those with a persistent cough to get tested.
