Adeleke Enrols Osun Monarchs in Health Insurance Scheme, Commissions OSHIA Multipurpose Hall
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, on Tuesday commissioned the newly completed Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) Multipurpose Hall and flagged off the enrolment of traditional rulers and their queens into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), in a move aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents, noting that traditional rulers occupy strategic positions in promoting government policies at the grassroots.
“The free enrolment initiative is another bold step by our administration to ensure that traditional rulers and their queens enjoy qualitative healthcare services without financial hardship, in line with our people-centred health policy,” Adeleke said.
He added, “We have delivered across all sectors of the economy and our administration deserves to be re-elected. On this note, I commission the OHIS Multipurpose Hall and flag off the enrolment of our royal fathers into the state health insurance scheme.”
The governor said his administration had made notable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and workers’ welfare.
According to him, over 300 kilometres of roads have been constructed, more than 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools rehabilitated, while salary and pension obligations have been met. He also listed cooperative financing for workers, agricultural support programmes and the ongoing construction of the state’s five-star stadium among the achievements of his government.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, commended Governor Adeleke for providing the support that has enabled the agency to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
He described the enrolment of traditional rulers and their queens into the health insurance scheme as a strategic intervention that would encourage wider acceptance of health insurance at the community level.
“This enrolment of our revered Royal Fathers and their Queens into the Scheme is strategic. It is an initiative that goes beyond providing health insurance coverage to our traditional rulers. By enrolling them into the Scheme, we are not only recognising their invaluable contributions to community development but also empowering them to serve as ambassadors and advocates for social health insurance at the grassroots,” Akindele said.
On the newly commissioned multipurpose hall, he explained that the project was executed in line with the agency’s enabling law and reflected its commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
The event also featured endorsements of Governor Adeleke’s second-term ambition by two foremost traditional rulers in the state.
The Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun said he remained impressed by the governor’s performance in office.
“I will not stop eulogising Governor Adeleke for his excellent performance in Osun State,” the monarch said.
Similarly, the Munirudeen Adesola Lawal applauded the governor’s developmental efforts across the state.
“I’m excited that my son, Governor Adeleke, is developing every nook and cranny of our communities,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of health insurance identity cards to traditional rulers and their queens, signifying their formal enrolment into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.