Edo Health Ministry Hosts Capacity Workshop for 2026 Health Plan
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Ministry of Health organized a 4-day leadership and capacity-building workshop to strengthen health systems and planning across the state. The event, tagged “Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) Leadership, Health Systems Strengthening and Planning Workshop,” brought together health leaders and managers from various Local Government Areas.
The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian, who represented the Commissioner for Health, said the workshop was a key step in preparing healthcare managers for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan. He explained that the training aims to help the state rethink and improve its health systems using a new web-based dashboard that will enhance transparency, data collection, and better planning. He also assured participants of the administration’s strong commitment to improving health outcomes.
Also speaking at the event, the State SWAP Desk Officer, Dr. Omijie God’swill, said the training is expected to build the capacity of program officers in areas such as problem solving, leadership, and system thinking. This would enable them to develop a realistic and evidence-based Annual Operational Plan for 2026.
The Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mrs. Loretta Iruobe, added that the training targets program officers across all health agencies to support the state’s planning efforts.
The workshop also featured virtual lectures from the Governance and Sub-National Engagement Lead, Mr. Ashiru Abubakar, and physical lectures by Mrs. Esther Aigimenlen, who spoke on health systems, frameworks, and systems thinking.
Some participants, including Tobi Ezele from Uhunmwonde LGA and Iredia Edith from Etsako East LGA, described the training as timely and helpful. They noted that it has widened their understanding of health planning and expressed interest in gaining more knowledge in the coming days.
