Kingsley Omoyeni
It was another feather to the cap of Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola as he was on Thursday awarded the Best Performing Governor On Health Intervention for his outstanding performance in the health sector.
The award which is part of activities marking the Press Week of the State Information Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Osun Council was held at the State Secretariat in Osogbo.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the Governor stressed that the present administration decided to prioritize the health of the people as first line component of the development agenda of the Government because of the belief in the saying that health is wealth.
The Governor who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the state government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji explained that the present administration will not relent in providing the best for the health sector until the last man or woman in the remotest part of the state has had access to quality health care.
According to the Governor, “We regard this award as a recognition of our fidelity to our health care policy as a channel for our empowerment and development agenda, we are of the opinion that through accessible and affordable health care delivery poverty is already being defeated.
“In view of the place of food in health care delivery and the need to respond to the extant realities of the moment, we instituted the monthly free food provision for the people under the Osun Food Support Scheme for the needy and we hope to sustain this for a long time to come” the state helmsman stated.
While expressing gratitude to the State Information Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for the award, the Governor stated that it has been proved that Government and Journalists are critical partners in governance who can work together without compromising their individual responsiblities and ideas for the common good.
In a welcome address, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode stressed that the award was presented to the Governor for his passion and commitment towards improving the state’s health sector.
She said the administration considers the health of the people paramount and important just like other sectors of the state.
The well attended award ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the “Most Outstanding Legislature Award” to the Lawmaker representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, Hon.(Mrs) Taiwo Oluga while Mr Diran Fashesin(MNI), a seasoned technocrat who just retired bagged the award of the “Most Outstanding Administrator Award”.
Dignitaries at the award ceremony include: the Orangun of Oke-Ila Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Oba Engr. Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye II, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Chairman, Osun Health Insurance Agency, Hon. Adeoye Adelakun among others.
