Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, unveiled the newly upgraded Central Medical Store in Akure, declaring the facility a critical step in the fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs in the state.
The warehouse, now upgraded to a pharma-grade facility, was commissioned as part of activities marking the governor’s first 100 days in office.
Speaking at the commissioning, Aiyedatiwa said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring the availability of safe, quality, and affordable medicines.
“This is a strategic investment in the health and well-being of our people,” he said. “With this facility, we are eliminating fake medicines from our supply chain. We’ve instituted strict procurement processes and will only source drugs from licensed and reputable manufacturers.”
He noted that the warehouse upgrade was made possible through a tripartite collaboration involving the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government, and the Global Fund, with counterpart funding enabling its completion.
According to the governor, the facility adheres to global best practices and will enhance drug storage, improve inventory management, reduce wastage, and ensure timely delivery of essential medicines to health facilities across the state.
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed a partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), which led to the publication of the first Ondo State Essential Medicines List—another effort aimed at standardizing drug supply and improving access.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, was represented at the event by Mrs. Celine Onunkwo, Coordinator of the National Product Supply Chain Management Programme. She described the upgraded warehouse as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.”
“This facility will serve as the backbone of an integrated public health supply chain system,” she said, while commending the governor’s political will and urging continued investment in infrastructure and systems maintenance.
Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, Dr. Amos Ayegbusi, said the development marks “a new era in the health sector,” expressing gratitude to the governor for releasing counterpart funds promptly.
Also speaking, the state’s Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adeniran Ikumola—praised Aiyedatiwa’s “visionary leadership,” adding that the upgraded warehouse would bolster Ondo’s ability to deliver essential health services.
Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; traditional rulers, and members of the State Executive Council.
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