Ondo State Government Warns Health Workers: Performance Will Determine Job Security

The Ondo State Government has issued a strong warning to health workers across its 18 Local Government Areas, citing poor performance in the primary healthcare sector. The Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHCDA) stated that the continued employment of health workers will now be based on their performance. Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, addressed primary healthcare directors on Sunday, expressing concern over weak results in key areas, particularly immunisation. He urged workers to step up their efforts or face the risk of being replaced. “Primary health workers have no excuse for underperformance, considering Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has made significant investments in the sector, including ongoing projects and the recruitment of additional doctors and health personnel to improve service delivery,” Akanbiemu said. “From now on, performance will determine whether you remain in office.” He also called on health workers to conduct outreach and sensitisation programs to increase immunisation uptake, stressing that Ondo State has historically performed well in this area. Plans are underway to address challenges faced by staff in rural and hard-to-reach communities to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots. While commending the governor for the prompt release of funds for various projects, Akanbiemu urged health workers to justify the government’s investment through improved performance. Dr. Victor Adefesoye, the state Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, also encouraged Local Government Coordinators to remain committed to achieving 100 per cent success in all health indicators across their areas. PUNCH Online reports that the government recently recruited 1,000 health professionals, all of whom have now been deployed to their respective posts across the state.

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Eight Confirmed Dead As Dangote Truck Loses Control in Ondo State

A tragic accident on Wednesday night claimed the lives of eight people, including five men, two women, and a young boy, in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The crash occurred near Adekunle Ajasin University in the Akoko South West area of the state. The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that it happened around 7:30 p.m. and involved a truck loaded with stone dust and a motorcycle. The truck reportedly lost control and rammed into a barricade situated in front of the university. He urged motorists to always exercise caution, especially during the “ember months,” and to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before any trip. The bodies of the victims have been taken to a nearby hospital morgue. According to Mosadoluwa Ajidagba, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union Government, the truck belonged to Dangote Cement. Ajidagba explained that the vehicle was coming from Ikare towards Akungba when its brakes failed, causing it to crash into the barricade at the university gate. He said about ten people died in the crash and noted that the Students’ Union had long appealed for a ban on heavy-duty trucks passing through the area. He urged students to remain calm, avoid the accident scene, and stay away from the main highway for safety reasons. In his reaction, the Executive Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, described the incident as heartbreaking and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the entire community. Ajana promised to work with relevant agencies and authorities to implement lasting safety measures at the accident-prone location and other high-risk areas across the council.

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Kidnappers demand N30m each as ransom for travellers

A suspected ring of kidnappers have demanded the sum of N30 million each for travellers captured on Sunday. The bus, according to media reports, was ambushed by the gunmen at Emure Ile, near the borders of Ekiti and Ondo States. The bus was returning from Onitsha when the assailants took all passengers, including the driver, Sunday Emmanuel, into captivity. Meanwhile, a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal who pleaded anonimity hinted that the kidnappers have demanded N30 million each as ransom for the abductee. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns for travellers in the region, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals on the road.

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