Aiyedatiwa Boosts UHC Drive As Stanbic IBTC Funds Health Insurance For 1,000 Pensioners
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ondo State following the donation of an ₦18 million cheque by Stanbic IBTC to fund one-year health insurance coverage for 1,000 vulnerable pensioners under the ORANGHIS informal sector scheme.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Governor commended Stanbic IBTC for the gesture, noting that it will shield vulnerable retirees from spending their limited pensions on medical bills. He reiterated that “health is the right of every human being” and pledged to continue expanding health insurance access to all residents of the state.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted recent achievements in the state’s health sector, including hospital upgrades, improved drug supply systems, the commissioning of Pharmagrade at the Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency, and the recruitment of health workers with improved entry-level salaries. He also restated his commitment to clearing outstanding gratuities, saying the state now has “a Governor who truly cares for retirees.”
He praised the Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC), Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, and his team for their dedication to strengthening healthcare delivery.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, commended Dr. Oyeneyin for his passion and consistency, describing the partnership between Stanbic IBTC and the state government as a major boost to Ondo’s UHC agenda, noting that since the launch of ORANGHIS in 2024, the scheme has recorded substantial improvements backed by evidence of impact.
In his remarks, the ODCHC Director-General, Dr. Oyeneyin, said the commission was established to ensure every resident has access to health insurance. He recalled that the journey began with the Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme in 2019, which has since gained national recognition.
He noted that the state also partners with the federal government on the Ilera-Loro scheme, which covers widows, the elderly, people with disabilities, women of reproductive age, children under five, and individuals living with sickle cell. Over 82,000 vulnerable residents across 203 wards have benefited so far.
Oyeneyin disclosed that more than 106,000 public servants are currently enrolled in the state’s formal sector health insurance scheme. He said the new partnership with Stanbic IBTC will now extend protection to vulnerable retirees and promised deeper collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to ensure no retiree is left behind.
Before presenting the cheque, Stanbic IBTC’s Coverage Head for Commercial Banking (South West), Mr. Olufemi Oyekola, said the bank shares the state’s vision of improving lives through its core pillars—health, education, and empowerment, noting that this donation marks Stanbic IBTC’s fourth health-related project in Ondo State in 2025.
