Primary healthcare sector, cornerstone of sustainable devt-Gov Aiyedatiwa

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has recognised the impact of the primary healthcare sector as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Speaking at the 2025 first quarter’s meeting of the state task force on Primary Health Care held at Oba’s council secretariat, on Friday, the Governor noted that healthy population is the foundation upon which a prosperous and productive society can be built on.

He noted that his administration has continued to prioritise huge investment into health services of the State from the Primary to higher levels of health care and shall continue with more vigour and passion. “We have continued to place priority on health sector reforms, improved service delivery and equitable access to health care services for every resident of our State.

“This meeting comes at the critical time when we are still contending with numerous bashes of redress and progressive impacts from communicable diseases, maternal and child health outcome to address the growing burdens of non-communicable diseases. In addition, the global landscape continues to evolve with emerging health threats and we must remain proactive in our strategies.

He commended the efforts of the Task Force in coordinating response to public health emergencies and in driving implementation of key health initiatives. “Your work during the last epidemic response was commendable, and it serves as proof of what we can achieve through teamwork and strategic planning”.

He urged them to continue and sustain the collaboration among ministries, local government councils, healthcare providers, development partners and the private sector.

“Let us focus on the priority areas which include:
strengthening our primary healthcare system, expanding immunization and disease surveillance efforts, improving maternal and child health indicators, promoting health education and awareness in rural communities and ensuring transparency, accountability and optimal resource use.

“Let us also ensure that our policies are inclusive, evidence-based, and focused on long-term impact. It is important to announce to you all that this meeting shall be on quarterly basis and during the meetings, progress of Primary Health care services across the 18 Local Government Areas shall be assessed, challenges shall be identified, discussed and addressed appropriately.

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On the part of government, let me assure you of our full support and the political will necessary to implement the recommendations that may emerge from the meetings. Together, we can build a resilient healthcare system, one that guarantees access, equity and quality for every citizen”, he concluded.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) Dr Francis Akanbiemu appreciated the Governor for his commitment to health care sector of the State.

He noted that the the stakeholders meeting is very important, in order to project the works of the agency and to look at their data to know where they are lacking.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on health, Prof. Simidele Odunayo noted that the Governor has always shown his love to the people of the State and has attained a giant height in the health sector. He urged the health care providers to continue to do deliver quality health care to the people. He added that the Governor has approved a new set of health workers to the State’s primary health care system.

The representative of World Health Organisation, Mr Moses Adewale noted that partners have seen the numerous impact of the Governor to the health sector. He pledged the organisation’s continued support the State.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of service, Mr Bayo Philip, Local Government Chairman, Traditional rulers, Primary Health Care Coordinators.