Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the rehabilitation of 102 primary health care centres across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The governor said the intervention was part of deliberate efforts by his administration to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through improved access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Simi Odimayo, disclosed this in Akure on Monday at the opening of a five-day co-creation workshop on Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative.
“This initiative is transformative, aimed at significantly lowering maternal and newborn mortality rates,” he said.
He explained that the rehabilitation of the PHCs would help bring healthcare services closer to the people and improve outcomes for pregnant women and children.
The governor also commended the collaboration between federal and state governments and development partners, describing it as “vital to achieving meaningful progress in the health sector.”
“We recognise that improving health outcomes requires deliberate and sustained investment, not only in infrastructure but also in the welfare and well-being of our health workforce and the wider population,” Aiyedatiwa added.
He used the opportunity to highlight some of the policy decisions recently taken by his administration, including the upward review of the minimum wage from N35,000 to N73,000.
“I am pleased to announce that our administration has commenced the implementation of the new minimum wage, which has increased from N35,000 to N73,000—a bold and compassionate step reflecting our dedication to enhancing the living standards of our hardworking civil servants,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further disclosed plans to recruit more health workers, noting that newly employed medical officers will be placed on Grade Level 13, while nurses will be placed on Grade Level 10, in line with federal guidelines.
“Plans are underway to recruit more health workers. Salaries have been adjusted upwards to be more competitive, and efforts are ongoing to revamp secondary health facilities to provide effective Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care,” he said.
He revealed that the government would soon begin the construction of 50- to 100-bed facilities in at least five secondary health centres across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“These upgrades will focus not only on service areas but also on staff accommodation, ensuring a conducive working and service environment,” he added.
The governor emphasized that the drive to reduce maternal and newborn deaths must be backed by “intentional policy measures, responsive health systems, continuous community engagement, and a skilled, motivated workforce.”
He expressed hope that the outcome of the workshop would provide practical, locally driven solutions that would further strengthen the state’s healthcare system and save lives.
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