Olowo of Owo, represented by the Iralepo of Isinkan, pledges royal support
The Ondo State Government and traditional rulers in the state have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening immunization programmes and improving Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery as a foundation for a resilient health system.
This assurance was given on Wednesday in Akure at the first-quarter meeting of the Ondo State Task Force Committee on Immunization and other Primary Health Care Services, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in a message delivered by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising effective healthcare delivery across the state.
According to the governor, primary healthcare remains the bedrock of an efficient and sustainable health system, stressing that his administration has made significant progress since the inauguration of the Task Force.
“I recall that at our inaugural meeting, we collectively resolved on the urgent need to reposition primary healthcare as the bedrock of an efficient and resilient health system,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Since then, we have achieved so much, and I am pleased with the progress recorded so far, particularly in the areas of facility assessment, workforce engagement, service delivery mapping, and stakeholder collaboration. While these efforts are commendable, there is still more to be done to make a greater impact.”
The governor commended health workers, development partners, and other stakeholders for their dedication to improving healthcare services across the state.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, CFR, the Olowo of Owo, reaffirmed the readiness of traditional rulers to support government health interventions, particularly immunization programmes.
Represented at the meeting by the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba (Barrister) Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, the monarch described immunization as a cornerstone of Primary Health Care and a proven intervention for protecting children and communities against preventable diseases.
He noted that traditional rulers, as custodians of culture and trusted grassroots leaders, were strategically positioned to support government through community mobilisation, advocacy, and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
The Olowo pledged the continued commitment of the Ondo State Council of Obas to promoting routine immunization, encouraging timely vaccine uptake, and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care services at ward and community levels.
He also welcomed the planned introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine later this month, describing it as timely and critical to safeguarding child survival and maternal health.
He assured that traditional rulers across the state would mobilise their communities to ensure acceptance and successful implementation of the vaccine.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, commended the governor for his consistent support, noting that several revitalised primary healthcare centres across the state were now ready for use.
The high point of the meeting was a PowerPoint presentation by the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, which highlighted performance assessments across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; Commissioners including Dr. Banji Ajaka (Health), Dr. Tob Loko (Environment), Mr. Afolabi Adesoji (Culture), and Mr. Sunday Olajide (Physical Planning); Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simi Odimayo; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Kola Falohun; as well as other top government officials.
