IOM, JICA Hands Over Multi-million Naira Health Facilities to Adamawa Gov’t

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Japan International Corporation Agency, JICA have officially handed a newly constructed primary health care center facility in Gyawana town in Lamurde local government area to the Adamawa state government.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Gyawana town Tuesday, the chief of Mission of the IOM, Nigeria, Dimanche Sharon expressed gratitude to the state government and the host community for their commitment and support over the project.

Sharon explained that the project was funded by JICA and implemented by IOM stressing that the occasion was a an official handover of six newly constructed primary healthcare facilities across six local government areas in Adamawa State.

Sharon announced that the remaining three PHCs are at 70% of completion noting that this event marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward recovery, resilience, and sustainable development.

“On behalf of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), I extend our profound gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their generous support. Through a $4. 479,025 million grants, we have not only constructed essential infrastructure-we have laid the foundation for inclusive health systems that serve displaced populations, returnees, and host communities alike.

“These facilities are more than buildings. They are symbols of hope and healing. They will provide essential services-maternal and child healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, and care for survivors of gender-based violence. They will also offer specialized assistance to persons with disabilities and unaccompanied children, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of Adamawa State’s recovery strategy, supporting the transition from humanitarian response to long-term sustainable development while training 219 frontline healthcare workers and integrating digital health technologies, improving local economy through cash for work; strengthening local capacity and promoting innovation in service delivery” She maintained.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta expressed immense grateful to the development partners including IOM and JICA for the timely intervention saying that the support tally with the Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s policy chrisntianed”Adamawa State Accelerating Access to Basic Services for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees and Host Communities in the North-East Region.”

Professor Farauta declared that the project was a product of partnership and shared vision. It was co-created and implemented by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with generous funding from the Government and people of Japan through JICA.

“Under this initiative, four new Primary Health Care centres have been. constructed, while five others have been renovated and upgraded. All the facilities are fully equipped, powered with 24-hour solar energy systems as backup to the national grid, and supported by 24 solar-powered water supply systems to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.

“To strengthen service delivery, 10 health workers have been engaged on a temporary basis pending their full absorption and recruitment into the state’s health workforce as Health remains a top priority of our administration.

“We have made significant investments across the primary, secondary, and tertiary health sub-sectors. In the Primary Health Care space, we are implementing projects across 68 PHC facilities in all 21 Local Government Areas, in line with our guiding mantra of “Leaving no one behind and nothing untouched.”

“While we deeply appreciate the generosity and kind gesture of the Government and people of Japan, as well as the commitment and professionalism of IOM in the successful implementation of this project, I wish to use this opportunity to welcome further collaboration and the scaling up of this project and similar interventions”. Farauta requested.

Earlier in his good will message, the chairman of the Adamawa state Primary health care development Agency. (ADSPHCDA), Dr.Suleiman Bashir Sa’idu pledged for absolute maintenance of the facility with a view to safeguarding the health care delivery services in the area.

Sa’idu also appealed for procurement of an ambulance vehicle for the facility so as to enhance service delivery to Gyawana and its surrounding villages.