Mohammed Shosanya
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has disclosed plans by his administration to launch palliatives to cushion the impact of subsidy removal, declaring his administration’s readiness to make life easy for residents of Osun state.
He disclosed this at a stakeholder meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its party’s office in Osogbo on Friday, stressing his conviction to run a government that bring smile on the faces of the people.
Governor Adeleke who appreciated leaders of the PDP for their support since assuming office, noted that his administration has been working in line with “our election promises and the agenda of the party.”
Disclosing projects and interventions implemented so far recorded by his government in the health, education and public infrastructure renewal,Adeleke said the PDP-led government in the state has achieved what the APC failed to do under seven months.
“We are implementing programmes and projects in education, health and infrastructures: what the APC could not achieve in four years, we have achieved in under seven months,” he declared at the meeting.
“We have positioned the public service, build roads, bridges and channelisation. We have commenced payment of salary and pension debt.Your (PDP) government has launched the Osun digital economy agenda. Abandoned projects are being completed. Your government is beating old governance records within so short a period,” he stressed.
On plans to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Osun populace, Governor Adeleke said: “We (Osun Government) will soon introduce public transport buses. We are working on adjusted work hours and days. We want to make live easy and enjoyable for our people.”
He assured the party’s leaders and members that he will run an inclusive government that leaves no one behind, adding that “We will all be accommodated. We will be fair to all.”
“I appreciate your support then and now. This is your government. We shall all realize the fruits of our labour,” he said.
Meanwhile,Adeleke said his administration is working on a plan to enroll contributory pensioners in the state health insurance scheme.
He has also issued a directive for the immediate payment of pension entitlement as planned in the template released earlier this year.
He dropped the hints while receiving leaders of thought who paid him a sallah homage , noting that he has received many representations from the pensioners, restating his determination to address their issues in line with his campaign promises.
He noted that the template released earlier this year on clearing of outstanding salaries and pensions is still in force and he subsequently directed the Head of Service to fast track the implementation by ensuring the payment of the pension arrears in line with the approved template.
“The template was created with an eye on gradual clearing of the salary and pension debts. This was in recognition of the financial status of the state which is well documented and known to the public. Our administration focuses on meeting the various needs of the state within a tight financial situation.
“Our administration is however prioritizing workers’ welfare which covers in and out of service workers. I restate our commitment to the welfare of our senior citizens, the pensioners. The phased payments is a standby directive and I assured our pensioners that they are not and cannot be forgotten.”, he assured.
Governor Adeleke said his administration is almost finalizing a plan to enroll the pensioners under the state health insurance scheme to address their health needs.
“Our administration is working hard on health insurance enrollment for the pensioners. Our senior citizens needs constant health attention. We think the best approach is to enrol them as that will ease the burden of treatment during their retirement.
“We are working on the details. Once it is finalized, we will release it for immediate implementation”, Governor Adeleke added.
