Aiyedatiwa Vows Aggressive Health Sector Overhaul, Pledges Support for Primary Care Reforms

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to revitalising the state’s healthcare system across all levels, from primary to tertiary care.

Speaking on Friday during the First Quarter 2025 Meeting of the Ondo State Task Force on Primary Healthcare in Akure, the governor said his government would pursue this commitment with “increased vigour and passion.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that reforms in the health sector would remain a top priority, with the aim of enhancing service delivery and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Ondo State.

He urged the task force to adopt forward-thinking strategies in addressing the challenges of the ever-evolving global health landscape and emerging public health threats.

“I want this committee to focus more on the following: strengthening our primary healthcare system, expanding immunisation and disease surveillance efforts, and improving maternal and child health indicators,” the governor said.

He further highlighted the importance of promoting health education and awareness in rural communities, while emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and optimal resource utilisation within the system.

Aiyedatiwa also charged the committee to ensure that all policies are inclusive, evidence-based, and geared towards long-term sustainability. He pledged his full support and political will for the implementation of any recommendations that might arise from the meeting.

He called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards building a resilient healthcare system that guarantees access, equity, and quality for every citizen of the state.

Earlier in the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, praised the governor for his unwavering support in transforming the state’s primary healthcare system.

Akanbiemu noted that every issue brought before the governor had been addressed, adding that the meeting was organised to present a performance report and identify gaps that require attention.

“We must showcase to our stakeholders the dedication of the primary healthcare system. This interaction allows us to move forward, and we must also demonstrate how we have utilised the funds allocated to us,” he said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, Prof. Sumidele Odimayo, reiterated that the current administration has placed health at the forefront of its development agenda.

He outlined several accomplishments and revealed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved the recruitment of additional healthcare personnel to further strengthen the sector.