In commemoration of workers day celebration, Osun state Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has promised that Implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will begin this month.
Speaking at Osogbo city stadium during the workers’ day celebration on Wednesday, Oyetola who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Benedict Alabi, said the decision to begin the health insurance was to facilitate accessible and beneficial healthcare to the people of the state.
Oyetola who commended workers for their support to programmes and policies of the state, assured that his government would begin to release its counterpart funding by end of May.
He stated that workers in the state have displayed competency and pulled their wright as the genuine engine room of the government, saying “for these and more, I commend and celebrate the workers for a display of unparalleled commitment, industry and patriotism that are in tandem with the 21st century competitive world.
“I would like to appreciate the leadership of workers’ union across the state for their tremendous guidance and direction which have stood out dear state out as a land of peace and a state of the virtuous.
“You will recall that during the presentation of the budget 2019 speech to the House of assembly last December, I promised the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a way of delivering adequate healthcare for all. We shall commence the implementation this month.
The state chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, Comrade Babatunde Adekomi and Comrade Adekola Adebowale, urged the governor to implement the new minimum wage, noting that it would boost the purchasing power of workers in the state.
“We have no doubt whatsoever that as soon as payment is effected, the economy will be further stimulated, while the morale of workers will equally be energized towards higher productivity.
Adebowale also appreciated the governor for stopping the vehicle refurbished and housing loan, saying it has really helped workers in this hard times.
Also, Adekomi urged the state government to commence negotiations with the leadership of the state labour in earnest to fashion modalities of paying the new minimum wage.
While commending the governor for having listening ear, he urged him to look into the issues affecting workers and pensioners with the required attention in order to put smiles on the faces of workers and restore dying souls.
He urged the governor to look into the arrears of salary and pensions, gratuities, contributory pension scheme, monetising the last promotion exercise, among others.
