IOM, JICA Hand Over Newly Constructed Primary Health Centres to Adamawa Government
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has handed over nine newly constructed and renovated Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs) to the Adamawa State Government as part of efforts to strengthen access to healthcare for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities.
The commissioning ceremony, held at Gyawana PHCC in Lamurde Local Government Area, marked the official handover of four newly built and five renovated and upgraded facilities across Gombi, Lamurde, Hong, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Song, and Michika LGAs.
Each of the facilities is equipped with modern medical equipment, solar-powered energy systems, and water supply installations to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water and reliable health services.
Receiving the facilities on behalf of the state government, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, commended IOM and JICA for their continued support to the state’s health sector. She emphasized that the initiative would significantly improve healthcare delivery and support vulnerable populations recovering from the effects of displacement and insecurity.
“We sincerely appreciate our development partners for this gesture,” Prof. Farauta said. “These health centres will go a long way in improving healthcare delivery for our people, especially women, children, IDPs, and returnees. We look forward to more collaboration and expansion of similar projects across the state.”
Earlier in her remarks, the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, expressed gratitude to JICA and the Adamawa State Government for their cooperation and commitment to improving community health systems. She noted that the project symbolizes “hope and healing” for communities recovering from conflict, adding that the facilities will provide essential maternal and child healthcare services.
Representing JICA, officials highlighted that the partnership with IOM has enhanced healthcare delivery and built local capacity, including training over 500 health workers and providing modern diagnostic equipment such as portable X-ray machines for tuberculosis management. They reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding and post-crisis recovery efforts in Adamawa State and other parts of Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the State Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Titus Takurde, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, urged community members to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, appealed for the provision of ambulances to complement the newly equipped centres.
Representing the Hama Bachama, the District Head of Gyawana, Dr. Aguso Bamaiyi, thanked IOM and JICA for their intervention but called for urgent attention to address the hepatitis outbreak affecting the community.
Some beneficiaries commended IOM for employing over 200 locals during the construction phase, which, they said, alleviated financial hardships and empowered families within the host communities.
The IOM–JICA collaboration continues to play a vital role in rebuilding health infrastructure and improving the quality of life for people affected by displacement in northeastern Nigeria.