Ogun SSG urges workers to embrace health insurance scheme
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi has urged the workers to embrace the health insurance scheme introduced by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to support their health needs.
Mr Talabi gave this piece of advice while declaring open the year 2023 Public Service Week celebration which started with “ Know Your Health Status,” held at the Arcade Ground, Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the government was committed to the healthy living of its workforce.
Talabi, while appreciating the entire workers for their support, said the present government was looking into other issues affecting them, calling on the workers to take cognisance of their health.
He said, “We are talking about our health. A lot of us take so many things for granted. I want to share the health insurance scheme with you and the labour leaders have assured us to meet with the agency in charge of the scheme to iron things out when this is done, I want to implore the workers to key into it because the scheme has lots of benefits,” he said.
In his address, the Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, commended the Governor for his total commitment to the welfare of workers and for providing resources to organise the programme, saying, the “know Your Health Status” programme is important for the Civil Servants to prepare them on how to manage their health, especially for those who do not know.
According to him, “a productive worker must surely be a healthy worker. Ensure that you eat, sleep well and have a balanced emotional status also. Be content and continue to render your service to the State government.”
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, urged workers to always pay attention to their health in the process of carrying out their work, noting that the programme has opened the window of opportunity for those who do not always check.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, appreciated the goodwill of Governor Dapo Abiodun for supporting the programme every year, pleading that workers should take responsibility for their health.
On his part, the Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi lauded the State Government’s efforts for identifying with the workers as a major stakeholder in the development of the State, assuring that the government would provide palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
In her lecture, a Consultant and Family Physician, State Hospital, Ijaye, Dr. Adefisayo Otunaiya, who highlighted various illnesses that people were suffering from such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer among others, advised individuals to always visit medical experts whenever the need arises and not resulting into self- medication.
The medical expert stated that workers should be cognisance of the sedimentary nature of the Civil Service job, imploring them to always engage in exercise, reduce sugar and salt intake, maintain a good weight.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, Mrs. Tawa Yusuf of the Bureau of Government House and Mr. Bazeet Babalola from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, appreciated the State Government for the gesture.
