GOVERNOR Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke of Osun State has officially flagged off the enrolment of traditional rulers and their queens into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), describing the initiative as a “people-centred” policy aimed at ensuring royalty enjoy quality healthcare without financial hardship.
The launch took place on Tuesday at the newly inaugurated Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) Multipurpose Hall, which the Governor also inaugurated during the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Adeleke said the free enrolment initiative represented another bold step by his administration to deliver affordable health services across the state.
“We have delivered across all sectors of the economy and our administration deserves to be re-elected,” the Governor declared. “On this note, I commission the OHIS Multipurpose Hall and flag off the enrolment of our royal fathers into the state health insurance scheme.”
The Governor’s remarks carried an unmistakable political undertone as he touted his administration’s achievements and made a direct appeal for a second term in office.
Agency Hails Governor’s Support
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency, Dr Rasaq Akindele, lauded the Governor for providing an enabling environment for the agency to operate effectively.
“By enrolling our royal fathers into the Scheme, we are not only recognising their invaluable contributions to community development but also empowering them to serve as ambassadors and advocates for social health insurance at the grassroots,” Dr Akindele said.
He stressed that the newly commissioned OSHIA Multipurpose Hall represented a “lawful and strategic institutional investment” undertaken in strict conformity with the agency’s enabling law, with due regard for transparency, accountability and value for public resources.
The enrolment of traditional rulers into the health insurance scheme is expected to extend coverage to the state’s monarchs and their families, while also leveraging their influence to encourage wider community participation in the programme.
Governor Adeleke, who has made healthcare reform a cornerstone of his administration, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that no resident of Osun State is denied access to affordable medical care due to financial constraints.
