₦airaland Forum

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, in his welcome address, stated that ORANGHIS for public servants has great relief on both enrollees and their dependants, noting that it has encouraged healthier and more productive public service.

He commended the Governor's efforts in the health sector including recruitment of health workers for the PHC in the 203 wards and the secondary health facilities in the 18 Local Government Areas in the state, adding that the 250-bed hospital buildings in both Ondo and Akure UNIMEDTH complexes would be completed soon to enhance service delivery to residents.

Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), emphasized that health insurance is a practical solution to addressing Nigeria’s declining health statistics. He confidently predicted that by 2027, Ondo State will rank among the top five states in the country with the highest health insurance coverage, demonstrating the state’s commitment to revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and outcomes.

He added that the commission is in partnership with the State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency for the supply of quality drugs and medication to all health providers at affordable rate.

The Director General, National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, lauded government's contribution to the premium of ORANGHIS beneficiaries.

He noted that the initiative aligns with federal government's drive to achieve universal health coverage which, according to him, is a critical agenda of achieving the sustainable goals.

He assured of the authority's commitment in supporting the commission to ensure its success.

The State Coordinator, World Health Organization, Dr. Dele David, commended the commitment of government to the attainment of universal health coverage, adding that the organization will continue to support the state to ensure that more people access qualitative health care delivery in the state.

The Director General, DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, commended the expansion of the scheme to the informal sector, calling on the sector to take advantage of it.

Emmanuel Danjuma, Representative of the Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting the health insurance scheme in Nigeria through a donor-funded initiative. He expressed the ILO’s eagerness to collaborate with beneficiaries of the scheme to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure improved health outcomes.

The Governor highlighted that ORANGHIS has already been successful among public servants since its inception in 2022, acknowledging the foundational work laid by his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing ORANGHIS for public servants.

Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the leadership of the organized labour unions for their support in implementing the scheme for public servants, calling it a model of collaboration.

The Governor showcased his administration’s healthcare initiatives, including the Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme, which has provided antenatal care, delivery, and other essential services to over 46,740 pregnant women and children under five since 2019.

Speaking directly to the residents of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa encouraged participation in the scheme, stating: "I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll themselves and their communities in this life-changing program. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State."

He also assured the people that his administration remains committed to upgrading the state's healthcare infrastructure. He mentioned the ongoing construction of 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, the recent recruitment of healthcare workers, and the enhancement of doctors' salaries to retain medical personnel. Furthermore, the governor promised the timely completion of the permanent office for the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, stating that health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.

He expressed pride in launching the scheme, which he believes will cater to artisans, market women, farmers, commercial transport operators, and private sector workers across the State.

The Governor said: “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents. It is on this premise that I stand to usher in a breath of fresh air in our healthcare delivery system with the ORANGE HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME, designed for those in the informal sector.
 
“Our painstakingly conceptualized vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.8 that pointedly strive to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).  Our administration once again has demonstrated political will in line with the need to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC)”, he said.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has inaugurated the Orange Health Insurance Scheme, a comprehensive program tailored to meet the healthcare needs of informal sector workers, including artisans, traders, farmers, and commercial transport workers, as part of his administration’s strategic investment in the health sector to guarantee universal access to affordable and quality healthcare.

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced this initiative at the formal unveiling of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector, held on Monday at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to expand healthcare access.

In a turn of events, Minister for Youh Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim has pointed fingers at the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for sponsoring attacks against her proposed town hall meeting scheduled for Ondo State, South West Nigeria.


The Minister, who spoke through her Executive Special Assistant, Yusuf Rasheed explained that the student body, alongside other affiliated groups, are trying to jeopardize her efforts at ensuring a better Nigeria for the country's youth.

"We are aware of the clandestine move by NANS and other ancilliary groups to truncate the objectives of the planned town hall meeting. But they will fail in their mission," the Ministerial aide was quoted.


The proposed town hall meeting, which has generated mixed reactions particularly among youth, is expected to hold in Akure, the Ondo State capital. However, more than 10 youth groups had condemned and pulled out from the proposed meeting.


Meanwhile, the Minister has highlighted the need for youth to be responsible to the youth leadership in the country, stating that the leadership of NANS has always been against the numerous life-changing initiatives that has emanated from her office.

4. Perhaps, town hall as a medium of youth engagement could have worked 4 or 3 months ago when there was no restiveness of any kind. Even though it would also have achieved the objective of packing agreeable people in a hall and speaking to the converted, it would have at least suggested that the Youth Minister, notorious for her poor human relation, is at least ready to engage with the youth at last.

5. However, this weird approach of convening a town hall meeting at this time when protests are springing up across the country reveals that Dr. Jemila is still fixated on using the same approach that would probably work for other ministers with different portfolios, but definitely not a youth Minister.


6. During this time, what Dr. Jemila Bio Ibrahim needs to do is to engage directly with the youth, both online and offline. She needs to open up her X account so that she can be engaged by the youth who dominate the social media. She also needs to be out there speaking to the youth, explaining what is being done, pleading for calm, and reemphasizing the promise of Mr. President to make life better.


7. Before now, Dr. Jemila finds it difficult to engage with youth who approach her, either in her office or at any public fora. If she hadn't been talking to them before now, she should have reasoned that she has no justification to seek to engage with them now. Hence, she chose the easy way out by arranging a controlled event like a town hall where she will have the opportunity to select the faces she wanted to see.


8. I think it was the second day of the protest or thereabouts that our attention was drawn to her junior colleague, the Minister of State, Ayodele engaging with a group of protesters somewhere in Abuja. If Dr. Jemila cannot do that, she should at least visit locations with large concentration of youth to engage and talk to them directly.


9. While we understand that the planned town hall meeting is scheduled to hold in the South West Zone, we would like to use this medium to warn Dr. Jemila to not bring her town meeting to anywhere in the North. If she cannot engage with us in places where majority of us can have the opportunity to speak to her, she should not insult us with the selection of her preferred faces to attend any town hall meeting on our behalf.


10. We also have it on good authority that the Minister has collected over 2 billion naira on the excuse that she wants to engage youth in order to stop the protests.


10. On our own, the only engagement we want with Dr. Jemila is one that is open, free and not restricted. We want her to speak to us on the streets and other places we converge as youth. She should meet us where we congregate to get diverse and frank opinions. We do not want an 'arrangee gathering' tagged as town hall. Any attempt to ignore this warning and hold any town hall meeting anywhere in the North would be met with stiff resistance. A word is enough for the wise.


Signed:


Comrade Jameel Mohammed Mashi (Joburg)
For and On Behalf of COYAT

In a statement signed by the group leader, they condemned the youth minister ahead of her planned visit to the state citing that the visit is not the next line of action giving the current situating of things in the country.

DR. JEMILA BIO IBRAHIM SHOULD BE INFORMED THAT TOWN HALL MEETING IS A WEIRD APPROACH IN A PERIOD OF YOUTH RESTIVENESS

Being text of press statement by the Concerned Youth Alliance for Tinubu (COYAT) dated this 5th August, 2024


The attention of our noble group has just been drawn to a planned town hall meeting being proposed by the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jemila Bio-Ibrahim.


2. As a youth group passionate about the success and legacy of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it gives us great joy that the current issue of protest in some parts of the country has finally woken up sleeping Ministers like Dr. Jemila from their slumber.

3. However, being youthful gives one a creative mind, the ability to think outside the box, and to do things differently. Sadly, we do not believe the town hall meeting being planned by Dr. Jemila shows in any way that she understands the demography over which she was appointed a Minister.

The people of Ondo State must take note that Governor Akeredolu's ongoing disputes with his deputies threaten to plunge the state into a period of instability and chaos. The legacy of such political infighting could cast a long and dark shadow over the state's history, erasing the hard-won gains and progress made thus far.

It is our sincere hope that cooler heads will prevail, and the state's leadership can focus on the crucial task of governance, putting the interests of the people of Ondo State above all else.

Signed
Gbenga Olugbemi (Maryland USA)
Ggbengaolu@gmail.com
From Ogbagi-Akoko

It is abundantly clear that Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa refused to wade into the murky waters of illegality, despite being pressured by members of the Ondo State cabal. His dedication to maintaining the integrity of the state has been commendable. During Governor Akeredolu's absence, he made no selfish adjustments to the state cabinet, ensuring the payment of salaries, approving pending projects, and initiating the process of distributing federal government fuel subsidy palliatives while upholding the rule of law.

In an unprecedented show of statesmanship, Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa also appealed to fellow members of the state cabinet intending to run for the gubernatorial seat to tone down their campaigns and respect the Governor's absence due to medical reasons.

Four days after the Governor's return to Nigeria, a significant and puzzling move was made – the dismissal of media aides attached to the Deputy Governor's office. Questions began to arise about the intentions behind this abrupt action.

However, amidst these intricate developments, one fact stands out – Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa has remained steadfast in his loyalty to his principal, Governor Akeredolu. This unwavering allegiance has been exemplified by his disavowal of a viral letter of resignation purportedly signed by him.

In recent days, the political landscape of Ondo State has witnessed a series of intriguing developments. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Wole Ogunmolasuyi, is allegedly collaborating with a shadowy group, often referred to as the "Ondo Cabals." This secretive alliance reportedly includes Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, the Special Adviser on Union Matters, and the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, among others.

The crux of these reports centers on their purported efforts to woo fellow members of the Ondo State House of Assembly with cash incentives, with the ultimate aim of orchestrating a fraudulent impeachment process against the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. It's noteworthy that Aiyedatiwa assumed a critical role in the state's governance during Governor Akeredolu's three-month medical leave in Germany.

A notable quality of the Acting Governor is his steadfast loyalty to Governor Akeredolu, evident in his commitment to the administration's guiding principles and values encapsulated in the motto "One government, one administration in unity." This loyalty serves as a testament to his dedication to the betterment of Ondo State.

Regrettably, Richard Olabode has chosen to promote division and discord rather than unity and collaboration. Through the use of fabricated journalists, he has orchestrated attacks on the Acting Governor by proxy. Fortunately, the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Ondo State recognizes the need for media integrity and has taken a strong stance against such unethical practices.

While there may be rumors surrounding Richard Olabode's educational background, it is crucial to remember that academic qualifications do not solely define an individual's capabilities or potential to contribute positively to the state. On the contrary, the Acting Governor's skillful delegation of responsibilities to the executive members of the state council underscores his dedication to upholding the legacy of Governor Akeredolu.

In conclusion, the people of Ondo State must rise above the baseless propaganda aimed at sowing discord. The values of unity, loyalty, and responsible governance must guide our actions and decisions. Let us reject attempts to undermine the leadership of Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, and stand united in upholding the principles that have propelled our state's progress thus far. Dr. Akintunde Oladipo from Iwaro Oka-Akoko joins us in this call to unity and stability, urging us all to put the interests of Ondo State above unfounded narratives.

A central figure in this divisive narrative is Richard Olabode, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who has regrettably become a tool of chaos and division in the hands of the self-proclaimed Ondo State Cabal. It is essential to acknowledge that Richard Olabode and his associates were behind the dissemination of fabricated videos portraying the governor's arrival, seemingly with the intention to sow confusion and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Acting Governor's authority.

Governor Akeredolu demonstrated his commitment to responsible governance by formally transmitting a letter to the State Assembly, seeking medical leave and temporarily transferring power to his Deputy, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. This transition adhered to constitutional guidelines and exemplified the dedication to maintaining governance stability within the state.

The refusal of Richard Olabode to acknowledge the authority of the Acting Governor while releasing sensitive state information under the governor's name is disheartening. Such actions not only erode the credibility of the administration but also jeopardize the unity that is treasured by the people of Ondo State.

In these critical times, Ondo State's political landscape has been marred by a surge in divisive tactics and sensationalism that threaten the unity and loyalty that have long been the cornerstones of the state's growth and progress. At the heart of these divisive maneuvers is the spread of unfounded propaganda aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Ondo State's Acting Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. As the people of Ondo State, it is our responsibility to decipher truth from falsehood and rise above these baseless narratives.

In the midst of this propaganda, a unifying voice emerges from Iwaro Oka-Akoko. Dr. Akintunde Oladipo, a distinguished figure from the region, stands firmly in support of Acting Governor Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Dr. Oladipo urges the citizens of Ondo State to reject the unfounded claims and rally behind a leader committed to progress and harmony.

It is important to note that this recent attempt to discredit Deputy Governor Lucky AIYEDATIWA comes on the heels of a failed endeavor to weaponize his marriage against him. False claims of domestic violence were propagated, falsely accusing him of mistreating his wife. We want to reiterate that these allegations are baseless and have no merit whatsoever. We stand firmly by Deputy Governor AIYEDATIWA, a loyal ally to the Governor , and reject these false attempts to tarnish his reputation.

We call upon the people of Ondo State to rally behind the principles of justice and the proper rule of law. Let us support our Deputy Governor who has taken a strong stance to break the cultural clashes that have plagued previous deputies and their principals in Ondo State. In addition, we extend our prayers for the swift recovery of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.

Finally, we urge the newly elected 10th House of Assembly members to protect and uphold the fabric of democracy in Ondo State. It is crucial that we work together to preserve the democratic values that underpin our society.

We remain resolute in our commitment to the truth, justice, and progress for the people of Ondo State. Let us unite against these divisive plots and forge ahead towards a brighter future.

Signed,

[Dr. Babatunde Folawe. UK]
Spokesperson for Ondo South Progressives in Diaspora

We, the Ondo South Progressives in Diaspora, hereby strongly refute and debunk the malicious plot to tarnish the distinguished name of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky AIYEDATIWA. It has come to our attention that false claims are being made regarding the legitimacy of his academic certificates. We categorically state that these claims are baseless and unfounded.

In response to this plot, we have taken immediate action to ascertain the truth behind these allegations. We have reached out to our friends who are officials of the prestigious University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, where Lucky AIYEDATIWA obtained his Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 2013. They have confirmed unequivocally that Mr. AIYEDATIWA was indeed a student of the university, successfully completing his degree program.

Furthermore, we have identified the sponsors of this plot and have duly notified law enforcement agencies and legal experts about their involvement. We also have strong evidences backed with court documents of the Adulterous records of one of the sponsors of the plot, however We will cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure that justice is served and those responsible for spreading false information are held accountable.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a reliable source revealed that two returning ranking members of the Ondo State Assembly, are believed to be the key drivers of this plot. It is further alleged that influential political stakeholders are providing substantial funding to support their endeavors.

The actions of these individuals and their backers have drawn widespread condemnation from citizens who value the democratic fabric of Ondo State. The plot not only reflects a complete disregard for due process but also undermines the public's trust in their elected representatives to act in the best interest of the state.

Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, a popular figure in Ondo State known for his commitment to good governance and development, has yet to make an official statement regarding these allegations. However, it is expected that the Governor's office will address the situation promptly to clarify the veracity of the claims and take appropriate measures to ensure the stability and continuity of democratic governance in the state.

As this story unfolds, concerned citizens are urging all stakeholders involved in the democratic process, including political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens at large, to come together and condemn this unpatriotic plot. They emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution to any existing political differences and call for adherence to established legal mechanisms to address any grievances or concerns.

The people of Ondo State, known for their resilience and commitment to democracy, remain hopeful that the democratic institutions will prevail over this attempt to destabilize their beloved state.

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that a group of over-ambitious members of the Ondo State House of Assembly has initiated a plot to impeach Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy Governor Hon. Lucky AIYEDATIWA. The motive behind this scheme appears to be the unwarranted desire for power and control, jeopardizing the democratic principles that form the foundation of Ondo State.

The alleged plot came to public attention after Sahara Reporters, a renowned media outlet, published an article on June 1, 2023, claiming that Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu was critically ill and bedridden. Exploiting this situation, the unscrupulous members of the Assembly have seized the opportunity to launch their impeachment plan, undermining the rule of law and the sanctity of democratic processes.