We are well aware that even though we did not effect a total lockdown in Oyo State, many small and medium scale enterprises have suffered and are suffering because of the partial lockdown. Therefore, an injection of funds as we are about to do will serve to revitalise the economy.
If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic should have taught us, it is that we have to get our house in order. Little did we know that in our lifetime, there would be any sickness that will force everyone, no matter their social class to depend on our local healthcare facilities for any chance at survival. With the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo and more ongoing upgrades to healthcare facilities in Saki, Ogbomoso, Igbo Ora and Awe, we are in a better place, healthcare-wise, than we were a year ago.
So, in revitalizing the PHC service system, we are starting with the strengthening of a minimum of one PHC per ward. Therefore, we are focusing on renovating and equipping 351 PHCs in the state, for a start. We started with the PHC in Oranyan and used that as a standard for the subsequent renovations.
Seven years is a long time for anyone who put in work to wait to get paid their benefits. Such payments should ideally come immediately on retirement. It is indeed disheartening that the previous administration did not do what they should, when they should.
For those who have never had the privilege of owning a C of O, this is a good opportunity to get one. From now until December 31st, 2020, you can buy the scratch card to obtain the application form for N6,000. And if you are among the first 2,000 applicants, you will get a 15% discount on the cost of processing your C of O.
It is morning yet, but if we are to judge the rest of the day by how the morning has begun, then you can rest assured that it will be a bright day.
It is a privilege to join you on this special day, as you celebrate World Facilities Management Day, a day set aside to honour facilities managers all over the world. Fun fact about facilities managers; they have something in common with politicians, and I will be referencing some of these similarities throughout this keynote address.
It is my belief that with this inauguration, members of the commission will get straight to these tasks so that we can get our judicial system working faster. I am also hoping that working with the Legislature, we can domesticate the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, and begin to implement the provisions of that Act, especially regarding the number of inmates kept in correctional facilities and the conditions under which they are kept.
The next couple of months are going to be difficult ones, but we are working hard to mitigate the shocks to our economy. Already, we have secured the cooperation of the legislature to take a 30% cut to their monthly allocations, while senior government appointees take 50% pay cuts. This is because we feel that the economic safety of the workforce must be prioritised.
So, my message to you this blessed day is that you may hold fruitful deliberations and conversations that will move your church forward. And that by your presence and faithful acts, you draw more people to examine ways in which they can draw closer to God.