Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all residents of the State.
He stated this during the official flag-off of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector, held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure, on Monday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, stating that health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.
He expressed pride in launching the scheme, which he believes will cater to artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the State.
The Governor said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents. It is on this premise that I stand to usher in a breath of fresh air in our healthcare delivery system with the ORANGE HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME, designed for those in the informal sector.
“Our painstakingly conceptualized vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.8 that pointedly strive to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Our administration once again has demonstrated political will in line with the need to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC)”, he said.
The Governor highlighted that ORANGHIS has already been successful among public servants since its inception in 2022, acknowledging the foundational work laid by his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing ORANGHIS for public servants.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the leadership of the organized labour unions for their support in implementing the scheme for public servants, calling it a model of collaboration.
He reeled out the ongoing healthcare initiatives under his administration, particularly the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which covers antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services for pregnant women and children under five. He noted that since 2019, the scheme has benefited over 46,740 residents.
Speaking directly to the residents of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa encouraged participation in the scheme, stating: "I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll themselves and their communities in this life-changing program. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State."
He also assured the people that his administration remains committed to upgrading the state's healthcare infrastructure. He mentioned the ongoing construction of 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, the recent recruitment of healthcare workers, and the enhancement of doctors' salaries to retain medical personnel. Furthermore, the governor promised the timely completion of the permanent office for the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, in his welcome address, stated that ORANGHIS for public servants has great relief on both enrollees and their dependants, noting that it has encouraged healthier and more productive public service.
He commended the Governor's efforts in the health sector including recruitment of health workers for the PHC in the 203 wards and the secondary health facilities in the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, adding that the 250-bed hospital buildings in both Ondo and Akure UNIMEDTH complexes would be completed soon to enhance service delivery to residents.
The Director-General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, who described health insurance as a pragmatic way of solving Nigeria's dwindling health indices, said that the state will be among the top five states with the highest health insurance coverage in the country by year 2027.
He added that the commission is in partnership with the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency for the supply of quality drugs and medication to all health providers at affordable rate.
The Director General, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, lauded government's contribution to the premium of ORANGHIS beneficiaries.
He noted that the initiative aligns with federal government's drive to achieve universal health coverage which, according to him, is a critical agenda of achieving the sustainable goals.
He assured of the authority's commitment in supporting the commission to ensure its success.
The State Coordinator, World Health Organization, Dr. Dele David, commended the commitment of government to the attainment of universal health coverage, adding that the organization will continue to support the state to ensure that more people access qualitative health care delivery in the state.
The Director General, DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, commended the expansion of the scheme to the informal sector, calling on the sector to take advantage of it.
Thr Representative of the Country Director, International Labour Organization, Emmanuel Danjuma, assured of the commitment of the organization in Nigeria to extend the health insurance scheme through a donor fund, hoping to work with beneficiaries of the scheme for better healthcare delivery.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 9, 2024.
GOV AIYEDATIWA
In line with his promise to reform the power sector and ease the burden of the people of the State in accessing electricity, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday officially inaugurated the O’Datiwa Meters, kickstarting electricity mass metering programme across the State.
Speaking at the launch event, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the Governor stated that the initiative would put an end to arbitrary and inflated electricity bills.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the significance of the initiative in ensuring a transparent, fair, and efficient electricity supply system, stressing that accurate metering is not only a technical necessity but a fundamental right for all consumers, as it will help eliminate the uncertainties and discrepancies that have long affected the billing process.
"This program marks a crucial step in our commitment to providing every citizen with a reliable and equitable electricity billing system. By subsidizing the meters, the government aims to address energy theft and inefficient billing practices, ensuring that residents of Ondo State pay only for the energy they consume.
"This is a promise to the people that their hard-earned money will be spent justly, and they will receive the energy they pay for without hindrance," the Governor added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also pointed out a recent milestone in the state's regulatory powers with the transfer of electricity oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (SERB). This transfer will allow the state to manage its electricity sector more effectively, tailoring policies to the specific needs of its people.
Looking ahead, the Governor announced that Ondo State is preparing for an ambitious venture into power generation, transmission, and distribution. He called on both distribution and generation companies to collaborate with the state in achieving its goals.
"Our state is open to investors in all areas of power generation, transmission, and distribution. Together, we can ensure that every community in Ondo State is adequately powered. The O'Datiwa Meter Program signifies our unwavering dedication to creating a better future where energy is a source of empowerment and a pillar of equitable development”, he said.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr. Johnson Alabi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his vision in transforming the energy sector in the State. He remarked that the launch of the mass metering program marks a significant milestone in the state's history.
Alabi emphasized that the initiative would ensure consumer protection, crediting the governor as the driving force behind the program. He noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa's commitment to promoting fairness and transparency in the energy sector is exemplary and that the primary goal of the initiative is to tackle the issue of overestimated electricity bills.
Alabi, who said the State government has set a new standard for consumer protection, improving the quality of service and enhancing the overall well-being of the state's residents, thanked the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for its support in bringing the project to fruition.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Rasaq Obe, echoed the importance of the initiative, commending the governor for backing the it from the outset and demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of the people.
Deolu Ijose, the Managing Director of BEDC, also acknowledged the governor's understanding of electricity's critical role in the state's development. He explained that the purpose of metering is to provide consumers with accurate energy usage, addressing frustrations over inflated bills.
Ijose assured that BEDC would collaborate closely to guide the process and urged the people of Ondo State to collaborate with the BEDC, advising that any issues should be reported to the corporation rather than engaging in conflicts with the utility company.
Engr. Tunji Light-Ariyomo, Chairman of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Transition Committee, described the development as novel, stressing that Ondo has become the first state to operationalize the power sector law in Nigeria, while Governor Aiyedatiwa is the first Nigerian governor to make meters available to residents.
Mr. Olukayode Babatunde, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government, adding that this initiative would enhance the standard of living and promote business growth in the State.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 10, 2024.
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