By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

No fewer than 29,000 pensioners have been enrolled in the health insurance scheme of the Osun State Government.

Governor Ademola Adeleke reassured civil servants and pensioners in the state that the era of half salary payments is over.

He added that a labourer deserves their wages, and his administration is committed to paying full salaries to workers.

Speaking during a state broadcast marking his second year in office, Governor Adeleke stated that his administration prioritises the health of senior citizens in the state.

Adeleke emphasised that pensioners should be taken care of by any responsible government. He assured that more pensioners would continue to enjoy free healthcare services under his administration.

The governor highlighted three structured plans for short- and long-term solutions to address the acute water shortages inherited in 2022 from his predecessor.

“Another 332 are ongoing simultaneously. We also commenced the rehabilitation of waterworks in major towns by replacing the rusted pipes laid in the early 1970s.

Additionally, the abandoned 10 mini-waterworks are being revived, and the Ora water scheme project is under implementation.”

In the agricultural sector, Governor Adeleke announced that his administration had initiated a farm mechanisation plan, purchasing 31 tractors in the first phase.

Farm inputs were regularly distributed, and a youth agropreneur programme is being launched across the 30 local governments and area councils.

On education, the governor noted that the University of Ilesa has become a reality with take-off grants and accredited courses. Internal road rehabilitation within the university is also underway.

“At Osun State University, four abandoned projects have been completed, and a new anatomy laboratory has been constructed by our administration.

 Additionally, we have rehabilitated 99 secondary schools, restarted the upgrade of six technical colleges, and are about to issue letters of appointment to new teachers.”

In the public service sector, Governor Adeleke highlighted the payment of approximately ₦12 billion in pension debt over two years, compared to ₦11 billion paid by the opposition during their 12 years in power.

 “We have restored normalcy in the public service with the appointment of permanent secretaries and regular promotion exercises.

Half-salary debts are being paid in phases, and a new minimum wage has been approved for state workers. Ours is an openly pro-worker government.”

On infrastructure, the governor revealed that his administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state.

Several interstate and intra-city roads completed will be commissioned during the 16-day anniversary celebration.

“Two major flyovers in Osogbo are nearing completion, while work progresses on the Ile-Ife flyover and Ilesa dualisation project.

Efforts are also being redirected to complete the Iwo-Osogbo road. Furthermore, the dualisation of Odo-Ori-Adeeke road in Iwo will be executed in two phases.

The first phase will reach the Post Office and Oluwo Palace, while the second phase will extend to Adeleke Junction.”