By Kemi Olatunde

The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, has charged the Presidential National Health Fellows (NHF) in the state to work towards achieving an improved health sector.

Speaking during an engagement meeting with the state’s health sector leadership in Akure, Odimayo emphasised the importance of their role in ensuring quality healthcare delivery.

He urged them to give their best efforts for the benefit of residents and to collaborate effectively with stakeholders to achieve their goals.

Congratulating the fellows on their selection, he encouraged them to work without fear, favour, or intimidation, stressing the need to apply their expertise to enhance the sector.

“You will work with people to lift the sector. You are expected to collaborate with other fellows across the country to achieve success in the health sector. You should give the state your observation, so as to restrategise to improve on what obtains in the sector,” he said.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Niran Ikuomola, welcomed the fellows and acknowledged the significant responsibilities ahead of them.

He expressed hope for their success and called for synergy in strengthening the health system.

Stressing the need for objective reporting, he said, “you must give your report objectively. Give us what will improve the system, do not colour it with your subjective feelings.”

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Dele David, congratulated the state Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for having the fellows on board and urged them to remain dedicated.

“You are in the state for a purpose and your main goal should be to achieve the purpose. You must not run away from duty, you must be committed to your work,” he stated.

Similarly, the PHC Coordinator for Akure South, Dr. Adeyemi Osowe, encouraged the fellows to be diligent and make the state proud.

Reassuring them of support, the representative of the Director-General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Ekundayo Oluwole, pledged the commission’s commitment to ensuring that they receive adequate health insurance coverage.

Meanwhile, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Richard Adesoji, noted that the meeting was aimed at integrating NHF representatives from the 18 Local Government Areas into the state’s health system and clarify their operational framework.

On behalf of the Presidential NHF, Paul Owoyemi reaffirmed the fellows’ commitment, stating, “With our strength, training, and support from the government, we are more than equal to the task.”