By Peter Omopo
Ado Ekiti | July 23, 2025
Hundreds of health workers across Ekiti State have publicly declared their support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid, citing his administration’s sweeping reforms and people-oriented policies in the health sector.
The enthusiastic workers—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, midwives, laboratory scientists, community health officers, and environmental health professionals—marched from the Fajuyi Pavilion to the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday in a show of solidarity. They presented a commemorative plaque titled “Health Sector Appreciates His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji” to the governor and praised his transformative efforts.
Speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti State, Pharmacist Olatunde Kolapo, lauded Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing workers’ welfare. He noted the timely payment of salaries, clearance of arrears owed to local and state government employees as well as retirees, and the prompt implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
“The governor has done well in the last three years and he will do more during his second term. We stand by Governor Oyebanji for another four years,” Kolapo declared.
Echoing this sentiment, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, described the period under the current administration as a “golden era in health sector transformation.” According to him, the sector has benefited from progressive policies that have restored dignity to healthcare delivery and improved workforce morale.
Filani highlighted several achievements, including:
- Recruitment of over 250 health professionals
- Rehabilitation of 11 general hospitals
- Renovation of 103 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and staff quarters
- Investments in ICT infrastructure, solar power, and clean water supply
- Establishment of 16 emergency operation centres across all local government areas
He also applauded the implementation of salary adjustments such as CONMESS and CONHESS, hazard allowances, and the resolution of over a decade-long backlog of unremitted pensions.
Additionally, Filani commended the governor for the success of the Ulerawa Health Scheme, which guarantees defined healthcare packages for every resident, and for the substantial upgrades at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. He further praised the administration’s strategic role in securing the elevation of Ikole Specialist Hospital to Federal Medical Centre status.
Governor Oyebanji, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, expressed gratitude for the show of support. He reassured the health workforce of continued improvements to health infrastructure and staff welfare.
“These people are here today to show appreciation for the numerous things the administration has done for them in the health sector,” Adubiaro said. “They want to continue enjoying the good work, and we want to assure them that Governor Oyebanji will not disappoint them in the future.”
The endorsement marks a significant boost to Governor Oyebanji’s campaign for a second term, highlighting broad support from a critical sector in the state.
