…..Commission’s DG, Oyeneyin dedicates honour Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering support.
By: Ade Adeleke
For ensuring efficient and transformative healthcare services and contributing to the development of Ondo State, the Ondo state Contributory Health Commission has been honoured with the Public Service Meritorious Award.
The award, presented by the State Government during the 2024 Public Service Week in the Sunshine State, recognises public institutions that have distinguished themselves through their commitment to excellence.
Since its inception in 2019, the State Contributory Health Commission has provided services to over 46,000 beneficiaries under the Abiyamo Scheme (covering pregnant women and children under the age of five), facilitated over 16,110 deliveries—4,332 of which were through Caesarean section—382 twin births, and two sets of quadruplets.
In addition, enrolment under ORANGHIS has surpassed 100,000, while there are over 58,000 enrolees under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme, BHCPFP (Ilera Loro).
Speaking with SUNSHINETRUTH News after receiving the award, the Director-General of the Commission, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, stated that the award was in recognition of the good work the Commission has accomplished in Ondo State.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for the Commission, extending the same appreciation to the leadership of the state’s Head of Service, as well as the management and staff of his Commission.
Discussing the future of the Commission, Oyeneyin noted that the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission aims to become a model for other states in Nigeria.
“While we were here, the retired Permanent Secretaries expressed their commitment to begin their own insurance.
“We have already had conversations with artisan groups, who will commence soon.
“So, the future is very bright. Insurance relies on numbers; without a broad network and a sufficient pool of funds, it’s difficult to provide the desired services.
“Now that we are gaining more enrolees, it’s because people are receiving positive feedback that the insurance scheme is effective, and we will continue to increase our efforts.
“We will also continue to bring in new innovations and strategies to ensure we meet the aspirations of our people,” Oyeneyin said.
Other distinguished awardees at the event included the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) and the Civil Service Commission.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who congratulated the state’s public service, described the public service as the engine room and memory bank of any government, adding that while administrations may come and go, the public service endures.
He stated that the public service must be restructured to meet global standards of public service administration, highlighting the need for it to become dynamic and technology-driven, so it could operate efficiently and better serve the public.
Aiyedatiwa also assured the audience that, regardless of the circumstances, he would never downsize the public service in Ondo State.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, urged the workers to reflect the support and care Governor Aiyedatiwa has shown towards them in the upcoming governorship election.
Ajulo emphasised that the current administration is dedicated to creating a productive, innovative, and efficient public service.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, praised the state government for its commitment to the welfare of its workers, including timely payment of leave bonuses, approval of a minimum wage of N73,000, and other benefits.
Speaking on the theme, “The Future of the Public Service: Thinking Today Tomorrow,” the guest lecturer, Dr Chris Kolawole, stated that Nigeria possesses strong human resources capable of fostering development, provided they are effectively managed.
To advance the public service, Kolawole recommended innovation and creative thinking, the development of a clear roadmap, investment in people, embracing digital solutions, and fostering export development.
He advised public servants to engage in personal development programmes, acquire new skills, be proactive, think globally, and adapt to change.
