By Richard Thomas
A renowned philanthropist, and Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, has described the free health scheme of a lawmaker in the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Waheed Akintayo as commendable, adding that the initiative will promote healthy living among the people.
Engr. Sanusi made the submission at the flag off of the free health scheme by Akintayo held on Monday at Methodist High School, Toll Gate area, Ibadan.
According to him, the initiative of the legislator came at a good time, adding that it will a go a long way to address the health challenges of the people of Oluyole Constituency.
Engr Sanusi, who is the Chairman at the event, said that the initiative is in line with the developmental agenda of the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“You will observe that it is just about two months Hon. Akintayo assumed office that he was able to come up with the initiative of the health scheme for the people of Oluyole, noting that health is wealth. A lot of people can not afford good health, but he has come to assist them in that regard.
“I must tell you that the scheme has no budget from government, he took it upon himself to look out for the money to finance the scheme. Somebody like this honourable should be encouraged. I will use everything to support him because he thinks about the people and the needs of the people he represents.”
In his address, the state chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dayo Ogungbenro, also praised Hon. Akintayo for making the party proud, noting that the initiative will enable the constituents of Oluyole to have access to more quality healthcare services.
Ogungbenro admonished other lawmakers to emulate the gestures of Hon. Akintayo by focusing on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of their constituencies.
He also appealed to the people of Oluyole to support Hon. Akintayo and all political office holders in the state for the present administration to deliver on its electioneering promises.
The PDP Chairman also used the occasion to call on all party chieftains in the council area to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign supreme in the party and to come stronger ahead of the 2024 local government elections.
Speaking with Journalists on the scheme, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, fondly addressed as Ilumoka Presenter expressed happiness over success of the programme, assuring the people of more and prompt delivery of dividends of democracy.
He said his vision is to ensure that the people of his constituency are in good health to enjoy the basis of life and the dividends of democracy.
Speaking on mode of selection, the lawmaker said that the initiative covered traditional rulers, market men and women religious bodies and other individuals across the political parties in the constituency.
Hon. Akintayo said within a short time of his inauguration, he has been able to put smile on the faces of the people in the constituency in kind and in cash especially during Ileya Festival, adding that he has provided free transport service for the people to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
The legislator thanked Engr. Dotun Sanusi for his support and contribution to the success of the programme.
In his Speech, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr. Sola Akande said the scheme had 500 members enrolled across constituents into the Insurance Scheme for a period of one year.
According to him, apart from the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde who enrolled 4,500 residents of the state into the insurance scheme of the agency with his personal money, Hon. Waheed Akintayo is second person who has followed in his footsteps.
While enjoining the people to always go for medical check up to know their health status, Dr. Akande advised politicians to emulate Hon. Akintayo by making healthcare services affordable and accessible to the people in the constituencies.
“The greatest empowerment from the public office holders is to make healthcare affordable and accessible for the people. I, therefore, called on the well meaning people to join hands with Hon. Akintayo to enroll more people into the insurance scheme of the agency.”
The programme was attended by the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Muhydeen Popoola Olaide (Settle), PDP State Secretary, Wasiu Adeleke, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, Alhaji Abideen Salami among others.
500 Constituents Benefit From Hon. Waheed Akintayo’s Free Health Insurance In Oluyole
