Adeleke Approves N40,000 Monthly Stipend for Osun PHC Volunteers, Promises Public Service Employment
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services and improving the welfare of healthcare personnel across the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday during a one-day orientation training for Primary Health Care (PHC) Volunteers drawn from the 30 local government areas and area offices in Osun State.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, Adeleke commended the volunteers for their dedication and sacrifices in supporting healthcare delivery at the grassroots level, describing them as critical partners in the state’s efforts to provide accessible and quality healthcare services.
“As PHC volunteers, you have played a vital role in supporting our healthcare system and ensuring that quality healthcare services reach the people who need them most,” the governor said.
Adeleke noted that despite challenges associated with the cessation of local government funds, his administration has continued to prioritise the welfare of health workers while sustaining effective service delivery across primary healthcare facilities in the state.
In a major highlight of the event, the governor announced the approval of a monthly allowance of N40,000 for more than 1,000 PHC volunteers across Osun State, many of whom have served for over six years without receiving any form of remuneration.
He also approved the payment of a one-month arrears allowance of N40,000, bringing the total immediate payment to N80,000 for each volunteer.
The announcement sparked excitement among participants as volunteers reportedly began receiving bank credit alerts for the N80,000 payment while the governor’s speech was being delivered by the SSG.
The development triggered jubilation across the venue, with beneficiaries breaking into songs of appreciation and celebration in gratitude for what they described as recognition of their years of sacrifice and dedicated service.
Explaining the rationale behind the approval, Adeleke said, “This decision reflects a government that listens, appreciates sacrifice and rewards commitment.”
The governor also commended the Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCDB), Alhaji Tajudeen Adisa, for his steadfast support and commitment to advancing primary healthcare services across the state.
He equally acknowledged the efforts of the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Shina Igbalaye, noting that the agency has witnessed renewed focus, stronger coordination and impactful initiatives under his leadership.
According to the governor, the approval of the monthly allowance for PHC volunteers is one of the positive outcomes of the ongoing reforms and renewed direction within the board.
In another announcement that drew loud applause from participants, the SSG disclosed on behalf of the governor that the state government would soon commence the process of absorbing PHC volunteers into the public service in batches.
The assurance was greeted with excitement by the volunteers, many of whom described the development as a long-awaited breakthrough after years of service.
Urging them to remain committed to their responsibilities, Adeleke said, “As volunteers who interact closely with communities, you are ambassadors of both healthcare delivery and community development.”
He added that the continued growth of the healthcare sector depends on stability, continuity and support for policies that place the welfare of workers and citizens at the forefront.
“The continued growth of our healthcare sector depends on stability, continuity and support for policies that place the welfare of workers and citizens at the forefront,” the governor stated.
The event formed part of the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and enhance the capacity of frontline health workers serving communities across Osun State.