Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing health by commissioning a newly upgraded Central Medical Stores, now a Pharma-grade Warehouse, in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the facility as a major milestone in strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system and eliminating counterfeit and substandard drugs from public health facilities.
The Governor revealed that the upgrade was made possible through a strategic partnership between the Ondo State Government, the Federal Government, and the Global Fund via counterpart funding. He emphasized the warehouse’s role in ensuring safe, quality, and affordable medicines while enhancing inventory management and supply chain efficiency.
“With this facility, we are taking concrete steps to eliminate fake medicines from our supply chain,” the Governor said, highlighting newly instituted strict procurement policies to source drugs only from reputable manufacturers and importers.
He also noted that the state recently collaborated with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to produce the first edition of the Ondo State Essential Medicines List, further standardizing healthcare delivery.
The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, Pharmacist (Dr.) Amos Ayegbusi, praised the Governor for his timely release of counterpart funds, which enabled the swift completion of the project.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Celine Onunkwo, Coordinator of the National Product Supply Chain Management Program, lauded the facility as a key achievement toward Universal Health Coverage and called for sustained investment in infrastructure and maintenance.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Adeniran Ikumola, commended the visionary leadership behind the project, noting its long-term benefits for public access to essential medicines.
Dignitaries present at the event included Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, traditional rulers, members of the State Executive Council, and other top officials.
