The Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Chief Teslim Igbalaye, on Sunday marked his 57th birthday with a fresh round of community empowerment for residents of Osogbo, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots welfare.
Speaking during the celebration held at his residence in Oroki Estate, the SSG expressed profound gratitude to God for life, guidance and strength over the years, noting that each phase of his journey had deepened his faith.
“This journey, filled with its highs and lows, has strengthened my resolve. I step into this new chapter with renewed determination, a heart full of gratitude, and a spirit open to the blessings yet to come,” he said.
As part of the event, Chief Igbalaye distributed cash gifts of N50,000 each to 400 Osogbo residents. He also unveiled a major intervention for elderly citizens by renewing health insurance coverage for 1,000 beneficiaries under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) a programme he originally funded last year.
With the previous one-year coverage elapsed, the SSG said he considered it necessary “to re-enroll them and expand the current figure so that our aged men and women continue to enjoy free healthcare.”
The renewal and expansion of the scheme bring his total personal investment to over N12 million last year and another N12 million this year.
Chief Igbalaye thanked God for preserving his life and family, while dedicating the empowerment initiative “to the people who need help the most.” He also expressed appreciation to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Adeleke family, party leaders and stakeholders for their support.
