Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Government has commenced the payment of monthly allowances to Primary Health Care (PHC) volunteers across the state, bringing to an end years of unpaid service rendered by hundreds of healthcare workers at grassroots health facilities.
Governor Ademola Adeleke announced the development during a one-day orientation training programme organised for PHC volunteers drawn from the 30 local government areas of the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, who represented the Governor, described the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of health workers and volunteers.
He commended the volunteers for their dedication and sacrifices in supporting healthcare delivery at the grassroots level, noting that many of them had continued to serve despite receiving no remuneration for more than six years.
According to him, a functional healthcare system depends largely on motivated personnel, stressing that the Adeleke administration has consistently prioritised the welfare of workers, particularly those in the health sector.
He noted that despite challenges associated with the cessation of local government funds, the state government has continued to ensure the regular payment of PHC workers, thereby sustaining effective primary healthcare services across Osun State.
The SSG disclosed that Governor Adeleke had approved the payment of monthly allowances to more than 1,000 PHC volunteers statewide as a reward for their years of sacrifice and commitment to public service.
He also commended the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Shina Igbalaye, for what he described as purposeful leadership that has resulted in notable improvements within the agency.
“Since his appointment, the Board has witnessed renewed focus, stronger coordination and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of healthcare personnel and volunteers. The approval of allowances for volunteers is one of the many positive outcomes of this renewed direction,” he said.
Igbalaye urged the beneficiaries to continue discharging their duties with dedication, professionalism and integrity while supporting government efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery and the welfare of citizens.
Speaking during the symbolic presentation of the allowance payments, the Executive Secretary of Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Shina Igbalaye, said the programme was organised to celebrate Governor Adeleke’s approval of monthly allowances for PHC volunteers who had served in various health facilities across the state for years without pay.
He disclosed that some of the volunteers had worked for between eight and twelve years without receiving any financial compensation, yet remained committed to providing essential healthcare services in their respective communities.
According to him, each volunteer will receive a monthly allowance of ₦40,000, with the first phase covering 891 beneficiaries, while additional volunteers will be captured in subsequent batches.
Dr. Igbalaye further disclosed that the state government approved about ₦85 million for the payment of the first batch of beneficiaries and expressed optimism that another set of volunteers would be enrolled within the next two to three weeks.
He added that there are close to 3,000 PHC volunteers currently serving in different facilities across the state and assured that more beneficiaries would be accommodated as the programme progresses.
The Executive Secretary praised the volunteers for their unwavering commitment and dedication to duty despite years of neglect and lack of remuneration.
“They have never absconded from work. They have continued to report regularly to their duty posts and serve patients diligently despite not receiving any payment for years. That is why we believe they deserve recognition and appreciation,” he said.
Dr. Igbalaye called on the volunteers to reciprocate the government’s gesture by redoubling their efforts and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare service delivery across Osun State.
The orientation programme brought together PHC volunteers from all local government areas of the state and featured capacity-building sessions designed to enhance their effectiveness in community healthcare service delivery.
