In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare access, the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, has sponsored 150 beneficiaries for the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) scheme.
The event, which took place at the Ibadan North Local Government Council in Agodi, commenced with Mrs. Bola Okanlawon introducing OYSHIA officials, including the Executive Secretary, Dr. Shola Akande; Director of Marketing, Mr. Steven Dauda; Mrs. Mary Akindele; Mrs. Oyinlade Adelere; and Mr. Olusola Shotanmi.
Dr. Adewole, the Primary Healthcare Coordinator for Ibadan North Local Government, informed attendees about the purpose of the insurance scheme, praising Hon. Olufade for his initiative to sponsor beneficiaries.
Dr. Adewole highlighted the historical significance of free medical care in the Southwest and commended Hon. Olufade for prioritizing the health of his constituents, describing the initiative as a reflection of his commitment to their well-being.
In his remarks, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade expressed his gratitude to the elderly, local government management, OYSHIA officials, and other dignitaries present.
He emphasized that most of his campaign promises, including improvements in security, education, agriculture, and now health, were being fulfilled.
He assured that the initiative would be implemented in phases, with the first phase covering 150 individuals, and that it would benefit all residents regardless of party affiliation.
Hon. Olufade also mentioned that slots were allocated to market men and women, which is why the Babaloja of Bodija, Alhaji S.A. Jimoh, and the Iyaloja of Ibadan North were present.
He said slots were also allocated to widows, ensuring inclusivity.
He concluded by announcing plans for the second phase by December or January, reiterating his commitment to prioritizing residents’ health.
Dr. Shola Akande, Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, spoke on the importance and benefits of health insurance, lauding Hon. Olufade as a “talk and do” Chairman.
He praised the chairman for fulfilling his campaign promises and sponsoring 150 people, highlighting the scheme’s ability to cover medical bills for a year, provide access to quality hospitals, and operate without discrimination.
Dr. Akande also acknowledged Governor Seyi Makinde’s sponsorship of 4,500 people and the symbolic gesture of beneficiaries naming their children after him.
He announced that OYSHIA would add 50 more beneficiaries, increasing the total number of beneficiaries in Ibadan North to 200.
Hon. Lanre Sarumi, PDP Federal House of Representatives candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election, expressed gratitude for Hon. Olufade’s leadership.
Hon. Olufade, in turn, appreciated OYSHIA’s additional sponsorship.
The symbolic presentation of OYSHIA cards to beneficiaries was conducted by the chairman, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Vice Chairman Hon. Akeem Ayoade, Leader of the House, Hon. Taiwo Adebola, Hon. Lanre Sarumi, and Hon. Michael Ogunsina, with the scheme set to commence in November.
Both the Babaloja and Iyaloja extended their gratitude to Hon. Olufade for his commitment to the health of Ibadan North residents, praying for his successful tenure.
Dignitaries in attendance included Ibadan North Local Government Vice Chairman Hon. Akeem Ayoade, Chief of Staff Hamdy Mustapha, Ibadan North Local Government Secretary Hon. Oluwafemi Oladejo, HLDA of Ibadan North Local Government Mr. Akeem Olatunji, Oyo State PDP Youth Leader and Acting Publicity Secretary Hon. Michael Ogunsina, Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Development Agency Adebowale Falana, Executive Secretary of OYSHIA Dr. Shola Akande, OYSHIA official Bola Okanlawon, Babaloja of Bodija Alhaji S.A. Jimoh, Iyaloja of Ibadan North Chief Mrs. Borede Omotayo, former caretaker chairman of Aare Latosa LCDA Hon. Kazeem Oshoniyi, Hon. Lanre Sarumi, councilors, supervisory councilors, special assistants, and heads of departments.