- distributes ambulances, patrol vans
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Friday commissioned 10 ambulances, and took delivery of 10 patrol vehicles for security agencies. He also presented official cars to new Permanent Secretaries.
At the presentation, which took place at the Government House in Akure, the Governor stressed that healthcare delivery goes beyond policy declarations and the construction of hospital structures.
“To us, the delivery of medical services goes beyond policy statements and is not just about the building of healthcare centres,” he said.
According to him, quality healthcare entails access to genuine drugs and prompt transportation to hospitals.
He added that the state’s pharmaceutical group had ensured the supply of quality and unadulterated drugs.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects would reduce travel time, while local government councils grade rural roads and the state provides ambulances or tricycles for primary healthcare services.
He highlighted the importance of rapid response to emergencies, particularly road accidents, observing that despite urban renewal initiatives and the installation of traffic lights to restore order, accidents could not be completely eradicated.
The ambulances, he said, would ensure prompt evacuation of victims from homes and accident scenes to health facilities.
The Governor further disclosed that a GNC survey aimed at equipping hospitals is currently at the benchmarking stage before the State Executive Council.
He commended all medical personnel in the state for the excellent work they are doing in the health sector.
On security, Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that Sunbeth Global Concept, led by Olasunkanmi Owoeye, had donated 10 Toyota Hilux high-grade vehicles to bolster security operations in the state.
He stated that the vehicles would be deployed to the police, civil defence, the military, the air force, airport services and the anti-land-grabbing task force, urging the agencies to use them strictly for official duties.
The Governor also handed over official cars to Permanent Secretaries, describing civil servants as the engine room of government.
He maintained that incentives such as promotions, bonuses, vacations and official vehicles are essential to enhance performance, warning against unauthorised personal use of the cars.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, said the event represented the second phase of vehicle distribution, noting that only about three retirees and a new set of Permanent Secretaries were yet to benefit.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, explained that the ambulances were procured to strengthen emergency response services.
He stated that the fleet comprises three advanced life-support ambulances and five basic medical ambulances, describing the procurement as the first of such scale in many years.
Ajaka added that additional ambulances had been included in the current year’s budget.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretaries, Mrs Yemi Pirisola expressed appreciation to the governor and pledged their loyalty and commitment to his administration and to improving the lives of the people of Ondo State.
