In recognition of his landmark achievements in the health sector of the state among other sectors, the Osun State Information Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists has honoured Governor Adegboyega Oyetola with the award of the Best Performing Governor in Health Intervention.
The body, during the grand finale of its 2021 Press Week, on Thursday, lauded Oyetola for placing premium on the health and wellbeing of citizens.
The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, described Oyetola’s achievement in less than three years as all-encompassing, spanning almost every sector of the State’s economy.
“It is very interesting that the State Information Chapel has chosen to appreciate the Governor’s intervention in the health sector. His marks are indelible in that sector, but beyond health, Governor Oyetola has touched almost every sector in the State”, Egbemode said.
The Chairman, State Information Chapel, Abdulganiyu Sofiu, in his remarks, said Oyetola’s revitalization of Primary Healthcare Centres across the State has given greater access to people at the grassroots, adding that the swiftness of his intervention in the sector helped the State in the fight against Covid-19.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, Mr Taiwo Adelakun, described Oyetola’s achievements in health and other sectors as evidence of his vision to transform the State.
“The governor has done so much in every sector, but in the health sector, he has shown unusual passion especially for the health and wellbeing of the people. And he has done these things without making any noise, and that is why we call him a silent achiever”, Adelakun said.
In his remarks, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola appreciated the recognition, stressing that the prioritization of citizens’ health is a first-line component of his administration’s development agenda.
Oyetola, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, said: “Three months into assuming office, we flagged off the revitalization of nine General Hospitals and 332 Primary Healthcare Centres, one per Ward, to provide adequate, equitable and affordable healthcare for our people. The initiative came handy when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out as it contributed significantly to our proactive response to and tackling of the pandemic.
“We also instituted the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme for our people, with free premium component for the vulnerable, the aged and the needy to further enhance access to heqlthcare delivery.
“In view of the place of food in healthcare delivery and the need to respond to the extant realities of the moment, we instituted the monthly free food provision for the people under the Osun Food Support Scheme for the needy.
“We regard this award as a recognition of our fidelity to our healthcare policy as a vehicle for empowerment and development”, Oyetola stated.
