FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kogi State Specialist Hospital Lokoja Refutes False Allegation of Withheld Funds by Sahara Reporters
The attention of the Management of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters on November 6, 2025, titled “Kogi Governor Ododo Withholds Funds for Capital Projects from Several State Agencies.”
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.
We wish to state categorically that the said publication is false, misleading, and a fallacy of the highest order.
Ordinarily, such an unfounded report should be ignored, but for the sake of public clarity, we find it necessary to correct these distortions. The Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, has continued to enjoy immense government support both under the previous administration of His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, and now being consolidated by His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
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.
In addition, the ongoing construction of House Officers’ Quarters and Resident Doctors’ Lounge within the hospital premises further demonstrates the government’s genuine commitment to enhancing staff welfare and motivation.
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.
It is also worthy of note 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.
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.
We therefore urge the general public to disregard the said publication in its entirety, and to remain assured of our unwavering commitment under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to deliver accessible, reliable, and quality healthcare services to the good people of Kogi State and beyond.
Signed:
Umar Samuel Onotu
Information officer, KSSH
For:
Management.
8/11/2025
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