NLC, TUC others laud ODCHC as Ondo expands access to quality healthcare
Leaders of organised labour in Ondo State, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have commended the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) for its performance, passing a vote of confidence in the state health insurance scheme for improving access to quality healthcare.
The commendation was given at the Expanded Labour Union Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Akure on Thursday, December 18, 2025, where labour leaders and other stakeholders reviewed the implementation and impact of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS).
In his welcome address, the Director-General of ODCHC, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, thanked participants for their support and commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing the platform to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state. He described efficient healthcare and socio-economic welfare as a core pillar of the OUR EASE mandate.
The Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, said the state government remained committed to protecting residents from financial hardship arising from medical needs. He highlighted key achievements, including the handover of the UNIMED Teaching Hospital Akure Complex to the Federal Government and the launch of Emergency Medical Services providing 24-hour response and free care for the first 48 hours.
Speaking on labour relations, the Special Adviser on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s achievements, noting that the annual stakeholders’ engagement provided a platform for frank discussions and constructive feedback. The Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Adiji Ayodele, also confirmed that capitation payments to hospitals were made monthly without delay.
The Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, Pharm. Olaosebikan Gbenga, said the agency was working with ODCHC to ensure the availability of safe and affordable drugs, commending the commission for the timely release of funds for drug procurement.
In separate goodwill messages, labour leaders including NLC Chairman, Comrade Demola Olapade, TUC Chairman, Comrade Clement Fatuase, and JNC Chairman, Comrade Ajiboye Segun, praised the commission’s performance, describing its interventions as impactful and life-saving, while urging sustained excellence and integrity in service delivery.
Providing updates on ORANGHIS, the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Oluwole Ekundayo, disclosed that 108,974 people had enrolled in the scheme, with over ₦45 million spent on specialised care for beneficiaries nationwide. The Director of Business Development and Client Relations, Mrs. Aderonke Ibitoye, said the commission had intensified sensitisation across the state and outlined the cost of individual, family and tertiary institution health insurance plans, urging labour unions to help expand enrolment.
