Ekiti health workers endorse Oyebanji for second term, laud reforms

Health workers in Ekiti State on Tuesday lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what they described as his people-centred policies that have revitalised the state’s health sector.

The workers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, midwives, laboratory scientists, community health officers, and environmental health professionals, praised the governor for improvements in infrastructure, timely salary payments, and better working conditions.

They marched from Fajuyi Pavilion to the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti, where they presented a plaque titled “Health Sector Appreciates His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji” and declared their support for his re-election.

According to them, the Oyebanji administration has brought visible improvement to all levels of healthcare in the state, citing better infrastructure, timely payment of salaries, improved working conditions and a renewed sense of dignity in their profession.

The Nigeria Labour Congress State Chairman, Olatunde Kolapo, who is a pharmacist, hailed the governor for workers’ welfare, including payment of arrears of local and state government workers and as well as those of retirees.

Kolapo said that Oyebanji had increased the subvention to tertiary institutions in the state twice and also approved timeously payment of the N70,000 new minimum wage to workers.

The NLC chairman, who assured that the governor would do exceedingly well for the health sector and the state generally during his second term, said, “We stand by Governor Oyebanji for another term of four years.

The governor has done well in the last three years and he will do more during second term”.

Ekiti State Health Commissioner, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who spoke on behalf of Ekiti State health workforce, said, “We gather to express deep appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for what has truly become a golden era in health sector transformation”.

Filani said that health workers, under Oyebanji’s administration, had seen bold, people-centred policies that inspire confidence, motivate workers, and restore dignity to care delivery.

He listed the administration’s achievements, which the workers were appreciative of, to include “timely implementation of hazard allowances and salary adjustments (CONMESS, CONHESS, and minimum wage), to landmark pay parity for doctors and payment of over a decade of unremitted pensions, ensuring security for retirees.”

The commissioner said that “the recruitment of over 250 health workers, rehabilitation of 11 general hospitals, renovation of 103 PHCs, and staff quarters, investments in ICT, solar power, water supply, and establishment of 16 emergency operation centres across all local government areas have made the health systems stronger and more resilient”.

He also hailed the Oyebanji administration for the Ulerawa Scheme, which guarantees an explicit and defined package of services for every resident of Ekiti and the major upgrades at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, describing them as “testament to visionary, inclusive governance”.

He said, “We especially celebrate the upgrade of Ikole Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre—an outcome of strategic advocacy that will boost access and regional development.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, appreciated the health workers for the token and the love shown to him.

Oyebanji promised the workers more goodies for the health facilities and the personnel, assuring them that he would not disappoint them in the scheme of things and welfare issues.

Speaking in a chat, Adubiaro said, “These people are here today to show appreciation for the numerous things the administration has done for them in the health sector.

“They know the difference compared to the past. We are happy they have come here to show appreciation and endorse the governor for a second term. They want to continue enjoying the good work, and we want to assure them that Governor Oyebanji will not disappoint them in future.”