Ondo to begin implementation of resident cards in May

Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, has expressed the determination of the state to begin implementation of the use of the state's resident card (fondly known as Kaadi Igbe Ayo) in May. 

Mimiko expressed this while distributing more than 500 cards to pregnant women at the Comprehensive Health Centre at Moferere Market in Ondo.

The governor, who was represented by Funmilayo Ajayi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, said the necessary logistics had been put in place to ensure proper implementation of the card initiative.

The cards had earlier been distributed in Isolo, Oda Arakale and four other centres in Akure South Local Government as well as six council areas.

More than 12,000 pregnant women had collected cards at different comprehensive health centres across the state.

"The card will give the pregnant women access to free health care services at Abiye centres from conception to delivery and until the child is five years old.

He said, "It also qualifies the card holder for a free mobile phone which guarantees effective monitoring and follow up during pregnancy, especially for those that need assistance during delivery.

"This will checkmate the influx of many other Nigerians from other states who are depriving residents from benefiting the dividends of democracy.’’

The Chairman Ondo State Civic Data Centre, Mr Tunde Yadeka, said the card, which would contain electronic data would be used to access all benefits from government, including health care services.

The registration exercise for the card is expected to be a continuous process.