By Kemi Olatunde & Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that his administration will continue to prioritise investment in the health sector, particularly in strengthening the State’s primary healthcare system.

He gave this assurance during the first quarterly meeting of the Ondo State Task Force on Primary Health Care for the year 2025, on Friday, in Akure.

Welcoming members of the Task Force and stakeholders in the health sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed delight at the renewed commitment of all partners to the improvement of health services across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

“Our administration has continued to prioritise huge investment in health services from the primary to higher levels of healthcare. This shall continue with more vigour and passion. We are placing emphasis on sector reforms, improved service delivery, and equitable access to healthcare for every resident of our State,” he said.

Describing the meeting as timely, the Governor noted that the State continues to face the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as maternal and child health challenges. He stressed the importance of proactive strategies in the face of evolving global health threats.

While commending the Task Force for its performance during the last epidemic response, Dr Aiyedatiwa called for sustained collaboration among ministries, local government councils, healthcare providers, development partners, and the private sector.

He identified five priority areas that should guide the deliberations of the committee, which include strengthening the primary healthcare system, expanding immunisation and disease surveillance, improving maternal and child health indicators, promoting health education and awareness in rural communities, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal resource use.

The Governor also announced that the meeting would now be held quarterly, with each session dedicated to reviewing progress, identifying challenges, and proposing actionable solutions.

“Let us ensure that our policies are inclusive, evidence-based, and focused on long-term impact. On the part of government, I assure you of our full support and the political will necessary to implement the recommendations that may emerge.”

He used the occasion to appreciate the contributions of Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, health workers, market leaders, development partners, and other community stakeholders who continue to support the State’s efforts in delivering quality healthcare.

Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged members of the committee to remain focused and committed, expressing confidence that their work would lead to the creation of a more resilient and accessible healthcare system in the State.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support for PHC, especially the release of funds for the upgrade of the PHC headquarters and the purchase of diesel to ensure that children receive potent vaccines in the state.

He stated that the state won the leadership award challenge in the South West, noting that the political will of the government has brought massive improvements to the state health system.

He explained that the event aimed at projecting PHC performance on a quarterly basis to government, noting that it provides a platform to identify critical areas for improvement.

According to him, it is an interaction that would lead to progress in delivering quality healthcare to the people of the state.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof Simidele Odimayo, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their commitment to improving the health sector, noting that the Governor has been giving priority to the health sector.

He lauded the Governor’s effort in the establishment of a Federal Teaching Hospital in the state and also the approval for the recruitment of new health workers for the PHC, among others.

He called on stakeholders to continue to put in their best towards advancing the course of the health system in the state.

Speaking on behalf of partners, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr Moses, while congratulating the state on the occasion, commended the numerous achievements of government in the sector and assured of partners’ renewed commitment to the state in ensuring improved healthcare delivery.