The Ondo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has organized a five-day residential workshop on the Review and Finalization of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP). The workshop, held in Akure, brought together key stakeholders across the State health sector to harmonize strategies and strengthen health system planning and budgeting for the coming year.

The 2026 AOP is designed to enable the State plan effectively for a better health budget in 2026, allowing each Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA)—including parastatals, boards, and departments—to prioritize their activities for 2026. The plan seeks to ensure that all health programs captured are realistic, achievable, measurable, and beneficial to the people of Ondo State.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola emphasized that the Annual Operational Plan remains a critical tool for achieving the State’s health goals. According to him, “This process helps us to identify key priorities, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that every project included is feasible and impactful. The 2026 AOP will guide us in delivering better health outcomes and strengthen accountability across all health institutions in the State.”

One of the major highlights of this year’s AOP development is the introduction of a digital, web-based planning platform—a significant departure from the manual and Excel-based approach used for the 2024 AOP. The new platform enhances coordination, transparency, data accuracy, and ease of access, making planning and reporting more efficient and user-friendly for both government officials and development partners.

The Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka while addressing participants, described the innovation as a major milestone in Ondo State’s ongoing health system strengthening efforts. He stated, “The transition to a web-based AOP process is a demonstration of our commitment to modern governance. It makes planning smarter, more transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that our partners and agencies align seamlessly with State health priorities.”

He further emphasized that the new approach would eliminate duplication of projects and overlapping plans within the health sector. In his words, “With this system, we are building a coordinated framework guided by the principle of ‘One Plan, One Budget, and One Health Sector.’ This means that every intervention, every activity, and every support must align with the State’s unified health agenda for maximum impact.”

The 2026 AOP focuses on key thematic areas including health governance, human resources for health, medical equipment and infrastructure, financing, technology inclusion, conducive working environments, and public health awareness. The Ministry noted that these priorities are aimed at promoting sustainability, efficiency, and improved service delivery across all levels of healthcare in the State.

Also in attendance were representatives of development partners, boards, focal persons and health champions from across the State who pledged continued collaboration in supporting the implementation of the finalized AOP.

In conclusion, the Ministry reiterated that the AOP process remains a central component of Ondo State’s commitment to strengthening the health system and ensuring equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all citizens.

STRENGTHENING HEALTH SYSTEMS: ONDO STATE, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AND PARTNERS REVIEW 2026 ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN.