- Extend to us the kindness you gave HMB, Ondo Primary Health casual workers beg Governor
By Opeyemi Adelakun
Workers in Ondo State’s health sector who had remained on casual appointments since 1999 have expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa after the state government approved their conversion to permanent and pensionable staff.
Starnews NG had earlier reported that the Ondo State Hospital Management Board (HMB) commenced the regularisation of more than 500 casual workers across the state’s 18 local government areas, bringing an end to decades of uncertainty for employees who had served successive administrations without confirmation.
Many of the affected workers were employed during the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati but remained casual staff for over two decades.
The decision has continued to attract widespread commendation, with beneficiaries and residents describing it as one of the most impactful welfare reforms in the state’s health sector in recent years.
A video obtained by Starnews NG showed emotional scenes at the General Hospital, Ile-Oluji, where workers sang songs of appreciation and offered prayers for Governor Aiyedatiwa, thanking him for what they described as a life-changing intervention.
Reacting to the development, a resident, Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi, said the governor deserved commendation for giving hope to workers who had patiently served the state for many years.
“Many people had almost given up after spending years as casual workers. This decision has restored hope to many families and shows that dedication can still be rewarded,” she said.»
Another resident, Mr. Adewale Johnson, described the exercise as a demonstration of responsive leadership.
“Regularising workers who have served since 1999 is a bold decision. It will motivate health workers to give their best because they now have a sense of belonging and job security,” he said.»
Meanwhile, the development has also generated fresh appeals from casual workers under the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), who have urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to extend the same gesture to them.
Several of the workers, while reacting on social media, congratulated their counterparts under the Hospital Management Board and appealed to the governor to approve the conversion of casual workers in the primary healthcare system.
According to them, “what is good for the goose should also be good for the gander.”
They expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms in the health sector would be extended to all categories of casual employees, noting that many of them have also dedicated years of service to the state without being placed on permanent appointments.
Residents have continued to commend the state government for the initiative, expressing hope that the reform will strengthen healthcare service delivery while improving the welfare and morale of health workers across Ondo State.
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