BAO’s Health Revolution: How Oyebanji is Redefining Healthcare and Governance in Ekiti—Why Continuity Till 2030 is Non-Negotiable.

BAO’s Health Revolution: How Oyebanji is Redefining Healthcare and Governance in Ekiti.

...Why Continuity Till 2030 is Non-Negotiable.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Founded on October 1, 1996, during the regime of General Sani Abacha (of blessed memory), Ekiti State is known for its rich cultural heritage, homogeneous Yoruba-speaking people, and its status as a land of honour where integrity is cherished.

Ekiti is home to breathtaking tourist attractions like Ikogosi Warm Spring, Arinta Waterfalls, Fajuyi Park, Erin Ayonigba Sacred Fish River, Esa Caves, and Agbonna Hills.

Today, beyond its cultural and natural beauty, Ekiti has become a beacon of healthcare advancement, largely due to the visionary leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

Through bold policy initiatives, massive investments, and people-oriented healthcare programs, the Oyebanji-led administration has transformed the health sector, prioritizing quality care, infrastructure upgrades, and accessibility for all.

For Governor Biodun Oyebanji, keying into the right initiatives that leverage digital solutions for the improvement of the health sector was key. To achieve this, he walked the talk with the appointment of Dr. Oyebanji Filani to head the Ministry of Health and Human Services as Commissioner.

With his knowledge of health financing and policy reform, Filani, who also doubles as the Chairperson of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, has been able to bring the right mix of technology and policy reforms in tailoring and driving the health systems of the state, a feat he acknowledged was based on the level of support the ministry has gotten from the governor.  

  

Since assuming office, Governor Oyebanji has embarked on comprehensive health reforms, including the upgrading and renovation of the main surgical theatre at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to meet international standards. In addition, all general hospitals across the state are being upgraded to specialist hospitals, now equipped with modern medical devices and supported by a stable 24-hour power supply. The state also successfully renovated the Dialysis Centre at EKSUTH and installed a new mammogram machine to bolster cancer diagnosis and treatment services. 

  

Also, The Global Fund provided a Toyota Hilux program utility vehicle for Tuberculosis and HIV Control Program, ensuring that TB and HIV control efforts are efficient and effective, while IMPACT procured an Hilux and a bus for utility purposes, enhancing the capacity for program monitoring.  

  

Another significant stride made by the state is in combating malaria through a multifaceted approach designed to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to the commissioner, central to these efforts has been the comprehensive distribution and monitoring of 71,430 Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) across all LGAS to improve the prevention of malaria   

  

The state government also constructed a 1.85km HMB/Doctor’s Quarters road, including a bypass to reduce burden of health workers going to give care at the hospital.  

  

A key highlight of the administration’s healthcare strides is the automatic employment of all graduate doctors, nurses, and medical corps members from Ekiti State University, a move aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare personnel. Additionally, the government has recruited over 500 new nurses and medical practitioners, ensuring improved healthcare delivery across the state.  

  

In a historic move, Ikole Specialist Hospital has been upgraded to a Federal Medical Centre (FMC), bringing specialized medical services closer to residents in the Ekiti North axis. To support preventive healthcare, the state enrolled 3.6 million residents into the Ulerawa Health Insurance Programme, with nearly 400,000 citizens already benefiting from free and quality healthcare services in 2024 alone. Furthermore, 19,000 pensioners have been enlisted into the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring that elderly citizens have unhindered access to medical care.  

  

The government also organized massive healthcare outreach programs, including the registration of over 1,000 individuals for surgery with 548 successful free surgeries, screening of 71,293 residents for diabetes and hypertension, and the vaccination of 210,619 girls against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The administration distributed 600,603 vitamin A supplements to children and screened 1,600 civil servants for hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, demonstrating a commitment to preventive health services.  

  

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has shown a special focus on vulnerable groups. A Children’s Service Centre for children with disabilities has been established, alongside fully equipped adapted classrooms in three public special schools. The government also launched a Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities at the Old Governor’s Office in Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, and implemented a free health scheme for 2,600 persons with disabilities, which includes financial assistance for critical surgeries.  

  

In 2024, the state carried out a breast cancer awareness and screening campaign led by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, where 200 women across Ekiti benefited from free mammograms and breast scans. This initiative aligns with the government’s continuous effort to promote early detection of cancer and save lives.  

  

Ekiti’s healthcare transformation is also reflected in national recognition. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2025 report revealed that neonatal, infant, and under-5 mortality rates have reduced by over 50% in the state within five years. Teenage pregnancy declined by 30%, the unmet need for family planning dropped by 30%, and health facility delivery increased by 14%—all surpassing the state’s health targets.  

  

The success of these initiatives is attributed to effective collaboration between the state government and healthcare stakeholders. Programs like the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and Ulerawa Health Insurance have made maternal and child health services, malaria treatment, immunization, HIV, tuberculosis care, family planning, and nutrition services completely free in 177 health centres across the state.  

  

Additionally, Ekiti State emerged as the Best State in Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) in 2022, a testament to the government’s holistic approach to public health.  

  

In appreciation of these life-changing interventions, health workers across the state have openly endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term, lauding his dedication to workers' welfare, healthcare development, and good governance. With banners and chants of support, they declared: “BAO deserves to continue the good work.”  

  

Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining this momentum, stating, “We remain committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to all nooks and crannies of Ekiti. Our roadmap to keep Ekiti working will reach the grassroots and connect government to the governed.”  

  

  

With these outstanding achievements in the health sector, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has not only improved healthcare delivery but has redefined governance in Ekiti State. His visionary leadership has positioned Ekiti as a land of honour, peace, prosperity, and quality healthcare services.  

  

Now more than ever, it is imperative for all Ekiti Kete to stand firm in their support for Governor Oyebanji's continuity till 2030, ensuring the consolidation of these monumental gains. The path to a healthier, stronger, and more progressive Ekiti lies in sustaining this leadership that places the well-being of the people at the heart of governance.  

🗳️ BAO Ni Joor! BAO Ni Jare!

Together for a Greater Ekiti.

🗳️ Let’s Build More Together

BAO Till 2030

  

Writes by Olamide Akinwumi from Ado-Ekiti